The farm-machinery car was in charge of Mr. F. T. Meacham, Superintendent of the Iredell Test Farm of the State Department of Agriculture, who conducted the field demonstrations.

The following kindly loaned implements and other apparatus and materials for the Institute cars, for which the grateful appreciation of the Institute Director and workers is hereby acknowledged:

Bateman Mfg. Co. (agricultural implements), Greenloch, N. J.

Cole Mfg. Co. (agricultural implements), Charlotte, N. C.

N. C. College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts.

Duane H. Nash, Inc. (agricultural implements), Millington, N. J.
The Blanton Hardware Co. (agricultural implements), Shelby, N. C.
S. L. Allen & Co. (agricultural implements), Philadelphia, Pa.

Standard Oil Co.

De Laval Separator Co., New York, N. Y.
Creamery Package Mfg. Co., Chicago, Ill.
Hart-Ward Hardware Co., Raleigh, N. C.
Boylan-Pearce Co., Raleigh, N. C.

Royall & Borden Furniture Co., Raleigh, N. C.

G. L. Vinson, Plumber, Raleigh, N. C.

J. P. Wyatt & Son (agricultural implements), Raleigh, N. C.

ORCHARD DEMONSTRATION INSTITUTES.

During the past year 14 Orchard Demonstration Institutes were held in the counties of Alexander, Caldwell, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Stokes, Surry, Swain and Watauga, as follows:

These institutes were held to show the best methods of pruning and spraying fruit trees. The meetings were held right out in the orchards, where the demonstrators could actually do the work and have the trees to illustrate what they were talking about.

The orchards in which the demonstrations were given were selected beforehand, on account of convenient and central location. The trees used in the demonstration were generally near a road, where they could be under observation throughout the season, so that the results of the demonstration could be noted.

PRUNING, BY W. N. HUTT, HORTICULTURIST.

The demonstration of pruning proceeded about as follows:

1. The fruit growers present were taken through the orchard, and the best

forms of trees for commercial orcharding were noted.

2. Those present picked out a tree which they desired to see pruned.

3. The demonstrator outlined the method of growth in trees and explained the reasons for pruning.

4. The origin of fruit buds and their development were explained.

5. Pruning tools of different kinds were shown and their uses explained by the demonstrator.

6. The tree was pruned and the principles of pruning and the why and wherefore of each step explained while the work was being done.

7. The pruned and unpruned trees were compared.

8. How to properly remove a limb and treat the resulting wound was demonstrated.

9. Different kinds of trees were pruned. For example, apple, pear, peach, plum, etc.

10. The pruning and training of a young tree were explained and demonstrated.

11. Methods of renovating old and neglected trees were shown.

12. Tools were distributed to those present and trees were pruned by them, under the direction of the demonstrator.

13. A general discussion of the subject of pruning followed these demonstrations, and questions were freely asked and answered.

SPRAYING, BY FRANKLIN SHERMAN, JR., ENTOMOLOGIST.

At the conclusion of the pruning work described above a demonstration was given of the spraying of fruit trees, to prevent damage by insects and diseases and to improve the quality of the fruit. The general method followed was similar to that of the pruning demonstration, and the trees which had already been pruned were used in the spraying demonstration.

1. A brief account was given of the most serious orchard insects which are combated by spraying, and when present these were pointed out in their actual natural location on the trees.

2. A complete barrel spraying outfit for commercial orchards and a complete bucket outfit for family orchards were exhibited, explained and put together, ready for work.

3. The manner of measuring out and dissolving the ingredients for making the Bordeaux Mixture and Paris Green was explained and the mixture was prepared before the audience.

4. The trees were thoroughly sprayed, the process being fully explained in every detail. Members of the audience were encouraged to take part in the work.

5. Different nozzles and extension rods were used to show their adaptability to different uses.

6. A general discussion of the subject of spraying followed, with the asking and answering of questions.

Twice during the growing season a representative of the Department went to these orchards again, each time giving another application of the same spraying mixture.

It would be very desirable to give more demonstrations of this kind in the future, not only in the western counties, but in the piedmont and eastern sections as well-particularly in counties where fruit is grown for distant shipment or to supply local markets, and where the methods of spraying are not now well understood.

Demonstrations of similar character, and using the same mixture, should be made with other crops, especially Irish potatoes, grapes and melons. With all of these it is fully established that spraying is profitable in average seasons, and it only remains to adequately demonstrate to the growers the methods and the value of the operation. It is the purpose of the Department of Agriculture to extend this work as the facilities and interest warrant.

APPLE PACKING.

When the fruit was ready to gather, the orchards where the pruning and spraying demonstrations were held were again visited and apple grading and packing demonstrations were given. By these demonstrations it is hoped to assist our fruit growers to make use of our splendid natural facilities and to encourage them in the development of a great commercial fruit industry.

RESULTS OBTAINED.

The results obtained by these Demonstration Institutes are forcibly shown by the following letters from a few of those whose trees were pruned and sprayed in the demonstrations.

Copy of letter from J. W. Spainhour, stating condition, on July 13, of the trees pruned and sprayed during the spring:

KING, N. C., July 13, 1908.

DEAR SIR-I wish to say that the fruit on those trees sprayed is larger and more free from worms and knots. The foliage seems to be in a more vigorous condition, as I can tell a difference in the trees as far as I can see them. The apples on the trees treated seem to be perfect at this writing. The tree, half of which was treated, shows a marked difference on the half which was sprayed. Very respectfully yours,

(Signed) J. W. SPAINHOUR.

Copy of letter showing, on October 7, the results of the demonstrations:

KING, N. C., October 7, 1908. DEAR SIR-I wish to state that the foliage and fruit on the Winesap trees were fine; the fruit almost perfect and the foliage at this writing is fresh and green. And on the Maiden Blush tree the fruit was fine, but did not keep as well as it should have done. I sold three bushels to a cannery, and they told me these were the only apples they found with no worms in them. Foliage on this tree is now fresh and green.

Two other trees of the same variety, right near the one sprayed, foliage all off, and did not get an apple from either one fit for use. The Magnum Bonum tree, half sprayed and half not, showed a marked difference in the fruit on the sprayed side. The fruit on side that was sprayed was much larger and finer. The foliage on the side that was sprayed at this writing is fresh and green; on the side not sprayed, nearly all off.

Respectfully yours,

(Signed) J. W. SPAIN HOUR.

Copy of letter from J. A. Dula, showing condition of sprayed trees July 15:

LENOIR. N. C., July 15, 1908.

DEAR SIR-I think that the demonstration you made spraying apples is a splendid success. The foliage remains sound and healthy, and the fruit also is looking superior to the unsprayed. After you left I did some spraying, about the middle of May, on some Limbertwig trees that (heretofore) specked and fell off badly. The fruit on the sprayed trees is doing splendidly; is twice as large as the unsprayed.

I have a couple of early apple trees near my house that have all specked for the last thirty years. I sprayed these one time. They are now ripening nicely, are about twice the usual size and not a speck on them. I heartily commend your work as being of incalculable value to the fruit growers of North Carolina. Respectfully,

(Signed) J. A. DULA.