Club Minutes: Horticultural Society, 1863-1871

Charles F. Kirk 60 chickens, 20 turkeys. H.C. Hallowell 71 chickens 60 dead. Eliza Brooke 24 chickens. Francis Mill 24 [?] Robt. Stabler 30 [?]

After accepting an invitation to meet next time at Longwood the society adjourned.

Longwood Fifth Mo 28th 1864 [May 28th, 1864]

The society met upon the above date at Longwood. The attendance of members was larger. There were present also several guests, showing that the interest in our society upon which is dependent its influence and its capacity for doing good, is increasing. The Society was called to order at 5/2 o'clock just two hours after the appointed time. After hearing the minutes of last meeting we examined the vegetables, brought for display which were very fine. Peas, beets, radishes, asparagus, strawberries, of an uncommonly large size.

The flowers, were beautfil. We then overlooked the garden, which is very large, forward, and in excellent order. A good model for some of us to copy. The lawn attracted a great deal of attention. The following were the questions.

Q. How cure turkeys of air dropsy? A. Let the air out by [pucking] with a knife. Q. How was the sample of large asparagus raised? ~Turn Over~

H/5/1864-2. 14 A. A well drained, rich, deep sandy light soil, and pile earth spread on top. Q. Cause of, and cure for mildewed gooseberries(?) A. Cause, the climate does not suit them, in part prevent by spreading salt at the roots. Q. How kill the insects on honey suckles? A. Spread ashes and lime about the roots. Sprinkle with tobacco water. Q. What do with an asparagus bed overgrown with clover? A. Cover with manure, and put salt on it in the winter. Ellen Farquhar. Ninety to One hundred chickens Sarah E. Farquhar Forty Six chickens S. E. Stabler One hundred and fifty chickens and Forty five turkeys. H. B. Stabler Ninety five chickens, Mary E. Hall One hundred chickens Eliza Brooke. Six Turkeys Twelve geese Seventy to Eighty Chickens R. B. Farquhar Three Turkeys.

The Horticultural Society met during the summer months of this season - 1864 but the records were not to be found, they were not copied in the book at the time, and the notes were by some means lost.

Note No minutes during Summer 1864

(Francis D Stabler Sec. 1865) H/3/1865 -1- 15 STANMORE The Society met at Stanmore on the 18 of March 1865 The work in the Garden in a forward state. The early Potatoes planted, beds of beets onions &c. seeds in hot beds coming up and Raspberries worked and trimmed.

The Questions were as follows.

Are Lawton blackberries more acid than the common kinds? Only when picked before they are soft and perfectly ripe. How should a hens wing be clipped to keep them from flying? Only one wing should be clipped and it should be left very short. How should Gooseberries be Trimmed. The branches should be thinned out and shortened every year What will prevent moles from getting into gardens and hot-beds? Several traps have been highly recommended by the American Agriculturist one recommended the use of the Castor oil bean dropping them into the burrow. What causes salsify to decay? No satisfactory reason given. as sometimes it keeps perfectly well in the ground, and covered in the Cellar What is the best method of making Hotbeds? The most approved plan seemes to be to have the ma nure placed on top of the ground. Earth and leaves from the woods mixed with it and about 4 inches of light earth on top to plant in.

What seeds should be planted at this time 9

turn over

H/3/1865-2 H/4/1865-1-1 16

Peas, onions, beets, potatoes, radishes, lettuce, and those in the hot beds. Is it in the best taking all things into consideration to soak seeds before planting? A unanimous opinion expressed in favor of soaking them -- When should cabbage stalks be set up for sprouts? Immediately What is the best treatment for asparagus beds? Put a plentiful coat of manure on them in the fall and in the spring fork them over and add salt and slacked ashes. Adjourned to meet at The Cedars on the 29th of April.

The Cedars The society met at "The Cedars" on the 29th of April. Rain prevented a thorough investigation of the garden. The strawberry bed was in first-rate order likewise flower beds and vegetables. Questions. Why do eggplant & tomatoes sometimes drop suddenly and die? Answers? No reason certainly known but perhaps because the bed is too rich for them or in too shady a place. What is the best time to plant nasturtiums? About the 1st of May. What is the best time to plant cucumbers for Pickles. In July or August. Will onion seed planted this spring produce them large enough for winter use.

H/4/1865-2-17

Yes if thinned out leaving several inches between each plant In planting for sets - sow very thickly. Is there any better way of weeding parsnips, carrots &c than by hand? There is no better way but a much swifter way is to plant the seeds several inches apart in the row and work with a hoe. How near together may cucumbers, cantalopes &c be planted without mixing? Not nearer than thirty or forty yards. Does whitewashing a cellar make it cooler? No it makes it more pure. Ought potatoes to be harrowed after they begin to come up? It helps them very much and does not injure them par ticularly when they are put in deep and the ground is moist. Which is best for vegetables Tinners Excelsior or fish guono? Tinners Excelsior. Are consentrated manures on rich gardens desirable? It is thought no gardens in the vicinity would be injured by the use of them. In paling a garden is it best to buy palings or have them sawed. Choose your timber and have them sawed to ensure good ones. Are there any kinds of peas used by any member of the Society that do not require sticking? none. What should be done with Hyacinth bulbs now? Plant them to bloom next spring. What is the best time to plant Grape vines? Early in the spring.