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. Lenoir. Lenoir.. Waynesville. Bryson City. Blowing Rock.. W. N. Hutt. W. N. Hutt. W. N. Hutt. W. N. Hutt. Sherman, Shaw. W. N. Hutt. Shaw, Clapp. 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. SPAIN HOUR. 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. SPAINHOUR. 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. Copy of letter from J. A. Dula, showing condition of sprayed trees October 7: LENOIR, N. C., October 7, 1908. DEAR SIR-In regard to the apple trees your department sprayed last spring and summer, the foliage is still green and healthy and the apples still hanging on the trees, sound and free from worms and bitter rot. The variety sprayed is my seedling, Dula's Beauty. One-half tree was sprayed; the other half shed its leaves and fruit more than three weeks since, and the fruit is on the ground. rotten, and that is the condition of a large part of my orchard. I hope that the demonstrations in spraying on my place will emphasize the importance of spraying to obtain sound fruit. It is no longer an experiment. Respectfully, (Signed) J. A. DULA. The two letters which follow are from Mr. I. G. Ross, who attended the Demonstration Institute at King, Stokes County, January 31, and, profiting therefrom, sprayed his apple trees for the first time. His statements show that the demonstrations were of value to him: R. F. D. No. 1, WALNUT COVE, N. C., July 3, 1908. DEAR SIR-I can now see the benefit I have derived from spraying, and write to let you know what I have accomplished by it. My May, Harvest and June apples have fewer worms than they ever had before, and I had no knotty or one-sided ones. I think I can safely say I added 50 per cent to their value by pruning and spraying, for they are larger and smoother than ever before. I feel very grateful for what I learned from the demonstrations at King. My winter apples, especially Winesaps, are falling less than ever before. Very respectfully, (Signed) I. G. Ross. R. F. D. No. 1, WALNUT Cove, N. C., October 7, 1908. DEAR SIR-My apple trees are still full of dark green leaves, and very few, if any, have fallen. I have the finest lot of apples by far that I have ever had, and fewer with rotten specks than ever before. From fifteen bushels of Winesaps gathered from my sprayed trees I did not get over one-fourth of a bushel of specked apples, and practically none were wormy. The Virginia Beauties showed a little rot, but I can safely say it was 50 per cent less than ever before. The Ben Davis fell off worse than any of the others that were sprayed. but showed no signs of rot. The Royal Limbertwig showed very little rot and hung on the trees until gathered, and as yet show no sign of rotting, although heretofore they have been very bad to rot. My neighbors say that I am well repaid for the money spent for spray pump and the labor of spraying. Yours respectfully, (Signed) I. G. Ross. ASSISTANCE RECEIVED FROM THE U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. Through the courtesy of Dr. S. A. Knapp, in charge of Farm Demonstration Work for the U. S. Department of Agriculture, the institutes are indebted to Mr. S. W. Hudson for his assistance at 24 institutes, and to Mr. E. S. Millsaps at 11 institutes. Through the courtesy of Senator Lee S. Overman and Congressmen Small, Page, Thomas and Godwin, the work is indebted to other employees of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, as follows: M. O. Eldridge (office of Public Roads), 13 institutes. D. A. Brodie (Division of Farm Management), 10 institutes. LECTURES DELIVERED AT WOMEN'S INSTITUTES. On the following pages are three lectures delivered at the Women's Institutes during 1908. WHY WE SHOULD ATTEND THE INSTITUTE. By MRS. J. C. REDFEARN, Anson County. When we consider the question of attending the meetings of the Woman's Institute, one naturally asks, "Why should I go? Of what benefit would it be to me?" To those of us who have attended the institutes, both in the county and at Raleigh, the advantages are very apparent. The first and greatest reason why we should attend the meeting is because of the work that the institute is doing and hopes to do. The underlying principle of the work is the betterment of home conditions and the education of the woman in the home to higher ideals. The institute is a convention of women who are deeply interested in homemaking and housekeeping. It presents an opportunity for wives and mothers to come together and discuss subjects of mutual interest and benefit. The ladies who have charge of the work have spent years in the study of domestic science and home economics, and are thoroughly capable of handling the subjects. They insist on the co-operation of the members by the exchange of ideas, and in this way we have an opportunity of profiting by the experience of others as well as imparting to them some suggestions that have been helpful to us. It has been said that our home life is gradually slipping away from us, and how true it is that many of us are so busy with our daily struggle for making money that we lose sight of the fact that we owe a duty to our homes that cannot be measured by a monetary value. Right here is where the institute does some of its most effective work, in teaching the wives and daughters that the life that counts, the life worth living, is not measured by social success or lucky speculation, but is the busy, useful life whereby we do our part towards helping others to be useful and happy. How important it is that we, as housekeepers, may meet together and learn from each other how the home life may be made fuller, more complete and more conducive to the happiness of its members; that we may learn to plan and systematize our work, use more conveniences for saving time and lightening labor, and, instead of our life being a daily grind of work, worry and dissatisfaction, find that many hours may be devoted to rest, recreation and improvement; that by attending these meetings we may catch the secret of considering our work ennobling instead of degrading, and in this age, when domestic help is hard to secure, that instead of admitting with reluctance that we do our own work, as if it were a sign of poverty, we may refer with pride to our well-regulated household. Another great advantage of attending the institute is the knowledge to be gained of the subjects discussed. Perhaps you are interested in waterworks for your home on the farm (and we can have this luxury as well as our town friends), but we hesitate and put off taking any steps because we lack the necessary information, whereas by attending these institutes we may receive all the information we need as to cost and necessary equipments. There is a great deal being said just now on betterment work for schools. This subject also comes under the head of the institute work. At our State meeting in Raleigh this work was discussed by Miss Edith Royster. She told us of a community of ladies who wished to build up their school, and, lacking the necessary funds for the work, they rented some land and did all the work, except plowing. of making and gathering, several bales of cotton. This shows what perseverance will accomplish. |