The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-01

To my mind, the pecan indstry is now where it needs most careful investigation to determine the adaptability Of the pecan to different soils, and especially the adapt ability of particular varieties to climatic and soil conditions. We are just putting a young man to work on that subject, nav ing secured MT. c. A. Reed, recently of the Maryland and West Virginia experi- ment stations, for that work We con- template comprehensive field tests during the coming spring to obtain light on the vexed question of self-fertility Of the lead ing pecan varieties, and hope to follow this up with studies of other important points,
 should like to see planted at the diff ferent district experiment stations, along with the fruits, the improved varieties or the pecan. so as to have them as widely tested as possible, in order to learn which of them are best adapted to the different sections of the state. The Georgia experi- ment station has undertaken such tests with the fig.
 Although our object in coming together $ chiefly to consider and discuss the practical-the economic side of horticul- ture, we are not to overlook its aesthetlc features, which are scarcely less essential, contributing as they do in so large d measure to the happiness of the people
 But for the generous and active sup
  ticulture would never have made the progress that 1t has
 Recognizing the worthy efforts of the ladies of the Montgomery f1oWer crow CTS association, Governor Conner has done them, as well as himself, the honor Of in- vting them to take charge of the work of embelishing the capitol grounds. The association was formed by 50, or more, Of Montgomerys representative women join ing together to take up the study Of plants with a view to learning how more intellgently to beautify their own home grounds and furnish object lessons for others to follow. In extending to them the congratulations of our society l am sure l may add that we all remember with much pleasure the kind attentions they extended to us during our meetings ir the capital city and that we are right glad that Mrs. Gayle. their president, consented to serve one of our vice presidents.
 l would express our appreciation of the deep interest taken by the School lm- provement association of the Federation of Woman's clubs in our country schools, which are often poorly equipped and With out anything to make the grounds and buildings attractive. Mrs. Craighead, sec retary of that association, and who has been one of its most earnest workers, Will, we hope, not only be gracious enough to
 
 her and her eo-workers, but also move her audience to emulate the good work Of her association.
 We also continue mindful, and with much appreciation, of the generous sup port that the press of the state has given us and hope we may have the same friendly treatment from them In the future that we have enjoyed in the past
 To President Thach and the agricultural faculty of the Alabama Polytechnic insti- ute we, as a society, owe a great deal, as they have always shoWn themselVes deeply interested in our work and very helpful in many ways. However. more especially is the society indebted to Pro lessor Macintosh, the horticulturist Of the institute and secretary of our society, for his untiring devotion to the further ance of our interests. But for his unceas- ing efforts in raising money through mem berships and advertisements we shouli not have been able to publish our proceed ings. The four annual reports already issued are valuable contribution to the horticultural literature of Alabama.
 We therefore note with great pleasure that new buildings for the several depart ments of agriculture at Auburn are to be erected and trust there will also be ample funds to suitably equip them.
 The subject of horticulture cannot well be taught In ordinary class rooms. Suit ably constructed greenhouses, with their laboratories and other rooms, such as the more advanced institutions have found necessary, are needed at Auburn. They are all workshops of the horticulturist but more especially are the greenhouses essential to his experiments ana hese should be extensive enough, it o to me to demonstrate the practical of forcing vegetables and fruits und glass on a commercial scale.
 As there ia a large and const 7 in- creastng demand in our growth ities. both south and north, for vegetanles and ! fruits out of season, l think there IS me opening in the south, where fuel IS cheap and sunny days are more numer- ous than in the north, for the forcing ot vegetables under glass. This Is a field