M. L. UrXLAI' (Rural). RI.MKK l»AM)\\ IN. f. C. \V.■\LMSI,|;^ . LEWIS ELSWORTH. SMI LEY SIIKIMIKRI). TYLER M<\V110RTER. Pioneers in Illinoit^ Horticulture. TRANSACTIONS OF THE Illinois State Horticdltural Society FOR THE YEAR 1897. BEING THE PEOCEEDINGS OF THE FORTY-SECOND ANNUAL MEETING HELD AT SPRINGFIELD, DECEMBER 28, 29 AND 30, 1897. ALSO PROCEEDINGS OP THE NORTHERN, CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN DISTRICT SOCIETIES AND A NUMBER OF COUNTY SOCIETIES FOR THE YEAR 1897. NEW SERIES--VOL. XXXI EDITED BY THE SECRETARY, HENRY M. DUNLAP, SAVOY, ILL. PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY. SPRINGFIELD. ILL.: THE H. -W. EOKKEE PRINTING HOUSE. 1897. Lirr: memiuokship. The State Horticultural Society has. by an amendment to the con- stitution, reduced the amount of the life membership fee from twenty dollars to five dollars. By becoming a life member you will leceive aViOut twelre of the back reports of the Society, commencing with the year 188H. In addition to the back reports of the Society you will, by becoming a life member, receive all the future reports and publications of the So- ciety during your lifetime. Every person interested in horticulture should become a life member of the State Horticultural Society; by so doing you benefit yourself and strengthen the Society. Send your name to the Secretary with enclosure of five dollars and the reports will V)e forwarded to you by freight or express, as desired. In sending in your remittance to the Secretary please state your pres- ent businecs occupation and postoffice address, and advise the Secretary of any change in address. ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP. One dollar will secure an annual membership and a copy of the 1897i report, free by mail. Those attending the annual meetings receive two copies. FARMERS" COUNTY INSTITUTES. The attention of the officers of county institutes is called to the fact that the Secretary will send, on receipt of application from the officers of such institutes, fifty copies of this report for free distribution among the members thereof. The only expense will be the freight. Copies of the report will be furnished, on application, to the public schofil and other libraries of the state, and to local horticultural societies. Address: L. n. BKVA^T, Secketaky, ruiNCETON, Illinois. To Hon. John R. Tanner, Governor of Illinois: SiK — I have the hoaor to transmit to your excellency the thirty-first annual report of the Illinois State Horticultural Society, and I trust an inspection of its contents will satisfy you that the funds appropriated by the General Assembly for the, advancement of horticulture within the state have been wisely expended. The experiment stations of the Society are well under way, and matters of importance are already being- reported upon. Many new and seedling varieties are being experimented with, and results from these stations will save the fruit- growers of the state many thousands of dollars and years of valuable time. Much valuable information regarding the San Jose scale and other insects will be found in this volume. Respectfully submitted, HENRY M. DUNLAP, Savoy, 111. Secretary. OFFICIORS FOR 1898. PitESiuRNT HENRY M. DUiNLAP, Savoy. VicE.PuEsiDK.NT H. A. ALDRICH, Neo^a. Secretary L. R. BRYANT, Princeton. Treasurer J. W. STANTON, Rich view. EXECUTIVE BOARD. HENRY M. DUNLAP President State Society .Savoy. L. R. BRYANT Secretary State Society Princeton. J. L. HART WELL President Northern Society Dixon. H. R, COTTA Vice-President Northern Society Freeport. G. J. FOSTER President Centr.vXi Society Normal. H. L. DOAN Vice-President Central Society Jacksonville. J. WEBSTER President Southern Society Centralia. J. W. STANTON Vice-President Southern Society Richview. IIOUTICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATIONS. Place Where Located. Superintenden: of Station Northern District — I. Princeton , Arthur Bryant. 2. Nurserj' J. V. Gotta. 3. Marengo C. "W. Prescott. Central District —4. Savoy H. M. Dunlap. 5. Waisaw M. S. Hammond. Southekn District — 7. Centralia Jabez Webster. 8. Alton J. S. Browne. y. Cobden T. E. Goodrich 10. Odin J.G.Vaughn. 11. OIney C. S. Macb. Soraeiof the stations are for testing all kinds of fruit, while others are limited in their experiments. Parties having valuable varieties of fruit which they want to have tested should communicate with one of the directors who have charge of the work of the stations. DIRECTORS OF STATIONS. Northern Arthur Bryant Princeton. Central H. Augustine Normal. Southern E. A. Riehl Alton. CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS. As Amended at the Annual Meetings, 1874 and 1895. CONSTITUTION. I. This Association shall be known as the Illinois State Hokticultueal Society. II. Its object shall be the advancement of hhe Science of Pomology and the Art of Horticulture. III. Its members shall consist of Annual Members, paying an annual fee of one dollar ; of Life Members, paying a fee of five dollars at one time, and of Hon- orai-y Members, who shall only be persons of distinguished merit in Horticulture or kindred sciences, who may, by vote, be invited to participate in the privileges of the Society. The wives of members shall be members without fee. IV. Its oJBficers shall consist of a president, one Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, who shall be elected at the annual meeting and serve until their successors are chosen; also an Executive Board, as hereinafter provided. V. The affairs of the Society shall be managed by an Executive Board, to consist ( f the President and Secretaiy of the Society, and President and Vice President from each of the three District Horticultural Societies of the State. VI. The Society shall hold annual meetings and publish its transactions annually, provided there are sufficient funds in the treasury to defray the ex- penses of publication. VII. The Constitution may be amended at any regular meeting by a two- thirds vote of the members present. BY-LAWS. I. The President shall preside at all meetings of the Society, call the meet- ings of the Executive Board, and, under its direction, have a general superinten- dence of the affairs of the Society and direction and expenditures of money. He shall deliver an annual address upon some subject connected with Horticulture, and shall appoint all special committees, unless otherwise ordered. II. The Vice President shall preside at the meetings in the absence of the President. vi CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS. III. The Secretary shall, upon the direction of the Executive Board, conduct the correspondence of the Society, have charge of its books, papers and reports, and prepare its reports for publication, and sliall receive for his necessary ex- penses for postage, stationery, printing, expressage, office rent and salary such sums as the Executive Board may vote therefor. IV. The Treasurer shall receive and keep an accurate account of all moneys belonging to the Society and disburse the same upon the written orders of the President, which he shall retain and file as vouchers; he shall make an annual re- port to the Society of the receipts and disbursements, which, with the vouchers, shall be referred to a special auditing committee appointed at the annual meeting. Before entering upon his duties he shall give bond to the Society in the sum of ten thousand dollars for the faithful performance of his duties, such bond to be approved by the Executive Board. V. The Executive Board shall perform all the duties required of them by Section 4 of the "Act Reorganizing the State Horticultural Society," approved March 24, 1874. They may appoint such standing and other committees as they may deem advisable. VI. These By-Laws may be .altered at any regular meeting by a two-thirds vote of the members present. An Act to Reokg.\nize the State Hobticultur.\Ij Societt. Be it enacted by the People of the Slate of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly: Section 1. That the organization heretofore chartei'ed and aided by appro- priations, under the name of the Illinois State Horticultural Society, is hereby made and declared a public corporation of the State. Sec. 2. The Illinois State Horticultural Society shall embrace, as hereinafter provided, three Hoiticultural Societies, to be organized in the three horticultural districts of the State, which shall be known as the Horticultural Society of North- ern Illinois, now operating in the counties of Bureau, Boone, Cook, Carroll, Du Page, De Kalb, Henry, Grundy, Jo Daviess, Kane, Kendall, Kankakee, Lake, Lee, La Salle, McHenry, Ogle, Putnam, Rock Island, Stephenson, Whiteside, Winne- bago and Will (23) ; the Horticultural Society of Central Illinois, operating in the counties of Adams, Brown, Cass, Champaign, Christian, Coles, De Witt, Douglas, Edgar, Fulton, Ford, Iroquois, Hancock, Henderson, Knox, Logan, Livingston, McLean, McDonough, Marshall, Mason, Mercer, Menai'd, Morgan, Macon, Moul- trie, Peoria, Pike, Piatt, Sangamon, Shelby, Schuyler, Scott, Stark. Tazewell, Vermillion, Warren and Woodford ',38) ; and the Horticultural Society of Soutliern Illinois, operating in the counties of Alexander, Bond, Clark, Clay, Crawford, Cal- houn, Cumberland, Clinton, Edwards, E(!ingham, Fayette, Franklin, Green, Gal- latin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jasp'M", Jefferson, Jersey, Jackson, Johnson, Lawrence, Madison, Macoupin, Marion, Monroe, Montgomery, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Richland, Randolph, St. Clair, Saline, Union, Wayne, White, Washington, William- son and Wabash (41). Sec. 3. The affairs of the Illinois State Horticultural Society shall bo man- aged by an Executive Board, to consist of the President and Secretary of said CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS. vii Society, and the President and one Vice President from each of the tliree District Horticultural Societies; provided, that the eligible officers now elect of the Illinois State and District Horticultural Societies shall be the first members of the Execu- tive Board created by this act, and shall hold their offices until their successors are elected, as hereinafter provided. Sec. 4. The Executive Board of the Illinois State Horticultural Society shall have the sole care and disposal of all funds that may be apportioned (appro- priated) by the State of Illinois to sustain the Illinois State Horticultural Society , and shall expend the same in such manner as in their judgment will best promote the interests of Horticulture and Aborculture in this State. They shall meet at Springfield on the second Tuesday after the first Monday in January, 1875, nnd biennially thereafter. They shall render to the Governor of the State a detailed statement of all funds received from the State, and all other sources, which state- ment shall also include all expenditures made by them, and the specific objects in detail for which said sums were expended. They shall make no appropriation without having funds in hand to meet the same, and if any debt is created the members of the Board shall be held severally and jointly liable for the payment of the same, and in no event shall the State of Illinois be held liable or responsi- ble for any debt, obligation or contract made by the Illinois State Horticultural Society or its Executive Board. Sec. 5. The Illinois State and the three District Horticultural Societies shall hold annual meetings, at which their officers for the ensuing year shall be elected. AVithin one month after the annual meeting of the District Societies they shall forward to the Secretary of the Executive Board a report of their transactions, including a list of officers elected at such meeting. The Executive Board shall publish annually , at the expense of said Society, a report of its transactions and such other papers as they may deem of value to Horticulture and Arborculture. Fom' members of the Executive Board shall constitute a quorum for the transac- tion of business. Sec. 6. Members of the several District Societies shall be entitled to all the privileges of the members of the State Society, except that of voting for officers. Sec. 7. By-laws and rules that do not conflict with the laws of this State may be passed and enforced by the several Societies herein mentioned. Approved March 24, 187-4. *The society was first incorporated February 11, 1857— two months after its organization^ HONORAEY MEMBERS. Morrell, R Benton Harbor, Mich.Pres. Michigan Hort. Society. Colnian, A. F Corning. la Delegate Iowa Hort. Society. Nelson, A West Lebanon, Mo. . . Delegate Missouri Hort. Society. Tioop, Prof. J Burtlue, Incl DF=?<:z>c:3E:E:iZ)ii^(S OF THE FORTY-SECOND AMUAL CONVENTION OF THE Illinois State Horticultural Society HELD IN THE SUPREME COURT ROOM OF THE STATE HOUSE AT SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, December 28-30, 1897. MORNING SESSION— TUESDAY. The convention was called to order by the President, T. E. Goodrich, of Cobden, Illinois. Dr. Logan, of Springfield, on invitation of the Chairman, offered prayer. Mr. Arthur Bryant, of Princeton, presented his report as Treasurer for the year 1S97, which report is as follows. 2 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS TREASURER'S REPORT. Arthur Bryant, in account with Tlie Illinois State Horticultural Society. RECEIPTS. Dec. 26, 1896— Balance on hand $2,749 00 Life memberships 20 00 Annual membersliips 38 00 Jan. 23, 1897— Annual memberships from Secretary 62 00 May 1, 1897 — Half yearly appropriation 2,000 00 Dec. 13, 1897— Half yearly appropriation 2,000 00 $6,869 00 EXPENDITURES. General fund $;^,737 37 Experimental work 938 09 $4,675 4& Balance in treasury $2,193 54 OO EXPENDITURES IN DETAIL. Date Order 1896. ZS'o. General Fund. Amount.. Dec. 28 245i Whitehead, Hoag & Co., badges and express on saiue $25 38 246 Dunlap & Livingston, printing letter heads and blanks ... 247 The Gazette Printing Co., printing stamped en- velopes and blanks 248 Jas. T. Johnson, premiums 249 C. H. Weljster, premiums 250 H. M. Dunlap, premiums 251 S. De La R sh, premiums 252 J. J. Cart, premiums 253 S. H. Black, premiums 254 H. M. M. Her, premiums 255 L. R. Bryant, premiums 255^ Wm. A. Yfxing, premiums 256 J. T. McSpadden, premiums. ..... 257 L. F. Dintleman, premiums 258 F. Helms, premiums 259 J. W. Filch, premiums 260 E. A. Riehl. premiuuis 261 Wm. L. Walker, premiums 262 F. D. Voris, premiums 263 Alice Riehl, prem ums 264 E. A. Rielil. program expense 265 J. W. Stanton, board njeeting 5 00 266 L. S. Spemer, program expense 3 06 267 C. E. Tobey, program expense 30 82. 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 2S 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 27 75- 18 00 46 00 28 00 7 00 15 00 2 oa 3 00 26 00 22 oa 19 00 9 50 6 00 2 00 1 50 50 3 40 3 20 5 05 STATE HORTICULTURAT^ SOCIETY. d EXPENDITURES IN DETAIL. T)itG Order 1896. No. General Fund. Amount. Dec. 28 268 H. Morrill, program expense $13 35 " 28 269 Wm. Service, program expense 10 00 " 28 270 J. N. Fitch, program expense 18 98 " 28 271 H. Augustine, program expense ^00 " 28 272 H. Augustine, delegate expen-e 19 20 " 28 273 Arthur Bryant, board meeting 14 75 " 28 274 T. E. Goodrich, expense board meeting 17 62 " 28 275 J. L. Hartwell, expense board meeting 11 80 " 28 276 J. W. Stanton, expense delegate Missouri 29 10 " 28 277 H. M. Dunlap. Secretary salary and office rent. . . 250 00 " 28 278 A. M. Augustine, assistant secretary 25 00 " 28 279 .J. T. McSpadden. program expense 3 40 " 28 280 T. J. Burrill. program expense 7 40 " 28 281 H. M. Dunlap, incidental expense 2 86- " 31 282 St. Nicholas Hotel, program expense 21 25 " 31283 L. E. Brvant, program expense "7 04 1897. ' ^ ,_ Jan, 16 284 Arthur Brvant, expense board meeting 13 10- " 16 285 H. M. Dunlap, expense two board meetings and office expense ^*^ 12' " 16 286 H. Augustine, expense board meeting 5 7<. " 16 287 H. Augustine, committee expense 4 35 " 16 288 J. L. Hartwell, committee expense 12 82; " 16 289 Arthur Bryant, commission as treasurer 1896 84 44: " 16 290 J. AY. Stanton, expense board meeting 1 1 70 " 16 291 T. E. Goodrich, expense board meeting 24 37 •' 16 292 J. Webster, expense board meeting 8 00 '' 16 293 H. B. Andrews, stenographic rep't annual meefg. 80 OO " 16 294 H. M. Dunlap, postage and incidental expenses. . 50 00 " 16 295 H. M. Dunlap, reading proof Vol. 30 oO 00 March 4 296 H. Augustine, committee expense 14 60' " 4 297 J. L. Hartwell, expense delegate to Wisconsin.. . 5 78 Feb. 25 298 H. W. Eokker, printing Vol. 30 in part 1,188 80 Mar. 23 299 H. W. Rokker, balance due for printing Vol. 30.. 301 70 June 7 300 H. Augustine, committee expense 29 55 July 6 301 H. M. Dunlap. salary to July 1. office rent, help.. 2o0 OO Aug. 28 302 Jabez Webster, expense adinterim committee.. . . 15 10 Aug. 28 303 H. M. Dunlap, expense ad interim committee. . . * 9 68 Sept. 2 304 T. E. Goodrich, expense ad interim committee.. 23 10 Sept. 28 305 J. Webster, expense ad interim committee 20 2o '• 28 306 J. W. Stanton, expense board meeting 5 oO " 28 307 L. R. Beal, expense ad interim committee 20 2o " 28 308 J. W. Stanton, expense ad interim committee. . . 31 80 " 28 309 J. L. Hartwell, expense board meeting and com. 28 26 " 28 310 H. M. Dunlap, expense board meeting 3 7o " 28 311 J. Webster, expense board meeting 8 2o " 28 312 T. E. Goodrich, expense board meeting 21 80 " 28 313 H. Augustine, expense board meeting 6 10 " 28 314 C. G. Winn, expense board meetingand committee 1< 01 " 28 315 L. Woodward, treasurer, exp. northern society.. 50 00 " 28 316 Jas. T. Johnson, treasurer, exp. central society.. oO 00 " 28 317 Champ. Co. Printing Co., printing slips and tags. o 2.5 Nov. 6 318 J. L. Hartwell, board meeting expense 8 6!> Date. 1887. Nov. Dec. 4( TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS EXPENDITURES IN DETAIL. Order No. General Fund. 6 310 II. M. Dunlap, expense Iward meeting 6 320 .1 . Web-^ter, expense board meeting 6 321 T. E. Good: icli, expense board moetitg. 6 322 Arthur Bryant, expense board meeting 6 323 J. AV. Stanton, expense board meeting 6 324 H. Augustine, expense board meeting 8 325 C. G. Winn, expense board meeting 8 326 Champ. Co. Printing Co.. printing and stationery 6 327 L. K. Bryant, expense for committee service 6 328 E. G. Mendenhall, treas.. exp. .southern socieiy. . 13 329 E. A. Riehl, expense delegate Ohio meeting 20 330 A. M. Augustine, treas., expense central society. 27 331 L. Woodward, treas., expense Northern Illinois Horticultural vSociety 27 332 Arthur Bryant, delegate to Minnesota 27 333 Dunlap & Livingston, printing 27 334 J. W. Stanton, expense delegate to Missouri 27 335 H. M. Dunlap, ad interim expense 27 336 Champ. Co. Printing Co., printing programmes, en velopes, etc 27 337 II. M. Hunlap, express, freight, postage, tele- grams, etc Amount. $6 00 20 39 26 15 8 20 6 00 11 87 10 36 5 80 13 22 75 00 33 45 75 00 75 00 21 02 7 50 16 49 7 65 23 50 42 93 $3,737 37 Date. Order 1896. No. Dec. 28 120 11 31 122 (( 31 123 it 31 124 >i 31 125 1897 Jan. 18 126 u 16 127 ' Feb. 27 128 11 25 129 April 2 130 11 2 1.31 May 29 132 June 11 133 11 12 134 July 6 135 11 22 136 Sept. 28 137 It 28 138 Nov. 15 139 It 15 140 11 23 141 (1 27 142 11 27 143 11 27 144 i:>ec. 13 146 EXPERIMENT FUND. Amount. S. A. Forbes, whale oil soap and freight $10 6.3 H. Augustine, committee expense 18 65 H. Augustine, director experiment station 25 00 Arthur Bryant, director experiment stations 25 00 E. A. Riehl, director experiment stations 25 00 C. H. Webster, expense rent, etc., station No. 7. 28 50 E. A. Riehl, expense meeting com. control 8 80 E. A. Riehl, purchasing stock southern district. 50 00 M. S. Hammond, expense station No. 5, 1896 25 Oq T. Y. Munson & Son, stock for experim't stations 8 80 J. R. & Wm. Parry, stock for experim't stations. 17 71 The Storrs Harrison Co., stock for north'n dist. . 24 15 E. A. Riehl, stock for southern district 26 38 H. L. Doan, express on plants central district 3 25 Fred E. Young, nursery stock southern district.. 5 35 H. Augustine, nursery stock central district 30 00 IF. M. Dunlap, expense station No. 4, 1897 77 27 T. E. Goodrich, expense station No. 9, 1897 74 63 II. Augustine 4 75 H. Augustine, expense visiting stations 13 55 E. A. Riehl, expense visiting stations 18 tX) II. R. Catta, expense station No. 13, 1897 39 65 C. W. Prescott, expense station No. 3. 1897 38 00 J. G. Yaughn, expense station No. 10, 1897 10 00 E. A. Riehl, expense experimental stations 14 00 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 5 Date. Order Amount. 1897. No. EXPERIMENT FUND. Dec. 27 147 Arthur Bryant, expense visiting stations $13 15 " 27 148 H. L. D.)a"n, experimental station expense 6 55 " 27 149 Arthur Bryant station expense and salary 76 75 " 27 150 J. S. Browne, station expense and salary 46 50 " 27 151 J. Catta, station expense and salary 86 82 " 27 152 E. Y. Ayres, experimental station expense 25 00 " 27 153 Arthur "Bryant, stock furnished stations 6125 $938 09 President Goodiucii — The rpport will be referred to a committee to be appointed hj the Chair. We will now have the Secretary's report: SECRETARY'S REPORT. Henry M. Dunlap, Saroy, Illinois. Mr. President and Members of the Utiite Horticultural So- cietj: The past year has been a red-letter one for the fruit growers of the Mississippi valley. While natnre failed to smile on all alike, those who were fortunate enough to re- ceive her favors were especially blessed because of the unusu- ally high prices tliey received for their products. There were some apple orchards loaded with fine fruit of most excellent quality and .sixe, while others in the same neighborhood had a full crop of fruit of exceedingly poor quality. Investi- gating into the causes of these differences that existed, while traveling through a number of the counties of this state, 1 found tliat in almost every instance where the fruit was small in size and poor in quality, that the foilage of the trees was in a diseased condition and sadly lacking in quantity, some orchards losing theii' foliage early in Septem- ber. The drouth which prevailed during August and Sep- tember, the time when moistui-e is greatly needed to perfect the apple crop, had. no doubt, very much to do with the lack in size, but evidently there was something further than this in the great difference which existed in the fruit of the different orchards. AIR DRAINAGE. The subject of air drainage of orchards is one that has received but little attention" from this Society, and in my opinion is much more important than has appeared. Shelter 6 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS belts were, in the early history of horticulture in this state, considered to be a necessity in the growing of fruit. It was argued that they protected the buds from fiost in the early spring, and the fruit from winds during the .sunnner and autumn. In the earlv history of the State University, lo- cated at Champaign, there was set out, under the direction of the Board oT Trustees, an experimental orchard consisting of oyer 1,000 different varieties of ap[)le trees. P>eHeving that shelter belts were a good thing, they labored under the impression that you could not have too much of it, conse- quently they enclosed the orchard with belts of maple and other deciduous trees, with an inner belt of Norway spruce, and not satisfied with this, at short intervals, say of twenty rods, division belts of spruce were s t. It will be seen from this description that this orchard was certainly well pro- tected, but it was not a success. It was discovered that the ravs of the sun in these enclosures, through which there was practically no free circulation of air, generated extreme heat, causing the buds to start earlier and they were then more liable to the injurious effects of the spring frosts than those in neighboring orchards which were unpiotected. This orchard, although set out in 1868 9, has practically disap- peared, and there are but few trees remaining. The orchards to which 1 have referied, were in this con- dition, viz: the outer I'ows of trees were fairly covered with a healthy foliage and bearing fair specimens of fruit, while the inner rows of the orchard, towards the center, were loaded with fruit of inferior quality and size, the trees prac- tically defoliated, or if the foliage were present it was badly covered with fungus disease. How do we account for all this? Was it that the outer trees, having a freer circulation of air, were not affected by the low temperature and the cold days of the spring, but were kept free, by the motion of the air, from fungus spoi-es, while in the orchards better pro- tected from the winds, the disease setth'd down upon the foliage and upon the fiuit. I can a'^count for it in no other wav. Small orchards of a few rows were almost uniforndy good; the fruit was well colored and the foliage well devel- oped. If we are to draw any conclusions from this, it seems to me they would be: Good cultivation, plenty of space be- tween the trees, insuring a good circulation of air and plenty of plant food. At somr^ future meeting of the Society 1 hope these questions of slielte'r b^lts and air drainage will receive consideration from the scientific men of this Society and full discussion had upon them. STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 7 As another instance of the value of a good air drainage, I would call attention to the fact that in the sjDring of 1895 many of the oi-chards failed to bear because at the time of blossoming there was a low temperature and cold rains, and it was noticeable that while the temjierature was very low, yet what fruit there was was in the moi-e exposed situations in the orchards. In one orchard in particular that came under my observation, there was a natural growth of timber along the north and west sides, with several breaks or open- ings through said timber, and where the orchard was well sheltered there was no fruit, but in the path of these open- ings, where the wind swept through, there the trees contained a good crop. COOL AND COLD STORAGE. No topic of greater importance than this can come be- fore the commercial fruit grower at this time. The scarcity of fruit at the east and north this season made it possible for the fruit grower to realize upon his crops while in the orchard. In fact, theie was a scramble on the part of the speculators to buy the fruit in the orchard, and the most of it was sold in that way. We cannot expect this condition to exist very often. There will come years of immense crops, and the apples upon the hundreds of thousands of acres of apple orchards in the state of Illinois will be hard to dispose of. When that time comes the question of storage of fruit will be an important factor. Let us look ahead and ascer- tain what is best for us to do, and proceed at once to move in that direction. The fruit growers of other states are already putting up cool storage houses for the pui'pose of carrying their fruit over until a more favorable season has arrived for the marketing of it. Illinois should look to the future also. In a recent trip into Missouri, I found occasion to talk with many practical orchar.lists, and found they were supplied, in «ome instances, with cool storage buildings. These are con- structed sometimes in a very primitive but satisfactory manner, as follows: A narrow ridge is selected, the earth is removed across this ridge, leaving the end of the opening on either side of the i-idge for ventilating purposes, and for the putting in of the fruit. Posts are set upright and poles cut and laid in between the wall and these upright posts. The ends are boarded up, with doors sufficiently large for quick ventilation, and the roof is covered over with poles, corn- stalks, dirt or other material. By a proper ventilation the 8 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS temperature is reduced, and whenever the temperature out- side is higher than that inside, the doors are kept closed, and when the reverse is the case the doors are opened. A different style of fruit house made by some, is a frost- proof building of suffictient capacity for the products of the orchard, so consti-ncted that proper and rapid ventilation of same may be had in the manner above specified. Cold storage houses as now constructed have ceased to be an e.vperiment. and are regarded now as a necessity. With cool storage houses, however, upon the farm, or in the towns, all late-keeping varieties of fruit might be stored in such building, while the early winter varieties are best kept in cold storage. It will be seen that fruit growers could form a company and put up buildings in each neighborhood that would answer for the community in place of the individual. This would undoubtedly be the least burdensome upon the fruit growers, and could probably be done at much less expense to all concerned. This also is a subject which has not been exhausted in its consideration by this Society. THE MARKETING OF FRUITS. After successfully growing the fruit, it is an important matter for the fruit grower to understand how best to market the same. There are many people in this world who are trying to get something for nothing. It should be the aim of the honest fruit grower to so conduct his business that he always will have customers for his fruit. The saying that the immortal Lincoln has given us, that "you cannot fool all the people all the time," is one which is applicable in fruit growing as in everything else, and the giower who makes it a point to pack his fruit honestly, and gives the buyer full value for his money, both in the size of the pack- age and the quality of its contents, will scarcely ever fail of receiving a profit on his investments. A contrary course should and will result in failure in time. Buyers are skep- tical in purchasing fruits until they are satisfied of tlin hon- esty of the packer or growei', and one who has a reputation to make, expecting to lemain in the business for any length of time, certainly should not fail to honestly pack, for in this case honesty is certainly the best policy, even if it comes from no higher motive than to make one's business successful. STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 9* ADDITIONAL AD INTERIM NOTES, These remarks are largely from observations during the past year, in the course of ad interim work. In August of this year I was a member of a party com- posed of President Goodrich, the President and Vice-Presi- dent of the Southern Society, the President and Vive-Presi- dent of the Central Society, and the Vice-President of the Northern Society, who made a brief trip to Lincoln and Williamsville, Illinois, and visited the original trees of the noted Lincoln and Sudduth pears. We visited the grounds of Mr. Jones, several miles west of the city of Lincoln, and saw an old pair tree of the Lincoln variety, and also about a mile further south, what was pointed out to us as the original Lincohi pear tree. Neither of these trees were in fruit this season. Upon the younger one of these we noted some slight indications of blight; otherwise the trees appeared perfectly healthy. From what we know and have observed regarding this variety of pair, we are free to say that we believe it to be one of the valuable varieties for Central Illinois, both for market purposes and for family use. We also visited the original Sudduth pear tree, on the farm of Titus Sudduth, some seven miles from the city of AVilliams- ville, in Sangamon county. We had heard a great deal of this wonderful tree which is about seventy-seven years old, the seed of which was planted by one of the early settlers of Sangamon county, having been brought here from the east. The size of the tree is very remarkable. We judge that it was at least fifty feet in height, and over three feet through in the trunk. In fact, standing upright, on opposite sides of the trunk of this tree, two men with outstretched arms could barely touch hands. The tree was laden with fruit, which at this season was not very large, but there was a good deal of it. From the original tree we visited nine other trees of the same variety, ranging from thirty-five to fifty years of age, on different farms, that were said to be suckers ta.ken from the original tree. They were certainly of the same variety, having the habits of growth and simi- lar fruit. These were all giants and bearing heavy loads of fruit. We were very favorably impressed with some younger trees — some six years of age— that were planted in a yard in this vicinity. The foliage of these trees was very fiup, of a dark green color and healthy appearance. The trees were very symmetrical and thrifty, and models in every respect. There were no indications of blight on any of these trees, and we were careful to look for same. The fruit at this 10 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS time was j^roeii and hard, and no opinion could be formed as to its quality. Durino- the last of September or fiist of Oeto- ber, we received, tliroiijL;;h the kindness of Mr. Augustine, a box of fruit taken fi-om these trees. It was of medium size, and of <2;ood (juality. From everything- that I could learn in regard to this varietv. I am inclined to believe it a valu- able acquisition, certainly for family use. It must be borne in mind, of course, that the fruit spoken of was grown upon very old trees. I should be glad if I could have seen the fruit grown on trees of from ten to twenty- years of age, as a more correct Cijnclusioii could be ai*rived at as to its value for commercial purposes. The Illinois State Horticultural Society is certainly to be congratulated upon its past, its present and the prospects for its future. Its membersliip consisting of active fruit growers having the interest of the Society at heart, it cannot, in the future, fail to meet the expectation of those who are inter- ested in the advancement o' the horticultural interests of this great State of Illinois, if its members retain the same interest in its welfare as now. In conclusion, the following summary of the expenses of the Societv is given for the information of the members: ^EXPENDITURES. Expense of publishing volume 30—5,000 copies §1,489 70 Expense of conrluctiriK the experiment stations, 1897 961 89 Expense of executive board mee ings, 1897 298 01 Expense of committee work, 1897 Mii 06 Programme expense, SpringHekl meeting, 1896 126 95 Premiums on fruits and vegetables, 1896 205 50 Salary of secretary 400 00 Stenographer's report of annual meeting and assistant secretary. 105 00 Extra oflice help, rent, etc 100 00 Postage, printing and stationary, 1897 143 62 Approiiriated towards exjoenses of district societies 325 00 Commission paid treasurer for year 1896 84 44 Express and freight during the year 23 54 Heading proof, vuliime 30 5u 00 Telegrams and incidental expenses 13 43 Total expenses for the year ending December 27, 1897 S4,674 14 PiJEsiDENT Goodrich — The Secretary's report will be re- ferred to the same committee as the Treasurer's report. President T. E, Goodrich delivered his annual address as follows: STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 11 PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS. The past season has been a little better and a little more prosperous than the two previous. Money has been a little more plenty. The clouds of panic and financial depression, that have lowered over the land, blackening the financial horizon, have lifted a little since our last meeting, and are showing a silver lining. No longer are financieis asking, Watchman, what of the night? Tell us what its signs of promise are! The sky has cleared a little and the rainbow of promise is appearing. Men are beginning to venture out a little from the cover wliei'e they ran when the storm made its appear- ance. They are venturing out into the field of active operation. Thev are resumiuo- the tasks hastily laid aside when the • CD *■' storm broke. Prosperity is on the march. The head of the procession is in sight. Let us hope its coming will not be dehiyed. Factories are i-esuming operation and finding more and more need for labor. And labor is buying its supplies instead of living faitly on charity. It is resuming its function as a fruit consumer. It is a singular paiadox that laboring men place fruit on the list as a luxury, and beer and tobacco as necessaries. A reversal of this rule will produce more comfort and less insanit3\ Heavy crops have not been as universal this year as last. Apples in the east and Canada have been in small supply, while those of Illinois have been abundant nearly all over the state, and of good quality. The dealers of Michigan. New York, and even Canada, have repeated the words of Jacob and gone "down into Egypt to laiy." Apples have been in good demand, and sold readily on the trees at twice last year.s prices. Iri.sh potatoes have been bought up for storing at nearly three times the price of a vear as^o. It has been the off vear with other states, and Illinois has benefited by the situation. Now suppose our trees keep on bearing on the off years as they have begun. Suppose they can be persuaded to keep up this habit until it becomes fixed. It will insure an apple crop in seasons of high prices for years to come. It speaks well for the good quality of our apples, when buyers from half a dozen states engage in lively' competition for the crop. 12 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS If we have pleased them once why not a^ain? Why not maintain so hi*>li a grade of excellence as to keep them for reirular customers? If this can be done the problem of profitable apple grow- ing will have been solved. The practice of pasturing hogs in the apple orchard as soon as the apples begin to fall fi-om the trees, is to be en- couraged. Their pi'esence fertilizes the ground, and their voracious appetites consume many apples with their trouble- some contents. This must tell for good on the quality of the crop. Vast quantities of insects can thus be destroyed in an easy and cheap manner, and one quite agreeable to the swine. Regarding California couipetition I quote the following from Geo T. Powell in ''Fruit:" "WESTERN COMPETITION. The present season is finding a vei-y largely increased quantity of California, Colorado and Washington fruit in our Eastern markets. As many as 130 carloads of California fruit alone have been shipped to New York in a single week this summer. The buyers are seeking this Western fruit in preference to that grown at the east. Hudson River Bartlett pears could hardly be sold at an^- price while the California Bartletts wei-e on the market. New York orchardists will have to wake up to the fact that their best markets are steadily l>eing filled with fruit grown thousands of miles away and it is growing in favor because the quality and packing is so much better than that grown in the east. New York growers will have to change their methods, give higher culture, grade, and pack their fruit better if they hold tlieir own markets. Poor grade fruit is not wanted, and buyers will deal in the best wherever it may come from. We have most su])eiior advantages in many ways, but we are not benefiting by them as we might." Let us hope the above is an over estimate. New York Bartletts have long been celebrated for their excellence and have always sold at the top. Are they to be sup])Ianted by something giown so fai- away? The markets of Illinois are invaded in the same way. Are we to submit? Shall we .strike our colois to the western grown fruit? Here is a foeman worthy of oui' steel. Let us improve our quality, and overhaul oui' packing. STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 13 They have freedom from insects and bliii:lit. Thev also have long distance and high freight. We have light freight, Ben Davis and the Keiffer. Surely we ought to win. Win success; and success means dollars, The kind of dollars we never stop to tell: The little golden dollars, The square paper dollars, The big silver dollars that we all love so well. There is a suggested movement to have the science of Horticulture taught in the public schools of Illinois. By Horticulture is not meant the growing of fruit; not the money part so much as the esthetic. The green grass and the flowers. The trees and singing- birds. The requisites that distinguish an oasis from a desert. That beautifies the home yard, the school yard and the silent cities of the dead. Why should not our schools in addition to botany, teach children, that growing plants and trees were gems of the Creator and too sacred to be ruth- lessly destroyed. That feathered songsters were nearh' as sacred as human life, and that to needlessly destroy one was a crime. That green verdure and opening flowers are emblems of paradise. Teach the children the love for the beautiful. Help them to gi-ow up to love the green earth on which they tread. If brought up to admire and enjoy the beautiful yard of a neighbor, they will have greater respect for his property and his rights. The result will be less envyings and less covetousness. Fewer feuds and lawsuits. Surely, girls and boys thus taught, will grow up into better men and women; better fathers and mothers, and better citizens. President Goodrich — This completes the program for this morning, Mr. Riehl not having come, we will now^ stand adiourned until 2 o'clock P. M. TUESDAY AFTERNOON SESSION. The convention met at 2 P. M., President Goodrich in the chair. At the opening of the afternoon session, Mr. E. A. Riehl, of Alton, 111., Director of Stations, submitted a paper on 14 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS SUMMARY OF WORK DONP] IN THE EXPERIMENT STATIONS DURING 1897. This has not been a good fruit year in all parts of the state, some of the stations T'ey)orting but little fi-uit. No report was received from stations Nos. 2, 5, 11 and 14. APPLES. Yellow Transparent— Fruited at Princeton, Savoy and Alton, all on youiig trees. From all these points reports are favorable, the only drawback reported being a strong tend- ency to blight. MncMahon—Frviited at Princeton, Centralia and Alton, all reported favorable. It is an early bearer of large fruit, good for cooking otdy. but very good for that. Can be re- commended as a valuable mid-summer apple. iVero— Reported as fruiting at Savoy. Said to have dropped before mature. It has developed the same fault at Alton and will, probably on that account, prove worthless. Ozark — Hore a full crop at Centralia. York Impprial—Hore well at Centralia and is pronounced one of the best, by Mr. Webster. Belle de Boscoop—AH fruited at Centralia, is reported as productive, large, of good quality and a good keeper. Indian— Fruited at Centralia, is said to resemble Rome Beauty; a fine, laige, well coloied fruit, productive, a good keeper and thought to be valuable. /47v' 7/3— Fruited on young trees, at Princeton and dropped before matuie. A few specimens that set at Alton behaved in the same manner. A number of other varieties fruited in some of the sta- tions, but as they are not sorts that are prominent and as the reports will be published in detail, I will not mention them now. PEARS. All varieties planted long enough at Princeton to bear, are represented as dead from blight, except the Kieffer, which also shows some blight, Riittpr—Reportt'd as fruiting, by Mr. Dunlap, Browne and Riehl. Mr. Dunlap says it is of such poor quality as to be unworthy of cultivation. Mr. Browne reports it as laige, of best quality and productive. With me the quality was very STATE HORTICTLTURAL SOCIETY. 