The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1896-02-21
IT'S WELL ATTENDED
The Fruitgrowers' Association Con-
venes an Interesting Session.
MANY VALUABLE SUBJECTS
Papers Read by Prominent Mem
bers - Important suggestions
to Orchardists-The Meet
ing Is Success.

Bennett opera house this afternoon
and will continue until the close of the
present week. The attendance is large
and the greatest enthusiasm prevails.
The weather is fine and the indications
are that the session will be prolific of
much good to those interested in fruit
culture throughout the state.
There were a goodly number of visit
ors on hand when the meeting was
called to order. Many of these were
people of legal prominence. while not a
few of the wives and daughters of
members of the association displayed
their enthusiasm by Drawing the incon
veniences and dangers of a trip from
some distant point and grazing the
scene with their presence.
The Bitter Root and Missoula valleys
have stronger representations than any
other districts, probably due to their
close proximity to the point of meet
ing. Director S. NJ. Emery of the Agri-
cultural college of Bozeman is here and
President Reid of the same institution
is also a participant. Several delegates
have already arrived from Eastern
Montana and others have signified
their intention of being present before
the end of the session.
The meeting was opened by Judge
w II. Francis in one of his character
lSllC SDtttHtS VI NtiNOIlts III NHltI Ht
paid a delicate tribute to the farmer
and his avocation. 1t was more prac-
teal than the profession of the law
yer, the tragedian or the scholar.
Where could be found a more proper
place than Missoula for such a meet
ing? He spoke at length upon the
climatic conditions to be found here and
then launched upon an extended state
ment Of the wonderful possibilities of
the Bitter Root, Gallatin and other till
able valleys throughout Montana. This
convention was one that pertains to the
things that are about us. 1t was more
important than political convention
because that was a struggle to place
diadem upon the head of individuals
who would soon fade away. The
judges welcome was most cordial and
his remarks elected liberal applause.
w. Il. Harlan of Como. president of
the Western Montana Fruit Growers
association, then opened the regular
session with a few timely remarks.
The gentleman did not wish to take up
the time of the body as there was inn
portant work TO be done. The presi-
dent then named Frank Thomas as sec
rotary.
The first paper on the programme
was that of Director Emery of the Ag-
ricultural college, his subject being:
The Effect Fruit Growing VIII Have
Upon Communities" Mr.. Emery
prefaced his paper with some extempo-
raneous remarks complimentary of the
Garden City as a meeting place. In his
paper the gentleman said that the his
tory of fruit culture in this and ada
cent valleys warranted the belief that
nearly every species of hardy fruit that
has been set on this side of the range
had succeeded. All that was necessary
was to expand the work. The orchard.
he CfrnoaCCftll lie for tho free nx
ercise of judgment vigilance and en-
ergy; judgment in the selection of a
site, adapted to the nature and habits
of the tender fruit plant; vigilance i'm
guarding the tender growth from the
inclemencies of the season and the nu-
merous enemies which prey thereon.
and unfailing energy i'm affording IL that
care upon which it's prolonged and sue
cessful life depends. The we'll kept,
well titled orchard belongs to the farm
whose fences are both strong and neat.
Financial success to the eucharist
prompts him to the ownership of a
comfortable home, commodious barns
and farm structures all increasing the
happiness of home life. In the home OF
the orchardist should be found the well
read library of horticultural publica-
tions. which is all essential to the fruit
grower in this age of progress; these
will both educate and refine. The
speaker advocated improved homes and
highways. These completed the orch
ardist will seek new financial fields TO
conquer. Among them viii be canneries
calling for the employment of large
tracts of land. These lands will require
extensive cultivation and increased
population. thus swelling the demand
for general merchandise. Vinegar
works. cider mills, wineries. box and
basket factories will spring up
ually go forth the key note. Montana
products for Montana consumers" II
should be the earnest determination OF
every householder within the state to
use first of all Montana flour. meat
fruit. dairy and poultry products and
vegetables. This would bring welcome
and general prosperity quite as speed
fly as would the free coinage of silver
c. Z. Williams of AIissoula followed
with an interesting paper upon MY
Experience and System of Raising
Strawberries. Blackberries and Rasp-
berries" His method Of planting was
TO select ground with some gravel in
it, This was his best strawberry land.
He prepared for planting by blowing,
cultivating. narrowing and rolling.
Then mark IL four feet by two feet
Plants are all selected and packed in
punches before taking to the field He
kept them well cultivated. The pick
ing paths are kept clean OF weeds with
the cultivator. After the berries are
picked he moved the patches and gave
them a good irrigating. In the matter
Of picking. the pickers bring their ber-
ries 10 the picking house and receive
tickets for the number Of boxes deliv-
cred. He had tried the Clark's Early
or Hood River berry and found them
a strong grower. fine plants and good.
firm berries but shy bearers and late
RInnk berries and FaEnherrfag
treated much the same. They both re-
quire good. rich soil. IL pays 10 pull
vertze the ground deeply. Plants
should be pruned by pinching of the
tips when about three feet high. The
third season from planting, a crop