Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-12-16

Potomac Fruit Growers Association.

FOIOmdc UEVWCTS
Reported for the Alexandria Gazette.l
Although the day was cold one, it did not
prevent few of the members Of this Assocla-
ton from holding very interesting meeting
on the I'd inst, at Vienna. The following IS
an abstract of the proceedings
A large addition was made to the roll OF
membership, and resolution was UNANIMOUSLY
adopted admitting the wives and daughters OF
the members to full membership in the asso-
citation.
Major Hine inquired if stone irut, as peach,
es, plums, &C., did not require a different sol
than that most favorable to small seed frult'Ias
the apple, ounce, &c. Also, if the almond
would not thrive in this soil and climate
None present had noticed that the stone and
small seed fruit, class, required different
soils, though undoubtedly each fruit has soil
peculiarly adapted to itself. The cherry Tor
example, prefers dry, sandy soil the peach
and pear, also, dry soil, but richer. 1t was
thought that the almond would thrive here
| with proper care.
President Bramhall advocated the planting
of the butternut, valuable both for its fine
| timber and excellent nut 1t is Of n quicker
growth than the hickory, and more prollhc
| bearer. Also the European larch for timber
tree. 1t is the toughest, most lasting, and al
| together the most useful tree grown Inc
| Norway spruce is a useful and ornamental tree
for the roadside, and protection against the
| wind wherever screen is needed.
| Mr.. Myers. A friend Of mine had TIM
Der screen on the Northwest side OF an orchard.
| The protected portion never tailed crop,
| while the unprotected trees bore only every
other year. think this a striking instance OF
the use of timber screens.
DR.. Hagen suggested as a topic tor discus
sion, "the most economical plan OF cultlvatlng
the vine" He thought the practice OF buy
ing cuttings the most expensive, involving
great loss of time The two year old vines
are undoubtedly the cheapest in the end. For
setting, 3xS feet, using the two cane renewal
system, is far enough apart. His remarks were
generally concurred In.
Mr.. Myers find that with the same care,
cuttings make more root and better growth
than at the North. -Four by eight feet
| is good distance for the vines If the two,cane
renewal system is used. With the arm and
| spur system it would not be too close. The
former checks the rampant growth OF root and
wood, so that the vines are not crowded. AT
| five years, rs punches to the vine may be
reached. The wood requires to be renewed Of
| ten, anu as near TIC luOb 40 pOS'iOio. $3.50
Saunders, head Of the Experimental Garden,
Washington, pronounces this as the only true
method of pruning the vines.
MIR. j. r. Bramhall moved that the apple,
its cultivation in this section, be the SUBJECT
for discussion at the next meeting. Adopted.
Mr.. Tudor, who had had nursery near
Richmond, named the Winesap, Limbertwlg,
New England Russell Dominic, York lmpe-
rial, Sour Bough and Julien: as excellent APP
| pies for Virginia For winter keeping he re-
commended picking when fully ripe and little
dry.
| Mr.. Hine exhibited seven ears of rice pop
corn, all of which came from one stalk.
The Association adjourned to meet at Falls
| Church, January 9th, at l p. m, at the Bap-
list Church At this meeting, besides the
usual business, tho officers for the ensuing year
will be chosen The meeting will be unusually
interesting and important, and all the mem
bers, as well as all interested in the fruit cul-
ture, arc requested to attend. The ladies es
pccially are cordially invited.
Rev. Mr.. Littlejohn, Of New York, elected
as Bishop of two Episcopal dioceses, has cho-
sen to accept that of Long Island.