1& ffood, it bears young, sets very full, and if not thinned the qualitv is poor.' Being such an early and profuse bearer, oi good size and one of the latest to ripen, I think it is a val- uable pear if not allowed to overbear. Anne Ogereau— Bore with me and Mr. Browne, is a late fall pear, an earlv and profus-e bearer, of large size. Mr. Browne called it excellant, while mine I thought very poor in qualitv. , . , , Mr. Webster fruited the Swiss, which he says was very poor in quality, ripening with Early Harvest. PEACHES. None reported as fruiting north of Alton. ¥iDZ2ie— Again bore a full crop, at Alton, of fine large peaches of good quality; a truly desirable second early va- riety that can be recommended with confiden<-e. Champion— Bore at Centralia, and is said to be one of the best of its season. Lovetfs White— Bore at Alton, Centralia and Cobden, is well spoken of in all these places as a medium size peach, of Heath Free type, very productive and of good quahty. Q.osbr—nore at Alton, Centralia and Cobden; a yellow ueach of good quality, small to medium size, has a strong tendency to overbear. Has not sustained the claim made for it of being more hardy than other varieties. Chair's Choice-Ras again shown itself a peach of fine quality in all respects, and can be recommended for generat planting, with confidence. CHERRIES. Carnation-Bore a fair crop at Princeton, tree vigorous and healthv fruit of fine quality. Suda Hardy-Bore a full crop of fine fruit at Princeton, very productive, an early bearer, very promising. \ number of Russian varieties recommended by Prot. Budd were here planted in the stations when they were first started, and although they have grown wel and are good large trees and have often bloomed full, none have ever borne anything worth speaking of. They can be pronounced total failures, and the trees in the stations had better be dug up to make room for something else. 16 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS QUINCE. FiilJpr— At Princeton, bore a nice crop, of good size and fine quality, while trees of Meeeh and Orange of same size and age bore no fruit. JAPAN WALNUT. Proves hardy at Princeton, where it this year bore sev- eral bunches of nuts, smaller in size and hardly as good in quality as our native butternut. GRAPES. A numbei- of Munson's new variety were fruited at Alton, but SO fi^r none of them promise to be any better than va- rieties in general cultivation; some of them, however, are valuable for uses which our common grapes do not fill. Early Wine — Is one of the strongest growers I know of, and retains its dark green, glossy foliage until killed by cold weather, and on this account is a fine arbor grape. The vine is productive, fruit small but of good quality'. Perry — Has proven to be the best keeper, some being on exhibition tables in good condition; they have not been in cold storage. NervR, Laussel— And some others, are better than our common varieties and are on that account valuable, at least for home use. Wincliell or Green Mountain — Is well spoken of by all who have fruited it except Mr. Biyant, who admits the fault may be with his manner of growing. Woodruff— la well spoken of by Mr. Dunlap, also fruited at Alton; makes a handsome bunch, a beautiful color, and liked bv manv, inclined to overbear. PJnton— Mr. Bryant thinks it a desirable amateur grape, but says it is not productive enough. Mr. Browne, on the other hand, says it is inclined to overbear, and pronounces it better than Concord. Ideal— A^iim fruited at Alton, red, bunch and berry the size of the Concord, quality as good as Delaware, ripening just after Moore's Early, inclined to overbear, valuable. STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 17 RASPBERRIES. Smith's Prolific — Fruited at Alton and Princeton. Mr. Bryan says: Medium to small, too soft, sour; I thought it larger than Tyler or Sonhegan and fully as early. Columbinn—Mr. Br\'ant says, injured some b^' winter, very productive, fruit large, of bad color. With me it was perfectly hardy last season and is immenseh^ productive, sin- gle plants yielding a quart at one picking on plants set spring of "96. Egyptian — Black cap, reported by Mr. Goodrich as a good cropper, of fine size and best quality, Loudon—Mr. Bryant says is productive, lai-ge and of fine flavor, very promising. Fruited also at Alton, is one of the best growers. BLACKBERRIES. Badger— Mr. Bryant says, is much like Snyder in growth of plant, appearance and quality of fruit. Minnewaska — Mr. Bryant says wintered well and bore a full crop of fine fruit. Fiasa — Mr. Bryant says bore a good crop, fine berry, good size, excellent quality. Mr. Browne sa^ys, very early, ripening its whole crop in ten days, yevy productive, good grower and shipper, good keeper. Mr. Goodrich says, although five years planted, bore more heavily than ever, medium size, good quality, healthy, later than Early Harvest, i have grown this for over ten years, it is early but later than Early Harvest, the fruit is large, does not turn red after it is picked, is excellent in flavor as soon as black, a good shipper and keeper, is a moderate bushy plant, and very productive. I consider it the best of anything I have ever grown and have discarded all others. GOOSEBERRIES. Pnyallup—Mv. Browne reports as very large, very pro- ductive, 2,-ood o-rowers, free from mildew and verv desirable. Early Orange — Mr. Bryant reports as healthy and vigor- ous, medium size, of best quality, and valuable for earh^ CURRANT. Wilder— Mr. Browne says grows well, bears well, is of good quality and is a good currant to plant. —2 18 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS Mr. Bryant says it is still satisfactory. I have found it to be the best I have grown. STRAWBEiaUES. Clyde — Mr. Dunlaj) says is large, soft, fair quality, and recommends for family use. With me Clyde was ver^' pro- ductive, very large, uniformly regular, and consider it one of the best of recent introduction. Marshal] — Mr. Bryant reports as medium size, dark red, moderately firm and sweet. With me it was of the largest size, bright dark red, productive of good quality, uniformly regular, a strong, vigorous plant, one of the best of recent introduction. Brandywine — Mr. Bryant reports large, regular, firm, medium daik, calyxe large and prominent, productive, to all of which I can agree except that 1 think it hardly productive enough, and it falls off in size as the season progresses. Wm. Belt — Mr. Dunlap reports as good in quality, firm,, and a light ci-opper. With me the first beri-ies were very large, but all the large berries were very much coxcombed and illshaped. Later in the season they ran down very much in size. Biswark — Mr. Dunlap reports as large, inferior in quality, prolific and late. Splendid— Mr. Bryant says is medium in size, bright red, fairly firm, plant vigorous and healthy promising. Mr. Dunlap says productive, good size, fair quality. Ruby — Was not fruited in any station this year, but it is perhaps only right that I should say that with us, as for the past ten years it has been the best I have growing. I this year fruited forty-three varieties. It is midseason too late, holding its size to the end better than any other, of the largest size, dark red clear through, of the very best quality, strongly staminate blossoms, very productive, a strong- stocky plant. I have had only good reports from it from those who have grown it. Some fortj'' other varieties have been grown and fruited in the stations, but as there are no very marked qualities reported of them, and as the reports will be ])ublished in full they are omitted. At Cobdeii some experiments in planting trees after the Stringfellow method were started in 1895. So far as the peach trees are concerned, it has proved not at all satisfac- STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 19 tory. Many more of the trees so pruned having failed to grow, and what did grow are not near so large or as good trees as those treated in the ordinary manner. In the experiments with the pears, 100 Leconte were planted, every alternate tree being pruned after the String- fellow method. All the pruned trees grew, two of the un- pruned failed. Now the pruned trees are making stronger shoots than the unpruned, but not near so many. They are hardly as large as the unpruned, but look as though if they keep up their present pace they would surpass the unpruned in a year or two. On the other hand, the unpruned trees, while they have not made such strong shoots, have more of them and look as though they would bear a crop sooner. These same 100 Leconte are being used for blight exper- iments, the idea being to see if we can not prevent the Might from attacking the bodies of the trees by some appli- cation to the trunks, such as washes of the lime, oils, etc., singly and in combination, also by the application to the soil of salt and iron. A new small fruit station has been established at Free- port, in charge of K. H. Cotta, where were planted last spring some ninety varieties of small fruits. Another small fruit station has been established at Jack- sonville in charge of Mr. Doan. Extent of planting not re- ported. There was to be a new small fruit station estab- lished in the southern district, which was offered to half a dozen parties that were thought competent and reliable, but all refused to undertake the work. Air. Browne, of Alton, having given up business in town and returned to the farm, was finally ipduced to take up the work again, and he has planted sixty-nine varieties of small fruits which are in good condition. A grape station was established at Villa Ridge in charge of Mr. Ayers, where forty three varieties were planted and grafted last spring, all in excellent condition. Some of the stations are not doing satisfactory work. This could hardly be otherwise, considering that when they were established nobody had any experience in such matters, and some who were very anxious to have stations did not realize what it really meant to take care of our property, keep the records and make the reports. These have not taken good care of their stock, nor kept proper records and made the reports that would be of value. But some of the stations are doing excellent work and we are getting good results from them, and will do so more and more as the trees planted become of bearing age. 20 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS DISCUSSION. Mil. H. Augustine— What about the Columbian rasp- berry? Mr. Riehl— Mr. Bryant says it was nearly hardy with him and bore a heavy crop; that the color was bad. With me it was one of the most productive. In the season of 1896, at a sino-le picking, we picked a quart from a single plant. Mr. H. Augustine — In Blooniington it was marvelous in bearing, and in size some berries were an inch and a quarter in diameter. Mr. Riehl — From one year's experience I would say that where they will sell, and for canning for home use, I think they are probably better than some other varieties. Mr. Hartwell — I would like to ask about the Splendid strawberrv. Mr. Riehl — My experience with that variety is not suffi- cient to enable me to come to an^^ definite conclusion. Its bearing qualities, vigor and healthiness of the plant agree exactly with the report; but the fruit has a tendency to be yellowish rather than red when ripe, and is not a pleasant, pretty color. Mr. Barnard — The Columbian raspberry, I apprehend, most of the horticulturists here would not rate as a number one commercial berry. It is, however, a number one berry for canning. It is a good bearer and has great vigor of growth. I think every garden should have a few of those plants. Mr. H. Augustine— I was very favorably impressed with it this summer. I have a very few plants — not over fifty, on my own gi-ound, and this is only its second year. The first year we planted them they made but little growth. But there was new wood came out this spring, and the plant bore enormously. The plants as they stand in a row are now taller than I am, and brandi out and run down. It is not the best for a desert fruit; but for canning I think we can safely say it takes the place of Shaffer's Colossal. I think the Columbian is worth planting. STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, 21 Mr. Bryant — I would like to hear from Mr. H. R. Cotta on the Columbian. He has about as many planted as any- body in Illinois. Mr. H. R. Cotta — This year was the second crop I have had of this berry. As a canniu'i' berrv I have never tasted anj-thing I liked better. As a market berry it does first rate in our market, but would not he so good for distant shipping. In some markets where the color is not known, perhaps it would not sell very well. Our market has been Yery good for Shaffer's Colossal, and this supplies the same demand. It is a firmer berry, keeps much better, stands up better, and is not quite so tart.- The bush is the most rampant grower of any variety of raspberry that has been produced, and I think the most productive. Although I have not had it side by side with other varities planted at the same time, yet I think it is the most productiye of any variety I know. Mr. H. Augustine— Is it a good berr^^ to eat out of the hand? Mr. Cotta — Yes; it is a good berry to eat fresh picked. I prefer Shaffer's Colossal to eat right from the bushes, and the Columbian next. Mr. H. Augustine — How does it stand the winter? Mr. Cotta— Here and there it has been killed, but usually stands the winter very well. Mr. H. M. Miller — I expected this year to have none at all, but I got a fine crop. Mr. H. Augustine — How is the bark on the Columbian? Mf{. Cotta — During the winter it is a light color. The Shaffer's Colossal is a dark brown. Thej look quite different. Mr. Hobbs — I might say in Indiana the Shaffer's Colossal has been largely" discarded on account of its susceptibility to anthracnose. I have understood the Columbian is quite frej from this trouble. If that is true, I thing with its merits as a canning berry it will find a place. President Goodrich— We have as a topic on the program: "The Value of Cow Peas; Varieties and Culture," by Prof. 22 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS Eugene Davenport, of the University of Illinois. It is one of the most important subjects that the fruit-growers of Illinois have to consider: THE COW PEA— ITS VALUE TO THE ORCHARDS. Eugene Davenport, Dean of the College of Agriculture, U. of I. Our list of valuable plants is being rapidly increased, both from the cultivated crops and from tbe native flora of other countries. The cow pea. which by the way is nearer a bean than a pea, comes to us from Southern Asia, where it was native and where it has been long cultivated for human and for animal food. Because of its nativity it comes to us from the south ■where it is recognized as one of the staples and where its use has passed the experimental stage, its northern limits of profitable growth have never been satisfactory determined, now has it been as yet fully tested for favor in competition with other crops well establi.slied in our northern agriculture. It has proved its excellence in Southern Illinois, and has without a doubt come there to stay. The question in Illi- nois now is ''How far north will it thrive, and how exten- sively shall it be eniph^yed.'' When a new candidate appears for popular favor in the list of agricultural crops there are at least four fundamental considej-ations upon which its favor will depend, these are: Its food value; its yield; its effect upon the soil; its varie- ties, and the methods and economy of their cultivation. The cow pea is greedily eaten by horses, cattle, sheep, and pigs, either in the green or dry state, and in all cases with tiie best results. There is no better way to harvest the crop than to "hog it down" by turning into the field while yet green. Cattle may be pastured upon it or it may be cut and fed either fresh or badly wilted. It is always acceptable and has a pronounced effect in increasing the yield of milk. It mav be cut with an ordinarv mowing machine and made into hay which is gieedily eaten by all animals, including horses, but difficulty in curing is sometimes experienced when the weather is bad because of its large stem and rank growth. The following table will give an idea of the nature of this food value as compared witli that of other well known crops: STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 23 Table 1.— Composition of Cow Pea and Soja Bean in Com- parison with that of Indian Corn. Water. Ash. Protein. Fibre. Nitrofren free ext. Fat. 3.4 4.8 7.1 0.4 3.0 7.3 11.5 1.0 4.4 8.1 13.5 1.1 3.0 6.7 15.5 0.9 16.6 20.1 42.2 2.9 17.5 32.3 31.8 6.9 12.3 24.8 38.1 3.3 20.8 4.1 55.7 1.4 34.0 4.8 28.8 16.9 10.3 i> o 70.0 5.0 •Cow pea, green..., Soja bean, green .. Bed clover, green. Indian corn, green ■Cow pea, hay Soja bean, hay .... Ked clover, hay. ,. Cow pea, seeds Soja bean, seeds... Indian corn, seeds 83.6 74.8 70.8 73.4 10.7 6.7 15.3 14.8 10.8 10.6 1.7 2.4 2.1 1.5 7.5 4.8 6.3 3.2 4.7 1.5 Table 2.— Composition of Different Parts of the Cow Pea. 1 Water. Ash. Protein. Fibre. >;itrogen free ext. Fat. Leaves 11.05 9.64 10.00 13.14 10.46 nt nitrogen 11.24 13.83 6.20 3.32 2.81 equal to 18.84 6.13 5.87 24.84 6.36 8.25 19.74 33.47 38.84 4.83 41.43 of protein. 32.48 46.01 38.20 53.76 38.49 6.71 'Leaf steins 2.16 Stems 0 89 Peas 1.21 Hulls 0 45 Boots 1 . 32 per cent. Table 3. — Digestibility of the Varions Constituents of Cow Pea and of the Soja Bean in Comparison with of those of Indian Corn. Bry matter Ash. Protein. Fibre. Nitrogen free ext. Pat. Cow pea ha V 59.2 62.9 45.1 27.0 64.5 76.8 42.4 42.9 54.9 67.4 70.7 52.0 65.7 50.0 Soja bean hay 71.9 Indian corn fodder 74.5 Cow pea ensilage 59.6 30.3 57.7 52.0 73.5 62.6 Soja bean ensilage 49.8 28.0 55.3 43.9 61.2 48.9 India;n corn ensilage 63.6 31.5 48.6 63.6 67.8 81.9 24 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS It will be noted that the peculiarities of the cow pea are, (1), its hioh content of water; (2), its lar<»e amount of mineral (ash) found principally in the leaves and small stems; (3), its high content of nitrog'en (see protein) resident in leaves and seeds (see table 2) and the hij^h digestibility as compared with that of Indian corn: (4), its low content of fat situated mostly in the leaves and the low degree of di- ffestibilitv, A glance at these tables will show that the valuable food constituents are chiefly in the seed and in the leaf and leaf stems. This teaches that in making hay every effort should be made to prevent the loss of leaves which easily break off in drying. Because no cheap method of harvesting the seeds has yet been discovered the crop is best used green or as hay, though it makes a good quality of ensilage. The yield upon good soil is large, reaching as much as three tons per acre of hay, though this is extreme. As high as 35 bushels of seed have been raised, though ten to twelve are more common. The yield of both hay and seed depends largely upon the variety and the time of planting. The cow pea has a characteristic relation to soil. Although it thrives best in good land yet it will grow and yield fairly well on land "too poor to yield anything else." It is indif- ferent as to sand, clay or loam, but will not endure either wet land or spring frost, though frost seems to do little damage to the mature crop. Like clover, alfalfa, peas, and other luguminous crops the cow pea bears on its roots and so-called tubercles or nudules which, though differing in specific characters, undoubtedly perform the same office of adding somewhat to the store of soil nitrogen. Hence this crop is "good for the land" and the soil grows richer in raising it when it is either pastured off or turned under. It greatly benefits stubborn clays when turned under both from increasing tbeir fertility and from improving their tex- ture. The crop does not respond to fertilizers except the phosphates, and should be employed not as a crop to be pampered and fed but rather as one to improve the land for other crops. I^he sixty or more vaiieties of cow peas differ greatly in character of growth, in amount of vine, in yield of seed, and in the time required from seeding to maturity. Some of the smaller varieties called "bunch" varieties are entirely up- right, like soja beans, others call "trailers" send out long frailing vines fifteen or twenty feet long, and still others STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 2 called "runners" send out upright stalks which afterward from extreme development resume a horizontal position. Thfr real trailers produce a heavy g-rowtli of vine, but the crop is difficult to secure with the mower which rides over many of the lower vines leaving' them attached both to the ground and to the tangled mass of vines above them. Because of this, the so-called runners are preferred as b3ing easier to cut clean from the ground. A few varieties will live in the ground over winter in the Southern states and come up the succeeding spring. The following supposed facts will be of value to the prospective grower: (t) means trailing; (r) run- ning; (e) erect. Very early— Sixty to seventy days; New Era (r), Choco- late (r), Congo (r), Vacuum (r). White Giant (r). £'ar7y— WhippoorwiU (e), Eed Crowder (r), Granite (r). Medium— Coitee (e), Large Lady (r), Pon^^ (r). Late— Black Eye (r), Everlasting (r), White Crowder (r). Very 7ate— Unknown (or Wonderful) (e), Black (r), Blue Hull (r), Purple Hull Crowder (r), Clay (e), Conch (t), Gourd (r), Calico (r), Quadroon (e), Redding (r), Red Nipper (r), Speckled Crowder (.). North Carolina prefers Unknown and Black for yield of either forage or seed. Clay for poor laud and Red Nipper for dry, sandy land. Nearly all except the northern states place Unknown first and Black second for general use, that is, for both seed and vine. The Clay recommended for poor soils has much vine, but is a poor bearer. The Blue is small, with few vines, but a good bearer. Whippoorwill is an earl3'' variety of great excellence, but is a "bunch" pea with few vines. Cow peas will grow on almost any land that is not too wet, and may be sown broadcast at the rate of one-half to two bushels per acre, using least seed with the trailing or running varieties. There may also be planted in drills of con- venient distance for cultivating, planting the seeds five or six inches apart in the row, in which case a bushel of peas will plant four to six acres, according to the variety. The yield of seed will be best from drills but the culture is cheaper when sown broadcast on ground well prepared as for corn, in which case the crop now takes possession of the ground to the exclusion of weeds. In the South cow peas are fre- quently sown in corn at the last cultivating, and the^' are frequently drilled from a common wheat diill at the rate of one bushel per acre. 26 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS In opiieral, tlie best time to plant is immediately after corn, thon^li much depends on the variery, and upon the fact that late plantin"; favors seed formation, particularly with cow paas. In all cases avoid cultivation when the vines are wet. Seed can be purchased from any reliable seedsman, and at prices ranging from 75 cents up, according to the locality and other circumstances. Southern seedsmen seem to pay most attention to varieties. This is written with no specific knowledge of the fitness of this crop for orchard use. Of that orchardists are better able to judge than I. It would seem, however, exceedingly well adapted to orchard cultivation and I have no doubt will prove so. One point is urged. Each new crop requires methods of culture and of use more or less peculiar to itself. As cattle must learn to eat cow peas, but once having gotten the taste are eager for them, so we must learn how to grow them. In attempting to grow a strange crop we have much to learn as to best varieties and best methods, and on that ac- count do not succeed so well as with older crops with which we are better acquainted. My urgent request is to give this crop a thorough trial. Its inherent value is known, and I am satisfied that it has a place in the agriculture of Dlinois. It has too many good qualities to be hastily discarded. Learn its nature and its culture and I feel sure that it will prove a valuable addition to our agricultural crops. SOIL MANAGEMENT OF ORCHARDS. T. J. BuRRiLL, Dean of Horticulture, University of Illinois. No one, I ])resuine, can pretend to know generally how orchards should be managed to get assuredly the best results. Careful study and abundant experience may and should lead to reasonal)ly accurate methods for any one locality and for any one set of conditions; but this may not, and pi-obably never does, mean full expertness for otlier localities, or even for the same situations under changed conditions. We may indeed hear glib talk in our horticultural meetings and else- where about spraying and whitewashing, ]iruning or not pruning, high heads or low heads, high lands or low lands, fertilizing or not fertilizing, cultivation or non-cultivation, under cropping or keeping the surface bare, draining or irri- gating, etc., etc., and all variously* compounded and co-ordi- STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 27 nated. But when all is said and done, when can any of us affirm that we aV)Solutely know that any one of these or ■other particulars is certainly to be followed with the best possible results even in one particular case? Talk is cheap. Hollow thin,2;s make the most noise. Sometimes confidence runs parallel with want of real comprehension. Still we do know that certain people are much more suc- •cessful than are others, though possibly effort is not unequal. In the same way we recognize that some methods are gener- ally more likely to win than are others, or than the want of methods. Experience, carefully interpreted, is a good teacher— the best we have. If the problem is not susceptible in any case of exact solution, an appropriate answer may be found. In what follows nothing beyond this is clainied. The writer assumes to himself in this only one merit, viz.: that of recognizing the number of elements entering into the ques- tion, and the difficulty of postively answering any one of them. Meanwhile the subject is constantly assuming more and more importance. This seems to be especially true of the middle west. The Mississippi valley is evidently gaining in prominence as a fiuit producing region over other parts of our country heretofore esteemed pre-eminent. During this last year fruit buyers from the east have turned their attention our way, and fruit barrels and packages have more than ever before drifted eastward, some reaching the shores of the Old World. There appeared in the Orange Judd Farmer of No- vember 13, 1897, a pertinent editorial upon the topic, "Is the Apple Belt Moving West?" Here it is shown that Central and Southern Illinois, Southern Iowa, Missouri, Northern Arkan- sas, and Eastern Kansas comprise the great apple producing territory of America, at least for this year. It appears that only a beginning has been made in this wide area, just enough to invite public attention and to stir enterprising activity. There are great pi-ospects ahead, and as great de- mauds may be expected. Reports are circulated of net gains amounting to |200 to |300 an acre from certain Illinois apple orchards, and a very large number of people have found themselves substantially paid for all outlays in plant- ing and cultivating. With better adaptation of kinds to soils and situations, and with better care a still more satis- factory outcome is leasonably certain. The time has ar- rived in Illinois for the keenest investigations^ the wisest experimentations and the widest feasible dissemination of ac- curate information upon orchard planting and management. 28 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS Judiiino; from what we observe, the needs in these respects reg'arding tlie proper treatment of the soil, are as urgent at least as are any other parts of this business. Men preach better than they practice. They know better than they per- form; but, making- all allowance for this, there is conspicu- ously evident much use for better knowledge as well ;is for better proceed ure. Aside fi'om one or two experimental plats, 1 do not remember ever to have seen in Illinois an apple orchard that was for the year through persistently and thoroughly cultivated, nor in which theie was any real substitute for this. Such a statement is by no means new before this body, nor new to the older members of this Societv. Yet the condition of things at our homes, and in our respective localities, are brobably as bad this year as they were when Father Minkler and othei's first began to talk about the destructiveness of blue-grass and crops of small grain. A report, a good one too, of the ad interim committee read before the Horticultural Society of Southern Illinois at the meeting of this year, shows that in that area of the state orchards, one fairly started, have very litte cul- tivation on their own account. If a crop of clover or cow peas is raised it is pretty certainly carted off as hay, and .flO to $15 dollars an acre for the harvest of red top grass is too much of a temptation to resist, though robbery of the orchard trees is acknowledged. We all need, and need sadly, to learn that $15 dollars per acre income or outgo in con- nection with soil management is almost as nothing com- pared with the possible harvest from the trees in their best estate. Who would not spend twice $15 dollars per acre in soil cultivation, if by that means he could be reasonably sure of getting every other year $200, with an added possi- bility of doubling this amount. For our purpose it may be said that trees, like the other forms of vegetation, require from the soil: First, a continuous and sutficient supply of water, and second, the needful mineral food substances. The natuial characteristics and physical condition of different soils cause marked varia- tion in the res|)onse of these needs. It is nowhere with us so much of a (luestion of rainfall, as it is of conservation of moisture, and it is probably true that there is in Illinois much less of failure through an absolute want of the ele- ments of plant food in the soil than is commonly supposed. In this latter respect the whitish clays of Marion county may be notably different from the black loams of Sangamon county, but results with the apple do not show that the lat- ter have the advantage, not to put the case in stronger teims. STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 29 It is well-known that a considerable available supply of nitrogenous matter is essential for large development of vegetation, but it also seems to be true that too much of these nitrogenous substances is opposed to fruitfulness, and to healthfulness and hardiness. LTpon land badly worn by preceding cropping, and in old orchards making an unsatis- factory growth when properly cultivated, it may be wise to dress with barnyard manure, cattle tankage, etc.. otherwise it is doubtful if these fertilizers are necessary or desirable for orchards in our state. They may hasten the growth of trees into bearing size, encouraging leaf development and woody increase, but this rank growth is liable to be tender and sub- ject to injury through the vicissitudes of climate and by parasitic fungi. A good compost heap, in which all sorts of rubbish, largely vegetable refuse of every kind from the farm, roadsides, etc., kept sufficiently wetted to cause rot- tinging, and prevented from leaching, would no doubt furn- ish a fertilizer better adapted to our Illinois apple orchards as a rule, than is manure from grain-fed animals. Such a compost heap placed where the roof water from the barn can be utilized upon it. in a shallow excavation with clay- puddled bottom, may serve the double purpose of a dump- ing place for otherwise useless and unsightly material, and, at the same time, become a store of valuable plant food for the more needy spots in the orchard, the places upon which green manuring is the least feasible because of slimer growth. Possibly we shall find in widening areas advantages gained by the application of compounds of potash and phostphorus, one or both, in some form of commercial ma- nures. But I do not know of an^- conclusive experiments o-oiug to show that anv of these substances are worth on Illinois apple orchards more than their cost. The attemps made to test the matter at the experiment station of the University of Illinois have not furnished satisfactory favor- able information, e en for the immediate locality and special soil conditions. Wood ashes are more likely to be of value and should first receive attention. These supplemented by superphosphate of lime may be found especially useful in some situations. Whatever may be thought of the results of using barn- yard manure and farm composts, in practice, especially throughout the best apple regions of our state, little can be done. If the soil needs enriching, or needs more humus to better the physical consistency, we must generally find some other way of meeting the needs. This can be done in a feasi- 30 TKANSACTIOXS OF THE ILLINOIS ble way by plowing under green crops. Very much has been said of late in regard to the efficiency of lecjuininous plants as soil fertilizers, and their value for the purpose is now well recognized by up to date fanners and horticulturiss. lied clover has long been used and still has a high place among these fertilizing crops, but cow peas and soja beans are now bidding for prominence. These latter, however, camiot fully take tlie place of the former in all cases, since they are annuals, rerpiiring reseeding ea(;hyear. On the other hand this characteristic better fits them for orchaid pui-poses when an early affect is desired and when annual cultivation is depended upon for the best results. One of these crops occasionally grown and plowed under is the most practicable way of con- tributing to the fertility of the soil over large areas, such as we now have for the most jjart in mind. Even if the crop is mowed and carted off, the great underground growth helps somewhat in the same way. The temjjtation is strong to harvest the crop, but before yielding the prudent manager will study well the condition and take care that by so doing he is not despoiling himself. More often the mistake will be made on the side which seems to offer a good thing today as opposed to a probable better thing next year. Leaving now the matter of fertility, measured by the amount present of mineral and organic substances in availa- ble condition, we turn to the other main use of the soil, that of a reservoir of water. With us this is the most important. It seems clear that apples can be grown in Illinois and grown to perfection without artificial contributions to the richness of the soil, but no crop can mature without a due supply of moisture. What the apple grower needs to guard against, above all things, are the destructive, ruinous effects of our prolonged summer drouths. A whole train of evils follow these too frequent midsummer disturbances to life and growth, besides the check at that seas'on. Nothing so exposes trees to the winter frosts as does an August drouth followed by rain in the autumn, for then the trees go into the winter almost in the condition it normally has after vegetation has started in the spring. A tendency to blossoui in the fall shows that things are radihteen to twenty-seven inches. This may not seem to mean any considerable difference, but plants are able to take very little water from loamy soil holdinji; less than ten per cent, of its wei^-ht of water. They may succeed reasonably well in soil haviiio- twelve to thirteen per cent, of water and die outright wli^n the proportion sinks below ten per cent. And realW the diff(n'ence is considerably in actual weight or measure. The amounts above indicated mean about 8.5 quarts to 4.8 quai'ts y)er cubic foot of earth. An interesting item in this connection is that the earth in a well cultivated corn-tield is always moist, probably as moist as the average of thoroughly tilled land without vege- tation. The shade offered by the corn seems to compensate for the water that the plants themselves jump up and give off to the air. This is well shown in the results of another experiment now giving practical testimony on the. University grounds. Seven years ago five plats were planted with Ben Davis apple trees, all from the same lot of stock. These dif- ferent plats have been continuously managed as follows: No. 1 cultivated bare; No. 2 cropped with oats, stubble left until following spring; No. 3 cropped with corn; No. 4 in clover, cut twice a year (usually) and removed; No. 5 blue- grass sod, not usually mowed. Measurements made a few^ days ago gave average circumferences in inches one foot above the ground as follows: No. 1, care cultivation, 16.013; No. 2, oats, 13.750; No. 3, corn, 15.625; No. 4, clover, 14.625; No. 5, blue-grass, 8.862. It will be noted that those in bare cultivation are the largest, those in corn next in size, then in order those in clover, oats and grass. The trunk measure of the first is twice that of the last. But these figures do not tell the whole story, the trees in the gi'ass plat are stunted and ragged in limb and leaf, while the best are finely developed specimens, healthy and vigorous. It is too early for any considerable fruit production, but so far the trees among' corn have born most apples; those in grass have not matured a single specimen. From this evidence it would appear that a young or- chard may be planted to corn if kept well cultivated without injury to the trees and that this treatment is considerably better than seeding to clover and removing the crop. All observation and experience teaches that blue-grass,, whether pastured or not, has no rightful place in an orchard, STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 35 and moisture tests of soil clearly show why this is true. Look to the pasture for the dryest earth during a drouthy suinnier. It is exceeding-ly likely to be found there. After corn, leguminous crops (and in case of cow peas, perhaps, before corn) no doubt are best to select, if any sub-crop is best. Clover and its allies are deep-rooted plants; they do not rob the upper soil layei-s of water, and they do furnish desirable shade. The annual cultivation con- nected with crops of cow peas and soja beans is an advant- age, and these crops turned under from time to time must help the physical quality of all soils deficient in organic mat- ter. It seems to me this proceedure must be conspicuously advantageous in the great apple belt of Central and South- ern Illinois, the region of light-colored soils. Taking all things into account, the ideal soil treatment oi an apple orchard in Illinois is something as follows: On rich soils cultivate thoroughly in corn five or six years; if not rich enough for good crops of corn alternate with leguminous crops plowed under. When the trees have become too large for profitable corn growing, cultivate still more thoroughly without sub-crops of any kind, this to be continued indefinitely'^ as long as trees make a satisfactory — perhaps we should say an excellent — growth. Turn under from time to time, if indications so dictate, a crop of clover or cow peas and follow naked culture again. Do not per- mit anything but fruit to leave the orchard after the trees begin to bear. Do not pasture at any time animals or if so only under the fullest consideration of the conditions and effects. More apple orchards have been practically de- stroyed in Illinois by this idea of dubly utilizing the lands with pasture as one of the features, than by all the para- sites, fungous and insect, and all the hard winters combined. Man in this case, as in so many others, is his own worst foe. This often comes through ignorance, too often it is from over-weening greed. One thing more and this long discussion must close. We hear it said upon every hand that cultivation must cease early in autumn or late in summer in order to let the wood properly ripen for winter. It certainly is thoroughly bad to stimulate a soft, watery growth late in the season, and this may easily be done after a midsummer check. But does anyone know of bad results of this kind from thorough con- tinuous culture during the whole season including the autumn months. The two cases are very different. We need not fear this autumn stimulation if theVe has been good, vigorous^ 36 TRANSACTIONS OP THE ILLINOIS healthful development the whole season through. In this case theVe will be no tendency to autumnal blooming; there will be no soft wood, even if the leaves are fairly dragged off the trees by November frosts. Still we must understand that the main object of cultiva- tion has reference to the conservation of moisture in the soil and when there is no demand in this respect we may save our energies for other purposes. By all means keep up the tillage as long as the ground remains too dry for the best in- terests of the trees, then rest. DISCUSSION. Mr. L. R. Bryant— I would like to know the size of the trees you experimented with in your mulching? Prof, Burrill — About four inches in diameter. Mulched about fifteen feet each way. Mr. L. R. Bryant — What time did you apply the mulch and how? Prof. Burrill — Last of June. The plan was to take a piece of canvas as large as they use in a greenhouse and paint it with a good linseed oil paint, slip it up against the bottom of the tree, placed in such position as to cause the water to run off. Mr. H. Angustine — Is it not a fact, in a general way, that most all the insects attack a tree because it is in a sickly, unhealty condition; that there is an unnatural growth or condition of the tree before the insect attacks it? Prof. Burrill— That is the case with the flat-headed borer. Some insects take the leaves off the trees anyway. Often there is some preceding damage. But the insects will sometimes damage a healthy tree. Insects, in many instances, work more upon trees when they are in bad condition. Mr. Hartwell — Was that mulch allowed to lie on the ground? Did it eventually rot, or what was done with it? Prof. Burrill — It was old straw that had been put there when dry and covered up with canvas and never got wet. It was good straw at the end of the season when the canvas was taken off, Mr, Hartwell — Is it there yet? STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 37 Prof. Burrill— No; it was sodded over the next spring with clover. Mr. Hautwell— What did you do with your ground after- wards? Prof. Burrill— We did not do anything except to ex- periment. The object was to try to test whether the ground when reasonably moistened in the spring of the year would hold enough moisture for the supply of the tree during the summer if it didn't get any more. Mr. Hartwell— Do you conchide it will hold more moist- ure with the straw application than with thorough culti- vation? Prof. Burrill— No, sir; but surface cultivation is not so absolute a prevention of evaporation as the canvas cover. Mr. H. Augustine — If there is one sentence in your paper that ought to be empasized more than another, and pub- lished to the world, it is "cultivate, cultivate thoroughly." Prof. Burrill — I heard one man saj'- ''We need to have it eternally hammered into us cultivate, cultivate, cultivate!" Mr. Nelson — In your experiments in tree planting, what is your idea as to shallow or deep planting of an orchard for apples? Prof. Burrill — I don't know that I have any very good answer to make to that. We are experimenting upon that now. Surely a tree needs to be planted deep enough to cause it to stand pretty well erect. Mr. Nelson — W^ould you attempt to hold your tree erect by planting it deep? Prof. Burrill— We must in part do that. Mr. Nelson — That would be the last thing I would attempt to do. Prof. Burrill — Do you mean you would hold it in posi- tion by means of props or ropes? Mr. Nelson— No sir; I believe after fifty years experience in tree planting, that we dig more graves for our orchard than places for them to live in b^^ our deep tree planting. I believe there have been millions of dollars lost in Illinois by digging graves to put your trees in when j'ou are planting 38 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS them. Deep planting; is entirely contrary to the laws of nature, and I was in hopes that in such an elegant paper as that iust read bv Prof. Burrill he would brino- out clearly the sub- ject of deep and shallow tree planting. I hope that question will come up here before this discussion is closed. You find trees eight and nine years old looking sickly and unhealthy. In m\' opinion deep planting of trees invites all kinds of trouble. AVe must educate the people in regard, to that. It is one of the most important questions for fruit growers to consider. Mr. Hartwell — What do you call shallow planting and what deep planting? Mr. Nelson — You mush plant a tree so it can have a chance to breath. Follow the laws of nature as closely as possible and you will make no mistake. When the Good Maker of the Universe ripens the nuts on the trees and they fall to the ground, he don't send a man around with a crow- bar, shovel and pick-axe to dig a hole to bury them in. No sir; they germmate on top of the ground. Prof. Buruill— The reason I hesitated at all in answer- ing, is that tree planting in one soil is quite a different matter from tree planting in another soil. Certainly, the practice must be different according to the soil. In some places an inch will count a good deal while in other places it will not. Mr. Nelson— That is a fact. Mr. Burrill — Another thing I want to say, I did not in my paper intend to take up the subject of planting of an orchard, or the preparation of the soil for the i)lanting of an orchard. The thought I had in mind was only the treatment of the soil after the trees were in position. Certainly I would not like to have it supposed by anybody that cultivation for a few feet around the tree would answer the purpose either in prepairing the soil for planting or any subsequent operations. If anything should be interpreted from this paper which does not mean cultivating the whole surface the paper has been misinterpreted. STATa HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 39 Mr. Miller — I know of an instance where shallow tree plantin}>- did splendidly, better than any orchard in the neigh- borhood. It occurred in Ohio. Mr. Walker — How deep do you cultivate? Prof. Burrill — One to two inches. Mr. Hobbs — What do you think of a catch crop of beans, rye or oats, that will act as a mulch for Avinter. and keep the oTound loose, and then turning- it under in the spring? Mr. Miller— I have planted orchards for the last forty years, and my experience leads me to say, never put small grain in orchard, especially a young orchard. It smothers the ti-ees and they do poorly. Prof. Burrill — What about vermin? Mr. Miller— Kake everything away and make it bare around the tree. IMr. Blair, of Missouri — I don't know much about or- chards, and I came here to learn, and I rise to ask the learned gentleman who has spoken, one or two questions that con- cern me verj^ much. I have an orchard in the western part of the state, in Pike county. I have read something about orchard culture in the books, and I have been told that or- chards require nitrogen, potash, phosphorous, and some other things. During the last two or three years I have thought my orchard required some of these fertilizing properties, and the question I have been trying to settle in my mind is whether I should get potash in ashes, which I should be obliged to obtain from some distance and import by the ca.r load, or whether it could be applied in the form of crude potash, at a cost of five or six cents a pound, or whether I needed any at all. So far I have had two very fine crops of apples. I don't know whether my orchard is exhausted or not. And the question I want to ask the author of the paper is, whether in his judgement and experience is it w'orth while to go to the expense of purchasing German Kali, which is a fertilizing material? Prof. Burrill — I can not answer with any great degree of confidence, but I should hate very much to advise the ex- penditure of one cent for these commercial fertilizers, and 40 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILL1N( IS would not do so until after I had tried all means at band. I would fertilize by cultivation, plowing and putting in some crop of grain for the purposes such as we have been talking about here this afternoon. I think it is quite likely if any- thing is needed at all in tha<; orchard, probably a crop of cow peas should be the first thing to think of. Mil. Young — In Montgomery county, where I live, are numerous saw mills and plenty of hard wood timber. I go to those mills and procure all the ashes that they make. They burn wood, most of them. I take those ashes and fertilize my trees from the first setting up until they are twenty years old. I drive along with a wagon and two men and give about two scoopsful to a tree, and ash the surface well around the tree. Last year people asked me how it was I raised such nice Winesaps, they were very smooth and nice. I give the credit to the ashes. I think there is a fer- tility or something in the wood ashes that supplies the apple with what it needs. It fertilizes the tree and produces a good apple. Secketauy Dcinlap — What is the character of your soil Mr. Young? Mr. Young — It is a clay land. Some of it is underlaid with gravel. It is not a black soil, neither is it a white soil. Mr. H. Augustine — How old is your orchard? Mr. Young — One is twenty years old and from that on down to two years old. Mk. H. Augustine — I rise Mr. Chairman to make a state- ment to prevent anybody being misled. Sometiiing has been said here in favor of shallow planting, and not a word seems to have been said to the conti-ary. The ordinary planter maj' jump to a conclusion and plant too shallow. Before doing that, they should carefully consider the soil in which they plant, and where they plant. To plant shallow on black prairie soil I regard as a mistake. I am in favor of deeper yjlanting. I am satisfied that the majority of our trees make roots from the scion, and in that case we can afford to plant a little deeper. A nut will make a tap root STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 41 and so will an apple seed, but when the tree is grafted or budded, that is not the case. If you plant too shallow the first thing you know the wind will blow tliem out of the ground, as is sometimes done in Central Illinois. Mr. L. R. Bryant — What is your idea as to what is shallow and what is deep planting? Mr. H. Augustine — A tree in Central Illinois, Southern Illinois or Missouri should be planted not less than an inch and a half to two inches deeper than it stood in the nursery row from which it was taken. I want the bud or place of union to be at least an inch and a half to two inches below the surface of the ground. Mr. Buckman — It is my impression that the roots will accommodate themselves to the way it is planted. If the tree is planted deep they will come up and find their proper place, and if planted too shallow the roots will go down and find their proper place. I remember planting some quince trees about eight inches deep and three or four years after I dug down and found the roots had come up to within three or four inches of the surface. Mr. H. Augustine — The quince root will do that but the apple root will not. Secretary Dunlap — Mr. Chairman, I want to take ex- ception to the remarks of both gentlemen who have been talking about deep planting. I have had a little experience along that line myself, and I will give the facts and you can interpret them to suit yourselves. My place is in Central, Illinois, on the prairie soil Mr. Augustine talks about. I had set out fifty acres in apple orchards. That had been set three or four years, when a heavy storm of rain came along and it lasted three or four days accompanied by a heavy west wind, and the trees were, many of them, blown down. I straightened up those trees in good shape. The next spring I set out a twelve acre orchard of mostly Duchess trees, and I thought I would not be bothered again, and would set those trees a little deeper, thinking that I had made a mis- take before by setting the trees too shallow. So I put these last trees some three to six inches deeper than they were in 42 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS nursery row, and I want to say I have been replacino- that orchard ever since, by putting in new trees to take the place of those that died. The poorest success I have had was in the orchard where I planted the trees deep in the prairie soil. I think there is a limit to all things. I think the proper depth for planting is about the depth they grow in the nursery or an inch deeper. As Mr. Nelson well said "fol- low nature and you are all right." Mr. Young — I think the Secretary is about right, that the trees should be planted about as deep as they were in the ground when taken from the nursery, and let nature take its course. Mr. Pearson — Mr. President, this society is on record many times favoring pasturing hogs in the orchard, after the trees reach a size to bear fruit. Mr. Hartwell — You may lose some of your trees. I have had several trees ruined by the hogs tearing the bark from the body. Prof. Burkill — I believe under some circumstances hogs can be very profitably utilized in an orchard, that the fruit that falls can be utilized in that way. I am inclined to think, however, that with our modern methods for protecting ap- ples from the codling moths, there is not the need for put- ting hogs in the orchards that we used to have to pick up the fallen fruit. THE STATUS OF HORTICULTURE IN ILLINOIS. F. L. Williams, Tamaroa. In speaking of any of the material resources of the great state of Illinois, it would well become one of her sons to make the best sliowing possible, and to lender praise in every instance where it can be done with due regard for the truth. Therefore, while I cannot say, as I would like to, that we grow all the fruits that will endure ordinary winter weather, every where in Illinois, I am glad to say that we grow all these fruits some where and, some of them, every where in the state. The nearly four hundred miles that separates the north- ern from the southern limits of the state, covers quite a di- STATE HORTICUIiTURAL SOCIETY. 