The National Nurseryman. 
FOR GROWERS AND DEALERS IN NURSERY STOCK. 
Copyrighted 1902 by The National Nurseryman Publishing Co.. Incorporated. 
To give satisfaction in every detail should be the nurseryman’s unremitting endeavor. 
Vol. XI. 
ROCHESTER, N. Y., FEBRUARY, 1903. 
No. 2. 
HEAVY DEMAND FOR STOCK 
Call for Commercial Varieties of Peach in the South Has Been 
Unprecedented—One Firm in Few Months has Turned Down 
Orders for Over Five Million Peach—Planting of Orchards 
may be Overdone—Many Ornamental Trees called 
for—Prices. 
L. A. Berckmans, of the P. J. Berckmans Co., Augusta, Ga., 
writes : 
“ The demand for nursery stock is immense this year ; the 
call for commercial varieties of peaches has been unprecedent¬ 
ed and we have in the past few months turned down orders for 
over five million peach trees. The Elberta craze is spreading 
and we fear that the planting of commercial orchards in the 
South will be overdone, as many prospective planters are not 
posted as to soil and climatic requirements ; they are also 
ignorant as to the care and cultivation of a commercial 
orchard. 
The demand for ornamental trees, plants, shrubs, etc., is 
largely on the increase in the South ; this is a most encourag¬ 
ing omen. The price for many lines of nursery stock is not 
consistent with the cost of production ; this is especially appli¬ 
cable to many varieties of soft-wooded plants, and many 
growers are abandoning the growing of bedding stuff.” 
WESTERN WHOLESALERS. 
The Western Association of Wholesale Nurserymen met at 
Centropolis Hotel, Kansas City, Mo., Dec. 19 , 1902 . 
Morning session called to order by Vice-President R. H 
Blair. Reports of secretary and treasurer read and approved. 
Treasurer’s report showed a balance of $ 105 . 77 . A. Willis in¬ 
troduced the subject of insurance on stock in storage and 
storage buildings. A general discussion ensued showing con¬ 
siderable inequality of rates in the different states. The views 
were that the risks were less than on ordinary merchandise and 
that higher rates were excessive. J. H. Skinner and A. L- 
Brooke were requested to see the adjuster in the interest of re¬ 
duced and uniform rates. 
The afternoon session was called to order by President A. 
L. Brooke. Roll call showed twenty-three present, including 
the honored guest, Col. Pearsall. 
Alabama Nursery wrote, and Stark Bros, wired, regretting 
their absence and wishing a good meeting. 
Absent were Bates Bros., Wm. Cutter & Son, A. H. Griesa, 
W. F. Heikes, J. W. Schuette & Co., Sherman Nursery Co., J. 
Wragg & Sons, F. W. Watson & Co. 
Herbert Chase, by letter, gave as his opinion that the supply 
of cherry for next year would likely be less than this year. In 
the South a large per cent, is growing ; but a larger per cent. 
is sold than last year and from existing conditions think prices 
will remain firm or advance. 
With peaches he thinks prices will rule about as they have 
for the past two or three years. There has been a large plant¬ 
ing of peach pits for next season’s budding, but the probability 
is that a large per cent, will be used for June budded trees for 
delivery next fall or winter; but June trees are sold almost 
wholly in the South and should not be taken into account when 
considering the general supply. 
A. Willis introduced the subject, “ Economy in contracting 
over growing your own stock,” and while debated from many 
standpoints, Mr. Willis’ argument that it relieved responsibility 
seemed sustained. 
Peter Youngers took J.W. Schuette’s place on the programme 
and spoke on “What should the Western nurserymen do at 
the St. Louis fair?” At the conclusion of the matter, it was 
undetermined and will probably be further considered at the 
next meeting in July. J. H. Skinner and A. C. Griesa talked 
on healthful trees and best means to combat disease or pests. 
The formal discussion on these subjects was short. There is 
no member of this association but shows a clean bill of health 
for stock and grounds by authorized inspection. 
R. H. Blair presented application of Geo. W. Sallee, and E. 
P. Bernardin presented application of T. E. Griesa for mem¬ 
bership. The committee on examination reported favorably, 
followed by a unanimous ballot for admission. 
Upon motion the secretary called the roll, the members re¬ 
sponding giving amount of stock on hand and outlooks for 
future demands. These responses showed a general shortage 
and a probable demand more than could be met in all lines. 
An amendment changing the summer meeting to second 
Wednesday in July was passed. 
Election of officers resulted in choosing for the ensuing 
year : 
President—A. L. Brooke. 
Vice-President—R. H. Blair. 
Secretary and Treasurer—E. J. Holman. 
Executive Committee—Peter Youngers, Jr., Chairman, A. Willis, J. 
H. Skinner, H. B. Chase, E. S. Welch. 
Committee on Transportation and Tariff—F. H. Stannard, A. J. 
Brown, J. W. Schuette. 
Programme Committee—E. P. Bernardin, E. Stark, E. J. Holman. 
After a pleasant and profitable meeting the association ad¬ 
journed to meet at same place again July 8 , 1903 . 
E. J. Holman, Secretary. 
Hoopes Brother & Thomas have erected another packing 
shed. 
The Harrison Nursery Co., York, Neb., has completed a 
brick storage and packing house 106 x 25 feet, adjoining the 
B. & M. tracks. W. A. and H. S. Harrison are the proprietors. 
