1880. 



THE LANCASTER FARMER. 



43 



before, the planter should know what varieties are 

 adapted to his situation. 



Mr. Hillcr was asked his opinion of the Russet 

 apple. On hillsides it will not do. It requires a 

 good deal of moisture, which it can not have in such 

 situations. 



Dr. Green said he believed the time will eomc 

 when every farmer will be able to take up a handful 

 of his soil and be able to tell precisely what he needs to 

 make it most productive. The most successful far- 

 mer in New Ens;land is a chemist who in reality was 

 never taught farming: ; chemistry was his suide and 

 led him to fortune. This matter of understanding 

 soils; is all important; with a full knowledge there 

 will be no failure in any crop the agriculturist un- 

 dertakes to grow. He also advised experiments to 

 be made ou the various kinds of remedies to guard 

 against insect ravages ; to learn what is eflectual 

 and to practice it ; he l)elievcd millions of dollars 

 worth of fruit can be annually saved. 



S. P. Eby could not understand why we fail in 

 growing fruits now, wfiereas wc once grew them 

 most profusely on the same kind of soil we now 

 plant the trees on. The soil is the same. Even vir- 

 gin soil no longer gives the answer. Our climate 

 has changed. We have less snow and more open 

 winters. Cutting away our forests has done the 

 work. That is the source of this trouble of ours. It 

 Is not a matter of soils so much as of climate. Birds 

 have been driven away because the forests are gone. 

 The insect armies have |)oured in in consequence and 

 have ruined our fruit crops. 



Casper Hiller stated that better wheat, corn, to- 

 bacco and grass are now grown than 40 years ago, 

 and yet the same elements very nearly enter into 

 these that enter into fruits. In wet seasons we often 

 grow fine apple crops. Can it be the rain that does 

 all this ? The elements must certainly be in the soil, 

 and chemistry seems unable to account for our fruit 

 failures. 



Henry Kurtz believed additions to the .soil as well 

 as climate were necessary. Experiment is the thing 

 needed. He wanted to see a return of the time when 

 we could buy apples at six cents a bushel, as we once 

 did. 



J. G. Linviile did not believe chemistry could cure 

 all our ills. Analysis of soils are very good thcoreti- 

 callv, but actual experiment is still better. The sea- 

 son goes ahead of chemistry many times. Farmers 

 must find out these things for theiinselves. He spoke 

 a good word for the Romanite apple, now generally 

 neglected. 



■Webster L. Hershey said chemistry is the stepping 

 stone to agriculture. But it is not all, other things 

 come into phvy. 



H. M. Engle agreed generally with Mr. Hiller's 

 essay. We, perhaps, grumble too much. After all 

 we grow pretty good crops, even though we can't 

 come up to what was done in growing 'fruits fifty 

 years ago. He still believed we could grow paying 

 fruit crops. Insects, in his opinion, were our great- 

 est danger and drawback. If we can counteract the 

 ravages of insects, we can restore the golden age of 

 . fruit growing. Sitting still and lamenting will do 

 no good; let us goto work and discover remedies. 

 The coddling moth is the greatest enemy the fruit 

 grower has. Let us theorize less and "experiment 

 more. 



On motion the discussion of this subject was closed. 

 Referred Questions. 



By what means and in whnt way can the growing 

 of forest trees be most encouraged, and the timber 

 land of the State be best protected ; This question 

 having been referred to Levi S. Reist, he read the 

 law passed by the last Legislature, pointed out its 

 defects, and made suggestions which he believed 

 would more effectually answer the purpo.se. 



In answer to the question how to encourage the 

 planting and protection of trees, I would answer, 

 organize State and County Forest Tree Associations 

 at such places where the forest hes been cleared 

 away. There is a United States Forest As.50ciation 

 in existence, of which Dr. Warder, of No.ith Bend, 

 Ohio, is President. Offering premiums is perhaps 

 the best method of inducing farmers to plant trees, 

 but by whom they should be offered is a perplexing 

 question. The Berks County Agricultural Society 

 offered premiums for the largest number of fruit 

 trees planted in a given time, and it had a stimulat- 

 ing eflTect; but our society is not able financially to 

 offer premiums. I would therefore suggest that a 

 law be passed by our Legislature to ailtriiorize our 

 County Commissioners to pay about cvcrv three 

 years g.'iOO in difl'crcnt sums to the one who has 

 planted the largest number of trees — say S'JOO as the 

 highest, reducing the premiums until the 8500 is 

 expended. We must induce the coming boy to plant 

 trees. The father ought to oS'er small premiums. 

 As money is the great lever to sway nations, and 

 even politics, why not little boys. If fathers would 

 encourage boys to gather forest tree seed and nuts 

 in the fall, and olfer as a premium only 10 cents for 

 trees raised from seed when two feet high, this gen- 

 erally would induce them to raise trees. They 

 would soon delight in nourishing them. It would 

 become a nucleus of a useful home education; it 

 would be a benefit to themselves, and a benefit to 

 their country. 