43 versity of climate and soil, and consequently, various degrees of adaptability to the production of the different varieties of fruits. The southern part of the state, familiarly known as Egypt, is pi-e eminently a horticultural region, and year by year this business grows in volume, although the relative im- portance of the different products has, in some instances, undergone considerable change within a few years. At one time fortunes were made growing strawberries in southern Illinois Berries from that region were the first in market and sold for fancy prices. Now, the early fruit trains, that come rolling up from the south over the Illinois Central rail- road, hail not from Egypt, but from Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana. Berries of all kinds, grapes, peaches and early vegetables are now grown in these moi-e southern states and sent to our northern markets in advance of the same class of products from the southern part of our state. It does not follow from this, however, that the growing of early fruits and vegetables in southern Illinois is no longer profita- ble. Two or three weeks eating berries and other good things does not clog the appetite, nor satisfy the cravings of the inner man for a twelve-months. Being nearer the markets and therefore able to reach them at less expense, our growers still find good profits in the business, although bonanza prices can no longei- be ex- pected. As will be shown by the figures below, the growing of berries, peaches and grapes has been largely superseded by the growing of vegetables. Of 630 cars of products ship- ped by the Anna Fruit Growers' Association, the past season, 443 were of vegetables, leaving but 187 of fruits. The small- est items in the list are those of the tree fruits, which are apples 25 cars and peaches 32 cars. The largest items are tomatoes, melons, cucumbers and beans, which together filled 348 cars. There were of rhubarb, onions, spinage and as- paragus, 45 cars; strawberries, 80 cars: blackberries and raspberries 50 cars, and sweet potatoes 50 cars. Mr. Geo. T. Hileman, manager of the association, has informed me that good prices were received for all these products, with the exception of blackberries, these did not carry well. At Villa Ridge, in Pulaski county, grapes have been ex- tensively grown in the past; but the production of this fruit has been so large in New York, Ohio and elsewhere that very lo v prices have prevailed for tli3 last threa years, and other products have largely taken their place. Of 405 cars of fruits and vegetables shipped from Villa Ridge the past 44 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS season but 105 were of grapes. The output of grapes will likely be much farther reduced in the future. One extensive grower says he will dig out eight thousand vines this winter. The status of the business at Anna and Villa Ridge is a sample of conditions prevailing from Makanda, south, along the line of the Illinois Central railroad, through Union and Pulaski counties. From Makanda, north, very few early veg- etables are grown for market, and the same may be said of small fruits until Ashley is reached, fifty miles up the line. From the latter y)lace, there were shipped the past season 15,000 cases of strawbeiTies, 50 cars apples, 10 cars dried apples, 3 cars apple waste, 5,000 baskets peaches, 1,000 bushel boxes peaches, 100 barrels pears, 400 baskets grapes, 200 cases blackberries, 100 cases raspberries, and 25 cases rhubarb. The country lying between Makanda and Ashley is well adapted to the growing of fruits; and tree planting is on the increase. Peaches are a profitable crop here, or ratlier would be if they could be sent to the market at less expense. When the amount of this fruit produced becomes sufficient for oar- load shipments better results will be likely to follow. Yet the puzzling problem is how to get small lots into the small cities and towns of the central and northern parts of the State without paying local express rates. Express charges are too high and local freight is too .slow. The growing of apples will likely be the chief reliance of the horticulturist of this region; many natural advantages will lead to this result. Although there is scarcely such a thing as' a commercial orchard hei-e that has come into hear- ing, there were shipped from DuCJuoin, in Perry county, the past season sixty-five cars of apples, and from Tamaroa, also in Perry county, forty cars. More than one-third of these were early apples, shipped duiing July and August. Nice ripe ap- ples bring high prices duiing these two months, but many of those shipped are green and of ])oor quality, so that it is really surprising that they should sell as well as they do. There were also 100,000 pounds of evapoi-ated apples shipped fi-om Tamaroa. In the counties lying to the north and east of Perry the apple growing business has already assumed vast propor- tions. From Mt. Vernon, in Jeffeison county, 30.000 barrels were shipped and the product of the county is estimated at 100,000 barrels. The orchards of \Vayne, Clay, Marion and Ettingham counties are famous, and no doubt deservedly so, although I can give no figiire.-j to sustain their reputation, STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 45 except that oue railroad, the B. & 0., reports fifty-five cars of apples shipped over their road from Fairfield, in Wayne county, and as there is another road carryino- fi-ei,<»-ht from this place many cars probably went that way. While the counties just mentioned have a larger acreage of orchards, which are probably better cared for than those where less at- tention has been given to the business, it will likely be found in the near future that a number of other counties and parts of counties are equally well adapted to the growing of apples. One circumstance fortunate for the apple growers of South- ern Illinois is the fact that the heavy crops in this region come on the off vears of the New York and other eastern and northern orchards. In giving special attention to the orchard interests of Southern Illinois I have intended in no way to detract from or underrate the merits or importance of the orchards of other parts of the State, but having less infoi'mation in re- gard to them I should perhaps have failed to do them justice had I attempted their description. The growing of berries and grapes to supply home mar- kets is becoming quite general all over the State, and this is no doubt one important factor in causing the decline in prices of these fruits; both because it increases the aggregate supply, and because products that are sold in a home market pay no freight charges. This growing for home markets, however, can never be practiced" to the same extent with the peach, climatic conditions being a bar to the growing of this de- licious fruit in a large portion of the State. "This circum- stance will always insure a market within our own borders for large quantities of peaches, which Illinois growers ought to be able to supply, to the practical exclusion of those who have longer distances to ship, making.it more difficult to get their fruit to market in good condition and compelling them to pay higher freight charges. Southern Illinois should also supply air deficiencies in the apple crop of other parts of the Stated and no doubt will do so to a much greater extent than now, when our growers learn to care for their orchards in a thorough and systematic way, handle their apples carefully, grade them closely and pack them honestly. In this way we will not only hold the markets of our own State, but will find an easy entrance into the markets of the world. Most of the 100,000 pounds of evaporated apples shipped from the little town of Tamaroa the past season were destined for exporta- tion, and I hope yet to see whole train loads of our finest winter apples depart for the same destination. 46 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS I believe tlif' growing" of apples is destined to become one of the great iudusM-ies of our State, I know tbe possibilities wrapped up in t'le soil of the apple belt are almost beyond computation and that many generations of men yet unborn will tind these treasures unexhausted. COMMITTEES APPOINTED. President Goodiuch— We have placed a question box in charge of Mr. Barnard, and if any of you have any questions you would like answered, you will place then in the hands of Mr. Barnard. He can well submit them to the convention. Before adjourning the chair will announce the following^ committees: Committee on Obituary— 0. W. Barnard, Miss Emily Riehl. Committee on President's Address— H. Augustine. Committee on Missouri Fruit — E. A. Riehl, L. R. Bryant. Committee on Secretary's and Treasurer's Report— Dwight Herrick, Frank Reihl. Committee on Fruit Exhibit, Class 2, Northern Illinois — Arthur Bryant, J. V. Cotta. Committee on Fruit Exhibit, Class 3, Central Illinois — George Foster, Mr. Hobbs, Ind. del. Committee on Fruit Exhibit, Class 4. Southern I linois — John M. Pearson, J. W. Stanton, Mr. Nelson, Mo, del. Committee on Pears and Grapes, Class 5 — L. M. Beal, F. D. Voris. Commfttee on Vegetables, Class G— J. L. Hartvvell, H. M. Miller. J. L. Hartwell— I move that a committee of three be appointed by the chair to confer with tlie State Teachers Association with regard to propriety of teaching horticul- ture in connection with botany in our public schools. The motion was seconded and on being put by the chair was carried unanimously. President Goodihch — The chair will appoint Mr. J. L. Hartwell as chairman of that committee, H. M. Miller and Jno. M. Pearson as members to act on said committee. The convention adjourned until 7:30 p, m. STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 47 TUESDAY EVENING SESSION. The convention met at 7:30 p. m., President Goodrich in the chair. WHERE, WHEN AND HOW TO PLANT AND CARE FOR ORNAMENTAL TREES AND SHRUBS,. Jno. M. Pearson, Godfrey Mr. President — Tlie limits of my subject forbid any dis- cussion of varieties. "Where? When and How?" are the only questions asked. No one seemed to ask "What?" It may well be presumed that every one knows how to plant, or., perhaps, he is willing to accept the fiat of the Almighty, who "saw everything that he had made. Behold, it was very good." If both these assumptions are wrong the first true peddler you meet will be crammed full of knowledge which he will readily impart, for a valued consideration, an order. First then, "When?" The only answer to this must be^ "Everywhere." If you have a spot of this green earth that you can control, whether it be broad acres or only a shovelful of soil in a box on a window sill, plant, plant for ornament and beauty. Plenty of the vulgar crowd will plant for food and profit, let it be ours to plant to please the eye and to remind us all of that beautiful garden where our first parants lived, close to nature and close to God. So much for general orders, now for particulars. These take shape very much like the anxious mother's entreaties to her boy, and begin with "Don't." Don't plant a forest tree in a tub. It will not be well for the tree, nor for the tub, nor for you. Now this injunction implies, like the ancient decalogue a "required and a forbidden." Those few of us who were so fortunate in early life as to have been taught the assembly's shorter catechism, will understand this. For the benefit of the more numerous class, I will say that it includes the whole question of adaptation of plant to plantation. The size of your spot of earth must determine what shall grow thereon. In cities where the soil is full of the poisonous gases from leaky mains, and the air is full of grimy soot, but few trees will do their best. Shrubs do better, because their roots are shorter and we can better provide for them. Before planting look around you and note the trees that have done best and then select those. 48 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS In the country, plant along the highways. I am aware that here we may find those who differ from us, and some food reasons are given for the difference, but, for-all-in-all, do not hesitate to say, plant along the higliways, in the road, if the reserved footpaths are maintained, if not, plant just within your own line, plant here our biggest trees; you may not, probably will not live to see them in their prime, but some one will bless 3'ou for it. Plant trees around your dwellings, but not too near. Remember that they grow while you sleep, and good judgment, in the start, will pre- vent fruitless wishes in years to come. Plant so as to pre- serve an outlook for yourself when the trees are grown, and for this purpose you may use similar trees. No country place is complete without an assortment of shrubs, use them to conceal what you wish to conceal and to adorn every place where they grow. Mr. Mechan tells us that, with care, in our latitude, we may have shrubs in bloom every month of the year. I, myself, have proved this with only one exception. Our cemeteries offer and demand attention from the ormental planter. A wide field is here open for cultivation, both as to var- ieties and methods. John Burrough's gospel of tree and green grass needs to preach right here. In these places where we lay away our loved ones, and where we ourselves must sometime lie, let there be more of beautiful nature's re- newing life, and less of man's decaying work. If there be any other place, not included in the above, I pray you add to the list each and every such place where the eye of man may linger and feast. ''When to plant?" Plant in the fall always, excepting evergreens. The reasons for this have been given over and over again, in our published proceedings. Thirty years ago it was, among Horticulturists, a mooted question, but now, in this state, general belief and practice has conformed to this rule. At the same time do not be deterred from planting because this season has passed. A careful plantation will meet small loss in setting out good stock in the spring. I myself have successfully transplanted trees and shrubs in every month of the year which goes to prove the Scriptural rule that "now is the accepted time." "How to plant and care for these beautiful things." This, for the majority of us, means, how to transplant, for it is given to only a few to plant the little seeds in the ground and have a nursery of our own. Our ornamented trees and shurbs come either from the wild woods or from the professional nursery man. With- STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 40 out hesitation, I prefer the latter, and of late yeai-s there has been no i-eason to complain of either the supph', or the price. If the stock is properly handled, there will be but little loss and less in the nursery grown stock than in that taken from the woods. Then again, subsequent growth is more satis- factory. From my own experience in selecting stock and transplanting, I have aimed to look mainly to the condition of the roots, that is to say, have the roots been kept moist since their removal from the nursery? I am more particular about this than about the quantity of roots, or their character. Fibrous roots are always found on some, varieties and upon others rarely. If I find the roots to be short, I have a remedy in cutting back the top, but, if I find them to be dried, I know of no satisfactory remedy. Setting in the ground is not different from that so often described at our meetings for any kind of tree. I always set a little deeper than they appear to have stood before and get the soil firmly packed among the roots, which should be spread out as far as they will admit. If planted in the fall, raise a little mound around the stem. There is this difference, however, to be observed. In planting an orchard we have always recommended cultivation for a few years at least, but, in ornamental planting, for the most part, this cannot be done. We must, in some way, accomplish this same result. The soil around the roots must be kept moist, and far from other vegetation, and must not be allowed to bake and harden in the heat of midsummer. AVe know at present but one way to accomphsh this, but that one wa}^ is enough. We can do it b3^ mulching, and of all things that we do, or do not do, this is the most important for success. Origin- ally this meant to cover the ground around plants with "either manure, straw or an^' light substance." The object was and is to afford protection by preventing rapid evapora- tion. But we know today that many other substances will effect this. A very intelligent friend assures me that if he had his choice and was not deterred by cost he would prefer thick plank for mulch. Flat stones have also been used where convenient. Our commonest, cheapest substance is straw. Use it very freely and in some way prevent it from washing, or blowing away. Do not wait until drouth comes, but make the mulching part of the planting. An objection is often made that such piles are unsightly, but our answer would be that they are indeed beautiful, com- -4: 50 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS pared with dead plants, and to an intellio'ent eye they show hujiian care, whicli is always pleasant to observe. Nothinp; nnich remains to be done for awhile, except to enjoy the new growth. This is no small joy, for all true lovers of trees and flowers much prefer to watch their pits and note their growth than to buy a lawn "ready made". By-and-by we shall need to ])rune. This to is done by nature, in a rough way. Ours is "an art that doth mend nature". In dense woodlands and thick shruberies, the "law of survival" ruthlessly kills the weakest, but we are trying to better that. We do not plant dense groves and wait long years for nature to kill out the weakest, but we want the same strong, tall boles that nature gives us after a cen- tury. So we must shade our trees, while young and encour- age growth in proper direction, avoiding all bad forks that would eventually split the trunks, removing them before they become large enough to either dwarf the tree, or check the growth when removed. For the following shrubs, re- member that the fall sprays of blossoms onl^^ come from healthy young shoots, therefore cut out all old wood, and so get better growth of the new. I cannot close this without a favorable word for our hardy climbing vines. Do not allow them to grow upon the walls of your dwellings, but when your trees have become strong, use their trunks for the sup- ports and the vines will adorn the support. P. S. — Since writing the above I notice that the printed programme has changed my subject a little and so "What" to plant is added to "Where and When and How". But we have a stenographer, and I prefer to give my choice of varieties in answer to questions, if any are interested enough to ask them. DISCUSSION. Secretary Dunlap— T would like to ask Mr. Pearson if he would plant fruit trees along the highway, and if so, what kind? Mk. Pearson— No sir, 1 would not. Our children are not educated up yet to that high moral point. I do not believe in throwing temptation before infirm creatures. I under- stand they do that in civilized countries like Russia. I wish we could do it here, but I don't want to expose the children of my neighborhood to any such temptation. A fruit tree does not make an ornamental tree for two reasons. In the STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, 51 first place you can't help thinkino- of the fruit— that don't belong-^to ornament. The inoment|you think of it as a fruit tree you destroy the thing as a thiog of beautj'. We want something for ornament that will be purely- for the eye. Secretary Duxlap— Would you exclude nut-bearing trees? Mr. Pearson — No, I would not, because the onlv nut- bearing trees we have that amount to anything are also verj^ useful for shade. The chestnut, if we could make it grow, makes a fine ornamental tree, but the hickory does not, nor the black walnut, nor the pecan. They are not reallj^ ornamental trees. It has been said that our oaks don't make good ornamental trees. I can show some oak trees within a mile of my gate that are just as beautiful trees as a man need look at, a hundred years old, I have no doubt, eighteen to twentv inches in diameter. If vou plant oak trees you must expect somebodj' else to enjoy them. Mr. H. Augustine — W^here a man has a large lawn of an acre or two in front of his house would you object to his planting nice cherry trees or Whitney" crab apple trees or something of that kind? Mr. Pearson — Some of the crabs are prett\' nearly worth- less, and would not do for anything else, consequently would come within my idea of a purely ornamental tree. Our own wild crabs are beautiful for that purpose. It may look as if it was a waste of time, laud and money to plant ornamental trees on a farm, but when you want to sell your place you will find that those trees will be just as valuable to your place as any other tree you can set out. Purchasers are willing to pay for them if they have been set out in good shape, but let them be entirely for the looks of the premises. Consequently I would not plant fruit- beaiing ti-ees, and I would prefer not to set nut-bearing trees for ornamental purposes, with a ver^^ few exceptions. Mr. Johnson— Would it not be a good plan to plant a few of these crabapple trees on the outside so as to keep the bovs out of mischief? 52 TKANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS Mr. Peaijson — Tlie bo.vs in our town are too shai'p to be fooled that way. They will soon find where the good apples are. Mf{. H. Augustine— Would you plant any evergreen trees? Mr. Pearson — Yes. First and foremost, and above all, the hemlock. I think more of it than any other evergreen I have on my place, and it is twenty years old. Mr. H. Augustine — It will leave you in five years if it is twentv vears old now. Mr. Pearson — There are some at Jefferson Barrack, Mo., fifty years old. Mr. Miller — The Austrian pine is a very good ornamen- tal tree, but don't forget the white birch. It is as prett3' a tree as you can set out. Nothing ever known will surpass it in beauty. Mr. Pearson — The elm is a fine tree, and next to that comes the hard maple, then I don't know what would be next for a large tree. Sec'y Dunlap — I notice Mr. Pearson in his paper has ad. mitted there are a good many objections to planting trees along highways— at least that a good many object to it. I agree with him, however, in that I believe trees can be planted along the highways, but with some limitations. Trees can be planted along the west side of our highways without detriment. The highways in this country are usually laid out on section lines, east and west and north and south. There can be no valid objection to planting trees on the west side of highways. It certainly is a splendid thing to do. It shades the road in the afternoon, after the trees have at- tained sufficient height, all tlip w^ay from 2 o'clock until sun- set. They afford a delightful shade during the summer months. I have known people in my own country who would go a long distance out of their way in order to get on a road shaded with trees that they might enjoy the shade. On our prairie soil if set on the east side of a highway they are apt to cause bad roads, unless considerable space is left between the trees in order that the sun's rays may shine STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 53 upon the road to some extent. The trees should be kept well trimmed, so that there shall be free circulation of air and to give the roads a chance to drv. On the north side of the road they can be set for ornament, and that is the only thing they can be used for there. On the south side of the road the same modification would apply as on the east side. They ought to be set a wide distance apart. I should say not closer, under any circumstances, than six rods. I do not exactly agree with Mr. Pearson. I think we ought to plant nut-bearing trees along the highways. Mr. Pearson — I do, too; but they should be planted for ornament. Sec'y Dunlap — I think a very nice way would be to plant some spreading trees, and alternate with upright growers; that it would produce a very nice effect. Such trees as the beach, the butternut and the walnut. I don't know anything about the pecan, because we have none of them in our part of the State. I don't know whether they would grow on a dry soil or not. 1 think the pecan is a very pretty tree. In many places we could plant nut-bearing trees, which would be very desirable for the children. If I were going to plant fruit trees along highways I should want to plant something hardy, and not affected hy the weather to any great extent, especially in Northern and Cential Illinois. Because if there is anything that does look ragged and bad it is a decrepit apple tree — one that is just about half way over the road to the wood pile. I agree with Mr. Pearson that it is very questionable whether they ought to be set along the highways. So far as the children are concerned I see no harm that could result from setting apple trees along the highwa.ys. Let the children have all the fruit that grows on such trees. H. AuGusTLNE — Mr. Pearson speaks in his paper about planting trees in the fall. I cannot agree with him on that for Central Illinois. I think a man who plants trees at any point north of this latitude in the fall, of any variety, makes a mistake. Especially is this true of fruit trees of all varie- ties. The peach trees would be sure to die, and other trees would suffer. I believe we ought to plant early in the spring. 54 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS If I were living on a farm away from a nursery, I would get my trees in the fall of the year and bury them two feet deep, and let them remain buried until February or March, when I would plant them if the ground had thawed out sufficiently to enable me to do so. Success is sure if you plant in that way. Mr. Miller— I had an idea the box elder was one of the nicest trees to plant, and I had some of them set out. Just as soon as they got large enough to scatter their seed my place was literally covered with young trees coming up, and I found them a great nuisance. I won't have a box elder on my place now. Mr. Pearson— No, neither will I. Mr. Miller— a few years ago a great hue and cry was raised about the "Tree of Heaven." I would not have it. It is fearful. Its odor is offensive and it ought to be named the tree of that other place— not heaven. The chestnut is a nice tree. I had about four hundred of them shipped to me from Ohio about thirty-five or forty years ago. They are not exactly hardy. They make a very good shade. Talking about ashes as a fertilizer. That has gone out of date. But ashes mixed with hen manure makes one of the finest kind of fertilizers. Mr. Barnard— I am not in favor of planting trees along the highways to any great extent. Mr. Hartwell— Is there any difference between the hard maple and the Norway maple? Mr. Pearson— There is a good deal of difference. If you cannot get the rock maple get the Norway maple. Mr. Hartwell— Does not the Norway maple grow much more rapidly? Mr. Pearson — Most assuredly. Mr. H. Augustine— In my judgment our American white elm for all purposes is the finest tree we liave in America. It is a very regular, large, fine spreading forest tree. The hard maple is all right, but is a little too dense in shade for ordi- nary purposes, and it don't live as long as the white elm. STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 55 Mr. J. V. CoTTA — The elm is a beautiful tree, I would favor planting them. Mr. Periam— For a large tree I think the American bass wood is a verj desirable tree, and for a small tree I prefer the Kentucky coffee tree. I know nothing better except elms. Elms do well in Chicago. If you are only going to plant one tree the birch is the tree of all trees. Mr. Young — Among all the trees that grow there is no tree that gives me so much pleasure as the sugar maples. And they present a most beautiful sight in the fall of the year. The bass wood comes next. White ash would be my preference for foliage. Mr. a. M. Augustine— I want to mention the tulip tree. There is no more beautiful or unique tree in our forests, and it certainly makes a fine lawn tree. Mil L. R. Bryant — It is a nice tree, and is hardy as far north as Princeton. It is a magnificent tree. I will say I would hate to see it go out as the sentiment of this society that we do not favor planting street trees. We should plant forest trees and keep them well trimmed to a proper heigh th,. and not too close together, forty or fifty feet apart, and I do not believe that they will affect the roads unfavorably. Mr. H. Augustine— For Central Illinois I think the tulip tree is a little too tender. Sec'y. Dunlap — I want to call attention to one of the newest trees. I hardly know whether to speak of it as a dwarf tree or not. It does not grow very high, but spreads out well at the top. It is in the Experiment Station on my place. It has been there some six years. It is called the Catalpa Bungii. It is top worked like Kelmarnock willow. The foliage is very dense and you can almost cut the shade with a knife in the summer time, when the weather is real hot. The foliage underneath is as green as it is on top. The leaves seem to lie in layers, one above the other. The top is umbrella shape. Mr. Johnson — We have one and sometimes call it the umbrella tree. 5(j TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS Sec'y. Dunlap— I would like to find out if any one here has had any lengthy experience wiili that vaiiety. If that tree is a hardy tree it is a very ornamental tree for a lawn. Mr. Johnson— I have one of those trees. It has been orowino- now eight or ten years, and we are very much pleased with it. It is small. It is not very dissimilar to an umbrella. It is probably not more than ten feet in height, and has a body that is several inches in circumference. It looks to be perfectly hardy. The Juneberry tree does ad- mirably on the lawn. It has a beautiful smooth bark, fine branches, an upright grower and seems perfectly hardy. It gives us the very first blossom we get in the spring. It is as white as a snow ball almost. It does not last very long. But the whole character of the tree is quite satisfactory to me. I can't help thinking we hav^e fruit trees that are also ornamental. Take Whitney's number twenty crab, I planted it and was very much pleased with it. I can admire fruit as well as I can foliage. It seems to me a tree in fruitage is a beautiful thing. The Chairman — We will now listen to an address illus- trated by stereoptican by R. Morrell, President of the Michi- gan Horticultural Society on "The Systematic Pruning of Orchard." Mr. Morrell entertained the audience at length with an illustrated lecture on the subject above indicated, at the con- clusion of which the convention adjourned. [Through the courtesy of Secretary Edwy C. Reid, of the Michigan Horticultural Society I am able through advance sheets of their report and cuts illustrating same to print Mr. Morrells address. Secretary.] PRUNING THE PEACH. li. .MoiiUKLL, President Michigan Horticultural Societj", Benton Harbor, Micliigan. In presenting my practice or system of pruning the peach T do not make the claim that it can not be im- proved u|)on or that it is entirely original, but that the phvns described and illustrated are the best I have ever seen STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 57 put into practice, and I believe are now quite generally fol- lowed by the most expert growers in the country. I am fully aware that the plan is indorsed by some growers but for some reason it is not put into practice by them; so I will furnish you photographic illustrations from my own or- chards, showing exactlj^ how I treat my entire orchard of nearl^^ 100 acres. In order to fully understand iust what treatment is best for any named species of fruit, we must first understand its habits, peculiarities, and requirements, all of which may be varied by local conditions of soil, climate, exposure, etc. These matters each grower must study for himself. The most prominent peculiarity of the peach is that, un- der favorable conditions, it makes a much greater growth of top than the root can possibly maintain in full vigor, es- pecially during its first fruiting years; so we practice prun- ing, with the following subjects in view : 1. Symmetry and proper balance between root and top. 2. The preservation of the vigor and fruiting powers of the tree. 3. The proper thining of the fruit at the best possible time. I presume it is w'ell to state right here that the plan I am about to present can not be followed by every peach- grower unless the majority of them reform their present method of cultivation and fertilization. I call your attention to this matter because proper pruning, or pruning on these lines, is only of value to the grower who is thorough in all the details of orchard culture. When peach trees are placed on good soil and given good culture they are probably the most satisfactory growers of any of the tree fruits; but experience has proven that they will invariably establish too many limbs, and in case of the free-breed i no- varieties will set altogether too manv buds — and here is where the skilled grower must step in and use his brains and his shears. If he does not, the tree will attempt to grow, perhaps, ten times as many peaches as the root systems can sustain or mature properly. The result is that you have a very unsatisfactory crop of peaches : the tree is left in an exhausted condition ; it can not establish a crop of sound, strong buds for next year's crop, nor can it prop- erly mature all its wood. The next spring you find your tops filled with dead, small limbs, and the trees fail to pro- duce, or perhaps produce a ci'op of poor, woolly peaches, devoid of fiavor or color, which sell slowly at cheap prices, 58 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS and this same routino is followed year after year until the grower finds that when he should have an orchard just in its prime he has instead a prematurely aged, broken, and delapidated one. All this might be changed for the better, and at a nom- inal expense, if we begin with the setting of the tree to fol- low Avell-defined plans laid on proper lines, and follow them thoroughly' and on time, year after year, with or with- out a crop. In hope of explaining more clearly what I consider proper methods of pruning, I will now show photographs taken in my own orchards, and invite your criticism as we take up each picture. You will notice, as each picture is thrown upon the screen, that somewhere on it is a figure showing the year in which each tree was set, and all the photographs being taken in October, 1896, you can readily figure the age of the tree. Also, in each picture, you will find a man six feet tall, and the step-ladder in use is a six-foot one. From these you can judge the dimensions of trees if I fail to give the same. Bearing this in mind, permit me to explain photograph No. 1. This tree is one in a l)lock of 5,000 set in the spring of 1896, all third-grade trees, eighteen inches to two feet high, but carefully handled and vitality kept uninjured. You will see that the limbs start about knee high to a man, and on October 1 the top is as high as his head. You will notice also that the tree as trimmed is only waist high, with five main limbs saved, which I think is really one too many for ideal shape; but, of course, 3'ou all know that it is impossi- ble to make hard and fast rules for work of this character. We will now move on to photograph No. 2, taken from a one-year tree but bearing its second year's wood. Unfor- tunately all these trees were trimmed before we got around to take the photographs, so I can only show you the tree after pruning. This tree, 3'ou will notice was started with crotch about eighteen inches high, trimmed and cut back at one year, leaving only three branches, they in turn producing three to four strong limbs, which you see cut back, not quite so harshly as I would have done it myself, but done by my foreman, but on the whole quite a symmetrical tree for a two-year-old. You will observe that it is, after pruning, about nine feet high, and spreads eleven feet. The compan- ion tree in the picture is a four-year Lombard plum which has been treated just the same as the peach. You can see STATE HOKTICULTUUAL SOCIETY. 5V) just where it has been cut back each vear, and as it stands, is trimmed ready for next crop. This tree, as you can see, is thirteen feet wide and spreads fourteen feet. We find that, even under this system of pruninp;, the plum, except in the case of Burbank, maintains its upright liabit; while I think the peach, under this treatment, shows a decided tendency to spread its branches out of pi'oportion to its height. The third photograph shows a tree of Lewis peach before and after pruning. You will see that before pruning it stood fourteen feet high, with the current season's growth measur- ing as much as six feet, and, being a young, vigorous tree, it has many small side-branches. Xow, imagine the results of all these" small branches to remain, loaded as they are with fruit buds. It would mean that, if the winter is favor- able, this tree would set twenty or more times as many peaches as would be required for a full crop. Note carefully how we have trimmed this tree. We show the first motion in this kind of trimming. Go on the ladder and cut back all leading growths one-half to two-thirds; then thin out the smaller bearing branches as you see. Now, if all the buds left survive the winter we will pick off more peaches than we leave on when thinning next June. This tree, or rather this block of 500 Lewis, averao-ed a little over one-half bushel of fine peaches per tree in 1896. and was set in April, 1894. Our next picture, No. 4, shows a tree set in the spring of 1893, which has borne two full crops of fruit. It is of more spreading habit than the preceding one, but you will observe the same general lines of trimming. At this age you will begin to observ^e one of the strong points in this system of pruning; /. e., the noticeable thickening and stocking of body and "main branches, and the large, .strong formation of the crotches. These trees seldom or never split down, no matter how heavily loaded, and I never have a prop in my orchards. Our next picture. No. 5, shows you a Burbank plum under same treatment, which I find just as desirable in plum culture as in peach. These samples are. no doubt, enough to impress you with the plan or s^'stem of pruning which I practice and ad- vocate; and I wiir now show you some views in this same orchard in full leaf, that you may more fully see the results. Cut No. 6, shows a general view of an eight-year-old orchard that has been pruned according to the plan detailed here. Notice where the growth was cut last spring, and see the amount of new growth following an enormous crop of fruit. This orchard has ten acres and has produced six full 60 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS crops, and has made a net profit of over $1,100 per acre during tliat time, or a little better than fl37 per acre per annum. If you have observed carefully you have noticed that these orchards have had absolutely clean, level culture; but one help they have had that you could not see, and that is, liberal dressings of wood ashes and bone. I have talked to you entirely on pruning, but I hope no man will carry the idea away with him that pruning is alone responsible for the fine specimens 1 have shown you, as it is really only one of several details of care that are needed, as a whole, to grow a really first-class orchard. I have given you exact measurements in several instances, for two purposes: (1) to demonstrate that pruning, on the lines laid down, stocks and strengthens a tree; and (2) to give you an opportunity to measure what you consider good trees of the same age, for comparison. My excuse for offering you this lecture is that I firmly believe that in view of the enormous planting of peach trees making in all the peach regions of the United States, the brutal law of survival of the fittest must soon be put into operation, when I would like to see our own state come up smiling with model orchards and men who understand the care and handling of fine peaches so well that they can still find profits even after their less intelligent or less industrious neighbors are swept out of competition by their own negli- gence or the hand of providence. Now let me sum up what I think are essential require- ments for successful peach culture. 1. Proper soil and location. 2. Thorough culture, with very little cropping with other crops. 8. Liberal fertilization with proper fertilizers, viz. : phos- phoric acid and potash. 4. Careful pruning as detailed, always done when growth is dormant. 5. Careful thinning when cro]) sets too heavily. 6. A nmn who is intelligent, industrious and progres- sive; an honest man, who has the moral courage to follow the golden rule dni-ing ])each hai'vest. Of such material must the winner be. STATE HOUTICULTURAL SOCIETY (>1 62 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS q O a. C3 STATE HORTICUiyrURAL SOCIETY. 63 o St o o 64 THANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 65 o o o o "a e .a 3- s 2 3 o I 66 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS STATE HORriCULTURAL SOCIETY. 67 WEDNKSDAY MORNING SESSION. Convention met pursuant to adjournment at 9:30 a. m. President Goodrich in the chair. The session opened with prayer by Dr. Howe, of Spring- field, 111. Pkesident Goodrich— Before we take up the next topic I would inquire whether there are any committees ready to report? Mr. Bryant, chairman of the committee on Missouri apples, reported as follows: Your committee to repoi-t on the collection of Missouri apples exhibited by A. Nelson, delegate from Missouri, would report that we find a very fine collection, numbering twenty-eight varieties, all smooth and highly colored. Amongst those which especially attracted our attention were the Ingram, a seedling of the Janet. They were highlj' col- ored, similar in quality, but not so juicy. Better tree than the parent bearing the fruit singly, rather than in clusters. Said to be an excellent bearer and being largely planted in Missouri. FuUerton — Sweet, of fine flavor, season about same as Ben Davis. Said to be a good bearer, upright grower. Nixon — A large, clear yellow apple, subacid, fine grained, very good in quality. Said to be a good keeper and heavy bearer. Arkansas Black — Said to be as good a bearer as the Winesap. York Imperial— ^eo^ar (led by the Missouri growers as one of the coming apples and is being extensively planted. Robinson Pippen — Very large in size, yellow color, very mild, subacid, fine grained. Said to be a good bearer and tree a tine grower Seedling of Janet — Has some characteristics of its parent, but probably larger in size. Good quality, promising, worthy of trial. E. A. RiEHL, L. R. Bryant, Committee. 