1872 Tlie Western Pomologist and Gardener. 2^9 



deciduous trees native to the State are not only of species valuable on the farm and ia 

 arts, but are of easy propagation by seeds and cuttings, and we recommend that their 

 seeds be gathered and cuttings made and planted as the cheapest mode by which large 

 tracts can be set in timber. 



5. That in order to extend the planting of coniferous and evergreen trees in shelter 

 belts and in forests for the production of timber, we recommend that action be taken by 

 the Legislature of Kansas to provide special encouragement by premiums, by exemption 

 from taxation, or by the establishment of State nurseries for free distribution of such 

 trees to farmers desiring to plant the same. 



WHY DID THE APPLES DROP? 



Why did the apples drop so much this season, was next taken up and very thoroughly 

 discussed. It was observed that the leaves hung on the trees late in the winter, which 

 was not usual in this country, which called forth some discussion at our winter meeting. 

 This state of the leaves extended over Kansas and parts of Missouri, but as far as it did 

 exist the fruit has dropped badly. In the meantime it was shown that the wood was not 

 mature, el.se the leaves would have dropped. This immaturity of the growth caused 

 immature fruit buds, which though they had sufficient vitality to bloom and set fruit, had 

 not enough to hold it on, upon the principle of young trees coming into bearing for the 

 first time, they bloom and set fruit but it drops; the buds having not been fully matured. 

 The same state of things often takes place under high cultivation and excessive 

 pruning. 



CULTUBE AND PKUNING THE GRAPE. 



The cultivation and pruning of the grape was next under discussion. Dr. Stayman 

 being called forth, gave his system of low trilles of two wires and horizontal renewal 

 training by lateral canes and pinching each time to one leaf. This system he considered 

 not only the cheapest but the most simple and much the best, which is shown by the 

 fruit. The main feature being the lateral single cane which is produced by pinching 

 back the renewal canes to but a few buds, and starting a new cane therefrom, which is a 

 lateral, but four of those being necessary in a full bearing vine. They being trained on 

 the two wires, and the bearing shoots hanging down on either side. High, dry, shady, 

 sub-soil clay land considered the best, with a south exposure, and the Concord and Ives' 

 Seedlings being the only grapes so far adapted to gtCneral cultivation. 



LOCATION OP ORCHARDS. 



The location of orchards being next in order, was very thoroughly discussed, resulting 

 in favor of the highest land. Mr. Bishop stated that he had a high hill which has not 

 failed him since 1856 with even the most tender peaches, and pears have uniformly bore 

 good crops and never blighted in the least, while on the low land the fruit was often a 

 failure. 



Dr. StajTuan, who has both a high and low orchard, stated that he planted on the low 

 land in 1860 and on the high in 1867 and 1888, about the same number of trees and the 

 same varieties, yet he never raised one good crop on the low land, while he has raised 

 three good crops on the high, the last year's crop being over one hundred dollars per 

 acre. The same difference exists this season in favor of the high orchard, yet planted 

 seven and eight years later. But to have the full benefit of high land there should be 

 dee|) valleys or ravines in- close proximity. The committee on flowers and frnit in the 

 hall being ready, reported the following : 



REPORT OP COMTinXTEE ON FLOWERS AND FRUITS. 



We have examined the articles on exhibition and find a good collection of pot-plants, 

 comprising over fifty varieties, which from their growing condition and fine blooms, show 

 good culture and careful attention. We also find a large number of bouquets, (in which 

 the wild flowers of the prairies have been freely used,) most tastefully arranged, showing 

 a love for the beautiful that would do credit to any community. These with the general 

 decorations and arrangements, fine engravings on the walls and nicely arranged hanging 



