Buchanan County bulletin. [volume] (Independence, Iowa) 1869-1891, 1872-03-08
Proceedings of the Horticultural
Society.

The Independence horticultural Society held
its regular weekly session at the office of Lee s.
Wesrt, on Tuesday evening, the 9Th inst.
The special topic for the evening was "T'he Chr
rant its Enemies and Remedies"
DIR. WAKNE thought the borer the greatest enc
my to the currant in locality. 1t worked in
both the old and the new wood ofsome varieties.
Varieties were differently affected. With him,
the White Grape variety was most infested
Thought the Victoria, with its stockier growth
and harder wood, not liable to injury other
varieties As a remedy, had tried cutting the
wood below the part affected and bnrnIng it, bnt
with Indifferent success Advised this to be done.
however, as means of checking the evil
Thought the Red Dutch, White Dutch and Victo
ria the most desirable varieties for general culti
walton. The Victoria remained Of good quality
long time after ripening. if covered as protec-
ton from birds. Saw no superiority in the white
over the red varieties, except in sweetness Jelly
from the white varieties of the same color as
that from the red. Thought the White Grape va
riety not SO prolific 4 bearer as the White
Dutch.
MIR. OLDER laid on the table Il number of nfec-
ted stalks cat from his currant bushes, and the
different members of the society produced their
pocket-kniyes and proceeded to an active dissec.
ton for specimens. One of the pests, full half
inch in length, was soon discovered in an old
stalk and u smaller in wood of last years
growth-both alive. ard apparently in good con-
dition for spring work. In most Of the stalks the
borer had accomplished his mission and depart.
ed. Mr.. Older remarked that the bOrer could
always be found in old wood in the spring, and in
the growth in the summer. Whenever he
had given his currants thorough, clean culture du
ring the season, the borer had not troubled them
at all; on the contrary. those left more to them
selves, without so thorough culture, were badly
infested Recommended clean, open culture as
the best remedy. He referred to very sweet
variety of currants which he had seen growing in
greatest proflsiOn on the mountains of Colorado
too sweet to be agreeable unless used with
tart fruit; also. of large yellow variety, of good
quality.
Mr. BoUcK stated that the borer did not trouble
the Black Naples currant. The English (black)
was somewhat affected. His experience as to the
value of thorough culture as remedy, was SINH
lar to Mr.. Older's. Recommended both thor
ough, clean culture, and the cutting ont and
burning of all wood affected. OF varieties,
thought the Cherry Currant of no value. Prefer
red the Red Dutch White Dutch and the Victoria
or the White Grape.
Mr.. Bosgs thought the Cherry currant of little
valuc-wh him it was shy bearer. The Red
Dutch and White grape were his favoritc varie-
tics. The fruit of the White Dutch was smaller
than that of the White Grape.
THE CUERANT WORM.
Mr.. BorcK stated that his currant bushes were
Utterly covered with worms, last season, just be-
fare tha frui Thp of nj
colors and could be distinctly heard, as well as
seen at their work. Tried ashes, sprinkled care
fully over the foliage, with but little effect DR..
Warnc recommended sprinking the foliage with
a strong solution of tobacco. The Secretary re-
| the foliage when wet with dew, had been found an
efficient remedy and cheaper than powdered
helleborc, which was also good remedy.
MISCELLANEOUS.
The society then passed the special order and
proceeded to a miscellaneous discussion.
Mr. BOggs spoke of the great value of chickens
in fruit garden means of destroying worms
and insects. His c0ops were always placed in
his garden where the chickens could roam at large,
and with the most gratifying results.
Mr. BoucK had discovered that guinea hens
were very efficient in destroying the plum cur
! culiO. Had found the crops of his gninea hens
literally filled with the curculio. His guinea
hens had insured him fine yield Of plums.
Should increase their number for their value as
dcstrOyers of insects. Pigs were also Of value
in plum orchard.
1t was decided to continue the discussion on
1.-THE Currant-its enemies and remedies and to
Include also e The Cherry" at the next meeting,
to be held at the office Office & Wear, on Tuesday
| evening. the 18th inst, at Z O'Clock,
| j. L. LOOMS, Secretary.