68 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS Committee on Class .") — Pears and Grapes — reported througli its chairman as follows: Best collection pears — C. H. Webster. Best plate Winter Nellis— C. H. Webster. KEIFFER PEAR. First premium — E. A. Riehl. Second premium — L. F. Dintleman. Six plates of Quinces, five varieties, for which there is no premium offered, the committee recommend that the usual premium be allowed. L. N. Beal, F. D. VoRis, H. Aldridge, Committee. Which report, on motion, was adopted. SMALL FRUIT CULTURE BY THE FARMER. L. N. Beal, Mt. Vernon. Mr. Piesident: People in the towns and cities generally suppose the farm- ers are well supplied with all kinds of fruit. But this is not the case, and in writing on this subject 1 take the position that every farmer should raise all the fruit his family needs, although it is against the advice of many writers on this subject who claims the general farmer can buv his supply of fruit cheaper than to raise it. I admit that it does not cost much to supply the average farmer's table with fruit the way it is supplied, for the supply is »>ither very limited or they do without. It has been estimated that only one farmer in sev- enty is supplied with fruit for his family. Any one who will note the fact while traveling over our country, will observe the absence of fruit gardens on the farm, and, if he has occa- sion to dine with the farmer, he will also note the absence of fruit most of the time. It is not unusual to see, on a hot July day, the wives and daughters of well-to-do farmers foraging along the thickets and roadside fences for a few blackberries for the family, not only for present use but also to can a few for company. The wives and daughters of farmers who raise hundreds of bushels of corn, wheat and oats, ought not to be com- I STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 69 pelled to get their fruit out of the fence corners and highways when it can be grown as cheaply, easily and almost surely, bushel for bushel, as corn or wheat. Besides, with the low- price of farm products, I do not believe he can afford to spend his hard earned dimes for something he thinks he can do without. So if he has fruit he must; produce it on the farm or the supply will be very short. I know farmers generally think they can buy fruit cheaper than they can raise it. I have had farmers of central Illinois to tell me that they could sell corn, from one to two acres, and buy all the fruit their families could use. But do they do it, even if their statement is true? This corn money does not burden the farmer's pocket when fruit is ripe. I know, in my section of the state, the supply purchased by the farmers' wives — for it is generally the women who do the buying— is governed by the amount of money they have. They have earned this money from the sale of butter, eggs and poultry, and it has not been given them by the farmer "who can buy fruit cheaper than he can raise it " This is no idle tale, for I sell fruit to farmers everj^ year, and there is no use of the fai-mer fooling his wife into the belief that he will buy all the fruit they need. Mr. Hale, the great peach grower, has said : "No man should fool him- self into telling his wife, that he has no time to bother with such small trash as berries, but will buy all the family wants. He may not be much of a liar, but those of us who have so often heard that old chestnut about buying all the berries the family want, know that man is way off. He never did, and never will buy one-tenth part as many berries as his family will consume, if he will give them all they can wallow in, fresh from the home garden." Who can blame the bovs for o-ettino; sick of the farm f5^ and crowding into the cities and towns? There is too much '& work, work, work, and pork, pork, pork, from one year's end to the other. How it would astonish these boys, if instead of the pork so often set before them, they would see a heaping dish of strawberries, raspberries or blackberries. Thej^ never w^ould forget it as long as they would live, and they would think a farmer's life would be worth living. There must be a reason why a farmer neglects the fruit. One reason is they seem to think there is some mystery in fruit growing. Another trouble is to get the right kinds. With the average farmer a strawberry is a strawberry, a grape is a grape and a plum is a plum. He knows nothing about varieties. If he has formerly tried to grow fruit he 70 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS bought from some smooth-toDgued agent, who sold him something very fine, something better than his neighbors ever had. Some grape vine raspberry grafted upon a honey- suckle which would run clear round the garden on the top of the fence, and begin bearing in the spring on one side of the garden and keeji on bearing around all summer till stopped by the frost in the fall, and many other just such impossible things. He believes these lies of the agent and buys. He plants believing in the future. He fails and then con- cludes he can't grow fruit and he won't trv anv more. Blaming himself for his failure, never dreaming that the agent lied and sold him kinds of fruit that the best horti- culturalist in the state could not grow. The trouble was in the beginning, he did not start right, hence his failure. He did not fail because farmers cannot raise fruit, but because he was trying to do things not possible. How should the farmer start his fiuit garden? The first thing is to select a piece of well drained land near the house, clay sub-soil preferred, put it in good condition by deep plowing and thorough harrowing, if you can have the rows ten rods long they will be a convenient length and easy to cultivate. The next thing to do is to buy bis plants, which he should get from some nearby reliable nur-ser^', of which there are many in our state. For strawberries plant one row each of Crescent, Warfield, Bubach, Miner and Lovetts Early, 500 plants, 100 plants to the i-ow, set 15 oi" 16 inches apart, rows to be four feet apart. Plant as you would cab- bage plants, and be careful not to jjlant too deep, for if the crown of the plant is covered it will not grow. Cultivate shallow and often. Do not ridge the row too high. Do not let the rows become more than fifteen inches wide and not too thick in the row, for if the season is favorable the dan- ger is of a matted row too thick. In the fall when the ground freezes cover the plants just so as to hide them from view with clean straw or slough hay, clean off weed or grass seed. In the spring uncover the top of the row and leave the mulch between the rows. After fruiting remove the mulch and blow off the row to four to six inches wide, cultivate again all summer and let the rows again spread to fifteen inches wide, and again cover in the fall, etc. A patch is not worth leaving after the second year, so the farmer should ])lant a new patch every year. A patch of strawberries will not take any more work to grow them than that many cabbage plants. STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 71 Next mark off thirteen rows, six feet wide, plant four rows of raspberries. One of Kansas and one of Grego- for black, one row of Turner and one of Shaffer for red. The last is excellent for canning- and jam. The good housewife will fijnd use for them all. Plant next four rows in black- berries, two rows Early Harvest and two rows Snyder, the last will come in about the time the first are gone. Xext phint two rows of currants, one Red Dutch, the other row one-half each of Cherry and White Grape, next one row of Dwarf Juneberry, these berries resemble huckleberries and make splendid pies and are excellent for canning, no farmer should be without them. These plants can be set about three feet apart in the rows, or hfry plants to the row if ten rods long. Any one who can cultivate corn can cultivate these plants. Cultivate shallow and keep them clean. The 3"oung canes of the raspberries and blackberries should have the tops pinched out when they are about knee high to check the growth and make them stronger canes. After fruiting, or during winter, remove all the dead canes by cutting them out. They should be burned to destroy the in- sects in then) as well as to have them out of the way. The gooseberries, also, should be pinched and not be allowed to make too heavy a top. Next I would plant five rows of grapes, rows eleven feet apart and vines eight feet apart in the row, or 100 vines in all. Plant Concord, Cottage, Warden and Ives for black; Perkins and Lindley for red, and Niagara and Pocklington for white. Cultivate them bv planting between the rows potatoes, cabbage or bunch beans. They should have a small stake till the second or third yeai-. when they should have a trellis by setting posts every eight feet, along which stretch wire. The top wire as high as a man can reach. Use three or four wires. Trim the vines every year after they are three or four years old by remov- ing all the wood of the last year's growth, except two or three eyes. Such a fruit garden taken care of will be a bless- ing to any family, and no product of the farm will pay bet- ter for the amount invested. In closing I will say that the best advice I could give a farmer who wants to plant a fruit garden is to become a life member of the Illinois Horticul- tural Society at a cost of f 5, thereby getting all the back volumns and a volumn each jea,v as soon as published. This is a library in itself and worth many times more than the cost. 72 TRANSACTIONS OF THK ILLINOIS DISCUSSION. Mr. Rih:hl— What do vou do with the Coucord and « Moore's Pearly? Mr. Bkal — Moore's Early is not productive enough. Mr. Callaavay — What variety of gooseberries do you recommend? Mr. Bi:al — Ninty-nine per cent of my gooseberries are Houghton. No other variety has ever paid me. I have had pretty good results from Downing this year. Mr. Callaway— How do you like the Loudan red rasp- berry? Mr Beal — I have not grown them. Mr. Riehl— I would like to ask Mr. Beal whj' he recom- mends the Ives for the farmer? Mr. Beal— I never lose the Ives. I recommend it because it is practically proof against rot. Mr. Riehl — It is a poor grape in quality. Mr. Beal — It is better thaji no grape at all. I suspect half of our farmers have no grapes. Mr. Johnson- Did you recommend the Concord at all? Mr. Beal— Yes, and the Ives. Mr. Morrell — Do I understand your difficulty with the Concord is rot? Mr. Beal — Yes. The average farmer is not going to spray and work with his fruit like a fruit grower, and I con- tend that it is better to have the Ives grape than no grape at all. Mr. MoifRELL— Is the Ives rot proof? Mr. 1>eal — Practicallv so. Mr. Morrell — Do vou recommend the Niagara? Mr. Beal— Yes. Mr. Riehl— I object to planting the Ives grape in farm- -ers' gardens because the (Quality is so poor. Because the Concord rots if it is not taken care of is no argument at all why the farmer should not get the proper machinery and spray. If it is too much trouble well and good. Don't spray then. He can prevent any variety of grape from rot if he STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 73 will bao* it. If he has not the time to do that his children can do it. Anybody can put a bag on a bunch of grapes, and if it is bagged we know it will not rot, it it is done in time when the grapes are very small. The paper also recom- mends the Perkins. I want to object to that, because it is too poor, I would put in its place the Woodruff Ked. It is a better grape in every way. Mr. Beal — A farmer will not plant a grape that wont bear. My idea is to get the farmer to plant something and by and by he will work into something better. The Perkins is not so bad a grape after all. Mr. H. Augustine — If I planted grapes I would plant the Golden Pocklington. In a great many localities further south it will hot do well. Besides that a farmer is not so apt to take care of his grapes. They are a very weak grower; a very light foliage, especially where the sun is hot. But then I do not want to recommend the planting of the Ives. I do not want to plant the Ives for any purpose. I want to say most emphaticalh', plant Moore's Early. I do not know of a place in Illinois where it does not do well. It grows more vigorous than the Concord, has a better foliage oven than the Concord, and that is saying a good deal, and it comes ten days to two weeks earlier, and I do not see how a farmer could get along without Moore's Earh\ When the Concord brings a cent and a half a pound, Moore's Earlj^ will bring five cents a pound. These other varieties are all right but they don't do only in certain localities. The recommendations of varieties in that paper will not do for all over the state. Mr. Hartwell— As a reliable grape for the farmer the Concord stands at the head. I prefer the Worden. The Moore's Early is not a good bearer with us. It is of good quality, and as Mr. Augustine said, it ought to precede the Concord and cover a part of the season. The Brighton for a red grape; the Niagara for a white grape. These are the grapes we have in Northern Illinois. Mr. Miller — Have vou anv knowledge of the Early Ohio? 74 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS Mr. Riehl — It is a fraud of the worst kind I want to say I think Mr. Beal is correct and that Mr. Augustine is wrong when he wants the Moore's Early put in there. The Moore's Early is a grape that does not bear very well unless it is properly handled and the average farmer wont know how to handle it. Mr. Beal has recommended the Cottage, which is as early as the Moore's Early and a better bearer, and will in the average man's hands do l)etter than Moore's Early. Covering the same season, I would prefer it to the Moore's Early. The reason Moore's Early don't bear well is that it is generally grown on too heavy wood; and in order to get a crop of that grape you want to grow it on very light wood, either on very small canes or lotterals of the cane. If you prune in that way you will get a fair crop. Mr. Johnson — I would not have vou lose sight of the value of that paper in this discussion in reference to the varieties recommended. This matter has been a bone of con- tention for a long time. We may differ somewhat, but upon the general character of that paper we can all agree as to its recommendations. His recommendations to the farmers as to what they ought to do are excellent. Mr. Miller — One thing ought to go forth from this con- vention and that is, buy j'our fruit trees from some reliable man who has tested them and then plant them. Do not buy from these fruit tree peddlers who go from door to door and recommend something that never existed. The lightning rod man is a big humbug, but the fruit tree man is ordinarily a biii'o-er one. ■t'O^ POTATO CULTURE. DwiGHT IIerrick, Rochclle. The leading essentials to the growing of a profitable crop of potatoes in Illinois are — proper selection of vai'ieties, thorough culture and vigorous seed. Of the long list of varieties originators have given us, only a few can be depended upon to produce a crop every year on average soil, and with ordinary culture in our climate. Among them are the varieties belonging to the Ohio family, I STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, I •> such lis Early Ohio, Ohio Jr., Early Six Weeks, Early Market, etc., for early. Rural New Yorker No. 2, Craman No. 3, Ban- ner and Sinimin Beauty for late. The next question after selection of variety is to procure seed of vigorous quality. Such seed must be fioni plants that have had an uninterrupted growth from the starting of the seed to maturit\', else deteriation will surely result in spite of all efforts made by selecting seed of suitable size and shape. Even after maturity seed will deteriate rapidly unless ver}' carefully handled. All early potatoes should be dug- soon after ripening, placed in small heaps upon the ground, covered with straw and a light covering of earth, except a little space along top of pile, which should be left for venti- lation. Late in fall all varieties should be stored either in root cellars, in piles in the field, or any place that can be kept at a low temperature and is moist enough to prevent evaporation of the potato. The past season a test of Ohio seed from different sources was made. Seed procured from the Red River Valley, Minne- sota, yielded at the rate of 110 bushels per acre, marketable tubers. Selected seed grown in Northern Illinois yielded at the rate of 95 bushels per acre. Seed from a neighboring farmer, who had not changed seed for eight years, yielded at the rate of 35 bushels per acre. The treatment, soil, etc., the same in all cases. I prefer to cut seed to one and two eyes, using good sized tubers. In every case the seed should be treated for scab, and before cutting. Dissolve two ounces of corrosive sublimate |in three gallons of boiling water, adding enough cold water to make fifteen gallons in all. Nothing but wood should be used in handling the mixture. My method is to place the potatoes in a shallow tank or vat, and shovel them out with a wire shavel. They should soak not longer than one and one-half hours. Dry before cutting. Soil that will produce fift^^ bushels of corn per acre with ordinary culture, will produce one hundred to one hundred and fifty bushels of potatoes per acre. Early varieties re- quire richer soil to produce equal to late sorts, because of their short season of growth, they also require closer plant- ing. In field culture nothing equals a clover sod, it should be plowed in the autumn with a sod plow so that the fur- rows will be turned evenly, and about four inches deep. In the spring the ground should be thoroughly pulverized with some such tool as the Acme or Disc pulverizer, and then replowed some three inches deeper and again thoroughly pul- 76 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS verized. (By thoroughly I mean going over the land not less than four times.) Care should be taken to work the soil only when dry and mellow, nothing is more harmful than working soil too wet. Closeness of planting depends upon variety and fertility of the soil. Early varieties may usually be planted nearer, say two and a half to three feet, seed pieces ten to fifteen inches apart in the row. The richer the soil the closer they may be planted. Late varieties, rows three to three and a half feet, pieces twelve to eighteen inches apart in the row. AVhen the soil is very rich, varieties such as Carman No. 3, Kural New York No. 2, that are apt to grow too large, should be planted quite closely, which will have a tendency to reduce the size of tubers. The depth of planting must depend upon circumstances largely. The planter must use his own judgment. From three to four inches will be about right, in loose friable soil deeper, in hard clay soil not so deep. When planting' leave a slight ridge over the row, this will help to keep soil from packing by rain, and will be a great help in destroying weeds later. The ground should be thoroughly stirred to a slight depth after every rain, from soon after planting until large enough to cultivate. A fitie-toothed harrow or Breed's weeder will do a good job, unless the ground is clody and packed by rain, then a weeder is of no use whatever. The very first cultivation may be comparatively deep; say three or four inches, but subsequent cultivation must be shallow, not over one and one-half inches, for when the tops have reached the heighth of six or eight inches the roots have met between rows, and at this time of their growth the most vigorous roots are close to the surface. Cultivation should be kept up until this crop is practically matured, or until the vines shade the ground, and are so large as to be greatly damaged by the process. If the old bugs are very troublesome spray with a mix- ture of paris green, three-fourths pound; lime, two pounds; water, fifty gallons. The lime should be slacked very slowly and then strained through a fine wire screen. A very good sprayer can be made by placing an ordinary barrel with a spiay pump upon a cart made from a pair of corn planter wheels, these being wide will not pack the soil so much. When the young bugs appear spray the field thoroughly with the same mixture. If bugs are exti-emely numerous, use three-fourths to one pound paris green, but do not forget the lime, or ruin will likely result. STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. < i I have not been able to check the blight by the use of sulphate of copper, whether it is from want of a nozzle that will thoroughly cover every bit of leaf or not I am unable to state. However, by thorough culture, good seed (of suitable variety), and fertile soil, a crop can be grown in spite of blight. A strong, vigorous plant will withstand the attack of any device to a greater degree than one of feeble growth. We farmers of Illinois will be able to grow potatoes profit- ably just as long as they can be grown profitably in Wis- consin or Michigan. While our yield will not average so high, the difference of net prices will make up for any loss in yield. We must remember that our home market is our be.st market, and that Chicago is the poorest potato market in the United States, if not in the world. DISCUSSION. Secretary Dunlap — Does the spraying with paris green injure the vine? Mr. Herrick — No, sir, not when mixed with lime. Secretary Dunlap — What were the proportions of your solution for treating seed potatoes? Mr. Herrick — Two ounces corrosive sublimate dissolved in two or three gallons of hot water. Then dilute in enough water to make it fifteen gallons in all. Mr. Barnard— What is the object of adding lime to your mixture of paris green solution? What is the benefit to be expected from the use of lime in the spray on potato bugs? Mr. Herrick — The lime neutralizes the acid in the paris green. It is the acid that injures the foliage. It is the same ingredient that is used in the bordeaux mixture. I put in two pounds. I know that is enough. Mr. Barnard— I use about a half a pound of paris green to fifty gallons of water. I never put lime in. SOME EXPERIENCES IN THE CULTIVATION AND CARE OF A BEARING ORCHARD. H. A. Aldrich, Neoga. Mr. President: The older part of this apple orchard was planted about twenty-seven years ago. There was also planted at the same time a pear, peach and cherry orchard; the pear, peach and 78 TRANSACTIONS OF THli: ILLINOIS cherry orchards have long since passed out of existence and been replaced by apple trees. In replacing- the cherry orchard, a few old snags were left where they did not interfere with the replanting of the apple trees, expecting that they would only live a year, or two years at farthest; but strange to say thej' are still alive, and what was more surprising have not failed of a good crop of cherries since the owner commenced culti- vating them, and forces the conviction that had they been cultivated from the start that the old cherry orchard would have been living and thriving to-day. After the old original orchard commenced bearing it was discovered that there were several varieties that would not pay for the use of the ground they occupied, and it was determined to grub them out. But removing them in that way proved a slow and costly under- taking; and not only that, but the young tree replanted in the same place did not start off and grow as it ought to. It was found that bv takino- a common one and one-half or two- inch augur and welding on a piece of iron so as to make the whole thing about four feet long, then by boring under the old inserting a half pound stick of dynamite, with about eighteen inches to two feet of fuse, that the whole thing could be lifted or loosened, so that a very little extra work would remove the stump, and not only that but it made a hole that it took a half load of fresh dirt to fill up, and the young tree replanted in that place would commence and grow from the start. Proving that there need be no fear of replanting an old orchai'd with young trees, if they used dynamite to remove the old stumps; providing that they fed and cultivated the young trees as they ought to be. In removing the unprofit- able trees in one part of the old oi'chard it left three rows of old winesaps in the center of a block of young trees, so that it was almost impossible to cultivate the young trees without including the old ones. It almost seemed a waste of time to leave these old trees, for they had borne no apples for six or eight years, and what little foliage they put out every spring was small and covered with a sooty looking substance, and most of the trees had one or more limbs dead clear back to the main trunk, and a few were more than half gone in that way. The first year's cultivation made no difference that season, but the following spring they put out a set of fair sized healthy leaves, the following season good foliage and a crop of apples too small for market, and the last two years the crop had to be thinned in order to keep the trees from overbearing. STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 79 Before this time the balance of the old orchard had passed its prime; liad almost ceased to bear any apples fit for mar- ket and the trees would shed their leaves long before the proper time, going through half the season with bare limbs under a scorching sun, but the green hillsides of Kentucky could not show a finer set of blue grass than gre»v under those same old trees. They had not been plowed for ten or twelve years, and the roots were only just under the surface, mak- ing it almost impossible to plow, and it was some time before a suitable implement could be found to tear up the sod with- out injuring too many roots. It is generally supposed that the roots of a tree extend outwardly about as far as the top, but the hired man in this or'^hard proved that was a wrong- theory. Some of the long slender roots were traced twenty to twenty-five feet from the main body, and the end was not reached even at that distance. These trees, like the winesaps, did not show any of the effects of cultivation the first season, but the second season they came out with a healthy set of foliage that stayed on all the season and a good crop of apples. This orchard has been sprayed for a number of years, but with such var\'ing success that the owner was almost dis- couraged and thought he would have to give it up. Com- mencing with water and paris green simply as an insecticide, had gradually drifted into the more complicated bordeaux and paris green mixture used, both at one time, us an insecticide and fungercide; for it seemed a waste of time to go through all the motions for only half the work. If you are spraying for the apple worm why not add the boideaux mixture and spray for the scab at the same time? The spraying of this orchard has had to the owner all the fascination of the game to the .young gambler. The successes to the close observer have been just enough to show that if we only knew how, and when and where to use the spray, that we would be masters of the situation; the outsiders have seen nothing but the fail- ures. But spraying will never be fashionable until we have a more simple and easier prepared mixture than bordeaux. Its preparation is too complicated and it is too hard on the pump. So far have only found one pump that was able to stand it for more than one season. For some years the early harvest apples in this orchard had been so scabby that they did not pa^' expenses of ship- ping; but the first season that they were sprayed with bor- deaux mixture they were as smooth as though they had been polished. For shipment they were sorted into two grades, size being the only difference, leaving five barrels of 80 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS very small but perfect apples; more for curiosity than any thought of gain, the five barrels were shipped alono; with the rest, but branded No. 3, the commission man remarking- when he made his returns that, "by keeping back the small apples until he closed out the others, they sold for almost as much as the larger size — they were so perfect." Previous to the year 1S96 the spraying of this orchard was not very systematic as to time and number of spray- ings; some years it was sprayed just as the blossoms fell, sometimes not until the apples had formed, and then other times not until the fruit has reached considerable size. But the season of 1896 it was determined to give it a thorough spraying just as the "books" called for. A tank holding 300 gallons was made, at considerable expense, and the orchard was given its first spraying before the blossoms opened, an- other just as they fell,' another a week or ten days later, and another one still later, with the result that during the season it showed up with a crop of the wormiest lot of apples in that section of country. The trees were full of apples and still there were not enough to furnish each worm with a home of its own. It is claimed that the moth lays its egg in the maturing blossom of the apple just as the petals fall, and as soon as the caterpillar hatches it burrows into the apple. But this orchard that season must have de- veloped a different breed of worms, for they not only bur- rowed through the blossom end, but the sides as well, liter- ally turning those apples into city flats. At gathering time these apples contained no worms. But they could not be classed as No. 1, although perfect in form, size and color, for they were bored through and through; they showed no signs of rot— just simply the holes. In examining the fruit, along through the growing season, by cutting it open, it was observed that the holes were full of water and the worms dead. A neighboring grower who observed the same thing- remarked that they were all drowned. Was it the result of the downpour of rain we had just about that time, or an extra flow of juice? The trees commenced blooming that year April 21st and had dropped their blossoms by the 25th— clear, bright sun- shiny days with no wind. The spring of 1897 everything commenced blooming April 25th, but was not in full bloom until April 29th; then we had four cold, cloudy, rainy days, ending with a heavy white frost; last blooms gone by May 9th; last four days bright, clear sun and no wind. Commenced spraying May 10th, and as last year had STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 81 been so disastrous the spray was made strono:er by adding more bordeaux mixture and three-eighths of a pound of paris green to fifty gallons instead of one-fourth of a pound as formerly, and each tree was sprayed until it would drip. Owing to the extra time it took to do siieh thoiough work, and also bothered by frequent rains, did not gpt through first spraying until after May 25tli. Shortly aftei- that time the orchard showed up with the snarliest, lop-sided lot of apples it had ever borne. It would have been hard to find a more disgusted fruit grower than the owner, almost ready to turn the whole thing out to the commons. But the cut- away, the acme and the smoothing harrow were kept going in that part of the orchard that had been cultivated the year before, w^orking it up so that all through the di ought of this year it had from two to three inches of dust on top with plenty of moisture nnderneath. Kight in the hotest and dryest part of the season it was noticed that the apples on the cultivated part were improving, and they kept on swell- ing and getting smoother and smoother until gathering time, which resulted in an extra good crop of apples free from worms. In that part of the orchard that had not been cultivated the apples showed no improvement and were hardly worth gathering, even in the exceptional j'ear of good prices. The trees and soil were identically the same, nothing iDut a portable fence separating them, onl^^ one part was cultivated and the other was not. It has generallv b^en considered a fortunate orchard that has a timber wind break on the west and northwest; this orchard is so situated. But there has occurred the loss of two crops of apples in this orchard by lace spring frosts, just on account of this same wind break allowing the cold, still air to settle in behind the timber. But there were nianv times when it was a real benefit, by allowing spraying to be carried on and hy reducing the number of windfalls during windy weather or during a heavy storm, and also prevent- ing the breaking of trees when loa,ded with fruit or ice. In the observation and care of this orchai'd. the owner has learned that in cultivating an orchard it is not necessary to plow as though you were going to plant corn or pota- toes, the object is simph' to keep the soil mellow on top. That the cultivating must be done early, as trees com- plete their growth mostly by the first half of July. Never start in to cultivate an orchard after mid-summer. —6 82 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS That the fruit in that part of the orohard that is culti- vated does not ripen so early and is not as highly colored as in the uncultivated part. That to make a success of spraying you must make good use of that "think tank" that rests upou your shoulders, and that you must either pump or hold the nozzle. That a ceitain set of iron-clad rules will not do for every orchard or every season. That while we cannot alter sea- sons we can alter or modifv conditions. That 11 close observer in a certain orchard will develop methods and results unconsciously, but that he can rarely impart this particular infoi-mation to his neighbors, and even if he could it might not fit his situation. That there are certain problems that each fruit grower must pick and solve for himself, and if he cannot do it he must give place to the one on the ladder who can DISCUSSION. Sec'y. Dunlap — I think Mr. Chairman we can hardlv over- estimate the value of a paper like that just read by Mr. Aldrich. It presents to us facts that come from actual ex- perience, and the,y are valuable because they are facts. I have been through the orchards of Mr. Aldrich and noticed the work that he has been doing there for the last two years^ and I thought the proper place for such a paper as that was- in the report of the State Horticultural Society, and hence I went after him this fall, and although he very modestly de- clined at first, I finally prevailed on him to come up here and give us that paper. Everything he has said in that paper I have found exactly as stated. He has made a wonderful success of cultivation, and has been enabled to- harvest a good crop of apples and to get the highest price that was paid for apples in this vicinity last fall. Mr. Morrell — I experienced a peculiar satisfaction in listening to Mr. Aldrich's paper. About two years ago I expressed before this Society the opinion, that he has verified, viz: that many of the orchards of Illinois, judging, as 1 see them from trains in passing by, were suffering from being hide bound, that they lacked cultivation, one of the essentials to good orchard growing in our own state. It has beeik STATE HORTICULTURAL, SOCIETY. 83 stated and writteD that orchards after reaching certain stages are better seeded down in certain localities in this state. It is contrary to nature. We have none too mnch fertility in the soil. The moisture is better retained in the soil by sur- face cultivation than by any other way. I believe thorough cultivation of an orchard is good in any part of the United States. I believe plowing two or three inches deep in an orchard is a good thing. Mr. Callaway — I would like to inquire if the growing of raspberries and blackberries in a young orchard for three or four years, provided the cultivation is thorough, and some fertilizer is added, is injurious to the young orchard after- wards? Mr. Johnson — Better have them in other places. Mr. Hartwell — I have a question to ask in regard to the flow of gum saJD from cherry trees in immense quantities. I have had a gallon flow from a tree the size of mv arm and deposited at the roots, what is the cause, and is there a remedy? President Goodrich— Can any one answer this question of Mr. Hartwell's? Sec'y. Df'NLAP — Questions that do not pertain especially to the paper under discussion ought to be handed to Mr. Barnard, who is in charge of the question box, Mr. Stanton presented the following resolution which was ad oped: Whereas, The Society has been called upon to take suita- ble action on the pai ticipation in the trans-Mississippi Ex- position to be held in Omaha, Neb., in 1898, and that we have no fund available for that purpose, and Whereas, The legislature appropriated |4o,000.00 for the purpose of making an adequate exhibit of the resourses of this state at said exposition therefore, be it Resolved, That a committee be appointed to confer with the commission in charge of this fund with the object of securing the financial aid of said commission to enable this society to have a suitable fruit display at the Omaha Ex- position. 84 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS The Chairman — This closes the program for this morning session, but Mr. Archie M. Augustine is expecting to be called away and he has a paper which we would be glad to hear now. THE DELATION OF THE NURSERYMAN TO THE HOR- TICULTURIST. A. M. AuGUSTixE, Normal. Mr. President: I know it is not very good form to commence a paper with an anecdote, but I cannob refrain from it in this case. In speaking with a friend about this subject, he said: "Be- cause of the evasive way in which it had always been treated when brought up for discussion, it reminded him of a gentle- men that had employed an Irish servant; during his first day of service his master instructed him if anybody should call during the morning he would be occupied and not at home. The servant asked what he should say, and was told, *0, just give them an evasive answer.' Later, upon being asked whether any one called the Irishman replied: 'Yis sor, a foine looking gintleman indeed called to see you sor.' 'And what did you say to him?' 'O, sor, oi jist give im an eva- sive answer, sor.' 'Yes, but what did you say to him?' 'I ses, ses I, sor was yer grandmother a monkey, sor?' " This certainly is a question which has not had sufficient attention and is probably due to its being a d^-licate subject to handle. I realize I am treading upon rather dangerous ground in discussing it, nevertheless, I may say some very plain things before I get through. The rapid advancement in all lines of industry in America the last thirty or forty years has not found horticulture lagging, especially in our own state. This is ecpially true of the nursery industry. We owe a great deal to the nurserymen for the wonderful de- velopement of their various methods of propogation and cul- tivation. This has made it possible foi* us to secure stock for our orchards and fruit farms cheaper and better in America than any where else in the world. And yet, had it not been for a progressive and appreciative horticulture this could never have been so. There are so many phas«^s in tliis subject that I can only touch lightly on many of them. Take the different methods of propogation, where the seeds that form the foundation of our orchards come from, STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 85 and why certain kinds of seed make a stock that produces a better tree, where most of the seedlings for propogation come from and the reason. How and why the French people excel all other nations in this work; how it is really an oat- growth of the French revolution and its development a feat- ure in French history, perhaps follow the seedlings across the water in mid-winter to their new home in America, how and why the vaiious kinds of trees are propogated with them in this or that way until through a long series of manipulations they are at last turned over to the horticult- urist as properly grown trees or plants for his orchard or fruit farm. The new master again subjects the plant to many methods of planting, trimming and cultivation until finally if it has come through all in safety, the tree brings forth fruit after its kind and serves to add to the health and wealth of our great nation. Then, again, how nurseryman and horticulturist by com- bining their knowledge and labor succeed in introducing new and improved varieties of fruit, often indeed from foreign countries and adapting themselves to their new home and mingling their blood with that of our native varieties, give new strength and qualities to our own sorts so that they affect verv materiallv our horticultural industries. This is perhaps more xjrominently shown in our plumb, the comparatively recent introduction of the Japanese sorts, and can be traced in a more or less degree in our apples, pears, peaches, chei-ries, grapes, strawberries, nuts, and in fact, nearly all the fruits we have. Think, For a moment how-, when the horticulturist has developed a new variety of fruit, the nurserymen with their advanced methods of propogation will in a few 3'ears time have it on the market in all parts of the country and it is known and planted evervwhere. I knew a large southern nurseryman to purchase one hun- dred small \ earliug pear trees of a new variety, not long ago, and in six months time he had 3,000 trees for sale propo- gated fiom them. In 1895 Luther P. Burbank introduced the Wickson plum, he valued the original tree at f2,400. To-da^' you can pur- chase them of many of the largest growers for only two or three cents more than ordinarv varieties cost, and bv the car-load. Ihus making it possible for the horticulturists throughout the country to pi ofit by these new^ and valuable introductions. 8G TRANSACTION'S OF THE ILLINOIS This means more than that, it means we must keep up with the times if we wish to keep in the ranks of horticulture. Again, some of our l)est varieties of fruit ha\'e existed for many years in an out-of-the-way place and being known only locally, in all probability these varieties would be utterly lost to us were it not for some nurseryman chancing upon them and introducing tliem jienerallv. Viewing the relations of the nurserymen and horticultur- ists from these various standpoints is pleasant and somewhat profitable, it might be called a part of the poetry of our oc- cupation. Thus far we have not mentioned the pecuniary relations of the nurserymen to us, and this is undoubtedly the most vital. The work of the nurseryman is so closely allied in many respects to that of the horticulturist that it is difficult to tell where the one leaves off and the other begins, and the more we can work in harmony the greater will be the ad- vantage to both. The nurseryman is in the business for the money he can make out of it (with a few exceptions, I know of where they are in it because they cannot get out of it). Most of the horticulturists are engaged in their work as a business for much the same reason; but the love of the work, its health- fulness and pleasure undoubtedly entices many. Indeed, I sometimes think more people are horticulturists for the pleas- ure they derive from the work than we have any idea of. These two classes occupy each a unique place in the position the industry holds to-day. We grow our fruit to sell. It has to please the eye or there is no sale. The nurseryman grows his trees to sell and I am sorry to say the eye here, as well, plays entirely too prominent a part. Nine times out of ten the sale of a Willow Twig or Mink- ler api^le means a com])laint and claims for reduction, while the growth of a Walbridge or Whitney would have had praise. Often the amount of cord wood in a tree does more toward making a sale than the variety. Add to this the work of the unscru]>ulous tree men and vou have a foundation for much of the contention between the people of these two industries. but bear in mind I said UNSCRUPULOUS TREP: MEN, for I propose to deal somewhat with this individual fur- ther on. Our relationship needs reform, and needs it badly. There is no question about that. But before touching upon this let me say, we may talk and preach as much as we choose STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 87 'but until we make imperative demands, demands that touch the nurserymati's pocket to his advantnge if he accedes, and the o])posite if he does not, then, and not till then, can we hope for reforms. These demands must not come from indi- viduals here and there, but must be the united voice of the horticulturist. Time has made lapid changes in our work of late years; education and competition have made new demands upon the nurseryman and horticulturist as well. There is a period when the horticulture of all new countries is crude, when fruit needs no name, all varieties of apples are simply apples, peaches, peai's, stiawberries, blackberries, etc., go by their family name. Later they are distinguished by color and season, then by taste, and last of all by individual names. And this brings us to the feature of our relationship with nurserymen that is anything but pleasant. I will venture there is not a man in this audience who at some time or other, has not been unmercifully fleeced in buy- ing trees or plants. After paying a big price, possibly two or ten times what the trees were^worth, planting them carefully and tending them five or six years, they prove to be a summer apple, while you bought them for a winter apple, or the raspberries were black instead of Schaffers; grapes all Concord instead of Pocklington or Empire State. You find after a number of years of careful attention, much expense and long waiting, that if in the first place you had been robbed of the amount the stock originally cost you would have been better off than to have bought the trees and planted them. Some few of us, perhaps, who are able to make nice dis- tinctions in bark and leaf, and know the trees from these marks, think we are safe from such danger. Others of us think we know where to buy to avoid fraud. That may all be so, but when one man has had sufficient experience to lead him to this knowledge ninety-nine have not. The object of our horticultural societies, if the annual addresses of our Presidents since its oiganization are to be taken at their word, is to help horticultui-e and assist its advancement in every way we possibly can. Our society is not for the benefit of tile few horticulturists among us who are sufficiently posted on all these things not to make mistakes, but rather these are the people we look to for the most assistance to general horticulture. This knowledge is what the fruit growers at large want. 88 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS But don't let us be too sure we are proof of these things. You will pardon me if I use a few personal illustrations. I have in my possession an exact copy of an order that was sold in tliis State Inst season to a gentleman of some means, who wished to establish a fruit farm and home in the country. The order would have been filled at any reliable nursery in the State for f 50 or ^60. The gentlemen who sold this order have a very nicely fitted u]» office in one of our cities and their trees evidentlv bear fine fruit, ind^ino; from the large diamonds they wear in their shirts. This order was sold for f4;jl.31. Out of fifty or sixty varieties of apple, pear, peach, cherry and plum selected, this man would be morally certain not to receive to exceed two or three varieties of each and probably only one. This firm is doing a flourishing business furnish- ing the novices in hoiticultuie in our state the varieties of fruit recommended by the Illinois State Horticultural Reports. Not many miles from my own home lives a gentleman who a few years ago purchased a pear orchaid, he paid a dollar and a, half each foi" the trees for he wanted the Lincoln pear and the Lincoln pear was rather high at that time. The trees were duly received, planted and grew. Last year chancing to meet one of oui- piominent horticulturists he asked him to A'isit his orciiard for he was proud of his Lin- coln pears, and much concerned as to the best methods of treatment, pi-uning, etc. He learned with much sorrow that he had a very prom- ising Keiffer pear orchard. Should ony of you be curious enough to investigate I can point you to one of the best fruit sections in our state not far from here where for miles around the people bought great quantities of the Lincoln pear and secured without ex- ception Keiffer pears. In this 1 have avoided names carefully for one and all of us under such conditions prefer to suffer our loss in silence and without sympathy, afraid of ridicule perhaps. Indeed our silence in tliis direction has i)een so nmrked tliat tlie field is entirely open and without obstruction for such operations. You have undoubtedly' all heard of the Irene peach, that ingenious production of some fertile brain. I have often speculated as to the amount of good that man could have done who first evolved this Irene peach story, had his efforts been turned towards an honest occupation. You know the stoi-y tf)o well for me to take up you time repeating it in detail. How in Northern Dakota a government surveyor STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 89' passino- through the country ate a delicious peach and thouglitlessly cast the stone away. It fell by the roadside. Natui-e who is always doing- so much for us took the matter in hand and the wind brought a nuiple seed and deposited it by the side of the peach seed. Springtime came and these two seeds pushed their tender roots into the soil and their heads toward the sun immediately touching each other. They giew side by side till the life of each became a part of the other, and in this way with many further embellishments as the needs might be, nature did a wonderful work and gave to the world a peach tree with remarkable qualities of fruit and above all the hardiness of the maple tree. An ex-president of the American Forest Tree Association and a gentleman of knowledge and experience in horticulture told me some time ago that even he helped swell the number of defrauded men who purchased the Irene peach. Many thousands of dollars were liteially stolen from the people of our state who purchased and planted these trees in good faith. Yes! I know of instances where individuals purchased as much as 500 trees each of the Irene peach and paid a thousand dollars in cash for them, and to my certain know- ledge one establishment that sold many thousands of them purchased any kind of peach trees here and there wherever they could and paid not to exceed four cents pei" tree for them. The people I have mentioned as doing this kind of business are only a few of a host of others I can name from personal knowledge. Thei'e is no possibility of its being a mis- take for the same things follow in their wake wherever they go. It is a premediated confidence game that is going on among us everywhere, and when I say that we in a measure are responsible for it, we, the horticulturists of Illinois and members of the various societies, I mean every word of it. We are looked up to as authority on subjects of horticult- ure. Our annual reports recommended new fruits, and this thing and that thing, but this subject is only conspicuous by its absence, thereby furnishing this class with one of their strongest weapons. What we have intended as a means of protection ends by being the mainspring to a snare. Gentlemen, we cannot go on ignoring this state of affairs as we have done in the past and do our duty as a Society. The state is giving us f4.000.00 a year for the advancement of our work, and each year we come together and spend much time and energy in discussing the latest methods and most recent discoveries while this disease that is sapping the blood from every vein of our occupation is allowed to pro- ceed unmolested. DO TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS Michigan and X»nv Jersey iiave tlieir Yellow's law, (Cali- fornia has a great many laws on disease and insects of plants, and bills have recently passed the legiskitnres of nearly every state in the union to prevent the spread of that little insect, the San Jose Scale, and in fact nearly all the states have some kind of laws of more or less severit3' along these lirjes, and we jump on these little defenseless insects Avith all the strength we have, write volumes on the best way to wipe them off the face of the earth, which is all proper and right, and yet when a disease appears that in its direct injury to horticulture rivals all other diseases com- bined, when such a disease appears among us in the shape of men of our own size we stand dumb as sheep, while we all, including the lambs, are sheared. 