PROCEEDINGS OF THE FARMERS' CLUB. 87 



that such a tree is now growinj^ a few miles from me. I have seen an 

 apple with the core growing in detached portions on the outside and sound 

 in the center. This was caused by the scion being set top downward." 



The recommendation to use soot as a deodorizer, was approved. The 

 idea of producing compound fruit by splitting the bud, was considered 

 by all present as simply ridiculous; and as to producing an effect upon the 

 fruit by setting scions top end down, it was thought that it would be quite 

 as likely to make it grow on the roots instead of top, as to produce the 

 result named. 



What will Cure Potato Theorists. 



Solon Robinson. — Can any one tell me how to cure a disease that is 

 worse than the potato rot ? It is the theory disease. It is something that 

 affects the imagination of people, so that they conceive themselves entirely 

 competent to cure the potato rot, and at once advance their theories, which 

 are indentical with others that have been repeatedly exploded. Every 

 week I tell these visionaries that we do not vant any more letters upon 

 the subject, unless the writers can advance something new. Every week 

 I kick a parcel of letters under the table, and tell writers that I will serve 

 theirs in the same way; but it is all no use. I had rather undertake to 

 cure the incurable potato rot than to cure the potato-rot theorists. Last 

 week I read a letter here from a man who knows that the disease is caused 

 by insects. Here is another from Wm. M. Hoyt, of Onondaga, N. Y., who 

 says : 



" I believe it is a conceded fact with most of our experienced cultivators 

 that the rot is not caused by an insect, but by an atmospherical action on 

 the leaf, and then communicated through the stock to the root and tubers." 



And so he writes four long pages to prove his theory, and that the cure 

 of the disease is early planting. It is not a very new theory, nor is it in- 

 fallible. Until such a one is discovered, I wish theorists would keep their 

 own secrets, and save their pen, ink and paper. 



Dr. Trimble. — Yes; I can tell you how to cure them. It is only to keep 

 your promise, and never notice in any way a single letter written to you 

 upon the subject. These theories about the potato rot have become into- 

 lerable bores. 



The "Agricultural Department." 



The committee to which the subject was referred of letters describing 

 fruits and valuable plants indigenous to the wilds of Minnesota, Wiscon- 

 sin, and other parts of the north-west, have duly considered the subject 

 and report: 



The committee feel the force of the suggestion that that region affords a 

 rich field for exploration and work that properly belongs to the Agricul- 

 tural Department at Washington, and in the opinion of the committee an 

 appropriation to defray the expenses of competent persons to make such 

 explorations would tend to the credit of our American institutions; and 

 therefore the committee ask the Club to adopt the following resolution: 



Besolved, By the Farmers' Club of the American Institu te, that we re 



