309 
PARK AND CEMETERY 
Annual Convention of Nurserymen. 
The thirtieth annual convention of the American 
Association of Nurserymen was held in West Baden, 
Ind., June 14, 15 and 16 with the largest attendance 
in the history of the organization. Between 300 and 
400 were present and enjoyed a large and varied pro- 
gram. President E. W. Kirkpatrick, in his annual 
address, urged the necessit}' for harmonious action and 
a spirit of fraternity among nurserymen and laid em- 
phasis on the work of the press in promoting the wel- 
fare of the organization. 
Harry L. Bird, of Michigan, read a paper on “The 
Cost of a Tree,” showing methods by which such cost 
can be arrived at, taking all items into consideration, 
from cultivation of ground and planting to final cart- 
ing away. In discussion, several members advocated 
the adoption of such a system. Charles J. Malloy, of 
Ellwanger & Barry, Rochester, N. Y., read a paper on 
“Low Price of Ornamental Stock.” 
He said in part : “One of the principal reasons for 
low prices is the tendency to overplant, creating a 
surplus which must be moved, always to the detriment 
of the following year’s business. In making up plant- 
ing lists, care should be taken to provide for the things 
for which there is likely to be a demand ; not to plunge 
as some do on some one article, without regard as to 
whether there will be a market for it when grown. All 
do not have a demand for the same thing, or in the 
same quantity. 
Another reason for the present low prices is the 
keen competition which I think exists to a greater de- 
gree in the nursery business than in any other. Our 
experience has been that this competition is not a 
healthy one, and I know of others who feel the same. 
We must, of course, expect competition in whatever 
business we engage, but a business cannot live when 
goods are constantly being sold at less than what it 
costs to produce them.” 
“Best Methods of Improving Standards in Trees 
and Pruits” was the subject of a paper by G. L. Taber, 
of Plorida, and T. V. Munson of Texas spoke on 
grape growing, illustrating his methods of trellising 
vines. 
Wednesday evening was devoted to stereopticon lec- 
tures by J. Horace McParland on “A Tree Garden to 
Last a Thousand Years,” and by Dr. George T. 
Moore, United States Department of Agriculture on 
“Soil Inoculation.” 
Professor John Craig, of Cornell University, read 
a paper entitled “Quality vs. Quantity,” giving it as 
his opinion that the demand for high-grade fruit prod- 
ucts will strengthen as luxury and culture progress, 
and efforts should be made toward obtaining highest 
excellence in texture and aroma of fruits. 
Willet M. Hays, of the U. S. Department of Agri- 
culture, gave an illustrated talk on how varieties can 
be improved so as to produce a greater yield of fieki 
and orchard products. 
Thos. B. Meehan talked on “Office Management,”' 
and Wm. P. Stark, of Missouri, gave a paper on 
“The Fruit Exhibit at the World’s Fair.” George G. 
Hedgcock, U. S. Department of Agriculture, deliv- 
ered a lecture, illustrated by stereopticon views, on 
“Crown Gall and Root Knot,” and James McHutch- 
inson. New York, read a paper on “The Evolution of 
Importing.” 
The following officers were elected for the ensuing 
year : President, E. Albertson, Bridgeport, Ind. ; vice- 
president, Orlando Harrison, Berlin, Md. ; secretary,. 
Geo. C. Seager, Rochester, N. Y. ; treasurer, C. I,.. 
Yates, Rochester, N. Y. Executive committee : Thos. 
B. Meehan, Pennsylvania; Theo. J. Smith, New York;- 
J. H. Dayton, Ohio. 
The features of entertainment included a ball given 
by the Hon. Thos. Taggart, the Fruit Banquet on BYi- 
day evening, and an excursion to Mammoth Cave,. 
Ky., on Saturday. 
Dallas, Tex., was chosen for the 1906 meeting. 