1 imagine a number of you are waiting for me to come to a stoppinii' place to ask, "Well, what are you going to do about it;^" But I will anticipate you and ask that question myself. My paper, to keep within the subject should close here, if after reasonable discussion, ways and means cannot be found to control this evil, and we do not attemyjt to con- trol it, even then the time is not yet come to waste energy along these lines. But gentlemen, I l)elieve the time has come and I am cer- tain by a united effort on the part of this Society we can in a great measure control this fraudulent work, if not wipe it out entirely. The nurserymen can, and I am sure will help us if we show any desire for their assistance and demonstrate by an energetic crusade that we mean Inisiness. They have protective associations among themselves that are of great assistance. Even nurserymen who swindle the public are so classed whether they act honorable with other nurserymen or not. Indeed I sometimes think nurserymen are doing more for us in this matter than we are doing for ourselves. At the national meeting of the nurserymen society a portion of time is set aside entirely for these protective associations. Why can we not have a standing committee whose busi- ness it will be to work for legislation along these lines and by united effort locate this work that is being done and put a stop to it. DISCUSSION. Mr. Hartwp:ll — This reference to the Irene peach is timely. Those trees have been sold during the last few years for a dollar a piece, and I do not believe there are fifty trees left out of thousands that have been sold in our countrv. STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 91 Mr. Periam — I have listened to the reading of that pa- per with a g-Qod deal of interest. It is right in line with our duty. Any man of common ordinary business sense would not allow himself to be fooled by any such stories as that relating to the Irene peach. The idea of combining a peach and a maple tree. These trees are sold to business men, among the kings of finance. It is not the average man of the farm who buys those things, but it is the man who wants to make a splurge, and get back as near to God's country as he can in his old age. He begins t^ cultivate something that grows out of the ground, as it used to do when he was a boy. I consider this society not only has the right, but it is its duty, to secure such legislation, if possible, as will punish these imposters. It is our duty to combat these things wherever we see them going on. Secretary Dunlap — It might be well to appoint a con- servator in each county for such people as swallow these stories. The Chair— I would think anywhere within a hundred miles of Chicago under the influence of the Prairie Farmer it 't)^ would be hard to ffet men to bite at such bait. to Mr. Periam— It is in those places where they are wear- ing big diamonds. Mr. Morrell — In our state the Horticultural Society maintains a Legislative committee. I have no doubt the Legislature might pass laws against this way of swindling the people. There used to be a saying that there is a "sucker" born every minute. I heard the other day one was born every second. A man who will buy a tree that is said to be an assimilation of a maple by a peach tree, must have more money than brains, and I don't know but he ought to spend some of it for the good of the community. Mr. a. M. Augustine— But that money does not reach the community. Mr. Morrell— It all goes into the trade. Those fellows are generally pretty high rollers. Some men want the Irene Peach, and some men wear diamonds on account of it. 92 . TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS Mr. a. M. Augustine— It is no more than right that this Society should advise the people where they can receive fair treatment and buy valuable goods. But this is such a deli- cate question it is almost impertinent to speak of it. We cant force the people to buy, but we can advise them. Mit. Winn— I would like to know who can tell us where to buy? My experience has left ine in doubt on that question. Mr. Mokrell — I have no doubt a Nurserymen's Protec- tive Association would be a good thing. Then if we find anyone doing a swindling business in trees we could expose him. Secretary Dunlap— There are two sides to this question. The fault is not altogether with the nurserymen. It is par- tially with the farmer. I would like to know if a man who would be swindled by the Irene peach would ever refer to the reports of this society. That kind of a man does not know there is such a society. You notify him to attend our meet- ings. If he does not attend our meetings, read the reports and various publications and inform himself it is his own fault, and I don't believe this State ought to act as a con- servative for such a man. What we want to do is to post ourselves as to what a tree is. Anybody who knows a wil- low twig apple tree recognizes it at once on seeing it; the same is true as to other trees. Of course we can not all know these things thoroughly, but we can know this, that we should buy our trees of the nurserymen and not buy of the peddler, to whom a man can send an order by mail to nur- serymen in this state and in ninety-nine cases out of a hun- dred he will get exactly what he orders, and if he got any- thing else the hundredth time, it would be the result of an error. My experience with nurserymen is, with very few ex- ceptions, the trees have been true to name; but I don't buy of tree agents or tree pedlers. Mk. a. M. Augustine — Some of the most unscruf)ulous tree men in our State read all the re])orts and all the publi- cations printed on the subject and are well posted, and use them in making sales. STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 93 AFTERNOON SESSION, WEDNESDAY, 1:30 P. M. The convention met persuant to adjournment. Presi- dent Goodrich in the chair: The President — In the absence of those gentlemen who are on the program and who are not yet present, we will call upon Mr. Barnard to read some questions from the ques- tion box. Mr. Barnard read the following question: "If a vigor- ous six-year-old apple tree be sawed off a few inches above the ground will it throw up a new sprout that can be budded, and make a successful tree of it?"' The President — Mr. Buckman please answer. Mr. Buckman — I am not a nurseryman, and I cannot answer the question. I have never had any experience. I know a pear tree can be. The President — Mr. Miller can you answer it? Mr. Miller — My experience is so limited I would not un- take to say. The President — Mr. Black will you answer it? Mr. Black— I have not had a great deal of experience. They will usually grow to a tree. But they will not gener- ally make a tree that will bear anything in comparison with a tree grown regularly. The President — I think it is a very unusual occurrence to saw off an apple tree so close to the ground as that. An old nurseryman who wants to renew his peach trees will saw them off to make branches, and then bud them, and he will always get a good tree. We will take the next question. Mr. Barnard— "What is the best remedy for borers in peach trees?" The President— Who can answer the question? Mr. Miller— Plentv of o-ood hot water will kill them and not hurt the tree. It will not scald the bark enough to in- jure the sap. I had a tree that was nearly dead with borers, one I had imported from New Jersey, and I wanted to save 1)1 TUANHACTIONH OK TIIIO IM.INOI8 W. I look H Icii Ucltlo of liol wnlri- ntid scooped a place riI«' t rocs is to pi'()t,(»(M Iht' ticc with wire screen, putting;' t. ho bottom an iu(d) or Iavo ill the ground. If I were ^oiii;;" to set out anothei* orchard that, is I ht» way I would protect all \\\y trees, an'ainst hoi-ers, uiici* and i-al)bits. Mu. MiM>KK— Now fine oiie-ht tin* njesh to be? .Mu. HrcKMAN— It should be tine cnoiieh so that this lit- lt(> bealle that, woiks on t h(> appli* tree could not ^'('t to it. It \h th(» ordiiuiry Hcreen wir(». not less than two feet hif;h. TiiK I'uKsiDio.NT— The (piestion is not ho nuieh as to what is a pr(»vent.ative, uh it is, what is the cure. Mr. I'earHOii how do you nuina«;'e it? Mu. riOAitsoN— A peach tree is short liv(>d any way. Tho majority of I lie p 'eeh tre(>s H(>t out on the prairie Hhow the effect of the bortM' when th(\v are set out. I am pretty (!are- fnl to se(> when I set my pcMich tre(\s out, whethiM" 1 had them niystdf or buy thcMii, that t hei(» is no borer there. After that I let. t ln» tr(»(» take its chances. If you a.re care- ful when you s(»t. them out you will b(» apt. to «;*et fruit, hut llietree is short lived any way. A few years aj»:o I piarticed the old i-eliable wav of di^ij^in^' around them and searchin«»" for the iiisei't. That will dt). but it don't ])ay. You iiav(» to do it yours(>lf unless you ha.V(» very relial»l»» help. 1 have not had enough troubl(> with borers to make it in anv way discouraf^iii}^". I don't believ(» in keepiii<;" peach trees until they are very old. I don't trans|»lanl any. Mu. ('ai. I. AW AY— If the borer is not already in the t re(> I think yon can pi-event. them eoiiino- in Uy usinji" a. strone- solutioirof soft, soap in .June an I July. TiiK I*uKsii»K.NT— Do you pill it on ev«M'y year? Mu. (-AM.AWAV— Durinj;- the lirsit thret* or four years. Mu. MiMiiou— Will it not hurt the tree any? STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 95 Mr. Callaway — No, it is a benefit; the oftener you put it on the better. Mr. Miller— I will say in reg-ard to the use of hot wa- ter, 1 would take a quart, perhaps, to a tree, and let that suffice. I would not keep pouring it on, you might kill the tree by getting- it too hot. Mr. Black — A friend told me he bad experimented with bi-sulphide of carbon with satisfactory results. It kills ants and other things very nicely. I have tried it on ants and it settles them very quickly — a very small quantity. It is ex- plosive and you don't want to have it around the fire. The President— We will now take up another question. Mr Barnard- I will read three questions. "First— I want to put out an apple orchard of fifteen acres. What distance should the trees be planted apart. It is prairie soil in Ma- con county"? "Second — Will it pay to apply barn yard manure to an orchard"? "Third — What is the best way to protect trees from rabbits"? The President — We will take up the first question. Mb. Pearson — The kind of apple would make some dif- ference. Mr. Stanton— I think in Macon county it is not advis- able to set them closer than thirtv-three feet. Mr. Allen — The question is mine. I did not aim to mention any varieties. I want a general orchard. The President— About thirty feet is the usual rule. Now as to the next division of the question. "Will it pay to put barn yard manure to the apple tree"? Mr. Hartwell — Yes, if you don't use too much. The amount you should use depends on a number of conditions. Mr. Stanton — I want to caution the gentleman. I think on this soil he will not need any fertilizer. I don't believe it is needed at all in Macon county. I think if he would fertilize that soil he would produce a tree that would be porous and soft in its nature, and more susceptible to disease than if he left the tree without it. I think trees will grow fast enough in that soil. Mr. Voris— What kind of soil is it? 96 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS Mr. Allex — It is a black soil, about three feet deep. Mk. Voris — I would think you would not need any fer- tilizer for a while. Certain kinds of trees should be planted forty feet apart. It depends on the varieties. I made a mis- take by planting too close. The President — The next part of the question is: ''How to protect the trees from rabbits"? Mr. VoRfs — We use wrapping paper in the fall, and un- wrap the tree in the spring. I have used wild grass with very fair success, but I would not recommend it. Mr. Hobf3S, Indiana — I am inclined to think wood veneer- ing is the best thing. It is cheap, easy to put on, and is durable, and has the double advantage of protecting against mice, rats and sun scald. We lose more trees in Indiana from sun scald than from any other cause. The President— How long do you leave it on? Mr. Hobbs — As long as it will stay. I see no bad effects from it. I see Mr, Goodman, of Mi-ssouri, recommends wash- ing with a weak solution of alkali. Mr. Stanton— I want to caution the gentlemen against using a wash for protection against rabbits, I am using sheeting. I buy it by the bolt, tear it in strips and wrap the tree in the fall and take it off in the spring. The next year I use the same material again. I have tried veneering and it wasn't satisfactory to me at all. Mr. Hobbs — What is the objection? Mr. Stanton— It furnishes a harbor for insects and ground mice, I have found ground mice inside of it eating the trees up before I could find it out. It might not be so farther north. It has been said, too, that veneeiing dwarfs the growth of the tree. That above the veneering there is a difference in the growth of the tree. The President — Did you put any preparation on your cloth? Mr. Stanton— No, sir; I take the cloth off in the spring, 1 apply soft soa]) when I take the cloth off. Mr. H. Augustine — I have tried the method Mr. Hobbs speaks of and 1 want to say emphatically I believe it is the STATE HORTICULTURAIv SOCIETY. 97 best way. lu order to keep the mice out all you have to do is to draw the veneering a little closer, so as not to have more than half an inch on either side, and the mice cannot operate in there. Durino- the last three years we have had no trouble whatever on that score, while during the first year we lost vei-y heavily. I believe it is the cheapest and best way to protect the trees. The material should be soaked with linseed oil, and it will last four or five years. Mr. B.A.RNAKD— I have a cheap and effective remedy that I use. I wind the stem of the tree with corn stalks; tie it on with binding twine. Mr. Calloway — In cold weather I gather some tender twigs and stick around the tree and the rabbits eat them and don't bother the tree. The rabbit is an epicure and he will not gnaw the tough bark when he can get tender twigs. Mr. Hobbs — I would like to ask whether any one has no- ticed any serious results from the use of veneering as to the development of the body of the tree? Mr. H. Aug usTLXE— That is one of the strong points in its favor. It is heavy and the veneering shuts out all the insects. I don't think the flat or round head borer get in. I think Prof. Forbes will bear us out in the statement that they would not find their way in. Out of 24,000 trees in an orchard we have not found a single borer. The President — AVe will now proceed with the regular program: CO-OPERATIVE SHIPPING OF FRUITS. J. W. Stanton, Richvieav. Mr. President: Our society has been favored frequently with excellent papers and intelligent discussions on how to raise fruits. Largely through these influences many hundreds of acres have been planted to fruit. Year by year the work has progressed, producing fruits that contribute to the health and happiness of the grower, but having our orchards and berry fields with abundant crops, we must have a market, this is the question, —7 98 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS and it is one upon which we must apply the best business methods in order to dispose of the immense acreage of fruits now planted. Co-operation will do it, and tliis is our only hope, it ought not to be hard to do the right and practica- ble thing, but it requires earnest and continued efforts to accomplish this; therefore, the first step should be the organ- ization of shipping associations at every point where car loads can be secured daily and at other points where the productions will not amount to a car load daily; two or more points should oi-ganize and arrange for loading together. Fruit growers in organizing a shipping association must have men to manage the business who have the ability and in whom the members have confidence, upon these points will depend the success or failure of the association. The co-operative shipping association will succeed if organized and managed upon a business basis just the same as any other business enterprise requiring co-operation. Last year at our meeting here we were told by a Chicago man that co-operation was a failure, unless perhaps we join his Union, which it seems was not co-operative nor mutual in its bene- fits. Shipping associations are now handling the products of fruit growers at almost every point in Southern Illinois where the shipments can be handled in car lots, the small grower secures equal advantages with the large grower, and iiis in- terests are equally protected in ever}- respect. Many of our associations in Southern Illinois have been very successful in their operations for several years; they have managers who represent the shipper in every way as an up to date business man would manage his individual affairs. I know that some of our associations have gone to pieces and several re-organi- zations took place, before they were placed on steady footing, the cause, I think I may safely state was simply a lack of confidence in the management and very liknly without any foundation, in fact. It is strange to note the lack of confidence the average fruit shipper seems to have in his neighbor and co-worker, while this same person will load a car of fruit and consign it to a stranger hundreds of miles away and likely he has done so by the solicitation of the firm's representative who is also a stranger. I have been acting as president of our association for several years and know s;)mething of the trials and tribulations of the manager. Last season Chicago prices ran very low on strawberries, we were losing money in that market and every body discouraged. One day we concluded to put a car to" Buffalo, N. Y., we loaded this car on Wednesdav, the car reached Buffalo on Saturdav too late STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 99 for market. It was held over until Monday, and the berries were sold five days after loading- in fair condition. I mention this to show what mav be done bv refrig-erator car service under favorable conditions, and I am confident from the expeiience and observation of i)ast few 3'ears, we must find new markets and push our fruit into every small city or village in the territory of the Northwest and other parts of the country that can take it. Kefrigeration makes this possible and with proper efforts we can reach every point by this means. 1 read a paper befoie the Southei-n Society in which I suggested the establishing of a Hureau of Informa- tion in Chicago by the co-operation of the several shipping associations in Southern Illinois, this Bureau to be used to facilitate the distribution and handling of our shipments more inteligently through a syslem of reports, also to secure new markets and look after the interests of the several asso- ciations in general. Last winter 1 noticed several Chicago firms found the market would not take all their apples readily at prices to bring them a profit, they pushed them out by corresponding with parties in the country, sending car loads to certain points and from their distributed to the smaller villages near by. Our section of Southern Illinois did not have a crop of apples last season. These Chicago men learned of this and put in several car loads there. We did not send solicitors to Chicago, but Chicago looked us up and made the market where otherwise we would have no doubt gone without apples or at least with but very few. I claim that this Bureau of Information can be made one of the most im- portant factors in the distrubution and marketing of our products. The cost of maintaining this Bureau would be very small figured on a basis of the combined shipments of the several associations. Recently I talked to representatives of Missouri along* this line. They have found the shipping associations helpful and were of the opinion that our Southern territory of Illinois and Missouri should join in this matter and establish the Bureau. I have not attempted to give a detail as to the operation of this Bureau but simply wish to offer the sugges- tion beleiving that the agitation of this subject will Jbring out something practicable. Parties who have only the suiplus of the family orchard to market will not fully appreciate the importance of this question. Many persons interested would be surprised to learn of the extent of our orchard planting in this state and Missouri. Some idea of our orchard interest can be learned by visiting Southern Illinois and just across 100 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS the river in Missouri. In Southern Illinois several eouutfes have nearly all the available land planted to oi-chard, mostly apple trees, a large portion of these are now about bearing age. We find just across the river in Missouri, the Ozark Orchard company has over 60,000 apple trees and a large number of peaoli trees. The Olden fruit farm has 55,000 apple and 100,000 peach trees. One firm has 86,000 apple trees and will plant 200,000 more in the spring. Orchards of 5,000 to 10,000 trees are numerous. It seems from this 8howing we should fully realize tbe importance of prompt -and suitable action on this subject. DISCUSSION. President Goodrich— This topic of distribution is one of 1:he most important topics this Society can consider. We have in our section of the country a regularly incorporated company whose business it is to do this work of handling the product. It is regularly incorporated, elects its officers, who draw a salary. It is the business of the manager to telegraph to all the markets accessible to us, and to ascer- tain the daily condition of the market in the various cities. We shippers have access to that information. We take that information and base our shipments on that. We have the choice of a dozen cities. We send our fruit there or withhold it. We ship in company or individually. These men are constantly getting that information. It is a Bureau of In- formation. I know of one or two towns where they have fieveral of these companies organized. They do nothing else but receive and handle and ship the fruit at all times of the year and during all kinds of weather. Mr. Hartwell— How long have these companies been in •operation? Mr. Goodrich— From one vear to twentv. We have been doing this as Mr. Stanton says, and I think our failures and successes would make a large volume. Mr. Pearson — How long have you been doing it success- fully? Mr. Goodrich— That depends on what you mean by suc- cess. If putting out from six to twelve hundred cars a 3'ear bTATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 101 from a town could be considered a success, and reaching markets you could not reach in any other way would be a success, and distributing over a half a dozen states, and striking an average good market a reasonable number of times during the year would be a success, then we were suc- cessful. Mr. Pearson — For how many years? Mr. "Goodrich — I think I am serving as director in one at our place for the tenth year. Mr. Pearson— The reason I ask is that Mr. Stanton says several have gone to pieces. Mr. Goodrich — The one in Mr. Stanton's town has not gone to pieces, and the one in my town has not gone to pieces. I can count live towns all having institutions just like ours. Our town has two, having men who do nothing else but act as our agents, under our pay. They left the railroad service to come to us. Mr. Stanton himself was a railroad man. Mr. Pearson- -For the year round are they in your era- ploy? Mr. Goodrich— Yes. Mr, ModRELL— What do they do in the winter time? Mr. Goodrich — Our work. We ship fruit, sweet potatoes,, tomatoes, early vegetables or something every day in the year, Mr. Pearson — About how many men ought to make up a working association? Mu. Goodrich— We have in our association about four hundred shippers divided into two companies, aside fron* that a good many men ship by express — ship locally. Mr. Pearson — Do they pay pro-rata for their shipment,, or so much per capita. Mr. Goodrich — I will explain that to you. We make a requisition on the railroad company for so many cars. They set them off on a switch at our station, where nothing but fruit cars go. The switch was built for that purpose. Those cars are at our service. We have an old railroad man — a good telegrapher, and he collects information, decides where- 102 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS to ship, and informs us he is going to ship a cri- of fruit to Chicago to-morrow, one to Minneapolis the next day, and one to Milwaukee or St. Paul the next day. We take our fruit down to the car and our mark is placed on it. The man handling the fruit makes a manifest or record of it. The railroad man does not touch it at all. Our man at the other end receives that car and pays the freight to the rail- road company, he then delivers the fruit over to the com- mission man, collects the freight of him, and enough more to pay the cost of handling, such as loading it and taking it out and all salaries and expenses. All the expenses follow the fruit and are collected at the other end. Should there be an excess it is sent to the home treasurer. But each in- dividual shipper receives his money and account of sales di- rect from the man who sells his goods. Mr. Pearson— All charges follow the stuff? Mr. Goodrich — Yes. In that way we get the cheapest freight that it is possible to get. The railway company sim- ply puts in the car, and when it is loaded hauls it. That is all the company does. Mr. Pearson— Are the cars packed with ice?. Mr. Goodrich — If the shipper desires, yes. Mr. Pearson— The railroad company puts that in?. Mr. Goodrich — No, we do that ourselves. At this time of year we are loading out sweet potatoes, that go into half a dozen cities. They are shipped in the same cars we used in the summer for fruit, viz.: refrigerators. They will take out sweet potatoes and land them in Chicago in two days and one night. Mr. Pearson — In sacks? Mr. Goodrich— In barrels; never in sacks, unless it were something we can pack in^a very small sack. Mr. Pearson— Do you mean that there is no subscription and no annual fee to be paid? Mr. Goodrich— You can't have a stock company without paying for it. You must own the stock. The membership fee I STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 103 covers the stock. It has to be a bona fide stock company, on the same plan as starting' a bank or a manufacturing establishment. Mr. Pearson — How much stock is generally required to insure successful operating? Mr. Goodrich— There is not very much needed. Five thousand dollars will be sufficient. Mr. Pearson— Do you mean that stock will pay dividends? Mr. Goodrich — If you want to make it that way you can. We always have a surplus. Mr. Pearson — Suppose I take stock and hold it four or five years, who is going to pay any money out of which I shall get a dividend? Mr. Goodrich — To explain that, would require too much time. Mr. Pearsox — Not very much time. If I knew how it was done I could tell it in two minutes. Mr. J. W. Stanton— I can explain my plan in two min- utes. The shipping association takes the fruit at so much a package, say twelve cents a case; no matter what the rail- road freight may be, we figure the amount so as to cover expenses and have a surplus. We have a man in Chicago who unloads it and pays the freight. The unloader pays the freight and collects from the different firms, according to our rate. At the end of the season we have a settlement with him, and there is alwa^^s a surplus that goes into the asso- ciation's treasury. Mr. Goodrich— And in addition to that, if we consign what we call an outside car, we give the entire car to one company; they sell it on less than ten per cent., or five per cent., or four per cent., perhaps. We charge the shippers ten per cent, and that makes a rebate which goes into our treasury, which makes the dividend which you want to know about. Mr. Pearson — You skin them a little? Mr. Goodrich— No sir. That is the fund with which we run the machine. 104 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS Mr. Morrell — In Michigan recently there has come up a plan that is being worked to great satisfaction, and it rather beats sending vour fruit awav on commission. Thev sell at home. Buyers to-day are looking for car loads of uniform goods, and not car loads that are not uniform. I have no interest in it, but I know where there is one of the central packing house co-operative associations that is working very successfully. I can give you the modus operandi of handling^ them. I can give the results pretty neary in dollars and cents. An association is formed, growers bring their fruit to the central packing house, where it is crated and under one management. The management gets in correspondence with buyers in the large cities and the buyers come and select the goods they want and pay for them right there before they are moved. The plan is working with apples and peaches and all the crops that grow there, giving the greatest satis- faction. It furnishes a place where a buyer can go at any time and select a car load of No. 1 fruit or mixed fruit, or just what he may need for his trade. And there are always plenty of buyers. The fruit is assorted and packed in a very large packing house, which has an ice house adjoining. Each grower can have his fruit kept by itself if he desires. The manager sells the fruit for the best price he can get. Understand this is a stock company and don't pack for everybody, by any means. Mr. Pearson asks where are you going to get your divi- dend? This company owns its buildings and has a little money to do business with. If any man wants to come in they take action on him, and if he is a man of the character that suits them they will take him in. Now the best men are falling over each other to get into these associations. Mr. Nelson, Missouri — Co-operation shipping is being worked very successfully amongst the strawberry growers and peach growers. Mr. Hobbs, Indiana — The American Fruit Growers Asso- ciation, which was organized probably two years ago ia STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 105 Chicago, was to operate for the whole United States, and distribute our fruit just where it was wanted direct from the shipper. What were the weak points about that? Mr. Stanton — It wasn't mutual in its benefits. Mr. Hobbs — Did the benefits accrued go chiefly to the officers? Mr. Stanton— Yes. Mr. Morrell — It was an effort to down the other fel- low's commission houses. THE SEASON'S CAMPAIGN AGAINST SHE SAN JOSE AND OTHER SCALE INSECTS IN ILLINOIS. Prof. S. A. Forbes, State Eatomologist, Urbana. When I made my report to you last year, at your an- nual meeting, of the occurrence of the San Jose scale in Illi- nois and the condition of infested premises, we had not fin- ished our inspection of suspected importations. At that time ten infested localities were twelve separate colonies, now there are twenty-two. Then the scale was known to be dis- tributed in eight counties only, now we have found it in fif- teen— from Ocle and Kane on the north to Pulaski on the south, and from Adams on the west to Clark, Edgar and Wabash on the east. The entire list of infested localities is as follows: Monroe Center, in Ogle county; Dundee, in Kane county; Tremont, in Tazewell county; Qnincy and Paloma^ in Adams county; Auburn and New City, in Sangamon county ; Tower Hill and Herrick, in Shelby county ; Ernst, in Clarkcounty ; Yermilion, in Edgar county, and a farm about five miles from that place; CoUinsville, in Madison county; Mascoutah, in St. Clair county; West Salem, in Edwards county; Mt. Carmel, in Wabash county; Richview, in Wash- ington county; Sparta, in Randolph county; and Villa Ridge, in Pulaski county. The precise condition of affairs for the new localities is as follows : Near Herrick, in the southern part of Shelby county, two small trees were found, four or five feet in height, completely incrusted with the San Jose scale. They were in a small fruit plantation belonging to Mr. S. W. Buchanan, between two and three miles 'north of the town. They were obtained in 1895 from an Ohio dealer who does not raise trees him- self. Adjacent stock, consisting of pear-trees, grape vines^ 106 THANSACTIONS OF THfc: ILLINOIS apricots, red and black raspberries, and also an apple orch- ard but a little distance removed, were all inspected carefully servations of entomologists elsewhere. Two sprayings are all we can hope to undertake with the present appropriations. Mr. Goodrich — Do you know of any parasite that is dis- tructive to this scale? Prof. Forbes— Yes, three. One true parasite and the- other two are carniverous, they simplj^ devour the scale. But they are not such as warrant us to trust in their efficiency at the present time. In orchards that I have in- spected no visible effect on the scale is shown by these- distructive parasites. Mr. H. Augustine— Mr Chairman. In view of the serious damage with which the fruit growers of Illinois are threatened by the presence in certain parts of the state of the San Jose scale I would move that the president of this society name a committee of three, called a legislative committee, to co- operate with Prof. Forbes and lay plans during the coming year with which to go before the legislature and secure such legislation as may be found necessary to exterminate the- present pest, and to prevent if possible the further introduc- tion of them into this state. The motion was seconded and on being put by the Chair was unanimously adopted. 122 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS The Chair appointed as members of such committee on Lef^islation, H. Augustine, H. M. Dunlap, J. W. Stanton. Mr. Nklsox, of Missouri— Would not fumigation with brimstone answer the same puipose as that referred to by- Prof. Forbes? Prof. Forbes— I am afraid not. It is not sufficiently penetrating. The fumigation I have spoken of is about the only Hucce.ssful fumigation 1 know of. I don't know what the effect of brimstone would be on vegetation. Mr. Morrell— It is pretty bad. It will stand a little. Mr. Brvant— How about the use of kerosene? Prof, Forbes— I have made no experiments myself with kerosene, and I have determined not to recommend it until I can do so from personal knowledge. Some of the scientific men are of the opinion that the use of kerosene on trees is dangerous, especially when applied by the fruit grower gen- erally. If used at all it should be used with such caution as to render it impracticable for general use. Mr. MojtRELL — I do not believe from my experience and observation that you ought to spend one minute's time in talking about the use of kerosene. It is a dangerous thing to talk about even. Prof. Forbes has gone further into this subject than any man we have access to, and he recommends whale oil soap treatment, and if it does the business and does not kill the tree, it is the only thing for us to think about. In Michigan we have come to that conclusion, and our State Inspector is working on those lines, and not mak- ing any experiments outside of that. Mr. Black— Whale oil soap as used is not injurious? Prof. Foijbes- No. The only injury which might be ex- pected from the use of that soap is the ])08sible distraction of the fruit buds during the year in which the insecticide is applied. In our Quincy experiment even that injury did not occur. The party on whose orchard we operated had a bet- ter crop than his neighbors. Mr. Morrell — Were there any peach trees in the orch- ard? STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 123 Prof. Forbes — Yes, there were peaches, apples, pears and plums. Mr. Morrell— Well if it did not hurt the peaches the rest will be all right. Prof. Forbes — The peach blossoms were all killed by frost last year. But the apple and plum and the raspberry and blackberry were all apparently unaffected. Mil. Perriam — A man who makes the assertion that he can pour kerosene oil on a tree and not injure it is not w^orthy of the confidence of this Society. Kerosene oil will injure the tree. Mr. Hobbs, of Indiana — There will be a difference of opinion in regard to the use of coal oil on trees from the fact that different kinds of trees are affected differently. Peach trees are very sensitive to arsenical preparations or •coal oil, and so also is the apple. There is a difference in the grade of oil. It has been proven you can spray oil lightlv anywhere over trees if vou do it when the air is drv, and the conditions are favorable for the rapid evaporation. You can apply it under those conditions successfully; but. those conditions must be right. It must be a light oil that will evaporate quickly under favorable atmospheric condi- tions. I think, as Prof. Forbes has well said, it should be used, if at all, with great caution. Mr. Morrell — I have heard of gasoline being used on a cherry tree with good effect. I would not recommend it, al- though it might be worth the experiment if made by an ex- pert. Mr. Bryant— What does the whale oil soap cost? Prof. Forbes — It costs in New York three and three quarter cents a pound, which, together with the freight, brings it to about four cents a pound. We bought it of Leggett Company, in New York, simply because we knew by ^oing to them we got an excellent and uniform article. They handle but one brand. I have no doubt there are others making just as good soap, but I don't know whether they can be depended on or not. There is a great difference in whale oil soaps and in their insecticide qualities. 124 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS Mr. Bryant — IIow about whitewash as an insecticide? Prof. Forbks — I do not know that it has any insecti- cide qualities. Mr. Buckman — What is there about whale oil soap so different from other soaps or mixtures? Prof. Forbes — There are other soaps besides whale oil soap which do consideiable good; but there is no other soap that has yet been used that has been found to be so efficient as whale oil soap. Where we are dealino- with an insect like this it seems almost necessary we should have the best thing we know of. Mr. Black— Is it not a fact whale oil soap is cheaper than any other soap? Prof. Forbes— I think it is about as cheap as anything- you can get. Mr. Stanton— Mr. Buckman asks the question why some other soap would not do just as well? Is it not a fact the reason other soaps will not do as well is because they have not the strength? Prof, Forbes — I have not experimented with any other soaps, I cannot say of my own knowledge. Mr. Morrell — When we have a good thing that has been tested we ought to stick to it until the experts have discovered something better. Prof. Forbes has found whale oil soap a good thing and we should stick to it and let the experts discover a better thing and demonstrate it to be such before we take any chances. HOW TO CONVERT INFERIOR PRODUCTS OF THE ORCHARD INTO MP:RCHANTABLE PRODUCTS. r. C JoHNSox, Kishmaukee. Mr. President : How to convert inferior products of the orchard into merchantable products or, in other words, how to realize a satisfactory profit from small inferior apples, usually called cider apples, is a hard question and I shall not undertake to answer it, but shall simply offer a few hints. Theoretically, with all our horticultural societies and pa- pers, we should have less and less of this class of apples year STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 125 by year, but where there is a good crop of apples, as a rule, there are plenty of cider apples and they appear to be with us to stay and in many orchards we find more culls than ■choice fruit In some localities, favorably situated as to freight rates, a, good many cider apples are shipped to the largest cider mills, but in many places cider apples, or a good many of them at least, simply go to waste for want of a market. In the East, and especially in Pennsylvania, a great deal of cider jelly is made. Parties running cider mills often run evaporators in connection and make up for customers on shares or by the pound. These evaporators are not expensive, prices ranging from ^75.00 upwards according to capacity. The fresh made cider is boiled rapidly by steam in these evaporators and goes into a jelly and if care is used in selecting the apples and boiling it, makes a veiy good jelly, and with cheap cider apples, it €an be placed on the market at a very moderate price and it should have a good sale. Any one embarking in this business will find plenty of cheap adulterated jellies to compete with, but any one with plenty of push should be able to make financial success in making cider jelly. Sweet cider made late in the season, of good apples, makes a good wholesome drink and there is always a demand for pure sweet cider. To keep it sweet and place it on the market has always been a puzzle. Theoretically, cider heated thoroughly to 160 degrees and then sealed up and kept from the air, is supposed to keep without fermenting, almost indefinitely; for domestic use, fruit jars answer nicelj^ to store it in and are as cheap as bottles. This is also a good way to keep grape juice, but it is almost necessary to add some sugar to make it palatable, the amount depending upon the variety of grapes. In heating, both cider and grape juice, the work must be done thoroughly and should be kept hot at least twenty minutes. On a large scale, it might be possible for some enterpris- ing party to make a financial success by placing these arti- cles on the market. A person embarking in this business can also look forward to something higher than mere pecuniary reward, for all drinks of this kind, thoroughly introduced, must displace a certain amount of harmful acoholic beverages and a person would find himself doing practical temperance work and, at the same time, reaping a pecuniary reward, a combination not always easy to accomplish in every business enterprise. 