John H. Landis alluded to the extraordinary de- 

 struction of the timber of the Stato which has been 

 going on during the pist fifty years. He read a 

 part of the report of the Secretary ef the State Board 

 of Agriculture on this subject, In which the protec- 

 tion of existing forests and the planting of new ones 

 was most strenuously insisted upon. He did not 

 believe that the present law on this subject woulil 

 produce the desired result. He read a bill Intro- 

 duced by himself, also, on this subject, to which he 

 invited criticism and suggestion. 



S. P. Eby suggested that joint stock companies 

 might undertake the work. Cheap, useless lands 

 might be bought and planted with trees and the 

 answer might in this way be brought about. Ho 

 closed by saying : 



I had fully intended to take part in this discus- 

 sion, but upon examination of the subject have 

 become convinced that its great importance, and the 

 numerous fads and authorities bearing upon the 

 question of the value of forests, their inllucnce 

 upon streams, temperature, climate and rain fall, 

 caiHiot be properly considered in the brief space of 

 time necessarily allotted to discussions before the 

 society. I have therefore concluded to put my 

 views on paper, and expect to present them to the 

 members at some future meeting. 



Levi S. Reist said he had personally set out over 

 700 forest trees on his farms. 



C. L. Hunsecker said this was no new thing. Fifty 

 years ago the question was agitated. He thought 

 this question was a bugaboo; houses can be built of 

 other things than wood; so can bridges and most 

 other things now made of wood. 



W. H. Urosius thought trees should be planted as a 

 speculation. The planter may reap no benefit from 

 his act, but some one else will. His heirs may make 

 a fortune out of Ills foresight. 



E. S. Hoover, H. M. Engle, Dr. Greene, W. H. 

 Brosius, John L. Landis, S. P. Eby, and others, dis- 

 cussed the timber question very thoroughly. The 

 general opinion w.is that it was liigh time that some 

 stringent law should be enacted to not only pre- 

 serve what still remains to us of our forests, but to 

 provide for our future timber needs. It was stated 

 that many farmers were cutting down their line 

 groves of forest trees in order to get virgin soil ou 

 which to plant tobacco. 



Casper Hiller remarked that when we plant forest 

 trees wc do not do so solely for the benefit of future 

 generations. Thirty-three years ago he planted 

 pineswliieh are to-day 'JO inches in diamcler;larchcs, 

 planted 10 years later, are 1.5 inches in diameter, and 

 sugar maples, planted at the same time, are now 

 three feet in circumference. He did not have much 

 faith in legislation on this subject; self-interest will 

 in the end govern farmers. 



On motion, the further discussion of this question 

 was postponed. 



Clover Seed, 



Calvin Cooper to whom was referred the question 

 "Why Iocs the second crop of clover produce more 

 seed than the first?" answered it as follows : 



In the question why does the second crop of clover 

 produce more seed than the first, I misrht answer 

 simply that there are more heads. That the first 

 crop (iocs produce seed there is no doubt, and that 

 there are as many seeds to the head, if allowed to 

 fully mature, I fully believe. Who ever heard of 

 the first crop being taken for seed ? I am sure I 

 never have, although I have made considerable in- 

 quiry. That there is seed in the first crop I have 

 grown, my own observation gave abundant evidence, 

 I have frequently, in feeding clover hay, found it in 

 considerable quantity on the Hoor or entry where the 

 hay was thrown. .'Vnd I doubt not that if the grass 

 had been grown with a view of gathering seed instead 

 of hay, there would be as many seeds on an average 

 to the head as there would be in the second crop. 

 But the prevailing custom is to cut the first crop for 

 hay, knowing the second will come in ample time 

 for seed, and at a season, too, when the farmer is 

 not so pres.scd with work in harvesting his crops. 

 There are also several reasons why the second cro|i 

 should be taken in preference: First, a crop of hay 

 is wanted for stock during the whole year, which, as 

 I said before, can be taken and allowed sufficient 

 time for the second crop to mature in season. Then, 

 too, the first is more or less mixed with other grasses 

 of spontaneous growth, or for a purpose sown in con- 

 nection with tlie clover for hay. Second, the first 

 crop does not "throw out as many branches or later- 

 als as the second, and it also comes into head irregu- 

 larly. Hence there would be less heads from the 

 crown of the plant, and maturing at different times, 

 it would be difheult to cut .at the proper time to save 

 all the seed. While the second, starting as it does 

 in the middle of the season when the plant (or rather 

 root) should be in its most vigorous condition, im- 

 mediately after the cutting, forces out a new growth 

 from every eye, and in a few days we find tlie field 

 green with the foliage from the young growth ; 

 these rapidly develop, and in a month or six weeks, 

 the field is red with bloom, and, as you have doubt- 

 less observed, continues in that condition but a short 

 time, showing conclusively, that if left undisturbed 

 as it should be from the first cutting, that the bloom 

 is all developed about the same time, hence the seed 



would mature evenly, and a better crop be obtained. 

