Proceedings of the Farmers' Club. 487 



lOp with the leaves, might be removed without very greatly injur- 

 ing the plant, because the seat of life — its vital part — still remains 

 undisturbed. I have examined this subject for the last twenty 

 years with some care and much solicitude, and must therefore enter 

 my protest against the almost universal habit of root-grafting the 

 apple, as a speculation that falls heavily upon the planter of 

 orchards. Hence, the wide-spread complaint all over the countiy 

 of orchards dying prematurely or yielding no fruit; and this com- 

 plaint will continue until we are willing to be governed by laws 

 that are laid deep in the counsels of wisdom, that teach us that one 

 seed can produce only one healthy, perfect tree. 



CULTIVATION OF USEFUL TIMBER TREES. 



Mr. Henry Rupp, Shiremanstown. — The cultivation of forest 

 trees for timber for building, fencing, and many other purposes, 

 does not receive the attention it should. Our forests will be swept 

 away; the rapidly increasing population of our country requires 

 increasing supply. Improvement will be impeded, our farms will 

 become fenceless, unless we are fortunate in procuring or invent- 

 ing suitable substitutes. Every person could have timber trees 

 enough to keep the farm in fences, without inconvenience to fann- 

 ing operations. True, we see many trees scattered over many 

 farms and especially along fences, but they are of little value. 

 Nearly all timber trees, especially locusts, chestnuts, maples and 

 many others, when cut away will be followed by young shoots 

 which grow rapidly, and if grown singly and protected from stock 

 will make tke finest trees. Every farmer should consider whether 

 it will not pay to plant a few trees on vacant spots and along fences, 

 and whether he will not be doing a good work for his posterity. 

 Trees planted at proper places will greatly protect the growing 

 crops of grain and fruit, and in various ways benefit individuals and 

 the country. 



REFINING OF SORGHUM SIRUP. 



Six vials of sirup were sent by Mr. Ruel Ambrose, of Man- 

 chester, Michigan, with a letter requesting the Club to express aa 

 opinion as to which specimen is the best. The testing of these vials 

 was referred to a committee, consisting of Messrs. Lyman, Fuller 

 and Meeker; 



WHEAT AND CORN. 



Mr. George A. Deitz, Chambersburg, Penn., exhibited, through 

 one of the members, packages of the celebrated Weeks wheat, the 



