National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1875-04-07
POMoLOGICAL.

THEOLOGICAL.
Potomac Fruit Growsrs-April Session.
A large number Of members, ladies and gentle
men, assembled yesterday, at the Board Of Trade
rooms, in Washington, D. O.; OhSlkley Gilling-
ham, president, in the chair, and DR.. ]. E. Snod-
grass secretary.
After the reading Of the minutes and disposi-
ton Of routine business, the order for the day,
pear culture, was called, and Col. Hiram Pitts
read very instructive paper on the subject,
which was listened to with close attention, and
vote Of thanks given.
The president also read an interesting paper on
the subject after which the discussion Of the sub
ject became earnest and pleasant, resulting in
Major ]. H. King recommended close planting
as aifordIDg protection both from cold and heat,
which was concurred in by others.
Capt. H. ID. Smith had noticed that the trees
usually become cracked and blighted first and
most on the south sunny side, unless protected,
the sap becoming suddenly oyerheated.
Col. ID. s. Curtiss lead extracts from the Gard
ner'S Monthly and the HoTticulfurist, showing
that ashes placed around the roots produced great
good results. Also, that pear trees, when well
around them, and when mulehed in the autumn.
He also read statement Of John Taylor, Of Elba,
Duchesse d'ADgouleme pears, was nearly 800 .
year per acre, Tor several years, and the benefits
still increasing.
the MGryIGnd Farmer, and read from II an in
structive article on pear growing.
G. N. Needham read an article from the Ameri-
can Farmer in regard to pear blight in Maryland.
Captain Smith thought when q tree had been
suffering tye or six years it was Of little use to
Major King thought the seasons and tempera-
ture had more to do in causing blight than any
Major II, O. Williams had been a fruit-grower
for many years, and always found charcoal highly
beneficial in promoting the growth Of tree and
fruit and preventing disease. He made COM
nf loou has md Oh and rod
in around the roots. He mulched q good deal
with straw, saUdust and other stuff, laid 1t
around the roots in the fall and winter, then In
the spring forked it into the soil. Other mem
bers recommended mulching.
Colonel Pitts recommended free mulching as
protection against blight and disease.
Captain Smith confirmed, in his own practice,
the advantage Of mulching trees and vegetables
and small fruits.
the Howell" an excellent and handsome pear for
eating and cooking.
MuIchLns Of trees and grape vines was gener-
ally recommended, as we'll as of field crops.
The secretary, to show that this Is q favorable
region for the pear, had seen old trees which had
Tithstood every difficulty, and were now bearing
Col. W. H. Chase spoke of very old pear trees,
at GunstOD, Colonel E Daniels place, which are
He is planting a young orchard Of pear trees, In
that locality, with high hopes, believing 1t to be
peculiarly favorable region for that fruit.
The president, q. GillinghaD, said the even
temperature OF the seasons rendered this Poto-
mac region so eminently favorable for the pear
and other fruits.
In regard to mulching plants Mrs. Harriet N.
Mute said she experienced large benefits from
mulching her plants and shrubs with common
wood mos; 1t was ornamental to the pots with
no injury to the plants, but was a protection
against cold, as we'll as any excessive heat from
the stove or furnace, and preserved a more equal
moisture about the plants and flowers.
Mr.. Person observed that the pear, both fruit
and tree, grow larger and finer here than In New
Jersey; be never saw so 1ne seckels in New Jer-
Mrs Mute says in her garden is q seckeI tree
which has borne q large yield of fine, large fruit
every year uRtil the last, when 1t gave only
DR.. E. r. Rowland asked If the members could
give any mode for renOvatipg q seckel pear tree
which was falling: he had read a similar inquiry
in some paper. If not too far gone 1t was be-
Heved that charcoal, sulphur or salt put around
the roots, with judicious pruning, would be found
beneficial.
