The Green Forest tribune., 1894-01-11
IN THE INTEREST Of FRUIT.
A STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY ORGAN
lZEDAT FORT SMITHS.
Commissioner vincenheiier Talks on the Society
An Increase in the Fruit Raising Industry.

An Increase in the Fruit Raising Industry.
The Little Rock Democrat of the 9TH
inst. gives the following statements
made by Commissioner Vincenheller
about the Arkansas State Horticultural
Society recently organized:
Commissioner Vincenheller returned
yesterday from Fort Smith, where a
state horticultural society was organiz-
ed last week. He is we'll pleased with
the results of the meeting.
A letter received this morning from
H. Strother, secretary of the society,
reports that there are Ia members,
eighty-scven of whom are men, and
twenty-seven women. One hundred
and fifty dollars has been subscribed.
The banks each gave S25, and the
wholesale merchants SIS to encourage
the work. Members from all parts Of
the State are being added, and any one
may become member by sending his
name and one dollar to the secretary
at Fort Smith. The society will pub
lish an annual report on fruit culture
that will alone be worth ten dollars to
any horticulturist, and these will be
distributed to the members.
II never went into an organization
where there was so much enthusiasm"
said Mr.. Vincinheller. "The NEE tings
were we'll attended, and the discussions
and papers on insect rayages and other
subjects of interest to fruit growers
were very valuable. Sheriff Williams,
substantial planter, said he would
not take one hundred dollars for what
he had learned in one night. The DIFF
ferent fruit growers spoke of their
trouble with parasites, and they were
told and given remedies for the same.
This is not local society, but we ex-
pect to organize societies in every coun-
ty in the state.
"What is the present condition of
the fruit Industry" was asked.
81! is increasing rapidly, especially
in the west and northwest. Col j. a.
Blackburn, of Ben tonyille, is negotia-
ting the sale of 1900 acres to an
Eastern syndicate, who will clear it and
put it all in fruit.
"The Scott Real Estate Company is
! figuring on several thousand acres in
Washington county for another syndi-
cate. A letter from one NJ an at Roones-
boro reports that more fruit will be
planted this year than in any three
previous years.
"Last year Van Buren shipped sixty
solid car loads of straw berries, besides
large quantities sent by express. This
year there will be an increase of 900
acres in the extent of this crop alone
and $50 cars will be necessary to trans
port it.
"Six years ago the small fruit indus
try was in its infancy, and only few
crates were shipped, and those by ex-
orbitant rates. Now two refrigerator
companies are competing for the trade.
The acreage of apples is reported to be
almost double in the mountains.
1.-The vegetable industry is also in
creasing. The tomato crop is the
source of great profit near Van Buren,
and TT. Smith, and the raising of water
melons promises to be one of the lead
ing industries. Mr.. Eolister, large
commission merchant of st. Louis was
present. and said that the first car load
of rcelons received there last season
sold for h igher prices than any
other.
No. The largest apple crop ever
produced in the United States was &c.
j O00 900 barrels. We should produce at
least two barrels per capita. or l20, 900.
600 year. The population increases
at the rate OF 900, 900 yearly, requir-
ing 100000 more barrels, so you see
there is no danger Of over product
ion.
1.-The A. I. U. experiment station
will issue bulletins filled with matter nf
vital Importance to the horticulturst,
and it is desired to place these in the
hands of every one interested. These
will be sentto any one who will send
his name and address,"
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