The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-03-10
AGRICULTURAL.
The Fruit Growers,

THE POTOMAC oCIATtoN--INTEREsTING
DISCUSSION.
The Potomac Fruit Growers Association
met at the Board of Trade rooms, 10 Alex
andria, few days ago, with Judge Ora
in the chair, and P. H. Folsom secretary.
DR.. Wyvill, of Piscataway county, Nd,
was presented by DR.. Darby for member
ship, and unanimously elected.
The report of tho executive committee,
in relation to providing medium for the
regular publication of the full reports of
the sessions of the association, and to pro-
vide suitable reporter, was read, and
after some discussion adopted, upon trial.
Letters were read from the following
persons
Dr. L. G. Hooker, (which was referred
to the scientific committee,) asking if
male grape vine can be made to bear by
grating upon it bearing vine of both
sexes to be answered next month.
From R. III. Smith, Esq, of Richmond,
Virginia, which was referred to the scien-
tifc committee, asking for the theory of
the Sulphur Cure" and if it has succeed
ed with Northern States.
From DIR. Darby, Uniontown, asking if
suckers OF the gage plum-tree wounded at
the root, are worth transplanting for stock.
Also, ounces in same condition ? Will
these suckers do for raising ounces or to
graft pear scions on -, Would it be advisa-
BILE to plant sweet potatoes in young
pear orchard, as it would seem as if they
ought to make valuable and profitable
mulch against extreme hot weather.
He also asked the president to write out
his explanation of his statement that fresh
manure should be hauled out and plowed
in.
Professor Taylor gave paper upon the
uses of lime, with valuable experiments,
which created a hearty interest. The Pro-
fessor gave complete history of lime, and
successfully demonstrated its numerous
chemical changes, giving to the fruit
growers a practical lesson, not otherwise
obtainable, except upon prolonged study.
Professor Saunders, of the Agricultural
Department, gave timely directions for the
culture of the strawberry and currant. As
to the former, if one wants fruits he must
keep down the weeds and cut off the run
ners, which, in fact, are weeds, as are all
plants growing where the space is other
wise wanted Mulchng is good in sandy
soil, but cultivation is best
A strong point is made in not disturbing
the soil at all after September, as it exposes
the fibrous and growing roots to the sever
ity of the winters frosts. Clean straw
should be used for covering in winter.
Ourrants must have a very rich soil
richer than that for wheat, and must have
the strictest attention. He gave decided
preference to the old red Dutch, the best
of all red currants he fruited, embracing
some fifty varieties.
Best fruit comes from wood of next
former years growth, and those shoots
should never be cut in the least. The best
culture of both fruits pays best.
Mr.. J. l.. Smith presented Dovenne de
Alencon pear, well preserved, and Friend
Gilingham some fine specimens of sound
and perfect apples; most noticeable were
the Newton Pippin and Abram.
Major King gave some very interesting
remarks relative to the recent visit among
the fruit growers of the South, and exhi-
bited the various conditions of cotton seed
in its transitions to OIL The samples were
of the choicest selection, and from them one
could see all the uses to which this seed is
put. Major King was invited to read an
extended paper upon the subject
The thanks of the association were ex-
tended to Benjamin Fenton, Esq, and j..
G.. Baldwin, secretary Of the Southern Oil
Works of Memphis, Tennessee, for their
courteous attention to member of the
association.
David Turner, of the Alexandria "Home
and Office" was elected member of the
association.
Adjourned to meet the first Tuesday in
April.