Rev. Mr.. Buck mentioned that he had new
Seeding apple, very fair in size and shape, aud
which Mr.. Saul and Mr.. Saunders pronounce Of
very good quality; he has named It the "Glebe
Beauty;" he would give the members cuttings.
Mr.. Saul has the young trees for sale.
On behalf Of DR.. McKim, new member, Col.
young orchard of pear trees-soil, location, cul-
ture, sc.
the best soil; high and dry location, sheltered
from winds and q northwestern slope, but pro-
tected; careful, clean culture, with light ma
nuring while the trees are growing.
would be good pear season, and Tor fruits Of
most kinds.
spoken Of. Different views were expressed as to
the cause, some thinking insects the cause, and
others believing Il was a contagious disease,
caused by the weather, blight or moisture.
DR.. Rowland thought IL was not wise to jump
at conclusions; that Il was not Safe to rely upon
one or two experiments for a conclusion, but that
continued experiments and careful observation
were necessary to secure reliable results.
Some thought the ''yelloWs' was brought from
Mr.. ]. !. Henry had had experience in Della
ware growing peaches, where they had uniform
ard profitable crops till the ''yeilOws" struck
in portions Of New Jersey and Maryland.
Notice was given at this point that the next
meeting Of the American Pathological Society
would be held in Chicago, ILL.,, the Sth Of Septem-
Der next, and continue three days, and that this
and other societies were invited to attend by its
delegates.
MI. Person read from q paper some statements
from Col. wilkins, the great Maryland peach
grower, in regard to the ''yellows" in peaches.
He is making experiments which he expects will
discover the cause and cure, and when satisfied
will give the results to the public.
Col. D. S. Curtiss stated that examinations
which have been made by different parties indi-
cate that the disease called the yellows -"
is caused by immense numbers Of small, blush
white insects, which look like mold or mildew on
the roots, (the dphiS or PhyLlorerG,) much like
what is found in France on the roots OF diseased
grape vines. They fUTm in little knots or masses
along the roots. extending far as three or four
feet from the butt OF the tree or the main vine to-
ward the extremity Of the small roots, which they
destroy or cause them TO die. Examination has
proved a similar phenomenon in Maryland peach
orchards, where il has been carefully made.
Pruning pear trees was discussed, and the prac-
tice Of Prof WIN. Saunders was almost unani-
mOusly approved-that is, the no-Pruning plan,
except in case Of croWdtng or unsightly branches,
which should be cut away and leave the tree TO q
free natural growth, with branches as near the
ground as possible, both to shelter the trunk of
the tree and the ground under 1t.
Major Williams exhibited bottle Of very hand
come vinegar, made Of apple aud grape juice,
which was pronounced very good.
Mrs. Mute exhibited pot of very fragrant and
beautiful cyclameus.
Stacy Snowden, as he always does, brought .
liberal lot Of excellent apples, sound and crisp,
which he calls the "Spiee" apple; others called
them the Winter Pearmain.
MAJOR Williams presented hne specimens Of the
TeWksbuTy Winter Blush. These apples were
eaten by the members, and found to be juicy,
hard and delicious, and appear to be keepers for
months yet-eVen to the 4th Of July.
DR.. Rowland stated that there was no differ
ence in the healthiulness oil vinegar, whether 1t
was made Of spples, grapes or grain, II II had no
unhealthy articles put into 1t. The sour Of them
On motion, the secretary was authorized to Is
sue postal cards to the members to notify them Of
meetings.
ident to read a paper at the next meeting on the
culture Of the apricot and the peach.
After more than q usually pleasant and In
structive meeting the society adjourned to meet
at the same place on the first Tuesday in May,
when all who desire are invited and will be well
coined to participate and particularly are new
members invited, the roll always open for re-
cruits. Fruit eaters as we'll as growers will be
benefited.
MoIhers,
Go not waste, making mishtting clothing for your
hoy s, when we are selling Boys Clothing which
A. SAKs Il Co., SIG Seventh street.
uu AnurpTTsrAEPUTs