126 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS Cider vinegar makino; offers an easy and profitable way of using up unsalable surplus apples. This requires very little- investment and may be worked on a large or small scale, and it also has many agreeable features not found in many kinds of business. After the cider is once put away in barrels, the possessor of a few barrels or a few hundred barrels can go about his business, his crop is planted and his business is going on, his cider works day and night and seven days in the week, and success is reasonably sure if a few simple rales are observed. Cider made from early fruit usually lacks saccharine mat- ter, and will consequently make very weak vinegar, while later apples, especially winter apples, have a good supply of it, the amount of saccharine matter is very easily determined with an instrument for this purpose costing only a nominal sum. Put the cider away in barrels in a horizontal position, leaving the bung-hole open ; if in a building where it can be kept warm during the winter, so much the better; keep in a warm place in the summer but not in the sun, as that over- heats it and we do not get as good results. The ideal way to make vinegar is to have a storage building made warm,^ then keep a little fire during the winter, this hastens ferment- ation and we get the desired result in shorter time. Do not meddle with it until it is ready for market and thoroughly made, then carefully rack it off or, better, ciphon the vinegar off from the sediment. Plenty of patience is required to make a successful vinegar maker, as cider vinegar made in this way rarely attains full strength short of from one and a half to two years. Will the business end of cider vinegar making pay? This- is largely a question of management, the same as in every other business, a great deal of vinegar is used, and energy and push put into the business should make a financial suc- cess of it. DISCUSSION. Secretary Dunlap— It seems to me, Mr. Chairman, this- subject ought to be considered as one of great importance to all persons having either a bearing orchard or one that is expected to bear in the future. The inferior products of an orchard, if allowed to go to waste, are a serious loss to- the orchardist. It is important to save and harvest all the crop and place it upon the market to the best advantage. STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 127 The paper just read, it seems to me, is a very practical paper. It does not go as far into details, perhaps, as a be- ginner would like, because it does not show him exactly how to go to work in all these thing and make a success of them; and sometimes necessity is a very important factor because it teaches us some things we never otherwise would find out. I have every fall put three to five hundred barrels of cider in my cellar and then in the spring taken them out of the cellar at a great expense of nominal labor; whereas, if I had left them in a shed outside where they were merely pro- tected from the weather, but permitted to freeze during the winter, I would have had vinegar in one half the time that I had it after doing all that work. So a good many times the necessities of the case are quite an important instructor. You have to go through a great many of these things Mr. Johnson has discussed before you can become well acquainted with the minutia and the details successfullv. But, as he says, if you will put energy and push into it you can make most all of these inferior products of the orchard fairly profitable. Mr. Callaway — I wish some one would tell us what to do with our blackberries when there is a glut in the market and our berries are ripening and going to waste. Mr. Miller — I would like to corroborate Senator Dunlap on the vinegar business. I don't believe in a warm room at all to make vinegar in. I put the barrels in a cold room properly darkened so the worms will not eat the barrels and let the vinegar freeze. Fill the barrels not quite full so when it freezes there will be no waste, and I can get good vinegar inside of twelve months. Twenty years ago I tried the ex- periment of leaving the vinegar out under a shed, but the worms destro3^ed my barrels. The room should be properly darkened to prevent that. In regard to blackberries. We utilize our surplus berries first by scalding and canning the juice. ' Mr. Callaway — Did you sell it? Mr. Miller — I have not sold it yet. Mr. Johx\son — In the East the farmers make a great deal 128 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS of apple butter and cider jelly. These make a very nice «auce, and something that can be sold. Mr. Morrell — The opportunities to make money on a plan of this kind seem to be almost entirely gone. I can take you to several places in Chicago where they are using all sorts of waste products to make all these jellies with glucose mixtures, and they do it cheaper than any farmer or fruit grower can possibly do it. They have the control of the market so far as retailers are concerned. They will evap- orate peelings or skins and make jelly from them, and then by the use of timothy seed and flavoring make respberry jam. With clover seed they will make strawberry flavor. All those things are going on at such a rate you really have no chance to get hold, because the retailers will buy the cheap- est. The only way you can beat it is by food adulteration laws. They can make anything of that character cheaper than the farmer can make it. As to vinegar, that is manufactured now in Michigan by the thousand carloads at six and one-half to six and three- fourths cents a gallon. You usually get about four and one- half gallons of cider from a bushel of apples, making about thirty cents a bushel for your apples. There is not much made at that. As to fruit juice, there may be something in that. But these same big fellows are working in that line. There is not very much call for apple juice any more, not enough trade in that to count. Mr. Johnson — Because some one else is making a cheaper product it is no reason why a man should not work up his material. It is not necessary to sell cider vinegar at six and one- fourth cents a gallon. I can always get more for it. MADE HONORAUY MEMBERS. Mr. Hartwell— Mr. Chairman: I move you that Mr. C. M. Hobbs, of Bridgeport, InditVna; Mr. R. Morrell, of Benton Harbor, Michigan; Mr. A. Nelson, of West Lebanon, Missouri, and Mr. A. F. Colman, of Corning, Iowa, be made honorary members of this Sociery. Carried unanimously. STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 129 REPORT OF DELEGATE TO INDIANA. H. A. ALDKicn, Ncoga. Mr. President: The tnii'ty-seventh animal meeting of the Indiana State Horticultural Societ}' was held in the State Capital building, Indianapolis, on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 7 to 9. There were about fifty members present. They had a very interesting and instructive progi-am. The president of the association, C. M. Hobbs, of Bridgeport, delivered his annual address. It was followed by the first paper, "What Were the Causes of Failure of Our Apple Crop the Past Season?" hy Joe. A. Burton, of Orleans. He ascribed it mostly to the fact that there had been a super-abundance of apples last year, and that nature scarcely ever produces large crops in successive years. He did not subscribe to the exhaustion theory, however, that the vitality is so exhausted one year that there is not enough in the tree next year to produce a crop. He noticed one thing — that trees on the poorer soil of the ridges, bore more apples than those on the rich alluvial soil of the bottoms. He left it to the chemist to say why. He exhibited specimens of the one-sided, small, rusty and excresence marked fruit of this year. Few of the apple growers present were willing to admit that dry weather had much to do with a bad apple crop. Some of them were certain that the excessive hot weather did; for the fruit on the north side of the trees was much finer than on the south side. Fungus diseases were made responsible by others for the poor crop. J, G. Kingbury, of Indianapolis, reviewed the horticul- tural conditions of Mexico as he found them in a recent trip. He described the trees, fruits, plants and flowers found there as different from those of this latitude. He told of the primitive way in which agriculture is carried on in that country, and of the unparalleled richness and fertility of the Mexican soil. The first evening's session was given over to the women. Mrs. Emma M. McRae, of Purdue University, spoke on the "Ministry of Nature." She spoke at considerable length, touching upon the influence which an association with nature has upon people in bringing out the finer qualities of their being. She is a fine off-hand speaker, and her many illustra- tions taken from real life were beautifully presented. Mrs. W. W. Stevens, of Salem, located "Woman's Place in Horticulture." Generally speaking, she said it was any —9 130 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS place that she would fit. She noted that woman plucked the first apple. She advocated the oroanization of village improvement societies among the women, that they might see what may be done to beautify their homes and the communities in which they live, to help plant trees, cultivate flowers, make grassy lawns and keep things clean. There were many thing in this line that men would not "fuss with," and women must come to the rescue. Wednesday morning before assembling for business the members, in a body, visited one of the cold storage plants of the city, and of all the barrels of apples opened for in- spection of the society, only one was perfect, and that was a barrel of Genetons. The fault it was easy to see had been with the packer; one sample barrel had settled until it lacked full six inches of being full. If it was a fair sample of that shipment, some poor commission man would get fits. The subject that engaged the attention of the society all the morning was "The Profit of Small Fruits and the Difficulties Attending the Marketing of Them." It covered the strawberry, the raspberry and the blackberry. The cry was that old "Slogan" of the Illinois grower— overproduc- tion. It was held with regard to the strawberry that the acreage was to great and there was advice that it be reduced one-half. One Kosciosko county grower was cited as having shipped two car Jloads to Buffalo and got returns of one cent a quart. It was contended by Mr. Hale, of Connecticut, that the market was never o-lutted bv the best berries, and he recommendes the growers to raise only the best, and pick only the best, leaving the small ones on the viens. Many of the speakers urged honesty in packing, and advised that the small berries be placed on top instead of at the bottom. The growers said that it was always difficult to get fair and honest work in picking from the pickers hired, some of whom would pick anj^thing in order to fill their boxes up quickly. In the afternoon Mr. Hale, of Connecticut, spoke on "Commercial Peach Growing." He recommends trimming the young trees to be planted to mere canes not over two and a half to three feet long,all the roots except a few stubs two inches in length being cut away. After several experi- ments finds 13x13 feet the best distance to plant. Cites an example of an orchard he planted in 1884 of twenty-two acres. Eleven acres were planted 18x18 feet, 134 trees to the acre, and eleven acres ll^xllj^ feet, 300 trees to the aci'e. It was the intention to plant the last half 12x12 feet, but when they had every tree planted they found their STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, 131 measuring pole was only IV/i feet long. An exact account has been kept with each half, and the tenth 3-ear after plant- ing the thick planted section was |7,000 in net profits ahead; the last two years the thin planting gained about $300, and he looks for the thin planted part to make slight gains from now on, but he nevei- ezpects that it will catch up in the life of the trees. Straight rows at equal distance apart are essential to best and most economical culture, but cease all plowing or cultivation at least six weeks before the end of the growing season. In order to protect the young trees from the extreme changes in the temperature likes a few shovelsful of earth mounded up at its base at the ap- proach of winter, which easily crumb.es awa^' during first cultivation in spring. By starting the cutaway harrow right after the frost comes out in the spring, before the surface gets dry and hard the orchard can be perfectly fitted for summer culture. Has one orchard that has never had a plow stuck in it for eight years and does not expect it ever will again. Does not recommend stable manure of any kind for a peach orchard. Fertilizers rich in potash and phos- phoric acid and lacking nitrogen are best suited to the peach. Recommends heavy pruning in years when a majority of the fruit buds are alive, but not so heavy when they are scarce. In years when 90 per cent, of the buds are alive would take off three-fourths of the new j'ear's growth, the closest cutting being in the central top. For borers recom- mend a wash of one quart soft soap, four pounds of lime, one pint crude carbolic acid diluted to two gallons with water, and made into a thick paste with common clay, but puts more faith in digging them out than any wash. Claims- that over-bearing is the besetting sin of the peach tree, and that heavy pruning holds this in check, and that the cheap- est and best time to pick and dispose of surplus fruit is when it is green. Does not pick his fi'uit until it reaches full maturity in size and color. Judging entirely by the color of the under or most shaded side of each peach. Gathered at this stage claims that they should be in fair eating condi- tion in twenty-four hours, in perfect condition in forty-eight hours, and yet, if rightly handled, most of them would keep nicely from three to five days. The fruit is picked in small baskets, hauled to the packing shed in low, broad-tired spring wagons constructed expressly for that purpose, where they are sorted into three grades— extra. No. 1 and No. 2, Extra must be perfect in size, shape and color, running about seventy-five to the bushel or two and three-quarter inches in diameter; No. 1 about 125 to the bushel or 2% to 2% inches, 132 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS and the other grade I conld not remember what he said about it. In packino- his peaches he hires none but the most refined and best educated women he can employ, and pays them o'ood wages. Claims tliat it is impossible for a man to pack basket after basket of peaches and have them all alike; that it makes no difference wlietlvr he is a church member, deacon or preacher, it is a moral impossibility for a man to pack peaches without putting the best on top. He de- scribed how he fought the eurculio last season in his Georgia orchard. He made a lot of eurculio catches (and explained how he made them, but he is such a fast talker 1 could not catch on); each trap only extended under half the tree, so that it took two traps to a tree at a time and then jarred the tree with a padded club. The club was padded with old worn out bicvcle tires, which he had considerable trouble in getting, as the companies refused to sell to him at first for fear he wanted them to make new tires. At each end of the rows he had barrels of water with a little kerosene on top in which to empty their traps. In this way fifty men jarred 50,000 trees a day, or 1,000 to a man, giving him the only crop of peaches in the state that year free from worms. Mr, Hale was followed by H. E. VanDeman, of Virginia, on orchard plans. He described four plans, the Hexagonal, the Alternate, the Wellhouse and the Parker Earl. He claimed that the Hexagonal was the best economizer of space. It is a system of equilateral triangles, and is some- times called the triangular system. It puts all adjacent trees equally distant from each other. The rows are twenty-eight and one-half feet apart three ways and permit cultivating the trees accordingly; fifty-two trees to the acre. The Alternate plan is identically the same, only the rows are thirty-three feet apart and the trees are to be planted alternate, just as bricks are laid in a wall; forty-six ti'ees to the acre. In the Wellhouse plan the trees are planted 32x16 feet apart in a rectangular style, wide spaces running north and south; ninety-eight trees to the acre. In the Parker Early plan the trees are planted sixteen feet east and west by twenty feet north and south, with every sixth row left out for an alley; 108 trees to the acre. The intention is to cut out every other north and south row, leaving them 32x20; sixtv-thi-ee trees to the acre. One half of these can be taken out later if more space is needed, leaving them forty- two feet apart; thirty-one and one-half trees to the acre. They were all illustrated by plats, of which a copy accompanies this report. STATE HOTtTICULTTI{AT. SOCIETY. 133 52 trees, 33 feet apart. 00 o o o o oo oo o ooooo oo oooooo oo oooooo 104 trees, 16.\33;i apart. oo oooooo 0 0 o o o 00 oooooo 0 0 0 0 o oo oooooo o o o o o o o o'o o o oo o o o o o o o 00 o o oo 156 trees, I6%xl6J^, leaving out two rows. HEXAGOKAL PLAN. 134 TRANSACTIONH OF THE ILLINOIS 46 trees, 33 ft.x41ii. 92 trees, 33xl6)6. oooooooooo oooooooooo oooooooooo 143 trees, ICJ^xlGJ^. ALTERNATK PLAN. STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCfETY. 135 49 trees. 32x32. trees. 32x16. WELLIIOUSE PLAN. 136 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 32 trees, 42 feet apart. 63 trees, 32x20. 108 trees, 16x20. PARKER KARL PLAN, o A o o o o ooooo ooooo oa STATE HORTICULTURAL, SOCIETY. 137 111 the evening Prof. J. Troop, of Purdue, made a scien- tific report on the "San Jose Scale," which had been brought into the state on stock bought from eastern nurseries. As the discussion brought out reports of its destructive nature the fruit growers were considerably worried, as it seemed to threaten the destruction of the fruit industry of the whole state. But Mr. Hale exclaimed, "Glory to the San Jose scale! Giorv to the curculio! Glorv to anvthiiio- that crowds the lazy man out of the fruit business," and says he does not fear the scale. A resolution was passed favoring proper state legislation for protection against the scale. Prof. M. B. Waite, of the Agricultural Department at Washington, gave a stereoptican lecture on "Pear Blight and Other Diseases." It would be useless for your delegate to attempt to give a synopsis of this lecture, for it would be beyond his depth. Of the few points that fastened to his memory were— that pruning in winter favored the blight, the better the tree was fed and cultivated the more inclined to blight. The only satisfactory method of controlling it was by cutting out and burning, not allowing a single case of blight to winter in the orchard or within half a milfe of it. He was inclined to think that the best time to cut it was in the fall, as it could then be seen the best; but it was im- portant to cut it out whenever found, no matter whether it was winter, spring, summer, autumn or fall. WEDNESDAY EVENING SESSION. The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. Presi- dent Goodrich in the chair. The Pf{esident — Before proceeding with the regular pro- gram for the evening we will hear a paper from Mr. E. A. Kielil, who was a delegate to the meeting of the Ohio State Horticultural Society. REPORT OF DELEGATE TO OHIO. E. A. EiEHL, Alton. Mr. President: The meeting of the Ohio State Horticultural Society was held at the Ohfo experiment station situated near Wooster, in the northeastern portion of the state. This part of the state is quite hilly with a thin looking gravelly or shale soil, which, however, 'seems to be better than it looks, judging by the crops grown. 138 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS There was a good proo'ram whinh was well carried out. Being- held so far north many of the subjects discussed were of little value so far as our state is concerued. From reports and analysis presented it seems that there is good I'eason to believe that tlie sugar beet industry can be made profitable in some sections of the state. Beets with a high per cent, of sugar having been grown. It was, how- ever, stated that sugar beet growing and manufacturing the sugar were two separate and distinct occupations. The beets must be grown by the farmers in different quantities to give full employment to factories built for the purpose, that could not be put up for much less than .|200,0()0. The cost being so great there is no possibility of the growers of the beets making the sugar themselves. The matter of spraying was discussed by Prof. Green and others. There is no longer any doubt of the benefit of spraying, if properly done. I'rof. Green stated that in their experiments in this matter they had found the cost of three thorough spi-ayings on large trees in full bearing was 20c per tree. The trees not sprayed avei-aged six and one-half bushels of inferior fruit. Those sprayed averaged ten and one-half bushels, nearly all of which were marketable. One reason why so large a per cent, of the fruit was sound, was because the sprayed trees bore more than they could i^rop- erly mature, and were thinned, care being taken to remove the imperfect specimens. There was on exhibition an average sample of the crops of one tree each of sprayed and un- spraj'ed fruit, which was shown in bushel boxes. This was a very striking object lesson. Few of the unsprayed apples were fit for anytliing but cider, while the others were nearly all marketable and neai-ly free from codling and scab. Pi-of. Green stated that while the cost of spraying was only 20(! per tree the fi'uit of the sprayed trees was worth .f4 33 per tree more than the unsprayed. York Impeiial, Johnson and Morris Red were highly spoken of. Cherries seem to be considerably grown and came in for a good deal of discussion. Mostly the soui- varieties like Dyehouse. Early Richmond, English Morello and Montmor- ency are grown. Among the sweets the Ida and Windsor were hiirhly spoken of. The San Jose scale was quite thoroughly discussed. Thev have it in spots widely distributed all over the state. It was, hov/ever, as yet only found in orchards that had re- ceived stock from New Jersey; most of the infected spots STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 139 having- received it on stock bought of the Lobett nur-series. The nurseries of Ohio were said to be entirely free from it. The statement was made by the entomologist, Prof. Webster, that they had not been able to exterminate the scale from an^' infested orchard by any kind of treatment short of dig- ging up and burning root and branch of all infected trees. Ap- plications of kerosine. whale oil soup, etc., would keep it in check, but could not be depended on to entirely eradicate it. Undiluted kerosine was said to be a sa,fe remedy to apply in cold weather on apple and pear trees, but was not safe to use in warm weather on any other kind of trees. The Ohio experiment station is not in any way connected with the university, being under a separate and independent management. It seems to be exceedingly well managed, and profitable experiments are being carried on, on a large scale that must prove of great value to the farmers and horticul- turalists of the state. The offices are in a large stone fire- proof building situated on the crest of a high hdl, overlook- ing the town of AVooster and quite a large extent of country. The barn is 210 feet long, some 40 feet wide, with posts 20 feet in height. One hundred thousand feet of oak lumber being required for the frame work. In this are the eighty- seven head of cattle that are used in feeding ex])eriments in groups of from three to ten. in different ways and with dif- ferent foods, to determine the value of various foods, manner of feeding, and the feeding and milking capacities of the dif- ferent breeds. Hogs, sheep, and other farm animals are being experimented with in the same thorough manner. The station grew, this past season, 273 varieties wheat and 119 varieties oats. The Horticultural part of the station is presided over by Prof. Green, and is in excellent condition, a full hue of all fruits being planted for testing, the list comprising all the newer varieties as they came out, and many before they are disseminated. Much work is done in an experimental way growing vegetables like radishes, lettuce and tomatoes under glass, in so doing experiments are made in sub-irrigation, which has given much better results than surface irrigation. The growing of cucumbers for pickling onions and toma- toes is said to be a large business in this vicinity. Two hundred thousand bushels of onions were said to have been grown in this county the past season. The meetings of the society were well attended, the hall being taxed to its fullest capacity every afternoon and even- ing. The Ohio society contains a large number of men of 140 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS lar been fruit eaters, many of them making their noon meal en- tirely of fruit. I understand there is a society of business men in New York City who have banded them.selves togethci- for the purpose of simi)lifying their noonday meal. They make it principally of fruit, and find they are better equal to their work in the afternoon than when they eat a heavierj meal. I feel that 1 must say a word on the cooking of oatmef and rice, as they are such valuable foods for us. Oatmeal, t< STATE HORTICULTUKAL SOCIETY. 149 possess the greatest value as food, should be well cooked. I use steel cut oatmeal, and cook enough on ironing davs to last a week. I do not have it oftener tiian three times a week; and sometimes onlv twice, changing with other cei-eals. To a quart of boiling water, salted, take four tablespoons of steel cut oatmeal, put in double boiler and let it cook slowlj on back ])art of range all day. Do not stir. In the morning, when you wish to ui^e, put on the stove and reheat. If you use the rolled oats, they must be cooked an hour, and even longer is bettei". Rice is quickly and easily cooked by taking- three and one-half quarts of water to one cup of rice. Have water boiling, and add rice slowly, so water will not cease boiling. Boil it constantly for twenty minutes, then pour into colander and drain ; then place in oven with door open, and let remain live minutes to dry. Place in dish and serve. I wish the farmers' wives, instead of making indigestible pies and cakes, would spend that time in making soups and salads; spending time and money in that way instead of for those articles of food that have an injurious effect, and no real value to us as food. When our foods are placed before us, it is as necessary- to be temperate there as any place; for when we overeat we are destroying our powers of mind and body as the intemperate man is with his liquor and tobacco. I wish I might have time to say more about our foods, but must pass on to an- other part of my subject, almost as important. Enough, I hope, has been said to induce you to think along this line, for there is not an article of foo I used but what we can learn something about its growth, use and preparation that will be to our benefit. Lincoln did a glorious work in emancipating the slaves, but there vet remains other forms of slaverv to be abolished, and the woi'k of emancipation may not be done by one indi- vidual. I refer now to the bondao'e existing in our kitchens, where many housewives are burdened with bad methods, un- gainly utensils and inconvenient surroundings. This subject is a delight to me, as I have only recently come up out of this bondage, and have not had to go to a far-off promised land or a new kitchen to enjoy my freedom, but have thrown off the shackles that bound me by readjusting my old envi- I'onment and bringing into it modern methods and weapons. I am now monarch of that small realm and no longer a slave to burdensome work. Whereas, 1 used to fravel miles a day to accomplish the cooking and its attendant dishw'ashing and other necessary adjuncts, I now have so 150 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS overcome "matter with mind" that I have reduced the daily journey to yards and furlongs. Let me give 3^ou a mind pic- ture of my kitchen, as it was and as it is, and perliaps it will give you "an idea," as it did a friend of mine, how you mav institute an easier order of things in vour kitchen. This friend to whom I refer liad for years carried her table dishes (or had her domestics carry them) through her china closet to hei- kitchen to be washed, and then carried them back to the china closet, thinking that there was not room in the closet for a table, liut she now rejoices in a broad shelf of the right height, where her dishes can be washed and as soon as washed placed on the shelves of tlie closet. But let me tell you of my picture — the old and the i ew. My kitchen is 17x18 feet, and I have alwa^'s complained of it being too large, but bj' the purchase of a cabinet table, a safe, and covered another table with oil cloth, my kitchen has come to be one of great convenience. Previously I had but one table at the north side of my kitchen. There is a .shove through at the southeast end of my kitchen from the dining room to the kitchen and I used to carrv mv dishes from that to the north side of kitchen and back again. Now I have a table by the south side of my kitchen next to thfe shove through and in washing my table dishes I have scarcely a step to take. My cabinet table I have on castoi-s with a zinc covering on the top. That is placed directly in front of the range in middle of room. In this table is kept flour, sugar, salt, spices, with all the little utensils used in cot)king. To my right and at the south side of my kitchen I have placed the safe wherein [ keep all large utensils used, dish towels, pieces of cheese cloth, etc. On the north side of my kitchen, where my table did stand, I keep a vapor gasoline stove and to the right of that is my sink and drain, with soft water pump in it. Can you not see how few the steps must be, compared to when I kept all these things in a pan- try that was at least twenty feet from m3^ only table at the north side of my kitchen, my pantiy door being at the ex- treme southwest corner of kitchen. My cabinet table cost me .fl, my safe $S, castors and oil cloth for other table, ^1, making a total of .fll; about the cost of one doctor's bill that often results from overwork. Now, as to the utensils 1 am using, there has been a great change in the past few 3'ears. My kettles are all of granite and are easily washed and are light to handle. I have a metal kneading board, that is also light to hand and much easier to keep clean than a wooden one. It can be used for cutting up meats, chickens, etc. Acids do not corrode it, and I find it useful STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 151 in many ways. I use wooden paddles or spoons with a round liandle, that is easier to hold than the ohl-fashioned flat-handled spoon of tin. A teller's kitchen knife, a spatula, tin measuring cups, an apple corer and potato parer are a few of the little utensils that should be in the home of all housewives. A whipped cream churn, for as farmers we should indulge in that luxury occasionally. An ironing board called the "Peerless," and one so necessary to the bus^' mother with many clothes to iron for little folks. A triumph meat grinder, or one of similar make, should be in everj'' home, for with it you can take the toughest and most in- ferior pieces of meat and put through it and then make into cakes and broil, or into Hamburg steak. Put your dry bread through it to make bread crums, your suet for pud- dings, in fact, you will find manj'^ ways of using it. A Mudge fruit canner or sterilizer I have recenth' added to my list and am highly gratified with results so far. With it you can put up all kinds of vegetables, and fruits canned by this process are kept more perfect in form and flavor. A chair step ladder is a great convenience and should be in every kitchen. I have spoken of the most important, but othei- things of great usefulness might be mentioned, as the small bread pans, easily adjusted scales, a small sauce pan with long handle for making sauce, etc. When I look back to my old kitchen and utensils therein I feel that I have accomplished a little for the bettering of m\^ home and the health therein, and feel anxious that other women, and especially our over-burdened farmers' wives, should endeavor to obtain help in these matters that go so far toward bringing peace, harmony and good health in the home life. You as women should expect and demand even, if necessary, appliances for doing your work, and nine times out of ten the good man of the house will accept the situa- tion and take as much interest in the matter as yourself. So deeply do I begin to feel in this matter of making better homes by better foods and methods, that I assure you it is the one place that our temperance workers must begin their work, for out of a healthy, happy home will go forth girls and boys equal to battling with ithe temptations of life, and our temperance workers can increase their useful- ness by establishing cooking schools and studying the food problems that confronts the poorly raid laborer of our cities and towns. Our asylums for the insane would not be so crowded or our penal institutions such a disgrace to our 152 TRANSACLIONS OF THE ILLINOIS land if we wore taught more of how to make home a happy» healthy dwelling place from our early years until we enter one of our own. To you, farmers, horticulturists, and your wives, I ap- peal for a more earnest united effort on your part to build happy, healthy, convenient, attractiv^e homes. What a wealth of meaning in the word "home;" typical of the mansions "not made with hands eternal in the heavens.' Did you ever think, that if not capable of building a happy home here and now, that you would not be equal to the enjoy- ment of one in the spirit land, where we are all trending? Life and in the future is much as we make it, and so to each of you I ])ray may be granted the blessing of a happy home now and through all eternity, inasmuch as you are willing by your own effort to work, aid and acquire it. DISCUSSION. At the conclusion of the reading of the foregoing paper Mrs. Dunlap said: 1 would like to speak of what has been done in Champaign county in regard to the matter. At our county institute last winter a paper was read on food preparation, and at its close a lady arose and asked that a committee be appointed immediately to go to work and carry out some of the thoughts presented by that paper and to see what could be done. There was a committee ap- pointed composed of seven ladies, part from the town and part from the counti-y. They repaired to an ante-room for consultation, and decided that they would meet next day and take some action. As a result of their meeting next day the Champaign County Housekeepers' Association was formed. At the present time that association has a membership num- bering eighty-six. Thev feel that they have accomplised a great deal of good. They have a chautauqua assembly at Urbana. Last year the nmnager of that association came to us and asked us to secure a cooking teacher for one week during the chautauqua meeting. We secured Mrs. Saunders, of Springfield, a graduate of Mrs. Koier's school. She came and gave us a week of instruction. Then we went to the County Agricultural Board and asked them how much they would contribute to assist us in bring- STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 153 ino- Mrs. Rorer to the county fair. They told ii.s, and as a result we had Mrs. Rorer with us a week, and as a result ac- complished a wonderful amount of p;ood, for the farmers' wives especially. Mrs. Rorer could reach them because they were there at the fail*. The mov^ement had already been set on foot in Urbana, and they had labored some to that end, but had not accomplished much, but b^^ having such a course of cooking there it created such an interest that through the efforts of some of the people and the woman's club of Urbana thej'' have put cooking and sewing in The public schools of Urbana,, and I cannot begin to tell you how much good it is doing. There are eight hundred boj^s and girls in that school taking sewing alone, and about one hundred are taking cook- ing. We feel much of this is the result of our farmers going to work and doing something. This is only the beginning of what we want done. We want a department in our State University, where our girls can go and become qualified to perform the duties of wives and mothers. [Applause.] I hope you will all help us next winter when we ask for an appropriation for a woman's building. I hope we will see your votes recorded on the right side. We want a big one, because we want to help our girls. Our boys can go there and take a short course in agriculture. Where can our girls go for a course in domestic science, that which is the most important of all — a thing they ought to know. Where is there a place or an opportunity to do that? We must have a place at our State University, and I hope 3^ou will all aid us in securing such a place. [Applause.] Mr. Hobbs, of Indiana— If you will send your girls to In- diana we will take care of them! Mr. Morrell— Or to Michigan! Mrs. Dunlap— Illinois is able to take care of her own girls. [Applause.] Mr. Hartwell — Mr. Chairman: If it had not been for my great respect for Mrs. Dunlap I would have got up and walked out when she commenced the reading of her paper. Because I have heard so many papers on this subject that I 154 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS thouo-lit it would necessarily be stale. But I want to say this about this exercise. It is woith any man's dollar to be present and listen to it. It is inexpressibly fine in every sense of the word, and of great value to the people of the state. I want to ask Mrs. Dunlap what she thinks of the proposi- tion of the gentleman who said: We are oetting our food in such a condition that it is so easily digested that our stom- achs will become impotent fi-om having nothing to do; that our stomachs will gi'ow weak because they will have noth- ing to do? Mrs Dunlap— What causes nearly all the people of the United States to have dysj)epsia? They tell us there are one hundred different forms of dyspepsia. If that be true I think it is time for us to begin to study how to feed our stomachs, so we may not have any of these various forms of dyspepsia. Mr. Callaway— What was the trouble with the water — was their too much lime in it? Mrs. Dunlap— Yes, and they said there was some surface drainage in it that should not have been permitted. Mr. Hartwell— Have j'ou had several analyses, or might it have been a simple accident? Mrs. Dunlap — No, I think there was no trouble of that kind. Mr. Callaway — How about the canning? Mrs. Dunlap— I wish I had brought my canner with me. I am not advertising any firm's articles. This is manufac- tured in Philadel])hia. It is called the Mudge fruit canner. Mr. Hartwell— Do you use glass vessels for the fruit? Mrs. Dunlap— Yes. Mr. Callaway — I have seen one of those sterilizing can- ners, in a family in Morgan County, Illinois. I have seen peaches canned by it that showed no change in form, condi- tion or color, and also apples and other fruits. They look and taste just as thev did at the time thev are taken from the stalk, vine or tree. Mr. Shank — There is another thing that should have been mentioned in the paper. That is the location of the kitchen. I would recommend that the kitchen be located near the cen- STATE HORTICCLTCRAL SOCIETY, 155 tcr of the house for conv«iii«nl)ed and sare tb^ farmer's wife iiianv steps in mrming i3p a»d down cellar. Mrs. DrxLAP — I have a« odorless refrkjera tor that is very nioe.. I can put aiivthin^ in it with niv milk and butter, a:ad there is never any odor. It is a di'flicult matter to ■'^^^"^ -^^^ >ns nea^ milk or batter, but I have tested it in my ., .. .^ . ...or and know it can be done without injury to either. If women wonld onranize and confer together tljey would be better in- foT-med as to what to buy. We ouarht to study these things i^s AA oU as men study with reference to tl»e utensils and ma^ ' ":it TV they nse, so that when we go to buy anything we will know what the best is. >Tr.. Mo>jkkl — This matter of cooking is one of the most r-: vciical thing* the women have ever talked about. In Brook- ;, N. Y., they have the Pratt Institute which is turning out ' I n. :;ers of domestic science. It is a matter that needs atten- tion, and the fact that the ladies have t«ken up the subject is one of the brightest signs of the times. The Michigan ag'- nciiltural college has put in a department of domestic science, and is teaching it to the girls. They are getting a very lat^ class. Teach plain and ornamental sewing and music if they see fit, and everything that ivrtains to making home pleas- ant and making a woman a ca|>able housekeeper and an en- tertainer, and we all know bow desirable a combination that is in a wife. In reference to tlie location of the kitchen, the center of house miirht not be a desirable hx^ation for manv rt>asons, but the kitchen should be convenienth- located so as to Siwe steps. Mk, Rkasoxi — I think the conditions of our country are bi^ginning to change. We find there is a great dt^al more in- to"; lerinal and esthetic culture in the homes on the farms than there has ever been before, I find some of the highest social qualities today in our farmers' homes, I have some op|x»rtunities for knowing. I think that pajx^r contemplate*, and I have thought that I could read in the lines that Mrs, Dunlap conteniplated the highest social and esthetic culture 156 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS for our wives and dau^^hters. But I find the best music, how- ever finely executed upon an instrument is a very poor apolooy for a sour, sad, loaf of bread. Some heretic has said, and I guess ho wasn't very far wrong, that the secret of total depravity was in the liver. [Applause.] And I think in that home where we have sour bread, 'and fried potatoes, and beefsteak fried in lard, and everything else cooked on that line, that there will not always be the greatest harmony. I like the idea also of having fruit in our homef^. If you will pardon the bombast of your humble servant, I will say I think I have never eaten a pound of meat in a month in my life; and, although running the risk of being osti-acised in some places where 1 have been, I have insisted on having fruit for breakfast; and I have been where that wasn't fashionable. 1 want fruit for breakfast, dinner and supper, and between meals; and I have not been so sick a day in my life but what I could go if I wanted to. We want more fruit! Recognizing the fact also that a large proportion of the crime and the unhappiness in our homes come from T)hysical disease and that our food has very much to do with it and contributes very largely in that direction, it renders the food question one of the most impoitant we have to deal with to- day. 1 am very glad .Mrs. Dunlap gave us that paper. I wish we could have it published in a form where it could be read in all our homes. Secketary Dunlap— 1 want to say one word about the water supply of homes. Now it might apy)ear to some from the remarks made by the junior member of our firm — I say "the junior member," because she is the younffer member of the fii'in onlv — in regard to the water of the wells we had analyzed — j'ou might suppose that well was in a place where slops were thrown, or something of that kind. But the con- trary is the case. The embankment around the well is such that everything fiows off readily. Nothing is ever thrown any- where near it; but, nevertiieless, the analysis showed that there was a great deal of organic matter in that well that was likely to create disease. It comes in this way sometimes. There is a seam or strata of sand near the surface that runs out from STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 157 a well to places possibly where there is organic matter that gets into that vein and is carried from there to the well. It might be ten rods away. So you cannot always tell from the location of a well whether there is good water in it or not. Clear water does not always mean good water, by any means. This particular well was dug into a drift of blue clay, some sand veins coming through the blue clay. It is what we call in our part of the country a dry well; that is, it is exhaust- able. Just a short distance from that we have a deep well. The analysis of water in that well showed very different in- gredients from the shallow well. I think that all those who want good drinking water should have it analyzed by send- ing it to the University of Illinois. If you will address a let- ter to the professor of chemistry of the University of Illinois you will be sent a bottle with proper directions for shipping and I think the University pays the express charges one way and makes the analjis free. Mr. Barnard— How do you remedy this matter about the water? Secretary Dunlap— If we use it at all we boil it. We use from the deep well. Mr. Pearson — My plan is to use rain water and filter it. You can get a good filter that will last twenty years for ten or twelve dollars. Samuel Edwards. On motion of H. Augustine the Secretary was instructed to send a message of greeting and sympathy to Mr. Samuel Edwards, of Mendota, one of the organizers of the State Horticultural Society, who at the age of 78 lies upon a sick bed. OBITUARY RESOLUTIONS. Mr. Barnard, chairman of committee on obituary resolu- tions, reported as follows: Whereas, An inscrutible Providence has since or last an- nual meeting re-moved from our midst four of our faithful workers and brothers in horticulture, viz.: J. T. McSpadden, Neoga; J. B. Spalding, Springfield; A. R. Whitney, Franklin Grove, and Robert Douglas, of Waukegan; therefore, be it 158 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS Resolved, That this society feels keenly its loss of these veteran horticulturists whose long lives have been earnestly devoted to promoting the interest of an enlightened horticul- ture in their respective sections of the state; and tliat this society offers its condolence and heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved families of the deceased, and directs its Secretary to forward each a copy of its reports containing this notice. Remarks were made on the resolutions by F. D. Voris, who paid tribute to the sterling qualities of Mr. McSpadden; by L. R. Bryant of Mr. Whitney; by Jno. Periam of Mr. Douglas, and by Jas. T. Joimson, who eulogized the life work of Mr. Spalding. The resolutions were adopted by a rising vote of the members present. THURSDAY MORNING SESSION, 9:30 A. M. The convention met pursuant to adjournment at 9:30 a. m., President Goodrich in the chair. The session was opened with prayer by Dr. Reasoner, of Ogden, 111. FRUIT AWARDS-CENTRAL ILLINOIS. Four varieties winter apples for market — First premium, S. D. LaRosch, Pekin; second premium, Jas. T. Johnson, Warsaw. Four varieties for family use— First, S. D. LaRosch; sec- ond, J. T. Johnson. Three varieties fall apples tor market — First, Jas. T. Johnson. Three varieties, fall, family use— First, James T. Johnson. Single variety winter apple for market — First, Jas. T. Johnson; second, S. N. Black, Chiyton. Single variety, winter apple for family use — First, J. T. Johnson; second, S. N. Black. Single variety fall apple for market— First, Jas. T. John- Johnson. Single variety fall apples for family use — First, Jas. T. Johnson . Ben Davis— First, J. T. Johnson; second, S. N. Black. Willow- First, J. T. Johnson; second, S. D. LaRosch. Rome Beauty— First, S. N. Black; second, H. M. Miller. Jonathan— First, S. N. Black; second, H. M. Miller. STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 159 Grimes (jolden— First, S. N. Black; second, J. T. Johnson. Minkler— First, J. T. Johnson. Wiuesap— First, S. N Black: second, J. T. Johnson. Sweet Apples— First, S. T. Johnson. . -:^ Rawles Janet— First, S. N. Black; second, Wm. L^Walker, Odell. White Pippin— First, no award; second. J. T. Johnson. Stark -First, H. M. Miller; second, J. T. Johnson. Variety other than above— First, Johnson; second, La- Rosch. SOUTHERN ILLINOIS. Collection winter apples for market— First, L. F. Dintle- man; second, A. A. Hinklej. Collection winter apples for family use— First, Wm. A Youno-; second, E. A. Riehl. Collection fall apples for market— First, C. H. Webster second, F. Helm. Collection fall apples for family use— First; C. H. Webster second, L. F. Dintleman. Sing-le variety winter apple for market— First, F. L Williams; second, Wm. A. Young. Single variety winter apples for family use — First, Wm A. Young; second, C. H. Webster. Single variety of fall apples for market— First, A. A Hinkley; second, L. F. Dintleman. Single variety fall apples for family use — First, A, A Hinkley; second, C. H. AVebster. Ben Davis— First, F. L. Williams; second, S. G. Menden- hall. Rome Beauty — First, E. G. Mendenhall; second, F. L. Williams. Jonathan — Eirst, A. A. Hinkley; second, F. Helms. Willow— First, Mrs. J. T. McSpadden; second, C. H. Web- ster. Newton Pippin — First, F. L. Dintleman; second, F. Helms. Minkler— First, A. A. Hinkley; second, C. H. Webster. Grimes Golden — First, Mrs. McSpadden; second, Wm. A. Young. Winesap — First, C. H. Webster; second, F. Helms. Rawles Janet — First A. A. Hinkley; second, F. L. Williams. Reinish May— First, E. G. Mendenhall; second, E. A. Reihl. Huntsman — First, F. Helms; second L. F. Dintleman. Varity not named — First, W. A. Young; second, E. G. Mendenhall. 1 4 160 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS AWAUDS ON VEGETABLES, Early potatoes— First, L. F. Diiitleman. Late potatoes — First, Dwight Herrick; second, D. Herrick. Onions— First, A. M. Archer; second, D. Herrick. Onions from sets— First, A. M. Archer; second, L. F. Dintleman. Sweet potatoes — First, A. M. Archer; second, J. N. Fitch. Turnips— First, A. M. Archer; second, L. F. Dintleman. Beets — First and second, A. M. Archer. Turnips — First, A. M. Archer; second, Wm. Walker. Parsnips— First, A. M. Archer, second, \V. L. Walker. Carrots — First and second, A. M. Archer. Winter Squash — First and second, A. M. Archer. Cabbage — Second, A. M. Archer. Salsify— First, F. Dintleman; second, W. L. Walker. Winter radish— First and second, A. M. Archer. [These reports are deficient in that the collection of fruits were not given in report in full as too varieties. Secy.] Eeports were adopted. NORTHERN ILLINOIS. Best four varieties of winter apples for market — J. V. Cotta, first premium. Varieties — Ben Davis, Willow, Pewau- kee, Jonathan. L. R. Bryant, second premium. Varieties— Ben Davis, Willow, Jonathan, Salome. Best four varieties of winter apples for family use— J. V. Cotta, first premium. Varieties — White Pippin, Grimes' Gol- den, Salome, Jonathan. L. R. Bryant, second premium. Varieties— Wagener, Jon- athan, Willow, Salome. Three varieties fall apples for market— J. V. Cotta, first premium. Varieties — Clark's Orange, Snow, Perry Russett. Three varieties fall apples for family use — J. V. Cotta, first premium. Varieties — Garfield, Zusoff, Perry Russett. Single variety of winter apples for market — L. R. Bryant, first premium — Ben Davis. L. R. Bryant, second jjremium — Jonathan. Single variety of winter apples for family use— J. V. Cotta, first premium — Jonathan. L. R. Bryant, second premium — Salome. Single variety of fall apples for market— J. V. Cotta, first premium. STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 161 Single variety of fall apples for family use — J. V. Cotta, first preiaiuin. Plate Ben Davis — L. R. Bryant, first premium ; J. V, Cotta, second premium. Plate Willow Twig— J. V. Cotta, first premium ; L. R. Bryant, second premium. Plate Jonathan — J. V. Cotta, first premium ; L. R. Bry- ant, second premium. Plate Grime.s' Golden — J. Y. Cotta, first premium; J. L. Hartwell, second premium. Plate Minkler — L. R. Br\^ant, first premium. Plate Snow — J. Y. Cotta, first premium. Yariety not named in list — J. L. Hartwell, first premium; variety, Salome. L. R. Bryant, second premium; variety, Salome. Report of committee adopted. SECUETARY AND TREASURER'S REPORT. Your committee on Secretary and Treasurer reports would report as follows: We find them all correct. Respectfully submitted, DWIGHT HeRRICK, Ed. H. Riehl, Committee. CLASS, I. AWARDS. Collection apples not to exceed twenty-five varieties — First' Jas. T. Johnson, Warsaw; second, J. Y. Cotta, Nursery. Collection new apples not to exceed five varieties — First, Jas. T. Johnson; second, J. Y. Cotta. Plate new apples good enough to recommend — First, Daniel Shank, Clayton; variety, "'Missing Link.