 That there are conditions of the weather favorable to 

 the production Is beyond doubt. Most plants bloom- 

 ing during a wet time suffer alo.ssfo a greater or less 

 extent of tlii'lr power to produce seed. 



J. C. LlnvlUe thought it was positively settled that 

 the first crop of clover yielded less seed than second 

 crop and of a far inferior quality. He believed the 

 common bumble bee Is a prominent factor In fertlll- 

 zing clover. Early in the season there was very few 

 of these, hut when the second crop comes along they 

 are very plenty, and lend their aid in fertilizing the 

 few of these, but when the second crop comes along 

 they are very plenty, and lend their aid in fertilizing 

 the second crop of clover. He would protect the 

 bumble bees and docs so on the farm. 



H. M. Engle also believed the bumble bee was an 

 involuntary agent in the distribution of pollen, hut 

 was not willing to go to the extent advocated by Mr 

 Linviile. He believed the first crop of clover grows 

 too rank, aud for that reason is not so productive of 

 seeds. 



The Next Fair. 



The Boanl of Managers, to whom was referred the 

 question of holding a fair next fall, reported through 

 E. S. Hoover that the late Park grounds were about 

 to be converted into other uses, and that they have 

 not yet succeeded in having an Interview with the 

 proprietor. Hcbelieved they could get the Northern 

 .Market House again for this purpose. 



The inatterof holding a fair next fall was discussed 

 by several members, and there was a disposition 

 manifested not to go into the thing unless the 

 farmers manifest more interest than they have here- 

 tofore done. The exhibition last year was a matter 

 of reproach to the agricultural interest of this great 

 county. Assurances of better support are required. 



On motion of .Mr. Mnvlllc, the Board of .Managers 

 was instructed to procure the Northern -Market 

 House in which to hold a fair next fall. 



A motion was made and carried to Instruct the 

 Board to prepare a premium list to be offered to ex- 

 hibitors. 



Jacob T. Whitson was nominated aud elected to 

 membership. 



Fruit on Exhibition. 

 Levi S. Reist had on exhibition some choice speci- 

 mens of Lady Fingers or Sheep Nose, Smith's Cider, 

 Komanitc and Conestoga Pippin ajjjiles. 

 Miscellaneous Business. 



The bond of the Treasurer, M. D. Kendtg, was 



approved and accepted. 



Several miscellaneous bills were presented and or- 

 dered to be paid. 



The thanks of the Society were tendered toJ.H. 

 Landis for a number of volumes of agricultural re- 

 ports from various other States — Ohio, Kansas, New 

 Hamshire and Vermont. 



A motion was made and carried instructing the 

 Secretary to effect a settlement with the former 

 treasurer. 



Question for Discussion. 



Does it pay to cut fodder for stock? Referred to 

 William Brosius. 



Root crops. Referred to Henry M. Engle. 



Is the American Agricultural Suciety likely to be 

 a benefit to the farming community; Referred to 

 Calvin Cooper. 



Israel L. Landis requested to have his name taken 

 from the list of Board of .Managers, because he will 

 be absent much of the time and will be unable to 

 give proper attention to the duties of the position. 

 His resign-ation was accepted. 



There being no further business the Society ad- 

 journed. 



POULTRY ASSOCIATION. 



The Lanca.ster County Poultry Association held 

 its regular monthly meeting .Monday morning, 

 .March 1st., in their rooms over the City Hall. The 

 meeting was called to order by Vice President Geyer. 



The following members were present: John A. 

 Stobcr, Schoeneck ; Frank Griest, F. R. Dlffenderf- 

 fer, J. M. .lohnston, Chas. E. Long, J. B. Liehty, 

 W. W. Griest, city ; W. L. Hershey, Chiekies ; H. H. 

 Tshudy, Lititz ; VVilliam A. Sehoenbcrger, city ; G. 

 A. Geyer, Spring Garden ; Henry WIssler, Columbia; 

 M. L. Grider, Kapho; C. E. Cast, city; W. J. 

 Kafroth, West Earl ; John C. Linviile, Salisbury; 

 Jacob B. Long, Chas. Lippold, Joseph Trissler, city; 

 Peter S. Reist, Lititz ; Joseph F. Witmer, Paradise ; 

 T.Frank Evans, Lititz; Ferdinand Scheaffer, city ; 

 Addison Flowers, Mt. Joy; Jos. A. E. Carpenter, 

 city ; H. S. Garber, Mt. Joy. 



•The miiuites of the last meeting were read and on 

 motion approved. 



Reports of Committees. 

 H. H. Tshudy, on the part of the committee ap- 

 pointed to audit the accounts of the Treasurer, 

 reported progress only, the other members of the 

 committee being absent. 



Election of New Members. 

 D. Rine Hertz, of E|)hrata, .lohn M. Grider, of 

 Mountvllle, Johnson Miller, of Warwick, Sebastian 



