Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1878-06-12
| Raported for the Alex. Gazette.


The juno meeting Of this association was
held ca the Sth instant at H. Denike's. Owing
to the all day storm only about half the usual
number were present.
The long promised report on the cost OF ma.
tcrials and comparative value OF some ti the
noted commercial fertilizers DOW being used
aud other matters connected with this sui ject,
was again laid over until another meetiag. The
importance Of the subject demanding thor.
ough Investigation, and the difficulty attending
this scrutiny, was thought to be reasonal ex-
cusc for this delayed report
rambling conversational style Of discussion
was held on various subjects Connected with
agriculture, which it would be difficult to re-
port, inasmuch as one subject lead TO another,
backwards and forwards until it would puzzle
a Philadelphia lawyer" to tell what was the
subject under discussion.
The special road law for Fairfax Co., enacted
last wiuter, had thorough oyerharhpg, but
was finally laid over until some future time, as
it cannot be put in force this year, although it
takes effect from its passage.
There seemed to be as much interest mani
tested 10 the several Individual reports ia regard
to the prospect Of the wheat crop as upon any
subject. The leaf rust reported last month WAS
supposed to have done but little il Dry, az the
rains and cool weather had caused the wheat
heads to Gil we'll Myriads Of small insects OBJ
served 10 some of the wheat fields had caused
some apprehension in regard to the safety Of
the wheat. Generally there was thought to be
fair prospect for a large yield this season.
The farmer has hosts of depredatiDg insects
10 contend with 10 every crop that is grown
Some have had to plant their oornfells two or
three times over, because the little turk" and
other worms had such voraclous appetltes.
The sweet potato vines are also besieged with
host Of deVourng Insects destroying 10 many
cases acres Of plants.
The tomato vines. which have hitherto es.
capped the gormand!Zipg appetite Of the insect
tribe, have this year been Toasted upon by some
who have learned to love its aromatic perfume.
The numerous insect "tramps" that are this
season demanding something to eat have quite
put 10 the background the pioneer Colorado
beetle, so that We hear but little about him or
his dcpredations lie has long since been &C
copied as an evil that VIC mus: fight to the
death if We would win any potatoes.
The oft repeated question, What will destroy
sorrcl2 was answered by some who had used a
liberal coating of lime without any other ma
nure, completely Graduating it,While along side,
where stable manure was us,d, there was Wig
orous growth Of it,
In regard to the question about planting
small potatoes opinions differed, as they always
have done. some choosing the small ones, Others
the large ones, all producing good crops 10
favorable seasons
A few extracts from the critics report will
show what has been done, and what can be
done again with proper effort and will.
1t is we'll known fact that but few years
ago. comparatively speaking, the land our host
now occupies was in forest and producing very
little revenue to the State in the way of taxes,
and comparatively nothing to the owner. We
see the contrast to day in we'll improved farm
with good buildings and fences. we'll stocked
with improved cattle, sheep and swine; prob
ably paying to the State ten times as much tax
as was paid when 10 its original condition, be-
side supporting bis family and giving employ
ment to many others. The example set by him
proves that by industry and economy the forest
may be made to blossom as the rose. 1t proves
that the diligent aod Industrious arc suitably
rewarded for their toll. 1t proves that were
more Of the unproductive lands put 10 the same
condition the old Commonwealth would be much
luUlC plUopClou5 Uudu SuC uOn 10, duu tlClC
would be less of this conmunistic spirit or
agrarianism INDUCED 10. And last, but not least,
it proves that to be successful agriculturist it
is not necessary that person should over exert
his physical ability, but use his trains as we'll
as his hands.
The subject Of an annual exhibition this fall
was brought up and discussed. After due con.
sideration it was thought advisable to begin 10
time to make arrangements; it was therefore
Resolved, That committee of FIVE be ap.
pointed to consult with like number from the
Ladies Housekeepers' Association to arrange a
list of premiums to be offered for the best arti
oles produced by members OF these two assocja
tions and exhibited this fall at our annual ex.
hbitioD, the committee to report at the next
meeting of the club. Tho president of our club
appointed the following: N. w. Pierson, John
BaIIenger, w. Walton, c. Lukens and R. f.
Roberta.