PROCEEDINGS OF THE FARMERS* CLUB. 423 



a board over a hill of potatoes which protected the tubers and 

 saved thera from the rot. The success of the experiment is ex- 

 plained in this way. The fungi arc first deposited in the leaves 

 of the plant and are washed down to the roots where they have 

 full scope to destroy the plant. 



Some unimportant discussion ensued on this queston. 



THE TERRACULTOR. 



Mr. McElrath (who was not present) forwarded some notes on 

 a new sort of plough denominated as above. It was explained 

 to be a rotatory digger, capable of being put in motion by steam 

 or horse-power. It was the invention of Mr. Henry O'Reilly, 

 and the first rotatory digger in the world. 



Mr. Bergen thought it would be a long time before any instru- 

 ment would be found to beat the old plough and borrow. When 

 the}^ succeeded in improving these, they would have something 

 to boast of. 



The Chairman made some general remarks on the improvements 

 needed fpr the more effectual cultivation of the earth. 



WHAT FLOWERS SHALL WE PLANT ? 



Mr. Pardee read a short article on this question. The Verbena 

 should not be put out until early in May ; the great variety of 

 Phloxes would also do well in May. Pansies are apt to die out in 

 summer without special care, To produce large plants, a change 

 of soil is essential. Carnations and Pinks will be quite in time 

 by the middle of May. A number of other plants were referred 

 to in the same way. 



RESTORING OLD APPLE TREES. 



Mr. Pardee read a letter of enquiry as to the best mode of 

 restoring old apple trees. He thought the best way would be to 

 put the ground in good condition without injuring the roots of 

 the trees, then mulch properly with stable manure. A little pot- 

 ash would be a useful thing. 



The Chairman — If Mr. Pardee had added alum, he would have 

 named a good remedy. 



Mr. Pardee — Yes, alum and one pint of salt. 



DISEASE OF LAMBS. 



Mr. Robinson read a letter from a farmer in Illinois, asking 

 what was the matter with the lambs, they were all dying, and if 

 their disease continue, sheep-breeding would have to be given up 



