Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1884-1886, 1886-06-30
HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
The Horticultural society convened yes
terday morning at 10 o'clock in Memorial
hall. 1t was the fifteenth semi-annual meet
ing of the society. About forty delegates
were paesent, representing eighteen coun-
ties.
President G. Y. johnson. Of Lawrence,
occupied the chair. The vice-president, w.
Cutter, of Junction City, was also present.
The following committees were appointed:
On program-E. P. Diehl. T. d. Fox, W..
H. Litzen. Creden.ials-J. T. Coz,
J. Nixon and ]. l. Williams. On
obituary resolutions; L. A. Simmons, DR.. G.
Williamson and Major F. Holsinges. Res
olutions; II. C. St Clair. G. F. jackson
and T. Willikin.
The report on small fruit manuel YVES
read by HOE. E. J. Holman of Leavenworth.
1t was digest of the work Of the society
since its organization. This completed the
forenoon session.
The society re-convened at 2 o'clock. A
general discussion of strawberries was en-
gagged in and the teaching of the discus
sion was the thorough preparation of
the land in the fall by deep
plowiDg, thorough pulverization and plant
ing in the springtime. The system Of plant
ing was in rows 81 feet wide and one foot in
a row. Mulching was recommended during
the winter months and careful cultivation
during the summer.
The practice by many of poor picking and
handling strawberries for the market was
CONDEMNED because of its tendency to create
low prices.
The came preparation was recommended
for raspberry plantations. They
should be planted in rows,
| six feet apart and three feet in row. Thor
ough cultivation was recommended in the
early par: of each year. The cane growtbs
should, the first year, be pinched in when
they attain the length of eight or twelve
inches. The second year the canes should
be rinched back at length Of three feet.
The varieties of strawberries that seemed
to be preferable for early season were the
Doolittle and Southegan; for medium sea-
son, Smiths, Hopkins, Taylor; for lasts,
Mccormick and Gregg.
The net profits for one acre of raspberries
was estimated at $3.50 to $500. OF the red
varieties the Brandywine. Cuthvert and
Skaters Colossal we're preferred.
the evening session commenced at 8
o'clock. An address of welcome was de-
livered by Mr.. Ii. L. Hatfield. and in q very
appropriate manner the society was vel
coined to tho hospitality ana kind homes of
the citizens of Wichita. He spoke in
very high terms of the work of
the society in fostering interests which was
SO much needed on our western plains. The
welcome was re ponded to by DR.. W. Will
Hanson. of Washington, who performed his
duty in Il very credilable manner.
An essay was then read BY Mr.. A. Willis,
of Oitowa, on the subject, importance of
horticulture as an industry" His paper
contained both practical and theoretical in
structi0n.
The discussion of the blackberry WAS then
taken up. 1t was the general opinion that
the Kittatinny Snyder and Taylor
varieties have been the most successfully
cultivated. They should receive thorough
and constant culture during the fore part of
the season. The growing canes should be
pinched back to two or three feet the first
year for the encouragement Of the growth Of
the branches or latte.als, and should be
mulched during winter months for consecu-
tive years. Several growers had realized as
high as $500 per acre. La this
county the Kittatinny seemed to grow host.
The principal objection to the Shyder is
that it is inclined IL bear to many md they
do not N allure properly.
a paper was then resd on curran. culture
by DIR. Charles Williamson, of Washington.
He thought The currailt the n,.,si successful
in moist, rich land, both in the shade and in
open ground. Thy ~-r.. generally re-
ported failure in this county.
The services of the Knights of Pythias
band were engaged for the evening session,
and MI present, and especially the president,
seemed insshed on the music. The boys
did as they always do-wel'
Today will be spen; in the discussion of
the different classes of fruits, their culture
and different varieties adapted to the coun-
try.
During the evening session there will
be an essay read on characterization
of surroundings" By Mr.. Robert Milliken,
of Emporia. The president will also de-
liver his address.
The attendance at the different sessions
yesterday was good and our people showed
their interest in the questions both by their
presence and attention. Everyone seemed
to be we'll pleased, satisfied and interested
with II @ meeting.
Members of the society from other por-
tons Of the state are expected to be present
today.