The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1896-02-22
INTERESTING TALKS
The Second Day of the Fruit-Grow-
erS' Association.
HONORED BY THE GOVERNOF
Mr.. Botkin Also Speaks = Other
Noted Orators Lend impor-
lance to the Occasion-Mu
Business Transacted.

Missoula, Feb. 21-The business end
of the Western Montana Fruit Grow
ers' association was in good working
order to-day and IL any doubts had
hitherto existed as to the success of the
meeting they were soon dispelled. Be
sides morning and afternoon sessions,
a fine musical and literary programme
was given at the Bennett opera house
tonight in which such splendid organ
izations as the 25th Infantry band and
Mandolin club participated. Delightful
weather and the presence of such no
table gentlemen as Gov. j. Il. Richards
and President Reid of the agricultural
college of Bozeman served to swell the
attendance to enormous proportions
and the seating capacity of the opera
house was severely taxed both after
noon and evening. This mornings ses-
sion of the association lasted less than
an hour. In spite of the fact that the
meeting was called for $3.50 the at
tendance was good. Upon converting
Robert Nichol of Hamilton was called
to the chair to preside. Owing to the
absence of Mr.. Carmichael, the secre-
tary read a paper from the pen of Hon.
]. H. Mills of Helena relating to statis-
tics of fruit production in Missoula
Ravalli and Flathead counties. Ii was
shown that the tree fruits of these
counties in 1895 had a market value at
home of S33,642, and the small fruits a
home market value of s1S,324 total
s519.66. This was less than a half crop
of the trees and small fruits in bear
ing. In the matter of standard apples
there are 33.340 trees of bearing age
and lis, $50 young trees not yet bearing
The standard apple crop of 1895 was
2S,391 bushels. The product of straw
berries alone was 2S.479 gallons. while
raspberries, blackberries, currants and
gooseberries go to make up a total pro-
duct of 60,022 gallons. having a home
market value Of 1924. 09. and this was
less than half a crop. The total value
of tree fruits for 1895. was divided as
follows: Ravalh, s24.11s.71; Missoula,
ss,170.07; Flathead, s35322; total, $780,
1920. Total value of small fruits for
1895: Ravalli, ss.552.01; Missoula.
S.2s3,70; Flathead, s1.4Ss.3s; total, SIS
324. 90. The reading of this report was
followed by general discussion and IL
was the unanimous opinion that the
report was incomplete, probably due to
the fact that many fruit growers had
made no report TO the state commits
sioner from their districts. Director
Emery impressed upon the assembly
the necessity for making a complete
showing of their productions
Upon motion of Secretary Thomas a
committee of three was ordered ap-
pointed by the chair to take some
steps to secure better and more COM
plete report
Fruit Growing for Profit" was the
subject assigned to Hon. w. B. Harlan
OF Como. 1t was handled in a master
ly way. He said the consumer of fruits
is interested in having in the markets
and ready 10 his hand, a full supply of
home grown apples, plums, cherries
and berries of all kinds in their season.
Every resident of Montana was inter-
ested in supplying the needs of our
people with the home production. thus
keeping at home money that would
otherwise be lost to us forever A re-
spectacle margin of profit left after the
crop Is sold Is what all are striving for.
There is no longer any question as 10
productfveneSs of our trees and vines
III they have a failing IL is in over
bearing. The proposition Is: Can we
AFFORD to raise and sell our fruit at the
prices obtainable in competition with
the products of other states?" In rails
ing fruits, proper locations, good soil.
superior drainage, proper varieties
were important factors. Finally the
fruit should be intelligently marketed
sold at such time and place as will
bring for 1t every dollar that II is
worth.
Discussion upon topics OF general in
terest 10 the fruit grower followed. ar
ter which adjournment was taken 10
permit the delegates to accept the in
Vitation of President Craig to visit the
state university. Free transportation
was furnished and everyone OF the Wis
atofs awaited themselves of the oppor
eunIty 10 visit Montana's chiefest insti- |
tuition or learning. They were shown
the practical workings of the unIver-
slty' and expressions of wondermen,
and pleasant surprise were heard on |
every hand. DIR. Craig and his efficient
corps OF assistanst were the recipients
OF many compliments for courtesies ex- |
Afternoon Session.