The record-union., 1896-12-04
HANDLING OF FRUIT CROPS.
Another Days Discussion by the ConVen-
ton Of Growers.
Attention Given to the Subject of rlar-
keting and Railroad Trans.
pOrtatiOn.


O'clock
Edward Berwick of Monterey offered
resolution reciting the benefits to ac-
crue from the construction of the Mic
araguan Canal and asking our Sena
tors and Representatives to work for
the passage of a bill to that end; also
directing the Secretary of the State
Board of Horticulture to send a copy
OF the resolution to each United States
Senator and Representative in Con-
gress. The resolution was adopted.
Mr.. Filcher, for the Committee on
President Cooper's address, reported
recommending it to the careful consid-
GRAFTON Of the fruit growers Of the
State. The committee believed that
nature had produced the best remedy
Tor insect pests; that injurious insects
had been introduced from abroad and
that the parasites which kept them in
subjection abroad had been kept there.
The suggestion of President Cooper
that the pest-destoying insects be i'm
ported was heartily indorsed. The re-
port further suggested that the Legis-
lature be asked for an appropriation of
$o,OO0 per annum, to be used by the
Board of Horticulture in introducing
parasftical insects and for $4,000 per
annum to assist the board in carrying
ON it's work.
Many diseases were prevalent, the
report said, concerning which little, II
anything, was known, and it was sug-
geSted that the board familiariZe itself
with these, paying particular attention
to root knot, pear blight and vine dis
ease.
A discussion arose over the part Of
the report Of committee recommending
an appropriation by the Legislature.
r. D. Stephens moved that the essay on
insect pests be read before the adoption
of the report, as he thought that was in
accordance with the suggestions made
In the Presidents address, and would
result in a fuller understanding of the
question by the convention and a more
full expression of the individual action
of the members.
MeSsrs. Block, Johnston and Fowler
favored immediate adoption of the re-
port. The previous question was moved
by Motheral and the report was adopt
ed
Motheral moved that the essay be
read, but Berry opposed the motion,
saying that the time set for reading it
was Friday, and the subject was too
large a one to be discussed under four
days
Points of order were raised by a
number of members and the wish was
expressed that the order Of business as
laid down be adhered to.
William Johnston introduced a res
olution reciting that Presid dent- elect
Mckinley was about to select his Cab
met officers, and this is a fruit produc-
.fe.44-
agriculturists this convention recon-
mend to him for appointment OF Hon.
Ellwood Cooper as Secretary of the
Department Of Agriculture, and that
the Secretary Immediately forward a
copy Of the resolution to Mr.. McKin-
ley.
On motion Of r. D. Stephens, the
rules were suspended and the resolu-
ton adopted.
Mr.. Cooper was taken by surprise,
and thanked the convention, saying he
would speak on the subject later.
PEACH TREE BORERS.
An essay ON Peach Tree Borers," by
Alexander Craw, State Entornologist,
was read by Secretary Lelong. He said
that several species of moths We're very
destructive to horticulturists, but in
this species Of Lepidoptera only the
larvae did the mischief, by boring into
the body of the tree. He gave q descrip-
tion of the moth, both male and female,
and the manner of depoSiting the eggs
near the base of the tree. An applica-
ton Of pine tar is now used with sue
cess upon the trunk by a number Of
horticulturists. This. supplemented by
heavy pruning in winter and thinning
in summer, preventing the tree from
bearing too heavily, succeeds in saving
many trees and restoring them to
health. Care must be taken that the
small borers are removed, otherwise
they will continue to pierce the roots
and the tree will be killed. He eau
toned growers against the use of car
bolic acid and dentoline, as liable to
destroy the trees. Lime IS more open
to the action Of the atmosphere and al
lows the bark to expand.
Besides the root borer, there is the
twig borer, which only attacks the tips
OF the twigs, and the caterpillar leaves
the twig as soon as the young growth
starts. They can be destroyed by WIN
ter spraying. Several other pests were
described and remedies given. Even
the strawberry is not safe from insect
ravages.
Berry Of Tulare gave his experience
with insect pests, and gave one piece
OF information with regard TO the
worms that attack corn. A little
powdered tobacco sprinkled on the silk
Svhen It forms on the ear win kill them
and prevent their doing any damage
to the ear.
Motheral spoke of the trouble made
by an insect that bores into the peach
near the stem, and which he thought
was the same as the twig borer. An
application of lime, sulphur and salt
early in the season VIII head them or.
The pest was imported from Europe.
where It destroys the strawberries. II
has taken up the habit Of attacking
peach trees since 1t became acclilnated
here He gave q description Of how
the discovery was made that the Sc
luton would destroy San Jose scale
and other insects. If the growers will
use the solution on their trees in De-
cember they will not be troubled with
twig borers or peach worms.
Berwick asked If dry sulphur would
be as effectual for the Strawberries as
the solution, and Mr.. Craw answered
that in warm weather he thought IL
would possibly, but he would not like
to say that ii woultl. He relied on
the solution, which should be applied in
February or March.
Motheral spoke of the instinct thas