The Delta independent., 1907-03-15
Horticultural Meeting at Cedaredge.

O>NoA SeSS Z AooS SoSoAAaS aiio "liiSi " 40
addressed by Professors Paddock and
Gillette. Mr.. States gives a good
synopsis of the ground covered by Prof.
Paddock SO that what he had to say
will be of benefit to those who read it
but were not able to be present. The
report follows:
There was large and enthusiastic
gathering of fruit growers at Cedaredge
Saturday. showing that our people are
deeply interested in this the leading
crop of our valley. The meeting was
called to order by Mr.. Curtis who
introduced Prof. Paddock. The pro-
fessor gave very interesting talk. He
emphasized the fact that the great
need was education in the matter of
fruit culture. The average ranchman is
visited by nursery agent who secures
an order and the trees are hurriedly put
in the ground and if they live, we'll and
good, and if not it is laid to providence.
The professor went on to show that
most of US were afraid to trim trees
back and consequently the nourishment
went into the larger branches that
should go down to give the tree good
start from the roots up. the result
has been that many of the trees have
died; cut off at least two-thirds of the
limbs and cut the rest we'll back; trim
the roots and don't be afraiI to cut
them back. Before putting them in
be sure to loosen the dirt below and
around the hole and be sure it is large
SO the roots will not be cramped. 1t
should not be more than 20 to - inches
to the first limbs: many make mistake
and have them too high before reaching
the limbs. For trimming a good sharp
knife is better than pruning shears.
Trees as they come from the nursery
have seven or more branches and they
are too thick: reduce them from three
to five at most. Those that are left
should be we'll cut back. Next year
these will all have number of branches
and you will have to cut many of them
off, leaving only few. Then go through
the same process the third year. He
emphasized the Importance of cutting
back and close trimming. One thing
was strongly emphasized and that was
that yearling trees were best. for buds
will soon become branches. Don't be
afraid to cut these well back. BY doing
this the tree will thicken up and become
strong and not need props to hold up
the branches. Many buy two or three
year old trees. thinking they will mature
much sooner; this is mistake for the
yearling will catch up with the other in
couple of years and out strip them.
The same rule applies to peach trees
and so get the yearlings and start the
limbs close to the ground. from a foot
to Is inches. Many make a mistake in
setting too close: apples should be -
feet apart, and peaches -. II too close
will not color good and the fruit will be
inferior. Do your trimming when you
plant before they are exposed to the
sun and moisture. Young trees need
plenty of water. old ones not so much
Don't irrigate apples later than the
latter part of August; the middle or
first of August for peaches. In plant
ing trees don't tramp the dirt too hard
but leave loose SO that the roots can
grow. Budded apples are preferable.
Plant two or three rows of Jonathans.
then Rome Beauties and Wine SapS.
Have a variety.
Mr.. Curtis then introduced Prof. Gil
lett who gave an interesting, talk on
spraying. giving the various receipts
for killing pests. The professor went
on to say that if we went at this matter
we need not have one
wormy apple in thousand and that
two or three applications at most was
sufficient.
Mr.. Curtis then gave short talk on
the benefits of organizing a Farmers
Institute and 1t was voted unanimously
to proceed at once to do so. j. b. Rat
tigen was elected president. John Shell
lcdy. vice-prssident and c. W. Brewer.
and treasurer. The fee was
one dollar and in few moments about
thirty had paid in their dollar.
These are all reliable men and are
men who are well known all over these
parts. We are especially fortunate in
getting MIR. Brewer for secretary for
he is man who is deeply interested in
the building up of the whole country
and will keep things moving.
Marriages.