Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1897-06-10

PRESIDENT ABORT HArltGge presided ~ tn
regular meeting Of the Gloucester Count,
Board of Agriculture held in Patrons Hal
at Mullica Hill, on Monday. The atten
dance was not large, but the meeting wa
a profitable one, and the farmers and other,
who were kept away, Of course, are th,
losers in one way. Most OF the other off
GERS were present.
Howard @. Hendrickson Of Wenonah, hat
a plate of strawberries, of the "GandJ
Prize" variety, ON exhibition, and it wal
the prevailin opinion that they were the
finest ever seen" The same gentleman
brought several fully developed potatoes OF
the "Early OHIO" variety, and these were
also fine.
The minutes of the last session were ap
proved, and committee appointed to draft
resolutions to be presented to the county
members Of the legislature, reported that a
meeting was held at the home Of Thomas
Borton and that they had done as requested
These resolutions were subsequently pub
lished and sent to Assmblyman Watkins
and Senator StaDger, also to the officers Of
the State Board, and the committee stated
they had received favorable answers from
all these gentlemen, aud knew that the re
quests OF the Board had been complied
with; that while the results were not what
was anticipated, it was no fault of those
who worked in their interests
After the business was concluded, the
question for discussion was taken up
"What variety of asparagus is the best to
grow How to procure the plants? and
what effect has the rust ?" These ques
tions were taken mp separately. NJ one in
particular had been assigned these, and
everybody seemed free to speak on ihs sub
ject, especially as to their experience.
John G. Whitall said he could not answer
the first question as he only grew the
Palmetto, and this he found very salts
factory, being very early. He also stated
that representative from the Agricultural
Departments at Washington, had been to
see him and probably others of the county,
in the interest of book to be issued by
the department on this plant.
Elmer Bradshaw thought it policy to ex
periment-treat different rows in different
manner, and each farmer be his own Judge
Thomas Borton said he notices big and
little stalks in most punches; thought it
best to grow the big variety whichever ii
is. He said this was ene of the best paying
crops and ought to claim more attention.
Secretary Sithens stated that if he were
going to plant fifty acres it would all be the
Palmetto; did not like the Bars Nam
mouth white or yellow it was good enough
to eat himself, but did not want to grow;
liked the Palmetto, because it was much
earlier; it stools out nicely
Henry Rideway stated that everyone
ought to uss his own judgment; consider
the soil and what you want it for. He
would not advise to plant any particular
kind; if big stalks are wanted plant well
down; the more shallow, the earlier, but
worst for the vegetable. New York market
wants green, Philadelphia the white. Likes
the Barr's Mammoth; believes the Conover's
Colossal as good as the Palmetto-in fact,
did not see any Difference between the Pal
metto and Conoyer's Colossal. He exhi-
bited bunch which had fourteen stalks
the Barr Mammoth variety.
AZ to the second question, Thomas Dor
ton thought the selection Of seed was good
and get all large stalks.
Mr.. Sithens thought it good way to
pick out a few hills which sent up good
shoots, and save the seed.
Mr.Whitall said let some lar9 hills go ia
seed and select those with perfect flowers
and SOW in the fall, and believe they come
up better. Ole point he thought was to be
careful in piowing and not touch the crown
with the pillow, az it ruins the plant. Mr.
Heritage co-incldsd with Mr.. Whitall from
experience.
The question of she rust on this year'e
growth, was opened by Aaron Borton who
said the rust did not affect his crop thil
year very much as he had an exceptionally
good year. Others thought the damage to
their crops very great.
Mr.. Ridgway believed it better to stop
cutting early, but Mr.. Whitall disagreed
with him rs cutting late did not hurt il
much-rather a benefit to it; his reasons
were that 30 much seed ripening took 8
good portion Of vitality of the stalk.
After considerable more discussion, the
question as to distance and depth TO put oui
grass was asked; also IS to soil.
Most all agreed that Al 8 feet iu the
row and six inches deep about the right
proportion.