The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-03-13
Potomac Fruit Growers.

This society held its March meeting, or
the ! lth instant, y. Gllmghain, president
10 the chair, and p. Ii. Fulsoin secretary.
Though the weather was Indictment, the
attendance was fair, and the proceedings
interesting.
A pleasant display of fruit was Oh the
tables. Professor VIM. Saunders exhibited
A box containing four varieties OF winter
apples, from Gre, nsboro, North Carolina,
embrac ng BALDWIN, Vaudetv,re, Pcaimau,
and Greeuing, III good STATE VI preser-
valion.
Judge Gray exhibited five varieties oil
winter apples, well preserved, embracing
Winter, Iewksbury Blush, Winesap and
others.
Mr.. Kickum exhibited two handsome
pears, in fine preservation. Major j. Ii.
King reported III favor Of a new iruit crate
or basket.
MIR. Kickum, presented some cuttings Of
the tree from the fine pears for the use of
the society. He said the pear is called the
"Stull," an excellent keeper.
Major King SAID ne thought it valuable
acquisition to the society III the pear line.
Professor Saunders thought It the
Beurre d'Areub,rg, at least it was sup
posed to be such. Mr.. Kckum was re-
quested to present further information at
the next meeting.
On motion the society proceeded to test
the fruits on exhibition. All were pr zed,
and the Tewksbery Blush was the iavorite.
Major Hines and Judge Gray made ,.-
marks about keeping apples saying the
cellars should not be too dry or tight.
In regard to the Carolina fruit, Mr..
Saunders thought the Clarke's Pearmain
the best of the lot.
Colonel s. E. Chamberlain spoke of the
fact before US, that northern fruit taken
south did not succeed, but that southern
varieties taken north do succeed well.
Carolina apples succeed in Virginia, while
northern ones do not; and this was sus-
tanned by Mr.. Saunders and other menu
bers..
A general discussion was enjoyed in re-
gard to different varieties of apples, with
reference to markets, cider, &c.
MIR. Pearson, DR.. Rowland, Mr.. Need
ham and Others took part in the debates.
President Glllingham read an interest
ing an useful paper, in regard to the in
sects, which are Injurious to orchards aud
fruits; enjoining energetic efforts for their
destruction and showing the Importance
Of fruit-growing Ill our country.
Mr.. Saunders spoke of the value of the
Jaminette pear, as one of the very best.
He asked what insects prevents us from
getting fruit. He thought we need not Sc
riously be prevented from raising fruit b,
them.
Members made some attack against the
honey-bee, when Major King made plea
in is favor, showing some of Its benefits.
This discussion on the bee was prolonged
to some length, when MIR. Gray suggested
sowing the orchard with buck wheat, which
feeds bees, fowls, and the sol.
Mr.. Saunders knew insect, do injury,
but do OF prevent us from &c ting plenty OF
fruits.
Some remarks were made in regard to
cherries, and 1t was shown that this is a
favorable section for the raising of cherries,
Figs were spoken Of. Mr.. Saunders
said they were profitable crop to raise,
and should be introduced.
Captain Smith SAID he had grown figs,
and could do it successfully.
Mr.. Saunders SAID we can grow our own
figs, ginger, and rhubarb, aud other arti-
Giles i'll this region.
All TIL tirst Tuesday in April.