*' Plate seedlings good enough to recommend— First, A. A. Hinkley, DaBois; second, J. Y. Cotta, Nursery. Plate new pears good euough to recommend— First, C. H. Webster, Centralia. Plate new grapes good enough to recommend — First, E. A. Riehl, Alton, "Perry." Report of committee adopted. President Goodrich — The next thing in order will be the election of officers, and I desire to take this occasion to say, —11 162 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS that I do not want you to consider me as a candidate for any of the offices to be filled. I had rather retire for a time and give my time and attention to duties near at home. I have my own business which is increasing very rapidly, to attend to, and I have other duties that it would be hard to mention. I have relatives of such an age as to require more and more care at my hands; relatives who can not be with me very long, and whose claims upon my care and attention come first. 1 thank you most heartily for the honor you have already bestowed upon me in having elected me as your president for the past term, and I know you will make no mistake in your choice for officers today. I will appoint as tellers, Mr. Doan, Mr. Beal and Mr. Foster. Prof. Burrill nominated Hon. Henry M. Duiilap, of Savoy, for president, seconded by Mr. Winn. There being no other nomination, on motion of J. W. Stanton, President Goodrich was instructed to cast the ballot for H. M. Dunlap for president of the Illinois State Horticul- tural Society for the ensuing term. President Goodrich — I have cast the ballot according to your instructions and I declare H. M. Dunlap elected as your president for the ensuing year. Mr. Dunlap being called for said: I wish to thank the members of this society for the confidence they repose in me in electing me to the oflfice of president of this society. It is an honorable position I think for any member of this society to hold, and I appreciate it myself heartily, coming as it does alter you have put up with my services as secretary for several years. I thank you again gentlemen for the honor you have conferred upon me, and if I can do anything to advance the interests of this society and of horticulture in the state I think you can count upon my services for the next year. (Applause.) Mr. Hartwell nominated H. A. Aldrich, of Neoga, III., for vice-president, seconded by Mr. Stanton. There being no other nominations the secretary was in- structed to cast the ballot for Mr. Aldrich for.vice-president, which was done. STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 163 L. R. Bryant, of Princeton; J. W. Stanton, of Richvievv, and E. A. Riehl, of Alton, were nominated for the office of secretary. The first ballot resulted: Bryant twenty-five votes. Riehl eleven votes. Stanton fourteen votes. Mr. lliehl withdrew his name as a candidate. A second ballot resulted: Brvant forty-four votes. Stanton thirteen votes. Ou motion of Mr. Stanton, Mr. Rrvant's election was made unanimous. For the office of treasurer, Mr. Stanton, of Richview, and 0. W. Barnard, of Mantino, were nominated. A ballot was taken resulting as follows: Stanton forty votes. Barnard eleven votes. Mr. Barnard being abs<^nt, on motion of Mr. Hartwell the election of Mr. J. W. Stanton, of Richview, as treas- urer was made unanimous. On motion of Prof. Burrill the convention selected Spring- field as its next place of meeting. The Chairman — The next thing in order will be a paper by Mr. R. Morrell, of Benton Harbor, Mich., on the subject of SPRAYING FOR INSECT PESTS AND FUNGII. Mr. Morrell did not read a paper but said: Spraying is the fine art of horticulture. It is next to to propogation. Like a fine art it must be done. The sooner we understand the details of the work the sooner we study the system, the various compounds and the application, and all the minutae, and become familiar with it, the better pre- pared we are to carry on our operations. I will not spend much time in outline. I will try to talk of what to spray, why you should spray and when to spra3^ And I shall talk 164 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS some of implements, not to advertise any particular imple- ment, but only because the implement is a very important factor in doinj>; the work. We spray for two reasons principally. One is to combat the injury wrought by insects. The other reason is to com- bat the injury wrought by fungii. The principles underlying the two operations are entirely different. A man starting in the business should get first se- curely fastened in his mind that the spraying for fungus trou- bles is in almost every case preventative and not curative. That is the first thing to fix in our minds. It is an insur- ance, and that is all there is of it. Spraying must become one of the regular operations hav- ing time and place of commencement. You must commence before you are alarmed. You must set it down as a regular operation. I presume what interests the people of this country most is perhaps the black rot of the grape, and the apple scab. So far as fungus trouble is concerned, I have not heard very much said about the various mildew and blights of foliage outside of the apple scab. Remember, I am not talking to you as a scientific man. 1 have no knowledge whatever of the business from a scientific f?tandpoint, except that I have had to go to scientific men for my information and have applied what information I have gained from them. You may say it is a practical application of their methods. It takes years to thoroughly try an ex- periment. One year really determines but very little. This is one of the operations that must be repeated and verified be- fore 3'ou can be certain. Many things there are in connection with it that we cannot speak of with full confidence, but in speaking of grape rot and apple scab fungus we can speak with a very strong degree of confidence. There probably has never been a systematic spraying given grapes or apples at the proper time, with properly mixed Bor- deaux mixture, without good results; but some years, under STATE HURTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 165 some conditions, which as yet I don't know as the scientists are able to explain to us, there is a varyino; result, but a re- sult which is always probably worth wliat it costs. The apple scab fungus at this season is in the form of a spore. It is on the fallen leaves of the apple, on the limbs, bark and under the curves of the bark, hidden awav in vari- ous places, waiting for certain temperature. I am not going to be exact as to the minutae, because no man wants to listen to a speech giving formula or exact conditions, and then at- tempting to carry those conditions in his mind until the time comes to apply them and then depend upon his memorv for his work. He must go to the laid down rule for all those things. Because from the information sent out by our ex- perimental stations we can collect very correct data so far as accurate information has been given. I think our government experimenters are, as a rule, very conservative people. There have been one or two sad breaks made by giving out informa- tion before it was ready, and that has taught caution. Those spores rest during the winter until a certain amount of heat and moisture in the spring cause them to become active and begin to give off spores, as you understand the manner of these living atoms. They build and grow upon the young and tender growths. When your apple leaves set, when the buds start, they will form on the stem, they will grow up the stem and take the young apple almost before it is an apple. They will get on the foliage and gradually develope unless removed bv some fungicide. Copper sulphate has been proven, so far as we know, to be the best fungicide in the spore stage. It will kill it in- stantly b.y contact. If allowed to live and grow and multiply and get on the leaf or on the tender stem when it is making growth, it will immediately plunge its roots below the surface or epidermis, and then all you can kill is that which is above the surface, while the roots below will send up new shoots, like quack grass and other weeds of that kind. If you could have de- stroyed the seed you would not have had the plant. After the plant is established you cannot destroj'- it bj^ merely de- 160 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS stroyinp; the top. I make this illustration so you may catch the fundamental idea of why 3'ou should spray. Most of us believe that one of the best times to spray is durino; just such weather as this is — warm, wet and murky, and in the winter while the spores are resting. If those spores can be killed in the winter, they certainly will not grow or be there in the spring. If you have destroyed even a large percentage of them you have made a start in the right direction. That brings us down to mixtures. The ordinary bordeaux mixture is a disagreeable mixture to make and a great many farmers are a little bit slow about adju.sting themselves to the use of it. At this time of 3'ear you can use pure copper sulphate in solution, one pound of sulphate to 210 gallons of water, and that is sufficiently strong to kill any of those living spores. The Department of Agriculture at Washington made an experiment in tests of that kind, and if I have the correct figures, it was one part sulphate to four hundred thousand parts of water, which was found sufficiently strong to kill the spores or a])ple scabs. The amount of sulphate of copper was so insignificant that it was a wonder to me we have been using the amount we do. Prof, Burrill — That was the laboratory practice where the mixture went right on the spore? Mr. Morrell — I was going to say that was under per- fect conditions to test the ability of the spore to stand actual contact with copper solution. Of course we use it many times stronger; but it simply illustrates the fact that you may use mixture without the lime compound, and a very small amount of copper, and undoubtedly kill every spore you bring it in contact with. If used when you won't injure the growth of the buds, when they start in the spring you will work no injury whatever to your tree. After the buds start in the spring you must use the bordeaux mixture in a still weaker solution. And re- member in spraying you must know exactly what you are spraying. It will never do to move from an apple orchard with a. solution suitably strong for an apple orchard, into a STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 167 peach orchard or cherry orchard, because your solution will be too stroDg. You must go to the formula laid down, and use the utmost caution to make no mistake. In the matter of grape rot, in has been proven to be one of the simplest things in the world to handle. But here is the difficulty with grape rot and scabs. Most people wait until they are whipped before they begin to fight. They wait until their orchards are a mass of fungii. They put off the day of spraying too long. The effects of spraying are accumulative. Young orchards that have been sprayed thoroughly well the first year may show little results, by being in charge of men who are per- sistent, they year by year begin to improve in both fruit and foliage. Remember that the apple scab attacks the foliage as well as the fruit, and in attacking the foliage it prevents the formation of sound buds, and takes away from the tree the ability to form buds or bear a crop. The principal idea is to keep the tree healthy. For that reason I say that a tree that has been 3-ears getting out of health through fungus troubles, may require a few years of persistent spraying to get it back into a healthy condition. So do not expect im- mediate results from your orchard that has been carrying this trouble for years until its bark is all roughed and its growth short and stubby, and the leaves each year become smaller, and warped, and twisted, and black. Y'^ou will have to be patient with those trees. You will either have to lose them or patiently bring them back into life. And I might as well say right here that spraying is not the onlv thing; desired in orchard culture. It is oulv one of three or four things essential to successful orchard culture. Cultivation, fertili;cation and spraying are three most im- portant features of orchard culture. We have examples of orchards all over the country that have been barren, being taken in hand, and brought up through cultivation and spraying to a very productive point. I showed 3^ou a picture the other night of the orchard of a gentleman who perhaps has been as successful as any man. 168 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS in our state in that line. He had an old unproductive or- chard. It was sometimes productive, but was badly R'oing down from the effects of scab, codling moths and various troubles, until it had got to a point that he didn't make any money out of it. About ten years ago he commenced spraying. Seven years ago he got a very nice crop of apples, and now he has had seven straight crops of apples, and it is the only orchard within ten miles of it that has done it. This year he sold his apples at the station near home for two dollars and a half a barrel for No. 1, a dollar and seventy. five cents a barrel for No. 2, the barrels furnished. Mr. Pearson— How old was the orchard? Mr. Mokrell — About thirty-five years old, and there are forty acres of it. This year is a light crop. I am not saying he had full crops every year. Last year he gathered over six thousand barrels from that orchard. This year the crop was not so large, but the price was better, and he sold forty-one hundred dollars worth of apples. The same with his pear orchard. He has taken off four to six thousand dollars worth a year regularlj^ for the past six years. It really stands out there as a monument in orchard culture in one particular section of the country. He is a persistent sprayer, a good cultivator, and he does another thing, he feeds his hogs in the orchard. We departed from one good old practice, when we quit putting hogs in the orchard, because that is the way to get fertility back in the soil. We have neglected that. These things combined, have put his orchard in a thrifty shape. In addition to the fact the orchard bears good crops, it makes good terminal growths, good, new wood, full size foliage, good color, and the fruit will hang on until winter, and drop onlj'' when ripe in good order. He cultivates his orchard to this extent. In the spring he plows and cultivates it well and sows it with Canada peas. When those peas are in the dough he turns in from a hundred to a hundred and fifty hogs. A little later, he feeds them. He allows them to pick up the apples that fall, thereby getting the worms. It has got to a point where he does not have codling moths enough to make a mark on his apples. He allows the hogs to pick them up. STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, 169' He considers them worth as much in pork as in cider. When he begins his apple picking he takes his hogs out of the orchard. He makes a great success of it. We have other men around there who are doing the same thing, and invariably those men who are making a success are spraying carefully, and have got this formula in their heads ; That they spray early and regularly, at proper times with proper mixtures. Mr. Hobbs— Does this gentleman of whom j-ou speak use any arsenical poisons in his spray, when his hogs are in the orchard? Mr. Morrell — His hogs are not in th^ orchard until the peas are in the dough, and his arsenical sprayings are before that. But hogs are not very susceptible to poison. If I were pasturing with sheep, I would be a little careful. I have al- ways felt there was an element of danger by getting too much spray in one place. Prof. Forbes— As a matter of fact, can you feed paris green to a hog and not hurt him? Mr. Morrell — I don't know. Mr. Callaway — Do you use copper sulphate on the grapes in the winter, the same as you do on apples? Mr. Morrell — Yes. Mr. Callaway — The same strength? Mr. Morrell — Yes. You can use it on almost anything, but I would be a little careful in using it on the peach. The bud of the peach is not so well protected as the apple or grape. When we come to the codling moth, and the various in- sects, we have a new proposition. Now we have got to kill something that is alive. In the other place we simplj- had to prevent it gettiug a lodgement. Now we combine our insecti- cide with our fungicide, to save labor. The parent moths lays her eggs at the time of blooming or immediately after. At the time of blooming, if you watch the apple bloom, they almost invariably open upwards and outwards, and as the bloom sheds the calyx begins to close, and the stamens which had been standing, wither and droop, and the calj^x in time 170 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS will close up tight. If the apple is early it will turn down, and if blight has got on the stem of the apple it will some- times encircle it, and the apple will drop. But the codling moth does not always lay its egfn; in this calyx if we can be- lieve some scientific gentlemen, but it almost always does it. Consequently you want the poison there. Now when to get it there is a very important thing. We are told in the books we must spray immediately after the bloom falls. Now that means exactly what it says. Many of our farmers neglect this in consequence of pressure of other work and po.stpone this important matter for a week or ten days, and then perhaps it is too late. One trouble we have in spraying is in the insecticide of fungicide we buy. I buy the crystals and have no trouble. In paris green there has been strong competition. Pure paris green should contain fifty per cent, arsenious ingredients. Some of it has been found to be as low as nine per cent. Quite a large percentage of barytes has been used for adul- terating paris green when mixed with it. You can test it yourself with what is known the amonia test. Most any of the bulletins will tell you how to test paris green. PuoF. BuRRTLL — How about spraying for the second crop of codling moths? Mr. Morrill — I don't do it, for the reason I have never had any luck at it. The only way to take care of the sec- ond crop of codling moths is to take care of the first crop, and I am sure that can be easily accomplished by a thorough spraying the first time. Mr. Callaway— Should rain fall within thirty-six hours after you have sprayed, is it necessary to repeat the opera- tion?*^ Mr. Morrell— No, I don't think so now. We used to understand it that way. If you use the bordeaux mixture with copper sulphate it will kill in one hour by contact with the parts. I don't know but it will kill in one minute. The only injury that the rain does, if you use copper sulphate alone, is that it might wash part of it off. If the spore STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 171 •comes in contact with the copper sulphate it is dead at once. You want to have the copper sulphate always present dur- ing the season in w-hich these spores are active. Mr. Callaway — Suppose we spray in the afternoon and there should come a rain at night what effect w'ould it have as to the codling moth? Mr. Morrell — Go in and spray between showers. The proper way is to put this spray in the calyx when it turns up. When it turns down the poison is enclosed in there. Better spray between showers than lose the opportunity to spray. Mr. Morrell exhibited certain patterns of nozzles for use in spraying and explained the manner of using them. Also the kind of tank used by himself. He exhibited the Mc- Gowan, the Calla Lilly, Vermorel and Straightaway nozzels to the audience. Prof. Burrill — What mixture do you use for the cod- ling north? Mr. Morrill — I use paris green in the proportion of a quarter of a pound of paris green to fifty gallons of water, and sometimes even heavier than that in the bordeaux mixture. Prof. Burrill — And as to the canker worm? Mr. Morrell — The canker worm can't get much of a hold where the orchard is well sprayed. When it once gets a foothold it is hard to kill. But there can't any insect take paris green into its system and survive long. The best way I know of combating the canker worm is to prevent their going up the trees and depositing their eggs. No paris green should be used except in connection with lime any way. Prof. Burrill — Do you spray at all for corculio? Mr. Morrill— No. resolutions on san jose scale. Mr. Henr^ Augustine — 1 would like, Mr. Chairman, to present a matter before we adjourn. I offer the following resolution : 172 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS Whereas, The 300,000 acres of apple orchards in Illi- nois are threatened with destruction by that dread scourge, the San Jose scale, which has now twenty-five distinct colo- nies in widely seperated localities of this state; and, Wiii<:heas, This insect is sure death to apple, pear, peach, plum, hedges and shade trees, but if energetic measures are applied and at once, while this insect is still upon the young trees, it can be stamped out and its farther introduction upon diseased stock by unscrupulous dealers prohibited; and. Whereas, It is known that in some states whole orch- ards and paiks have been destroyed and that one nursery firm in a neighboring state whose sto(;k is infected are now mailing broadcast their catalogues offering fruit and orna- mental trees at sacrifice prices to prospective planters; and. Whereas, There is no law in this state as there are in other states to protect the fruit interests of the state against unscrupulous parties and no adequate authority for stamp- ing out this insiduous enemy and preventing the loss of hund- reds of thousands of dollars invested iu the orchards of the state; therefore, be it Resolved, That we, the members of the Illinois State Horticultural Society in annual convention assembled, real- ize that we stand upon the brink of an impending crisis in the destruction of the fruit interests of the state, and regret- ing the failure of the General Assembly at its regular ses- sion to pass adequate legislation, do most earnestly petition His Excellency, Governor Tanner, to amend his call for the special session so that the General Assembly may be author- ized to enact such legislation as shall adequately protect the farmers and fruit growers of Illinois against this deadly enemy. Resolved, further. That a committee of this Association be appointed to wait upon Governor Tanner and present to him these resolutions and ask his favorable consideration thereof immediately in view of the existing immergency. The resolutions were unanimously adopted. The chair appointed as members of that committee: H. Augestine, J. W. Stanton, F. D. Voris, O. W. Barnard, F. E. Williams, J. W. Riehl, C. W. AYinn, H. R. Cotta, L. R. Bryant. THURSDAY AFTERNOON SESSION— 1:30 P. M. Convention met pursuant to adjournment, President Goodrich in the chair. STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 173 REPORT OF DELEGATE TO MISSOURI STATE HORTI- CULTURAL SOCIETY. J. W. Stanton, Rich view. The raeetiDg of the Missouri state society was held in the court house at Moberly ou Dec. 7, 8 and" 9. I arriv^ed at 1:50 A. M. on Dec. 8th, and soon became convinced that the attendance would be large at the meeting, for I was unable to get lodging at any available hotel. After spending a few hours with the night clerk at the hotel headquarters, the members began to appear and I was soon taken care of by Secretary Goodman and the other officers, who were very cordial. The meeting was well attended at every session. Iowa, Wisconsin, Kansas and Arkansas sent delegates; all of these gentlemen were active in the work and exhibited in the discussions the knowledge and information that can be gained only by practical experience. The state societies of Arkansas and Kansas each had ap- ples on exhibition. The fruit exhibit was large, and many new varieties and promising seedlings appeared among the exhibits. There is a demand in Missouri, as well as elsewhere, for something to fill the place of the prolific Ben Davis. Many are testing seedlings with the hope of this discovery; the large plantings in Missouri, however, still show mostly Ben Davis. The Gano is being planted more extensively, dur- the past two years, than any new variety and bids fair to meet with favor, as it comes into bearing. This apple has the keeping qualities of the Ben Davis and is a bright red, of medium size, quality about same as Ben Davis. The delegate from Iowa had twenty-one plates of seedlings on exhibition, some of these were fine in appearance.^ I was surprised to find no pears on exhibition. Having been appointed on the committee on fruits, I was called to examine the entire fruit display, consisting of 536 plates of apples. According to the rules governing the awards, each plate must receive a premium according to quality, the aggre- gate amount not to exceed 1100.00— this being the amount set apart for premiums. Therefore the highest premium run about thirty cents per plate and the lowest about twenty cents. In this way, every exhibitor received something; the best collections would not receive more than |>3.00 or $4.00. Prof. Stedman, of the Columbia Universitv, g-ave an inter- esting and instructive lecture on insects. I was sorry to note the fact that he seems discouraged in an effort to control the 174 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS San Jose scale in Missouri. The professor has visited only a small portion of the state and has located about twenty colonies of the scale. In some cases, large shade trees are covered and the conditions seem to be more alarming than in this state. REPORT OF DELEGATE TO MINNESOTA. Arthur Bryaxt, Princeton. Agreeable to the request from the President and Secre- tary, December 6, we took the evening train on the Chicago, Burlington and Northern road to attend the annual meeting of our Minnesota friends. This train, with its beautifully finished wood work, magnificent upholstering, carpeting and electric lights, is said by railroad men to be the finest in the world. However that may be it served us well, and promptly on time the next morning we found ourselves at the depot in Minneapolis. We attended the morning session of the society, which was held in the county commissioners room in the Court House, found a goodly number present. Their attending membership probably numbers near 100. Last year their paid membership was over 600. The annual meetings are held in Minneapolis, the society having an office and library in the city. Their program, which was claimed to be quite satisfactory with them, and has been on trial for two or three years, is rather unique. A whole session being taken up on one subject, con.sisting of from five to ten papers, of from two to five minutes in length, on special phases of that subject. To me there seems to be some serious objections to obtaining the best results in this way, as so manj' consider the different points of the subject. For various reasons sometimes two or three of the papers are not presented at all, thus making a break in the plan of the program, and in the discussion that follows each paper, some are apt to branch off on ground that has been or should be covered by another paper. But in this way they avoid having auy long, dry papers, which make their sessions much more interesting. The raspberry occupied the first place on the program, and from their discus.sions t should judge that they would select very near the same list to plant that we use in Nortliern Illinois. Several cultivators claimed that the Black Caps should not be trimmed in the summer, but that better ripened wood, and larger crops could be obtained when they were STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 175 not cut at all. A native ever-bearing raspberry caused con- siderable talk as to its merits, but did not receive much commendation from the more conservative members. The display of apples was very good and especially inter- esting on account of the great number of seedlings on exhi- bition. Many of them were of fine appearance and should be of value in their State. In the vote for the best five apples for planting the Duchess and Wealthy were included in all lists, and most of the best seedlings shown were of that type. In an exhibition made by the Jewell Nursery Company there were a number of the Thompson seedlings shown, three or four being of good size and fine color, hut probably none of them of special value to lUinois planters. Okabena, as on exhibition, was a good sized, smooth apple, evidently of Duchess decent. The paper, "What Place Has Grass in the Orchard,'^ solicited a good deal of discussion with the majority in favor of frequent cultivation. Prof. Green claimed that the con- tinued use of commercial manures had a tendency to make the soil heavy, cold and clammy. That frequent crops of grass or other vegetable matter was needed on all our lands to make them more friable and lively, better fitted for the ground of all kinds of vegetation. On Thursday afternoon a very pleasant feature of the program was the pi-esentation to the society of a photographic group of the older mem- bers, and also the portrait of Mr. J. S. Harris from La Cres- ant, one of the charter members, who has attended every meeting since their organization in 1866. Mr. Harris has been one of the most efficient workers in horticulture and says that he has never lost confidence in the final outcome Of his State, and he still thinks that Minnesota will yet grow a large portion of their fruit supply. Several miles from the city is situated the University Farm School, which is under the direction of Prof. S. B. Green. Thursday evening was made to pass very pleasantly by a number of its pupils taking part in the program. This consisted of recitations and essays, with music by the University String band of ten or twelve instruments, and closing with stereoptican views of their work on the farm, studies in tree growth, etc. This gave one a good idea of their work, and evidently they are educating their young in the right direction to take up the work as the present laborers fall out of line. The last ses- sion of the meeting was taken up with eight minute papers on evergreens for hedges, for planting on the prairies and for uses about the home. Also a fine paper on "Our Native Cedars and Their Uses," by D. R. McGinnis, of St. Paul. 176 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS In closing I wish to speak of the chrysanthemums, gera- niums, pinks and roses that so beautifully decorated the table in the hall, also those that were on exhibition, and the courtesy and kindly treatment shown by the members to your delegate, and their cordial invitation to our society to again send a representative. REPORT OF DELEGATE TO WISCONSIN— 1897. J. L. Hartwell, Dixon. The Wisconsin State Horticultural Society' meets annually in the winter at Madison, usually in February. They also hold a summer meeting, during the berry season, which is not permanentl.y located. The attendance at the latter is largely local. The winter meeting fairly represents the state, as many who attend are delegates from local societies whose expenses are met by the state society. In addition to the regular state society meetings, there are a large number of local societies. Wisconsin has also a well organized system of farmers' institutes, in all of which the subject of horticulture is ably presented by one or more of the corps of regular institute instructors That there is much enthusiasm therefore in many sections of the state along the lines of horticulture is not to be won- dered at. It has been my privilege to attend two of the winter meetings as a delegate fi'om this society, both of which I have found pleasant and profitable. No state has done more persistent or intelligent work than Wisconsin to solve the problem of hardiness, and the results of their investigation should be of great value, to Northern Illinois especially. The veteran nurseryman, A. G. Tuttle, of Baraboa, was one of the first, if not the first, to experiment with Rus-ian varieties of a])ples in this country. The discussion of that topic by Mr. Tuttle, Prof. Green of the experiment station of Minnesota, and Pr-of. Taylor of the agricultural college of Nebraska, all of whom had made special study of the Russians, the latter in their own country. This discussion was helpful in clearing away the fog that has settled around the question of "Hardy Russians." The fol- lowing points were brought out: Russia has as great a diversity of soil and climate as has this country. The success STATE HORTICULTURAIj SOCIETY. 177 in orchardiijg there is not so mnch due to hardiness of varie- ties as thoroughness in methods of care and cultivation, e. g., in extremely dry falls that a tree may go through the winter in good condition the ground around its body is formed into a kind of basin and filled with water. On^hards there given the same care as is customary here would be practically val- ueless. A tree that is hardy in Russia is not necessarily hardy here. Of the hundreds of Russian varieties tested in this country not more than five or six are of any practical value here. Nearly all oF the winter varieties there are either sum- mer or fall varieties here. Most varieties drop their fruit badly before maturing it. Most Russians have a strong pre- disposition to blight. Wisconsin's most valuable contribution in the line of hardy apples is found in the seedlings, which the state has produced, the most important and best known of which are: Wolf River, McMahon, Pluvis' Cider, Utter's Red, N. AV. Green- ing, veiy fine specimens of which were on exhibition at the ■winter meeting, Feb. 3-5, 1897. An experimental orchard has recently been established for the purpose of testing these and other new varieties. The society was very pleasantly and instructively enter- tertained by Prof. Otto Lugger, state entomologist of Min- nesota, who gave a lecture on entomology, illustrated with stereoptican views of many insects useful and harmful. He brought out the fact that while the curculio has a sucking mouth it also has breathing organs at the end of its back which enables us to destroy it by spraying with poison when it first appears in the spring, at which time it eats more or less of the newly developing buds. While he recommended spraying for the codling moth, he thought it wise to use other methods to rid the orchard of this pest. Tying many folds of paper or cloth around trunks of trees as traps for the worms. Should occasionally remove the ''trap" and run it through an old clothes wringer. Mr. Parsons, in a paper on mulching, recommended put- ting a light coat of coarse manure between the rows of cane fruits and working it in with cultivator, the chief value of which was holding moisture. The society is trying the experiment of publishing a monthly magazine, called The Wisconsin Horticulturist. Last year it\vas edited by Sec'y Philips, this year by Mrs. Frank- Mn Johnson, of Barabbo. "^It is sent to all regular members of the society free, and to others for fifty cents per year. The •editor is elected by the society the same as other officers. , -12 178 TRANSACTIONS OP THE ILLINOIS A large part of the program is devoted to the discussioD of varieties, which I thiiik is time well spent. The fruit exhibit was large and the specimens in good condition, many of them extraordinarily fine, especially the Wolf River and North- Western (ireening, exhibited by a far- mer from the west portion of the state. Messrs. Hobl)s of Indiana, Colman of Iowa, and Morrell of Michigan, respectfully thanked the convention for voting them in as honorary members of the Illinois State Horticul- tural Society. On motion of Mr. Dunlap, the convention adjourned. SWEET POTATO GROWING IN MISSISSIPPI. (Communication from G. W. McCluer.) Jackson, Miss., December 18, 1897. To the Illinois Horticultural Societr, H. M. Dunlap, Secretary: My Dear Sirs — Believing that one of the first essentials to being a life member of your (our) society is that the said life member shall be alive, I write to let you know that such is my i)iesent condition. 1 wish you success, pleasure and profit in our meeting and will add for myself the wish that the fates had ordered it so that I might be with you. In lieu of the latter I have invited myself to write you a short article which I shall call "A Year's Experience with, and Observations on, the Sweet Potato." The sweet potato of the south is decidedly more important as a food cro]) than people of the north would be likely to imagine. During its season, which lasts from the first of Oc- tober to the first of March, it is used by all who happen to have a supply, and every one tries to have them. One of the men on my place, with a family of eight, told me he only had about sixty bushels and he expected to use them all up be- tween Christmas and March. Another man told me that if he had a good bank of "taters" and a few bushels of peas (cow peas) he could get through the winter in fine shape. A third man told me that potatoes took the place of bread at his house as long as they lasted. in the Chicago markets sweet potatoes are divided intc^ two classes — Jerseys and sweet potatoes. Down here the diJ vision is yam, and not yams. The yam, as distinguished STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 179 from the rest, is much sweeter and juicier when cooked. The varieties of yam vary amono- themselves in color, texture, flavor, sweetness, etc. This difference is so marked that peo- ple do not always agree as to which are yams and wliich are not. There is a prejudice in the north ag-ninst tlie yam. I can only account for this on the supposition that northern cooks do not understand preparing them. Theie are very few north- ern people who do not prefer them fi'om the first if well cooked. But I am not au authoiity on cooking and had only intended to tell you of the methods used in growing. The potatoes are bedded any time from the middle of February to the last of March. Hotbeds are veiy seldom used. A bed of loose, rich earth is thrown up, like the old- fashioned garden beds, and the potatoes are laid on this and then covered with the same kind of soil. Often, but by no means always, a southern exposure is selected. Sometimes a supply of litter is got ready to use as a cover when there is danger of frost. All the plowing here is done with a single horse, using a plow which turns a six or seven inch furrow. Four to six furrows are thrown together, and this ma.v be repeated sev- eral times before planting is done. Planting in the field usu- ally begins the latter part of April and is continued as plants can be had and the ground is in condition. Hy the first of June the plants first set will have made vines of from a foot to several feet in length and from this time on the planting* is done almost exclusively from these vines. The vines for planting are cut up into lengths of ten to fifteen inches. These pieces are dropped at proper intervals on the middle of the row and a man with a stick pushes them into the ground. Two or three sharp raps to settle the soil about the vine finishes the operation, Perhaps three-fourths of all the planting done is from vines. Planting in this way often continues as late as the first of August. It is a common thing to hear the expression, "Vines makes better 'taters' and quicker 'taters' than draws." It is a vei-y general opinion, too, that potatoes fron) vines are better for seed than those from draws. All the varieties I grew the past season, with the possible exce|)tion of the Jersey, certainly seemed more regular in shape and smoother when grown from the vines. I think there would be au excellent field for im- provement in varieties by careful selection. The average farmer seems to keep two things in view in saving seed — first, save from the vines rather than from draws — and second, save 180 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS those that are too small to eat. I noticed before thai there was a difference in the varieties of yams. It is eqiiallv true that the varieties themselves are not uniform. The Jerseys are not all alike, either in orowth or in eating quality. By paying some attention to individuality improvements ought to be made. Cultivation is comparatively simple. It u>^ually consists of plowing the dirt away from the plants once, then a hoeing in the row, and after this throwing the dirt back to the row. The later plantings often receive no attention until digging time. Digging is done with the plow. Each row is plowed out at three, four or six furrows, as the case may be. Hands fol- low the plow, pick up the potatoes and throw them in piles, usually throwing five or seven rows together. After the pota- toes iiave dried awhile, they are gathered up in large baskets and put in larger piles, where they are covered with litter and left for two or three weeks. Thev are then sorted over, to pick out those that are started to rot, put in piles of twenty to forty bushels, covered with straw or cornstalks, and this with a light covering of earth, and then above this a rude shelter of boards to shed the rain. The potatoes here do not keep as well as the Jersey does in tlie hands of careful growers. The crop of edible potatoes is usually about exhausted by the first of February, either used or rotted, and in many cases even that stored for seed is spoiled. I am not sure this is the result of im])roper handling alone or whether it is in part due to the varieties being more liable to decay with the same care. Rougli hand- ling and improper storage are certainly responsible for much of tlit^ poor keeping. There is only a local market liei-e for sweet potatoes, as for nio.st other things grown on the farm. About the only thing for which there is a shipping demand among the mer- chants is cotton. But Jackson is a good. tluMigh limited, market for potatoes and pri(-es seem to range from $1 or more for the first, down to 40 cents, back to about .f 1 again for the last of the crop. The crop varies according to soil, care, growing season, etc. The past has been an exce|)ti()nally hard year for most growers. One man with thirty-five acres dug 900 bushels; aiiothei- with one acre dug 200 bushels. It is usually expected that the crop will i-ange from 100 to 200 bushels per acre. The vnrieties grown are nearly all classed as yams, and there 'is a good deal of uncertainty in nomenclature. The STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 181 variety which seems to be grown most is called Georgia yam, Georgia buck, pumpkin yam, etc. Bunch yam is a well recog- nized and commonly grown variety, to which the chief objec- tion seems to be that it does not furnish vines enough for planting. Tennessee yam and old-fashioned yam are names that have been given me for other well marked varieties. I have seen no one here who had ever known or seen the Jer- sey, and from its appearance it will sell readily for a yam. Of course the difference in quality would soon condemn it, but if it has better keeping qualities I should expect it would be a good kind to sell in the spring after others are gone. I have found two chief difficulties in growing potatoes here; one, a fungus disease which I have not had named, causes the vines to die, beginning just below the surface of the ground; the other the common mole runs along the rows and tears and disfigures if it does not eat the potatoes. On the whole, 1 am very well pleased with the possibili- ties of this as a potato growing location. EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETINGiS, 1897. *SEPTEMBER MEETING. Board met at the St. Nicholas hotel, Springfield, Sept. 27, 1896, at 7:30 p. m. Members present were President Goodrich, Augustine, Hartwell, Winn, Stanton, Webster and Secretary Dun lap. The Secretary read a letter from Mrs. Hammond, making claim for station rent, etc. On motion of Mr. Webster the claim was referred to Mr. Augustine with authority to make a settlement with Mrs. Hammond and to report action taken to this board, together with a list of all stock in station No. 5, with number of trees of each variety. Mr. Augustine moved that the ad-interem committee re- port the lists of varieties of fruits recommended for each dis- trict, and the reports of the district directors of experiment stations be referred to the sev^eral district societies with re- quest that they include them in program of district meet- ings. Carried. Board met at 8 a. m., Sept. 28th, at the Society's room in the capital building. Present, same as before. The sub- ject of the program for annual meeting was taken up and di cussed at length and arranged. [*NoTE-SIinutes of the January meeting wei e printed in volume 30.] 182 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS On motion it was decided that the completion of the pro- jiratii be left with the Secretary and President with authority to act. ()u motion of Mr. Stanton the appointment of delegates to the meetings of other State Societies was left to the Presi- dent and Secretary. • The report of the auditing committee was adopted and the Secretary was diivcted to draw warrants in favor of the following parties in the amounts named, viz.: J. Webster $ 20.25 L. N. Real 20.50 J. W. Stanton 20.50 J. W. Stanton 22.40 J. W. Stanton 5.50 J. L. Hartwell 28.26 H. M. Diinlap 3.75 J. Webster 8.25 T. E. Goodrich 21 .00 H. Aueustine H. 10 C. G. Winn 17 .00 FROM EXPEHIMKNT STATION FUND. H. M. Dunlap 77.27 NONEMBER MEETING. Board met at ihe Palmer House, Chicago, November 4, 1897, at 7 p. m. Members present were President Goodrich, Bryant, Augustine, Stanton, Webster, Winn, Hartwell and Secretary Dnnlap. On motion of Mr. Hartwell it was decided to offer the same premium list as last year. On motion of Mr. Augustine it was decided to print the same number of copies of the annual report as last year, viz.: 5,000, Mr. Bryant moved, and it was carried, that a group of pictures of the organizers of the State vSociety who were still living and who were niembeis of the old Northwestern Hor- ticultural Society at its hist meeting in Alton in 18oG, be published in the next volume. On motion of Mr. Hartwell it was decided to publish along with the above group one also of deceased members of the old Northwestern Society. Mr. liryant was appointed a, committee of one to select thKse grou|)s and picpate a paper on the histoiy of the or- ganizers of the Illinois State Horticultural Society, and that the same should appear in the program of the next meeting. STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 183 Mr. Augustine moved that tlie chair appoint a commit- tee of three on obituary notices to report at the annual meeting. Carried. The chair appointed as such committee Dunlap, Augus- tine and Bryant. On motion of Mr. Augustine the Seci-etary was directed to employ a competent stenographer to report the proceed- ings of the annual meeting. Mr. Stanton moved that the sum of .f75 be set aside for the purpose of defraying the expenses of the district meet- ings. This amount to be appropriated to each district and warrants drawn for same in favor of the Treasurer when proper voucliers are filed witli the Secretary for expenses actually incurred in holding such meetings. Cariied. Mr. Stanton moved, and the motion was adopted, that the President and Secretary were directed to advertise for bids for printing the annual report and to let the contract for same to the lowest responsible bidder. Mr. Augustine moved that the legislative committee be requested to make a report on the San Jose scale bill before the last legislature to the Society. Motion Carried. BILLS ALLOWED. J. W. Stanton... ...