28 



especially of nurserymen, there has been a tendency to minimize 

 the danger from root gall, but it was the testimony of growers 

 present that on examining trees in their orchards that seemed to 

 be in a weak condition, as shown by foliage, in almost every in- 

 stance such trees were found to be affected by crown gall, and, even 

 if it does not actually kill the trees, it seems to have a weakening 

 eff'ect, and it was concluded best not to deliberately plant trees so 

 aft'ected. 



The necessity for selectino- bright, new. Crimson clover seed, 

 for planting, was emphasized, one member stating that he would 

 rather pay several dollars per bushel more for such seed than for 

 that which had been carried over. 



July Meeting. 



Handling of the peach crop was under consideration at the 

 July meeting; first, as to thinning, Geo. Oyler opening the subject 

 by saying that he thinks it pays well to thin but says his trouble is, 

 usually, not to get them thin enough. ]\Ir. flyers, of Bownians- 

 dale, would measure with the eye about what a limb will stand and 

 thin accordingly. Second, as to package, the meeting concluded 

 that it was a good thing to put fine fruit in small packages, but the 

 canning trade preferred half-bushel baskets. 



Third, as to picking, packing and grading, Mr. i\Iyers would 

 make two or three pickings to a tree, and recommends leaving the 

 fruit in picking baskets to be transferred to packing house. In 

 grading, recommends usually two grades, never more than three. 



Fourth, as to marketing. In discussing this phase of the busi- 

 ness it was thought well for the producer to keep as near consumer 

 as possible. In many cases better net returns being realized by 

 selling right out of the orchards to hucksters and consumers. 



October Meeting. 



The question as to what receptacle we shall use in picking apples 

 received considerable attention. It was the impression that the ideal 

 method was vet to be discovered. There were advocates present of 

 both the basket and bag-hung-on-the-shoulder method, but it was 

 concluded a good compromise might be had by picking in baskets 

 the fruit obtainable from the s^round and step-ladders, and using 

 the bag for high climbing. A careless operator will bruise the 

 fruit by anv method. 



November Meeting. 



Growers prefer a three-leg^ step-ladder for picking all fruit that 

 can be reached in that wav, and a straight ladder with pointed top 

 for higher trees. The packing of the fruit by the growers, under 

 supervision of the buyer, instead of by packing gangs organized by 

 the buyer, was strongly urged bv several members, so that all 

 crops mav be picked and packed directly into packages instead of 

 placing on ground, or allowing to hang beyond the proper time, 

 as is often necessary when waiting for packing gangs. All members 

 who have not already done so. are urged to perfect themselves in 

 this work, so as to take care of their fruit at the proper time with- 

 out loss. 



