Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1881-12-08
HORTICULTURAL.
SECOND DAYS PROCEEDINGS OF TEE
FRUIT-GRowERs CoNvENrIoE.
Reports and Recommendations Of the
Committees on Insect Pests, Fruit
Packing, Shipping, Etc.


The Convention met at 10 O'Clock. VIM. Johnston
in the chair
The Committee on Fruit-growers, through A. S.
White, submitted the following report:
WHEREAS, The fiut-growers interests of this
State which are of SO vast importance are threat
ened with destruction by insect pests Of va,ious
kinds and whereas, any individual action is totally
inadequate to meet the enemy successfully.
Res0tced, That the fruit-growers and farmers OF
the State be requested to give their earnest support
to the horticultural laws, and give their united
efforts TO sustain the Chief Health Officer in the
execution Of the same.
Resolred That the fruit growers in every county,
where commissioners have not already been APP
pointed Shall demand of the Supervisors that they
appoint Commissioners according to the require
ments OF the law.
Resoircd, That we recommend that the orchardists
Of the State shall purchase only such trees, plants
cuttings known 10 be free from infectious dis
eases, and accompanied by clean bill OF health
from the Commissioners or Inspectors.
Resol0e1, That all nurserymen shall be required
to dsnfect all trees and plants to the satisfaction OF
the Commissioners or Inspectors before delivering
them to their customers.
Resolced That we recommend to each and every
farmer and fruitgrower, as good citizens of the
State to all practicable to keep his trees
free from all insect pests that his orchards may not
become breeding grounds, to the damage of his
neighbors.
Res0lred, That we request the transportation COM
panies not to return fruit boxes baskets between
the 25th of June and the S1st OF December.
ResoiUed, That We recommend that the study Of
entomology be introduced into public schools
that the rising generation may be wiser than their
fathers.
A discussion on part Of report in reference to
return boxes ensued.
P. H. Murphy favored return boxes.
j. H. Elliott of Newcastle said the commission
merchants say they sell our fruit at eight per cent
comm sson, but they give us what they can buy it
for in the market, less the eight per cent.
NJ Cooke said be was placed in delicate position
in relation to return boxes, being box-maker. de
referred to the rules OF quarantine in which the
boxes are required to be disinfected in San Fran
cisco at the expense of the grower. He instanced
the practice of the late Mr.. Saul, of the Oak Shade
orchards He would not allow a box to be returned
to his orchard The result that he kept his or
chard clean, and sold last year 500 boxes OF peors
Others who allow return boxes have their orchards
infested and their crops destroyed He lnstanced
the Grand Island orchards, from which few years
ago shipped 600 boxes. Last year the fruit on
the whole island sold for five hundred dollars, and
this year they couldn't get anything for it, in conse
quence of the introduction OF worms.
Mr.. Wilson, OF Newcastle. said il the boxes are
not returned the commission merchants make the
price of the boxes, and they should pay the pro-
Queer for them.
Mr.. Hxon, commission merchant, said the boxes
from Oregon all free or not returned. IL the
matter was understood that all boxes were to be
free then the commission merchant would make
nothing on the boxes, and would charge nothing
for them. Fruit in free boxes was preferred by re
tailers and consumers, because the boxes were not
required to be returned or paid Tor.
Mr. Frazer, of Elmira, said we are ali here with
one object-to get rid of the insect pest and we
must stick to this subject The worms lay their
eggs all boxes free as well as return, ana ihey
Ctafn and
as well as the return boxes 1t would be hardship
| on these who raise fruit not infested by worms.
| A. T. Hatch moved to amend by the adoption OF
thorough system OF distinction. Seconded
r. Williamson was in favor Of the amendment as
it would work great hardship on that class OF fruit
growers who produced fruit, as peaches, cherries
plums, ETC., to require them to send Tree boxes
The point he wished to get at Is, TO nave the
Convention recommend thorough system OF dis
infection.
Professor Dwinelle hoped the Convention would
have patience and investigate its subjects well, and
would suggest that committee be appointed to in
vestigate the whole subject of boxes to report at
proper time. That other boxes than the apple and
pear are liable to have worm eggs in them-the
plum curculio might come in the next return box
NJ T. Brewer said it seemed to him that II the apple
and pear boxes were made free great deal would
be acc3nDsf ed he would not require peach boxes
to be dsnfected but go as far as possible without
injustice.
The substitute of Mr.. Hatch was adopted, and the
report as amended adopted.
The Committee on Fruit Shipping to the Eastern
States asked for further time. Granted.
The Committee Shipping West of Omaha was
called, but were not ready to report.
The Committee Fruit Packing, when called,
presented communication from the fruit packers
of San Frtncisco, suggesting the substitution of
| tight boxes in place of baskets for peaches. Re-
| ferred to Fruit Packing Committee.
The Committee on Commission Merchants re-
| ported through their Chairman, }. NJ. Hixon. The
committee recommended to " growers to do all they
can to improve their fruit. Ne chants Will aid them
| in any way they can.
| The Committee on Nurserymen reported in favor
of having all trees and plants well disnfected before
sending them out. Report adopted.
President Johnston called attention to the proposed
sale of the late Mr. Sauls interest Oak Shade Or
chard and recommended the property as desirable
fone Mr.. Blowers also recommended the property
| as valuable to horticulturist. Mr.. Cooke
also spoke of the property one of the most vaua
| BILE orchard properi les in the State.
Mr. williamson moved that committee OF five be
appointed to draw up a memorial to the memory OF
| Brother Saul.
| The motion carried unanimously by rising vote,
and the Chair appointed committee as follows :
Robert Williamson, Mrs. General Bldwell, Il. b.
| Blowers, Professor c. H. Dwnelle, A. I. II Itch.
| The Committee on Ways aud Means reported,
| recommending an assessment OF 81 so on the men,
| bers and also recommended that the Convention
take steps to have MIR. Cooke get up more extern
| sve work on fruit pests. Report adopted
Mr. Williamson moved that committee OF five be
appointed to get up plan OF disinfecting fruit
boxes applicable to the circumstances OF fruit
growers and fruit dealers. The motion was ad pied