Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1886-03-27
FARMERS INSTITUTE
Is Well Attended by Leading
Citizens.
Agricultural College Faculty Rep
resented by Professors Shell.
ton, Lantz and Mrs. Kedzie.
Read the Interesting Report.

OBJECT OF INSTITUTE STATED.
According to due announcement, ths
farmers and others interested in The
future welfare and development of west
ern Kansas, especially Trego and coun
ties tributary thereto, held an important
institute session at the Opera House il
Wa-Keeney, commencing Thursday o.
this week at 80 P. NJ, and closing las'
evening, holding in all five meetings.
The institute was called to order by
w. s. Tilton, editor of the WORLD, who
in few well-chosen remarks, stated thu
object of the institute, ETC., at the close
of which Prof. E. NJ. Shelton, of the
State Agricultural College, spoke upor
the same subject, fully realizing that ar
exchange of thought which meeting O
this nature would bring out could no
help but be conducive to the advance
ment of all interested. Agriculture ant
all business pertaining thereto are O
the most important interest to every one
and should be treated as such, for it il
the agriculturist, in decided measure
that sustains and maintains all othel
branches of known industry.
INSTITUTE ORGANIZED.
Mr.. H. Ewalt, of Trego county, waf
elected chairman of the Institute. and
Horace j. Newberry, of the Kansas
Farmer, secretary; after which the
printed program was followed as closely
as possible, the first thereon being
PAPER ON HORTICULTURE,
BY n. Ewalt. The same was replete
with choice information of value to ALL
and it is hoped that beneficial results will
follow.
During the reading of this excellent
paper, Mr.. J. w. Carson occupied the
position of chairman.
DISCUSSION OF THE PAPER.
A short time was given for discussion,
in which many ideas we're brought out
which will accrue for good.
Trees should be planted with view to
their adaptability for fuel, as well as for
fruit purposes.
When the thermometer goes to 16o
below zero, peaches are destroyed.
However, it was thought that rabbits
do more harm in destroying fruit-bearing
trees than cold weather.
Trees smeared with the fresh caHcaeses
of rabbits will prevent them from being
eaten or barked by said animals.
Some found slight trouble with borers.
By judicious care, the same can be
avoided.
Mr.. Rogers thought less trimming
would be better for trees in western Kan
sas, advocating, also, care in planting
trees, and that same be leaned trifle to
the southwest, on account of the prevail
ing winds emanating therefrom.
This climate is well adapted to grape
culture, and said fruit is profitable to
grow. The Concord variety is consider
ed the best for general purposes. The
grape may be protected from the cold
by mulching with straw or manure in the
fall, and removing same when sprlng
arrives. It is best to have rows running
north and south, vines about feet apart;
we'll staked and continuous wires ex-
tending from stake to stake. Keep all
vines well-pruned and free from destroy
ing elements.
In buying nursery stock always pur-
chase as near home as possible. In so
doing you get an article better adapted
to the climate and soil in which you de-
sire the same to grow, and results are far
more satisfactory, in that you secure a
fruit-bearing orchard sooner and with
less danger of losing the stock put out.
Prof. Lantz thought the Missouri Pip
pin the most profitable apple to grow.
In planting an orchard stocky trees
should be chosen, and not those which
incline to a mere switch, and they should
be headed quite low until trees attain
size enough to protect them from water,
wind or rays of sun, then lower branches
might be removed with good results.
Mrs. Ben. G. Rich mentioned about a
lady in Ellis, who prided herself on hav-
ing fine grape vines and a bright prospect
Of an abundant harvest of fruit from
them, when, ere the grapes matured, a
hot wind cooked or burnt them, so as to
destroy them. What must be done In Or
der to prevent such destruction?
Mr.. j. w. Carson.-Grapes should be
planted on north slopes or under cliffs,
when hot winds, fires, ETC., could be avoid
I'd to a great extent. His observation
;aught him that the wild grape was thus
and as result proved prolific.
Another gentleman thought that the
Wild grape of this country might be util-
zed to good advantage grating tame
grapes upon, thus making the tame attain
he hardy climatic condition of the wild
grape.
Mr.. had grape vines
planted on southern slope, and doubted
whether any one could produce better
showing than he. The fruit was excellent,
md his vineyard in fine growing condi-
ion. All can not have northern slopes or
lifts; therefore, must do the best they can
lnder the circumstances. Thorough care
md cultivation have much to do with the
rape, as well as with. any Other, product.
Mr.. Rogers. grapes, if possible,
md that well, or else PIT them where the
Iir can have full intercourse.
The Russian mulberry, as forest tree,
vas preached, but the talk thereon was
deferred until further along In the meet
ngs.
TOOK FEEDING FOR PLEASURE AND
PROFIT,
By Prof. E. NJ. Shelton, of the State Ag-
icultural College, was an address full of
aluable instruction, interspersed with
tatistical facts.
He felt rather timid about approaching
his subject in Trego county, owing to
he difference in climate, condition of
ountry, etc., from the east part of our
State. Experience alone can settle agri-
ultural problems, and the answer there
o is given in the dollars and cents pro.
luced. Unless one has knowledge of the
lace in which the work is proposed to be
lone, that person must of necessity labor