44 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Robert T. Jackson asked as to the relative value of growing 

 dwarf apples. 



Prof. Craig replied that the dwarf apple has a ])lace, especially 

 in New England, where land is high priced and where high class 

 apples have a market. 



Theodore F. Borst asked the lecturer's opinion as to the value 

 of growing shelter belts for orchards as well as for plantations of 

 foi'est trees. 



Prof. Craig repUed that in certain exposed situations shelter 

 belts were desirable, especially in the case of wind-swept orchards 

 on the coast. They were useful also in preventing the too rapid 

 evaporation of moisture from the land. 



Miss Cora H. Clarke inquired if there was any danger of poi- 

 soning from the spray remaining on the fruit. 



Prof. Craig answered that a A'ery few cases of poisoning had 

 occurred by this means, but that chemists had tested this matter 

 and found that one would have to eat about a ton of fruit to get 

 sufficient poison (Paris green) to cause injurious results. As a 

 rule if the spraying is done carefully no harm can ensue. 



William X. (^raig asked what were the principal varieties of 

 apples grown in western Xew York. 



The Lecturer stated that the leading kinds were the Baldwin, 

 Greening, Roxbury Russet, and Noithern Spy. A number of 

 other varieties were also grown, such as the Ilubbardston, 

 Maiden Blush, and Spitzenburg, and, he was sony to say, they 

 grew a few of the Ben Davis. 



James H. Bowditch inquired if the disease of canker was not 

 more liable in orchards poorl}^ cared for than in those well kept. 

 To which the answer given was "certainly." 



Warren H. Manning asked if it were not advisable to plant 

 shorter-lived trees as fillers in young orchards ; such as the 

 peach or plum ; to be removed when the main orchard is well 

 grown. 



Prof. Craig replied that it would depend upon conditions. 

 He would recommend aj^ple.-* as fillers if one would rigidly cut 

 out when necessary. The fillers are, however, often left a year 

 or two too long and are only removed after damage has been done. 



Mr. Spooner, referring to the subject of neglected orchards. 



