Mr. Dunlap:  Yes, sir, the droppings of the apple is largely due to the scab fungus.  Of course, some of the dropping occurs as the result of too much rain or too much dry weather, something of that kind, that is not attributable to scab fungus.

Mr. Kellogg:  Does spraying injure the bees?

Mr. Dunlap:  I have never had anybody prove to me that the bees were especially injured by spraying in the bloom.  We do not practise spraying in the bloom, that is, we spray when we have about one-third of the bloom left on the trees.  I have never had any injury, and we have orchardists who have bees in their orchards, and they go on spraying the same way.  I do not believe bees are poisoned by the spray.  Maybe I am mistaken about it, but I have never seen any conclusive proof of the bees being poisoned by the spray.  It is possible they might collect it and carry it into the hives and might poison the brood in the hive.  I don’t know.  I thank you. (Applause.)

The Value of Horticulture to the Farm.

MRS. CLARENCE WEDGE, ALBERT LEA.

It is pleasant to have a good roomy subject.  E. S. Martin said in Harper’s Weekly as Christmas time approached, “There are just two places in the world, and one of these is home.”  I will paraphrase it by saying, “There are only two places in the world, and one of these is the farm.”  So the value of horticulture to the farm is a large subject.

I passed a farm last summer that I shall never forget.  It was quite unattractive, I believe, so far as variety of contour was concerned—­quite level and commonplace.  Right across the road from the house was a half-grown windbreak of golden willow.  Against that as a background blazed out row upon row of the most brilliant flowers, graduated down to the edge of the road, and extending as far as half a city block or more.  Think what a beautiful surprise for every one that turned that corner.  I think the occupants of the house must have enjoyed sitting on their porch watching the people in the cars start with pleasure and turn to look as they flew past.  That farmer (or his wife) knew something of the value of horticulture to the farm.  Perhaps it was a device of the farmer’s wife to divert the gaze of the passer-by from the porch, for you know we do stare shamelessly when we are on a joy ride.  At any rate, that farm would not be forgotten by any one that passed it.  The advertising that beauty spot gave his place would exceed in value a column a week in the county paper, and not cost a tenth as much.

Lowell remarks, “Nature with cheap means still works her wonders rare.”  And there she stands with arms extended, offering the farmer all the wealth and beauty he will put forth his hand to take.