Club Minutes: Horticultural Society, 1871-1880

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RIVERSIDE

VII Mo II 1872

The Society was called to order by the president Henry C. Hallowell. There was not a full meeting on account of the excessive heat the mercury 99° in the shade.

The display of flowers though not so fine as we have seen, was very creditable, considering the dry and hot weather. There were also some fine vegetables, large beets, ripe tomaties etc.

The minutes of the last meeting at this place were read. It appears the Secretary was excused and the notes were a burlesque. Her modesty had her to represent her garden and grounds in a light way different from the true one, unless there has been a far greater improvement than it would be reasonable to expect in the time. Everything seemed in a flourish ing condition. The garden in common with all others of which we have a knowledge, has suffered by the droughts. The grape vines and pear treers were very full of fruit.

Questions were as follows

1 What success have you had in destroy ing slugs? One member reports success in using carbolic soap; two others used the Grafton Mineral fertilizer and liked it better than any thing else. From re ports, the cucumber vines have not suffered by the "striped bug" as much as usual

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2 Is it too late to replant sweet potatoes where missing? Though too late to plant for a crop, it is not too late to replant as you will make more than if the ground is left vacant.

3 The best way of raising daises and pansies? Plant in light shady ground and water freely.

4 What is the best time for planting Ruta Baga seed? From the 25th of June to 1st July

5 Is it too late now to plant soup beans? No

6 What is the treatment for a lemon tree to make it flourish and bear fruit? Enrich well and keep it trimmed back.

7 How keep onions? In a dark, dry, cool place.

8 Is it too late to plant onion sets? No

The society adjourned to meet at D A Lea's on 6th of August.

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SPRINGDALE

VIII Mo. VI. 1872

A very pleasant meeting, tho' as usual we had to regret the absence of several members.

The specimens from Rockland were a bouquet and several kinds of apples and lima beans. Norwood, Okra, some fine figs and grapes which they had gathered to bring were forgotten. Hermon - flowers in abundance, lovely looking peaches, salsify sugar beets, and a large vol unteer turnip, and some Ruta bagas.

Sally Lea sent a handsome basket containing sweet potatoes, white potatoes, red and yellow tomatoes okra and eggplant.

Questions

1. How shall we make Norway firs branch out instead of growing tall? Turn the cattle in to break it! or trim off the top branch and the ends of lateral branches.

2. When should asparagus tops be cut? When they turn yellow.

3. Is it an improvement to melon vines to to nip the ends of the vines? Not certain ly known. Rachel Gilpin asked to try the experiment and report.

4. How shall we get rid of ground mice in flower beds? By giving them strychnine.

5. What is the best time for trimming Roses and should any difference be made with tea roses? Trim early in the spring and after they are done blooming. Tea roses being generally more delicate than others are winter

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killed more and need but little trimming

In our walk everything was so luxuriant as to make it hard to realize the long continued drought.

There was a unanimous vote in favor of a Horticultural Exhibition and the time fixed upon was Thursday the 5th of September.

A committee of arrangements was to meet at A Gilpins ten day before the Exhibition.

H/9/1872 -1-

NORWOOD

IX Mo III 1872

Our Society met. Several members absent. The day was perfectly beautiful. After the minutes were read our host desired us to defer further proceedings until after we had eaten some grapes.

A table loaded with splendid grapes of several varieties was brought into the room and we enjoyed a feast. After which we proceeded with the

Questions

1. Are the blossoms of roses smaller than usual this summer? Several have noticed that they are

2. Is it time to plant [pansie?] seed? Yes in pots

3. Is it too late to plant celery? None of the members had experience in planting so late as this, but Vick says any time in Sept ember it was thought it would be worth while to try it.

4. Must we continue hilling up celery now? Yes until freezing.

5. In planting 25 pear trees for marketing what variety would be best? Thirteen were in favor Bartlet and two voted for Sekel.

6. What is the matter with cauliflower that it does not head up? Thought to be owing to the season, only one member successful