$ 6.00 A. Bryant 8.20 T. E. Goodrich 26.15 J. L. Hartwell 8.65 H. M. Dunlap 6.00 J. Webster 20.39 H. Augustine 11.87 H. Augustine -4.75 DECEMBER MEETING. The Executive Board met at the St. Nicholas hotel, Springfield, Monday, December 27th. 1897, at 7 p. m. Mem- bers present were: President Goodrich, Hartwell, Webster, "Stanton and Secretary Dunlap. There were also present the newly elected members of the board as follows : H. R. Getta, vice-president of the Northern; George J. Foster, president of the Central, and H. L. Doan, vice-president of the Central societies. Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. The secretary asked to be relieved from serving on the obituary committee appointed at the last meeting of the board and the chair named Mr. O. W. Barnard to act in his stead. 184 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS H. L. Doan was appointed on the auditing committee. On motion of the secretary it was decided to set apart one page each of the annual report to deceased members, as a memorial page. Mr. Augustine made a verbal report to the committee of station 5, as to the pending claim, and on motion it was referred back to the committee on control with directions to ascertain on what basis the claim could be settled and the station continued. The committee to report back at the next meeting, and to have full powers to complete a settle- ment. The expense bills of the Northern society were presented with a statement of the treasurer, L. Woodard, attested by his affidavit that expenses had been incurred to the amount of 175.00. The resolution of the board providing that original bills of expenses be filed with the secretary of the State society, and this not being in regular form no warrant had been issued for the amount. On motion of Mr. Hartwell the secretary was instructed to issue a warrant in favor of the treasurer of the Northern society for $75 00. Mr. Hartwell moved, and it was adopted, that life mem- bers of the several district societies be furnished with back reports of the society the same as though they were life members of the State society; provided that the fee of life members of the district society be not less than that of the State society. The auditing committee made a report approving bills and the report of the committee was adopted and the secre- tary ordered to draw warrants for the amounts. H. M. DuNLAP, Secretary. WORK IN EXPERIMENT STATIONS-1897. Station No.l, Princeton— Arthur Bryant, Superintendent. The apple, pear, plum and cherry crop in the vicinity of this station was generally light, and a very large share of it imperfect. Of apples at this station there were quite a num- ber of varieties that set more or less fruit, but as there are many orchards in the vicinity the few samples that were on the young trees had but little chance to escape, and were nearly all injured by the codling moth, scab, or prematurely STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 185 ripened by the drouth, so that when the season for o:athering' them arrived, there were but few specimens left to make a report on their merits. APPLES. Yellow Transparpnt — Set and matured a moderate crop of very tine fruit. The greatest fault this variety has is its tendency to blight both in orchard and nursery. McMahon — Had a fair crop of good sized specimens of fruit. This seems to be a vigoi-ous, hardy variety, fruiting early; ripens September to October; desirable only for limited planting. AiA'eD— Fruited a little on some young trees ; most of them dropped before they were mature. The Winesap is not a success on our soil and I fear that the Aiken partakes too much of the characteristics of that variety to do well here. The fruit so far has been too small to take well in the market. More or less fruit set on, the Caffelt, Dark Red Seedling, Peter, Borsdarfer, Zuzoff, Meaders Winter Crab, Repka,. Malenka, Nei-o, and several others, but they all dropped be- fore the fruit was mature, so that we cannot make any in- telligent report on them. Generally the trees of all kinds made a good growth the past season. There was some blight on the pears and a little on some varieties of apples. PEARS. The pears that were first planted at this station have been very unfortunate. All except the Keiffer (and they are considerably^ affected) are dead with the blight. Most of the younger trees are fairly healthy, though some are injured from the same cause. The soil at this station is not a ver\' favorable one for the pears, being a black loam, but well drained. There was no fruit to report on. PEACHES. The fruit buds on the peach trees were all killed in winter, consequently no fruit. Tiie trees are generally healthy, made good growth and at the present time in good condition for another year. 180 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS PLUMS. A frost with a cold east wiud followino; it, destroyed most of the bloom on the Japan and many of the European varieties. Some of them set a little fruit but it nearly all dropped before inaturing-. Potnwattiimie — Had a full crop: too many, so that the}' were uiuler size. This is undoubtedly one of the most pro- ductive of the Cliickasaw varieties. When properly thinned, is of very fair size and good quality. Miner and De Soto — Had good crops; these are well known and are valuable varities. Hawkpye — Bore a moderate crop of nice fruit; this is one of the best of the native varieties. BockfoirJ— Bore a full crop for the first time: this is a small dark colored fruit with firm flesh of very peculiar flavor; small and not at all attractive in appearance; it has but few ■desirable ])oints to recommend it. All the European varieties were so near a failure that we have no report to make on their fruiting. The growth on nearly all was very satisfactory, and all seem in good con- dition for another year. CHERRIES. The two trees of carnation bore a fair ci-op of fruit. Birds were very plenty when the early cherries began to ripen and took them as fast as they colored. This variety is a very vigorous, healthy tree, and 1 think would yield on our soil very moderate crops of fruit of fine quality. Aortlnvest^U ad a considerable fruit on it, but being quite early we saved but few specimens. So far this tree has never set a large crop of fruit and I doubt whether it will ever equal the Richmond in bearing qualities. Its earliness may give it some value to the amateur planter. Dvehouse — Bloomed very lightly, and of course the crop was light. Trees of Ostheim, Osthimer, Montmorency and Bess Arabia had a few specimens on but very few come to ma- turity. Several young trees of Russian varieties are vigorous and healthy, but have not yet shown any fruit. Sudii H ;i id I/— hiitit season had a moderate crop; this year they matured a full crop of very tine fruit. This is undoubt- ■edly one of the best coming cherries, being very productive STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 187 -and ripening late; when other fruits are plenty'- it escapes the ravages of the birds. Evidently as an early bearer it is one of the most promising varieties I have fruited. Our tree of Japan Walnut passed through the last winter in good condition and perfected several bunches of nuts. The nuts are smaller than our best native butternuts, and I think are not much, if any, superior in quality. I think when the tree gets well established that it will ripen its wood thoroughly; it is said to be very productive. QUINCES. The Fuller had a nice crop of fruit of good size and fine quality. Trees of equal size of Meech's Prolific and Orange bore no fruit. GRAPES. Green Mountain— R-m] a moderate crop. This variety has a very vigorous, healthy vine, but for some reason has not been very satisfactory in its fruiting, much of the fruit shriveling and dropping before it was mature. Perhaps ray method of handling was at fault, or our soil not favorable for its best development. Eaton — Had a little nice fruit. This variety is desirable for the amateur, but not productive enough for profit. Esther — A light crop of very nice fruit; clusters not large but well developed ; vine seems vigorous and hardy. This variety is w^orthy farther trial. Rockwood and Colrain— Had but few bunches of fruit; would wish to treat them farther before passing judgment on them. Elvicand—ls a very vigorous vine and bore a little fruit this .year; I doubt whether it will be of much value to us. Berckmans — Seems vigorous and healthy; bore a few small bunches this year; fruit and bunches small, of very pleasant flavor; perhaps of value as a variety. Geneva — White vine healthy and vigorous; had a few samples of fruit which seemed worthy of farther examina- tion. Plants of Campbell's Early, Alice,. Leader and Columbian, set this spring, made a good growth and are in fine condi- tion for another year. BLACKBERRIES. Two years ago we made quite a plantation of the Bad- rger from Wisconsin; this year they bore a heavy crop; some 188 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS claim that it is identical with the Suj'der; thej certainly are very much alike both in growth of plant, appearance and quality of fruit. Minnewaska — Wintered very well; bore a full crop of fruit of fine quality. Piasa, — Gave a good crop; this is a fine berry, of good size and excellent quality; wish to know more about it. Eldorado — Procured as Fard's No. 1, wintered well and matured a fine lot of large berries; I am very much pleased with its appearance; should it prove hardy is valuable for this district. Ohmer — In growth was vigorous but gave very little fruit; I chink it w'ill be easily affected, by our winters and of little value to us. Maxwell — Of no value to us; to tender for Northern Illi- nois. The Jordon — Was badly injured by the winter and gave no fruit. The Evergreen blackberry still winter kills. RASPBERRIES. My report of last year on most varieties will not be changed. Kansas, Eureka and Older are with us the best black varieties. Smith's Prolific — Black gave a good crop of medium to small berries; too soft for market; rather sour. Black Hills— Berry medium size, dry, sour, rather crumbly, light crop. London — Planted in 1896, productive, berry large, fine flavor, very promising. Columbian— Yery strong grower; productive; was injured some by winter; berry large; color against it: doubt whether it will please as well as the Schaffer; where that variety will succeed. CURRANTS. The currant crop in our vicinitv was a moderate one. A frost and cold rain just as they had bloomed injured the setting of the fruit. What fruit matured was generally flne.^ Wildf^r and Ruby Cast/e— Still give satisfaction and are valuable varieties. This year the North Star was not as good in size and quality as Victoria and the bush no more vigorous or healthy. STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 189 Fonioua — Received as Kni^'hts Improved gave some fruit on young- plants and promises well. Crandall and Champion— Fruited freely and are both valuable where a black currant is wanted. Franco-German— S\ir\\\a,r to Long Bunch Holland; is a vigorous grower but gave no fruit this year. GOOSEBERRIES. Like the currants the gooseberries weie affected by the weather but where they were a little protected gave a full crop. Pearl— On young bushes produced well; is very vigorous; quite similar in growth and fruit to the Downing. Champion — Showed a considerable fruit; not much mildew. Early Orange — Healthy and vigorous; crop light; fruit medium in size; of best quality; valuable as an early variety. Puyallup—Trurmpt and Columbians had very little fruit; some mildew. Keepsake — Crown Bod and Whitesmith were too young to fruit much ; all had some mildew during the season. All the gooseberries were sprayed once with Bordeau mix- ture. STRAWBERRIES. Tennessee Prolific— J^errj dark colored, most of them reg- ular shape, some have tendency to coxcomb. Beverly — Good sized, light red berry. Flesh firm, white inside. Mexican — Large, smooth, light red berry, vvith a good sized core that adheres to the calyx very tightly. It is not a very firm berry, nor very acid. Peculiar flavor. Tennyson — Fair crop. Berry medium size, round and light red. Tolerably firm. Good quality. Plant fairly strong and healthy. Annie Laurie — Berry large, round, firm and dark colored. Quality first rate. Plant vigorous and promising. Edith — Herry large, dark colored, quite irregular in shape, Quality good. Plant vigorous, but few runners. /no— Medium size, smooth, regular shape. Quality good. Auburn— Smooth, fiesh dark colored clear through. Qual- ity very good. Mary — Large, round, dark red berry, rather irregular in shape. Gardner— Berry smooth, oblong, light red, rather soft. 190 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS P/pe/'— Medium size, dark color, very firm flesh. Calyx larpH and pro lui Dent. Charles — Berry small, round, smooth and rather soft. Bisel—lievry bright red, medium size and irregular. Flesh fairly firm. Fairly good shipping- berry. Lndy Tlioinpson — lierry medium size, light red, quality good, flesh fairly firm. Promising berry. Plant not very vigorous. iSplendid — Berry medium size, bright red, fairly firm — prom- ising. l*laut vigorous and healthy. Sparta — Berry medium size with long neck and large calyx. Plant fairly strong. Pliillips' Seedlmf^—Berry good sized, bright red and irregular, with a very pleasant agreeable flavor — promising. Plants vigorous and healthy. Fountain — Berry large, smooth with tendency to cox- comb, dark colored, firm. Calyx adheres tightly to the berry. Quality best. Brandvwine — Berry large, regular, firm, medium dark, pleasant acid. Calyx very large and prominent. Productive. lon'R Beauty— Fair crop. Berry light red, medium size, coxcomb shape, rather soft, flavor medium. H. W. Beecher — Good crop. Berry very large, dark red, firm, pleasant flavor. Tendency to coxcomb. Promising berry. iMarshall— Berry medium, oblong, dark red, medium firm- ness— sweet. Sunnyside — Berry good size, irregular, colyx large, fiavor sharp, acid. The strawberry season was from June 6th to June 28th. In the spring of 1897 there were planted at this station the following trees and plants: Apples 5 Varieties. Pear 1 Quince 1 " Plums 5 " Peach 4 Gooseberry 2 " Grapes 4 " RaspV>erry 3 " Strawberry 23 For list of varieties in the stations in this district, see report in Vol. 30. STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 191 Station No. 2, Nursery— J. V. Cotta, Superintendent. APPLES. The following varieties, planted from 1887 to 1893, were deemed unworthy of further trial. They were dug up and their places filled with new ti-ees: Red Anis, I'ipper's Sweet, Horner's Winter Wine, Winnebjigo and Harvey for inferior fruit; one Longfield and one McMahon, top-worked on Milton crab, for want of affinity between stock and scion, and Rom- eusko, Antonovka, Enormous, Pineapple, Ronina and Repka Malenka, for blight. Below I submit a list of varieties that have fruited at this station, with brief notes as to their merits and faults: Aport~Teu years planted; a large, handsome apple of good qualitj^; September, October; very shy bearer; not val- uable. Arabian — Nine years planted; bore a few specimens of me- dium sized fruit of fine quality; shy bearer; not valuable. Ben Z^aws— Top- worked; planted ten years; an early, reg- ular and abundant bearer of large sized, beautiful fruit; val- uable. Black /Iflfleffe— Top-worked; early and regular bearer; fruit medium and below; dark red; good quality; late keeper; promising. Bine Anis — Too small; September, October; no value. BerkofP—Siow grower; shy bearer; no value. Beechefs Red Crab — Bright red; good quality; very pro- ductive; September; promising. Babcock's No. 4 — Top-worked; good size; smooth; good quality; winter; early and good bearer; promising. Babcock's No. 5 — Top-worked; fruit smaller than No. 4; lacks color and quality and does not keep well; not prom- ising. \ Clark's Orange — October, November; has no decided merit. Dr. Walker— Good color, fair quahty, but too small for a profitable winter apple. Dickinson — Seedling of Yellow Bellflower; same shape and size, but less attractive in color; early bearer; needs more time to determine its value. Fall Orange — Top-worked; good bearer; large, smooth; of good quality; October, November; valuable. GarHeld—Top-wovked; good bearer; good size; beautifully striped; handsome; best quality; a valuable late fall apple. Greenstreak — Large, handsome fruit; acid; cooking only; September; blights; of doubtful value: 192 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS Grimes' Golden — Top-worked; productive; medium size; best quality; late fall and early Nviuter; should be planted in every orchard for home use. Hamilton — Tree hardy; stout grower and early bearer; seedling of Duchess; fruit medium to large; bi'onze yellow; rich sub-acid flavor; a promising late fall sort. Hibernal — Tree hardy and productive; fruit large, flat, striped, sour: not good enough in quality where better sorts can be grown. Hunt — Very shy beai-er; fruit large, showy and good; fall; not wanted. Johnson — Too small for anything; not wanted. lonii Beauty — Laige, bronze yellow, with pale red stripes; good quality; September, October; tree hardy and an early bearer; promising. Indian — Fiuit similar to Ben Davis in size, color and qual- ity; tree blights badly; not to be recommended. Isham Sweet — Top-worked; a laige, beautifully colored apple of good quality; may become valuable for a sweet fall fruit. Lon^ Arcade — Bright red; oblate; sub-acid; September; promising. Longfield^H'ds produced more fruit than any variety at this station; very early bearer: fi-uit of good quality, but too soft for market; strictly a family apple. Mcintosh Bed— Bore the first fruit (a very ligiit crop) this season, after being planted ten years; has nothing to recom- mend it here. McMahon — A large, handsome, pale yellow, acid cooking apple; September, October; not valuable for market. Melon — A laige, beautiful apple of best qualty for the table; August, September; tree hardy and fairly productive; promising. Milwaukee— V\'Ai\te(\ 1893; bore the third crop this season; fruit of good size, handsome coloring and of good quality; late fall and early winter; one of the most promising varieties in the entire list, both for market and home use. Nathusins — An early and abundant beai-er, but blights some; fruit above medium size, conical shajje and very beau- tiful; September, October; quality no better than Ben Davis; drops early; too faulty to be recommended. Nero — Top-woiked; tree very spreading; an early beaier and hardy; fiuit resembles Minkler and is of good quality; a ])romising winter sort. Niels Keeper— Hardy tree; early bearer; fruit too small for profitable orcharding. STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 193 NewelFs Winter— Renamed from "Orange Winter" by Wis- consin State Horticultural Society; a large, bronze yellow apple of good quality; tree hardy and an early and abundant bearer; promising. Patten s Greening — A hardy, productive tree, somewhat subject to blight; fruit large, greenish yellow, of handsome appearance and good quality; September, October; promising. Patten's Famense—\ seedling of snow apple; fruit larger, lighter in color and several weeks earlier than its parent, and of excellent quality; very promising. Perfection — A Wisconsin seedling of Tetofsky; tree per- fectlv hardv and svmmetrical; fruit as laro-e again as Tetofsky and of better quality; August, September; very promising summer apple. Peter — Tree resembles Wealthv in habit and foliao-e; fruit higher colored and a later keeper than Wealthy and much like it in quality; September, October; very promising. Raspberry — Fruit bright red, pretty, but very small; no value. Red Rasoberrv — Good bearer; hardv tree; a highlv colored a^pple of fair quality; September; too small for profit. Red Queen— Tvee blights badh^; poor bearer; no value. Salome — Top- worked; early bearer and very productive; fruit of full medium size, well colored and of excellent flavor; a winter apple that has come to stay. Scott's Winter— A slow growing but hardy tree; fruit of medium size, striped, quite acid; quality' fair. Smelling — Tree blights; no value. 6'weef Russet— y^oi an early bearer, but becoming pro- ductive with age: a fine, large, conical russet apple of very best quality; late fall and early winter; promising. Talman Sweet — A productive tree that blights some; an old standard variety that will have to be retained till some- thing better takes its place as a winter sweet apple. Trenton Early — A fine, large, yellow dessert apple of best quality; August, September; tree hardy and productive. Twenty Ounce — Top-worked; only succeeds here when growm that way; a fine, large, late fall and early winter apple of good quality; promising. Wealthy— X\\ right; tree hardy and prolific; fruit large, handsome and of good quality; September, October; needed in all orchards. Willow Tw'i^— Top- worked; a good, productive tree when ^rown that way; a valuable late keeper. -13 194 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS Wolf River— ^ot an early boarer, but tree fairly hardy^ becoming more productive with age: fiiiit very large, flat, handsomely striped; a fine apple of good quality; September, October. Woodinanse — Good bearer; fruit smooth and of good flavor ; but lacks color and is too small for profit ; winter. Wyibe — Top-worked; bears fine crop of large sized fruit; tree tender; root grafted or budded; but promising when top-worked. Yellow Tr/m^parentSame as Charlottenthaler, Grand Sultan and White Transparent; no difference whatever; the tree is an early bearer and productive; but is more or les& subject to blight. Zuzoff— Fruit medium: conical: bright read and of fair quality; September, October; tree hardy and fairly productive after six or more years from time of planting. PEARS. Last year a number of trees — mostly Russians — were de- stroyed by blight. These were replaced by trees of my own growing, all top- worked, without charge to the society. There was but little blight this year among pears, while apples suffered much more. Only two varieties fruited: the Keiffer bore a few speci- mens, not more than two-thirds the size of last year; and a few small specimens of Leipsic; most other varieties being not yet of bearing age. PEACHES. No fruit; the buds having been destroyed during the pre- vious winter. PLUMS. No fruit on Oriental and European varieties. Of Chicasaws the Robinson and Pottawattamie bore full crops, while Forest Rose and Prairie Flower, large, fine trees; bore only scattered specimens. Among varieties of the American type De Soto headed the list with a fine crop of beautiful fruit; the Forest Garden and Cheney bore about two-thirds of a crop; and the Hawk- eye and Rolling-stone but a few specimens. Ida and Rock- ford bore full crops, but their fruit was small, with large STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIKTY. 195 pits; and their dirty, brown color Tendered them very unat- tractive in appearance. 1 consider them of no value, com- pared with De Soto and other fine sorts. QUINCES. Only one small specimen on a Champion bush; there was considerable blight on all varieties. CHERRIES. Early Eichmond and Montmorency bore a full crop: Dye- house about half a crop; Suda Hardy, planted in 1894, a late variety of dwarf set a nice crop of fruit, which was, however, all taken b_y the birds; Bouquet Amerelle, Bessara- bian and Fraundorfer Weichsel planted in 1891 have bloomed very sparino-ly and set but little fruit so far, a.ll of which has been taken by the birds. GRAPES. No fruit; owing to the late spring frosts. CURRENTS. Victoria bore a fine crop of good sized fruit; North Star appears to be no improvement over Victoria: Wilder and Ruby Castle bore fine, large fruit of best quality; thej appear very promising. GOOSEBERRIES. Triumph, Puyallup, Chautauqua and the new French Spineless sorts all suffered badly from mildew: Champion and Red Jacket bore good crops, the former of small, the latter of good sized fruit, no sign of mildew; I consider the Red Jacket especially promising. RASPBERRIES— BLACK. Eureka is a fine, large, early berry of value: Older, of medium season, valuable for home use, but too soft for market; not more than one-fourth of a crop, owing to late frosts; Gault of no value; Ohio, a fine, productive berry of best quality, too small in size; Gregg still holds its place as best late. 19G TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS RASPBERRIES— RED. Loudon is a lar^^e, fine, beautiful, brio'ht red berry of best quality; requires good cultivation; promises soon to become the leading market berry; Black Hills and Marion's Favorite are less productive, softer in texture; their fruit being more or less spotted, they stand no comparison with I^ioudon; Superlative is tender in cane and has no value; Columbia is quite an improvement over the old Shaffer; being nearly ex- empt from scab, hardier in cane, much more productive, a better market sort every way. BL.4CKBERUIES. Barnard is our best early; Snyder best medium; Ancient Briton best medium too late. These are hardy, productive, of good size and excellent quality; Minnewaaski, Ford's No. 1 are large, but less hardy in cane and not nearly so produc- tive. Other new sorts require more time before a fair decision can be rendered as to their merits. MISCELLANEOUS. Loganberry, Japan Mayberry, Salmouberry, Strawberry- Raspberry, Kleagnus I^xDugipes, and Rocky Mountain Dwarf Cherry are of no practical value for an}- purpose; Japan Wal- nut kills to the ground every winter; and Parry's Pedigree Mammoth Japan Chestnut is of very doubtful value, the tree planted in 1892 being barely four feet high, after six years growth. At Station No. 2 there was planted in the spring of 1897 the following- Apples •. 15 Varieties. Pears 6 Cherries 4 Plums 6 Peaches 10 Quince 1 Grapes 8 Gooseberries 3 Raspberries 7 Blackberries 4 Station No. 3, M.vrengo— C. W. Prescott, Superintendent. There was no fruit this year, and therefore can give nothing of value not reported in the last volume. Most STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 197 of the trees in this station are healthy and of g'ood size. With a favorable fruitinc? year, there should be a good report another season. Station No. 13, Freeport— H. R. Cotta, Supicrintexdext. This station was established in the spring of 1897, for the purpose of testing small fruits only. There were planted at this point the following plants : Strawberries 68 Varieties. Grapes 9 " Gooseberries , 2 " Currants 6 " Raspberries 11 *' Blackberries 4 " Juneberry 1 *' Crunnells 1 '' All were very thoroughly and carefully cultivated and are at the present time in first rate condition and hhould give good results another year. Station No. 4, Savoy— H. M. Dunlap, Superintendent. The fruit season at this station was not as satisfactory as we had reason to believe, from the setting of fruit buds last fall, that it would be for the testing of many new varie- ties in the station. The spring was of an unusually low temperature and rainy, and was what we call a backward season. At the time of blossoming, we were visited with a. cold northeast rain, that lasted several days. The evident: effect of this was to prevent the proper fertilization of the blossom, and the result, as stated, was disappointment so far as fruitage is concerned. apples. Among the new varieties of apples planted during the season are a number sent to me from the Arkansas station, known there under the names of Beach, Collins. Oliver, Turn- fell, Holt. Hurne, Mock, Ragan, Arkansas Beauty, Skeiton, Improved Shannon, Ozane. About twenty other kinds were added also. The Nero bore a few apples, but they fell off before ma- turity. The tree of this variety grows very much like the the Minkler, strong and thrifty, with the limbs well shouldered where they branch from the main stem, giving assurance that they will not split down when in full fruitage. 198 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS The Dark red Seedling, from Coatsbnro;, fruited quite abundantly. Is a red apple, laige in size and poor in quality. It evidently is a good bearer, as the last two seasons indi- cate, but is only good for cooking purposes. Would discard it fi'oni the list. Seveial of the Russian varieties had apples on the trees, viz: Hibernal, a large coarse apple that would give a hog the dyspepsia on account of its poor quality; as heretofore referred to, however, this variety is a strong grower and we commend it to those who desiie a thrifty, hardy stock to top- work other varieties upon. The Zuseff is a fine looking apple which ripens about Au- gust 2r)th. The Transparent came to the front with a few well per- fected specimens of fruit, and so far it is the only variety of the Russians that I consider has shown any quality that in- dicates that it is worthy of cultivation. This variety can be placed, without any more question, as worthy of cultivation, at least in a limited way for family use and local market and, where a large market is easy of access, they will pay well in the commercial orchard. PLUMS. Poole's Pride gave another large crop of medium size fruit. This variety is valuable for family use only, but is valuable for that purpose on account of its fruitfulness and freedom from worms. The Missouri Apricot bore a small crop of fruit of small size. Moore's Arctic were full of fruit early in the season, but all fell off before maturity. The fruit is covered with a rich bloom, and is of a deep blue color. Forest Rose and also Prairie Flower, each had a small crop of fair fruit about the size of the Miner. PEAKS. The Idaho showed for the first time in this station a tendency to blight. It has been in the station for seven years. The Rutter, as shown by its fruit again this season, is not worthy of cultivation. I am well pleased with the Keiffer, although it fruited but little this season. This is undoubtedly the best market pear for Central Illinois, and will be better liked as the knowledge of how to handle it is understood. STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 199 The Garber also bids fair to be a desirable variety, and is worthy of trial. The Lincoln is not yet in bearing in the station but, if I may venture an opinion based on observation, I should say that no one will make a mistake if they plant the Lincoln. This variety is, however, not free from blight. The Early AVilder had on a few large fine pears, of supe- rior color and market quality. CHERRY. This station has had a number of varieties of cherry in it that came highly recommended by Prof. Budd, of Iowa, that have been planted since 1890, but so far they have borne but little fruit and that of inferior quality and size, although the trees have blossomed freely and we have had crops of Early Richmond. The varieties referred to are Suda Hardy, Ostheimer, Everbearing, Montmorency, Ordinare, Sap- pington, Carnation, Osthiem. PEACHES. There was no fruit of the peach in the station. We tried Mr. Morrell's system of pruning, although we did not carry it out to the end of the season. So far as we are able to judge, the effect on the tree is most excellent. In- tend to follow it out most thoroughly next year. The foliage is better and the trees show a thrifty appearance, a more stocky growth and the trees will evidently hold up a crop of fruit much better than when allowed to go unpruned. GOOSEBERRIES. The Pearl gooseberry planted last year, 1896, bore a crop of fruit of good size and appearance and the plants retained their foliage to the end of the season. The Industrv and the Champion both were badly affected with mildew and lost their foliage early in the season. GRAPES. I am highly pleased with the quality of fruit of the Green Mountain, as also with its hardiness and bearing capacity. I should certainly recommend it highly as a, desiiable gi'ape for family use and for local market, and in Southern Illinois I am not sure but what it would be a good variety to plant for the Chicago market. 200 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS It is especially valuable for three reasons : earliness, being- a week or tea da.vs earlier than the Moore's Early; its bear- ing, which is equal to the ('oncord, and for its superior quality as a table grape. Tlie Woodruff Red is also to be commended highly. I am sure it has come to stay, and as a red variety is equaled by few. STRAWBERRIES. A number of varieties were planted in this station in 1896, and I report upon them briefly. There were a number of seedling varieties originated by Rev. J. R. Reasoner, of Ogden, this county, that will be mentioned by number: No. 47 — Berry large; medium late; of fair flavor; plant a small grower; prolific bearer. No. 68 — Laige, thrifty plants, with good foliage; berries large but few in nnmber; we have better. No. 36— Late; of good quality and large berry. No. 1— Dark green foliage and thrifty plants; berry large, bright red clear through; firm; better iflavor than Warfield; not so acid; this is good and likely to prove valuable. No. 12 — Of good promise, berry like Cumberland in shape, plum like and smooth; medium size plant; prolific bearer. No. 25 — A dark red berry of excellent flavor and quality; firm; of plum shape; prolific. So. 30 — A good berry; late; prolific; of good size. Some of our strawberry growers should place themselves in communication with ^Ir. Reasoner and should visit his plantation at Urbana in fruiting season. Parker Earle—Is all right. Gardner— ¥ev\ confident that this variety will provejvalu- able; will test further. Glen il/az:^— Thrifty plants, with a dark green foliage; was a shy bearer with me this season. A/voTV— Plant of light colored foliage; fairly prolific bearer; medium. Sunnyside — Thrifty plants, with medium foliage; berry good size; prolific. Bismarck— Large berry of inferior quality; prolific bearer; late. Wm. Belt — Light colored foliage; medium grower; fruit of good (juality, color and firmne.ss; yield light as compared with others. Lnormoiis—l do not regard as very valuable; fruit not very regular and plants not productive; fruit soft and not extra large. STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 201 Lady Thompson— Fo]\a,gp. badly affected with rust; fruit of ^'ood quality and firm; early. Commander— Yery shy bearer this season and fruit small; plants scattering. Brandywine-Good market berry of fair quality; plants below medium. Cyclone — Of small size in berry and plant. NUT TREES. I would like to suggest to the management of our stations that now that the timber is beiug cut away rapidly that some concerted effort should be made to encourage the planting out of nut trees along the roadsides and in the corners of the farm and about the farm buildings. Nothing will so encour- age this as example and the known fact tested by experiment that they can be easily grown upon the prairies. 1 would suggest, therefore, that the stations so far as pos- sible should take up this work and plant out some of the more common nut trees, such as hickory, walnut, butternut, pecan, beech, almond and the numerous varieties of chestnuts. In this connection there should be set out also the best of the persimmon and pawpaw. Station No. 7, Centralia, C. H. Webster, Superintendent. APPLES. Dickenson — Had only a few specimens; resembles Ben Davis to some extent only a dark-red color. Sim, ICttis and Ozark, the last named fruited full, and all three varieties have- the appearance of Ben Davis. Wagoner— Bore a crop; drops bad; medium to large size; deep red in the sun; fresh and firm; sub-acid; a good variety to plant. Nf* ■"-_; McMahan's White— Bove a light crop of fine white apples;, large in size; acid; a good cooker; ripens middle of August. Light Red— Bore a crop; fruit medium size; good quality; ripens with Jonathan, a good eating apple. Salome— Picked one barrel from two small trees; fruit medium to large; roundish conical; yellowish white shade with pale, red strip; flesh, tender, juicy and mild; a good apple. York Imperial— A scattering crop; medium to large; white, shaded with crimson in the sun; flesh firm, crisp and juicy;, good keeper; one of the best winter apples. 202 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS Belle de Boscop— One tree from which two barrels were picked; fruit laroje, yellowish-green shaded with pale-red in the sun; flesh crisp, juicy and mild; a good keeper. Indian— One tree had a bushel of tine apples; fruit large and well colored: j'esembled Rome Beauty some only more pointed; a valuable apple and a good keeper. PEARS. Lincoln— One tree had one pear on; resembled the Howell; good quality. iSwiss — Two trees had half bushel on; fruit medium size; shaped like the Howell; coarse grain; very poor quality; ripens same time as Ea. Harvest. PEACHES. Champion — A good crop of fine large peaches; sweet, rich and juicy; skin cream^^ white with red cheek; one of the best early peaches. Lovetfs White— A. free stone only medium in size; white; late, ripens about the first of October. Chair Choice — A full crop of tine large peaches; yellow; free stone; ripens last week in September; one of the best. Crosby— X full crop; very small; yellow; free stone; good quality; would have to be thinned to make it of marketable size. CHERRIES. Ea. lUchinond, Dyehouse and U. Afotmorency—Had a light crop; other varieties had only a few scattering cherries. PLUMS. Burhank — Trees were well loaded with fine large plums: color cherry red with a heavy bloom; fiesh yellow; very sweet; good flavor; the largest of plume and one of the best; ripens in August. Abundance — Well loaded with fine fruit; large, oblong, tapering to a point; fiesh orange yellow; sweet, rich, juicy and highly perfumed; skin a lemon yellow covered with bloom; ripens in August. i'^atsnma — Fruit large, nearly round, slightly sutured on one side; surface dark-red under thick bloom; fiesh a dark-red; small stone; ripens in August. Ogan—Fi'uited full; large, round, deep suture; golden- yellow; sweet, i-ich and dry; free stone. STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 203 Station No. 8, Alton, J. S. Browne, Superiutendent. PEARS. Ansault — Tree a ragged grower; fruit greenish j^ellow «pecked with russet; mediun) to large size; not ripe yet. Anne Ogerau—Very prolific quality; very best; large size; fruit greenish yellow; ripe October 15. Mount Vernon— Fruit russet colored; flesh coarse grained and sweet; tree very vigorous. . Margaret— Ripens just before Tyson; of about the same size, appearance and quality. Butter — Fuit large size; quality best; very production; some blight, but not much. Sourmir de Congress— Yerj large size; beautiful red cheek on light-yellow ground where the sun strike it; quality similar to Bartlett-Seckel: ripens at about the same time; has shown some bhght, but not as much as Bartlett. GRAPES. Colerain — White; bunch large as Concord; berry above medium; ripens with Concord; hangs long on the vine. Beeby Black — More productive than Moore's Early; bunch and berry not as large; ripens a little earlier; quality hardly as good. Beacon Black — Bunch and berry as large and ripens at the same time as Concord. Centennial— ^hitQ; has not succeeded here. Eaton Black — Bunch and berry very large; ver^^ produc- tive; inclined to overbear; ripens a little later than Concord; quality free from foxiness, but not very sweet; possibly it would have been earlier and of better quality if the vine had not overborne. Esther White— ^o good. Ideal i^^^cZ— Bunch and berry almost as large as Concord; quality as good as Delaware; ripens just after Moore's Early and before Concord; very productive; inclined to overbear; a very desirable red grape. Dr. TFaz-cZe/-— Black; early as Moore's Early; bunch and berry not as large; quality poor. Winchell. or Green Mot nt a in— White; bunch large; berry medium; quality fine; ripens with Moore's Early. 204 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS BLACKBERRIES. Dallas — Laro;e size; early; strong prolific grower. Eldorado— When fully ripe a fine quality; medium size; only moderate yield. Ford\s No. 1 — Large size; early; strong grower; prolific. Kioff—Yery early; medium size; moderate grower; fairly prolific. Piasa — Very early; very productive; ripens its whole crop inside of ten days; good grower and good shipper; medium to large in size. Sanford— Very late; small and of no value. GOOSEBERRIES. iVew'p//— Nothing to recommend it. Puyallop — Very large size; very productive; free from mildew; good grower; a very desirable berry. Red Jacket — Has always been a very poor yielder; berries small to medium; free from mildew. Triumph — Large size; fairly productive: some mildew; bushes are thrown out bv the frost more or less ever winter. CURRANTS. Frost and borers have used up Fay's and Ruby Lastle, leaving only Wilder, which grows well, bears well and thrives in spite of frost and insects; a good currant to plant. Station No. 8 B., Alton— E. A. Riehl. APPLES. McMahoD's White — Bore its second crop; a large white summer apple; a good earlv bearer; an excellent cooker: most too tart for desert; a valuable apple for home use or market. Dj'er—\ yellow summer apple; drops badly and of no value. Straintown—YeWow , said to be a winter apple in Penn- sylvania: drops badly, but quite productive. Lippincott— Rather small; second early; excellent quality, and valuable; quite productive. Paraxon— \ large showv fruit and an early bearer, but so far has shown a strong disposition to drop. LaiJgford—Th'\i^ belongs to the Gilpin family; is a good bearer; of excellent quality. STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 205 l!^ero — This is an early bearer; fruit of ^ood size and quality, but rots and drops badly. Johnston — This is one of the Gilpin family; very profuse bearer so that the fruit is only medium to small, but of good quality and a g'ood keeper; desirable for family use. Kentucky Redstreak — Season early winter; very produc- tive; a favorite eating apple in my family, PEARS. Columbia — First sent out under the name of Bartlett- Seakel; bore on several trees but two years planted; fruit large and attractive ; flesh coarse and of only second rate quality. Rutter — An early and profuse bearer, must be thinned or the tree cannot properly mature what it sets and is then not of good quality, but when thinned it is of excellent quality, and is one of the latest we have; season, end of November. Anne Ogereau — Bore a few specimens; large and hand- some but of poor qualit3\ PEACHES. Sneed—One of the very earliest to ripen; being of the Chinese tvpe; does not rot so bad as the Amsden-Alexander type; may be valuable to plant in a limited way in certain localities. Miflflie— Again bore full; one of the most satisfactory early peaches we have, that can safely be recommended for home use or market. Lovetts TFAite— A good late; free; much like Heath free. GRAPES. Lindberbe — Red; bunch and berry small; quality very good; weak foliage; not desirable. Orio/e— Black ; bunch medium; berry small; quality ex- cellent; does not set well. Margurite — Black; small in bunch and berry; not desira- ble. Raisin— Black : berry small; bunch medium; quality fair; very productive; not desirable. W. B. Munson — Black; berry medium; bunch small; quality excellent. f 206 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS IFinifa— Black ; berry small; bunch medium; quality very good; may be valuable on account of lateness and for wine. Per/j— Black ; bunch and berry below medium; bunches not well filled ; quality very good ; may be valuable on ac- count of lateness and for wine. Admirable — Black; berry small; bunch below medium; pulpy ; wilts ; not desirable. Hero — Black; bunch large; berry very large; foliage health}' ; moderate growth apt to overbear; quality much like Concord of which it is a part. ^722i72ia— Black ; bunch above medium; berry large; early; quality excellent. Winchell—iGveQu mountain) white; early; bunch large; berry below medium; quality excellent ; desirable for home use. 3/oFer— Red; bunch and berry small; quality very good; a good early amatuer grape. i'^rn— Biack; one of the best of Munson's seedlings; a good grower; productive; bunch and berry medium; quality very good. Early IFizze— Black ; bunch small; berry below medium; productive; a rampant grower, holding its glossy foliage until after frost, hense the very best arbor grape that I know of. RASPBERRY. Marion^ s Favorite — Red : good grower; productive; me- dium size; rather dark in color; only second rate in quality. Black Hills— lied; medium size; moderately productive; quality only fair. First and Best — Red; very good quahty; not hardy. Kenyon—Red; very productive; large; dark; poor quality. Louden— lied ; strong, vigorous plants; not making many suckers; good quality; firm and fairly productive. Miller— This very much resembles the old Brandy wine; hardly good enough in quality. Superlative— lied : belongs to the Antwerp family; a large berry of fine form and excellent quality, but is not hardy. Onondaga— Black; mid-season; medium in size; produc- tive; very good in quality. Smith's Frolific— Black ; early; productive; resembling- Tyler but larger. Ferndall— Black ; mid-season ; very much like Orei^g. Lawrence — Black; mid-season; large; very productive; promising. STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 207 Columbian — Purple; a very stroog grower, and exceed- ingly productive; plants one year after planting having yielded a quart at a picking; similar to Schaffer iDut more hardy and not so apt to crumble. BLACKBERRIES. Allen — Very early, but so similar to Egyptian that I can see no difference. Prize— (Ford's No. 41.) A strong grower ; large and of good quality. Early King—Q,\nie productive but not as desirable as some others. Piasa— Ripens after Egyptian but before Snyder; moderate grower; berry of large size; best quality; a good shipper and keeper; ripens its whole crop in about ten days. DEWBERRIES. Austin — This comes from Texas but is Derfectlv hardv; has the strongest foliage and vine of any dewberry I know; fruit large, but of rather poor quality; fairly productive. Early Mammoth — Fair grower; fair size and immensely productive; plants one year old giving a quart of ripe fruit at a picking; quality only second rate. Loganberry — This is a true hybrid between the blackberry and red raspberry, which is shown by its growth of plant and fruit. The fruit is shaped like a blackberry, bright red in color, having a distinct red raspberry flavor, but quite acid; while a "great novelty, I can not see that it will fill any place not already filled better by some other fruit. The fruit never gets fit to eat in the fresh state, but might be good canned or stewed. Raspberry, Blackberry and the May berry have no value being tender, bearing no fruit and suckering worse than any other plant with which I have any acquaintance. STRAWBERRIES. MeeFs Early— Small; dark red; only moderately produc- tive; very early. Staples — Very early; dark; small; productive; firm; good flavor. Beder TFooc/— Very early; fair size; very productive; soft; not of high quality; good for family and near market. :208 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS Epping—'L\g\it in color; soft; fail' quality; moderately pro- ductive. Annie Laurie — Small plant; excellent quality; not pro- ductive. Brunette — Fairly productive; medium size; regular; good quality; ru«ts. LeJiigh — Fairly productive; medium size; good quality; soft. Commander — Large; fair shape; firm; good quality; not productive; rusts. Yale — Unproductive and rusts worse than any other in the collection. Mele — Fair size at first, dwindles as the season progresses; very productive; soft; acid; poor quality. Walton — Greatly resembling Miner; not desirable. Larly Thompson — Good size; regular; moderately pro- ductive; fairly firm and in good qjuality; while a fairly good berry we have better. bouncer— Dark red; firm; medium size; not productive. ylrroTV'— Small; soft; sour; unproductive. Cyclone — Unproductive; small, and of poor quality. Banquet — Small plant and berry; firm; high quality'; un- productive. Paris Kinfr—Fa\r size; quite productive; soft; poor quality. Glen Mary— Large; productive; good shape; dark color; poor quality. Gandy Belle — Good size at first, but runs down in size; quite productive; very dark; firm; poor quality. Sunrise— L\g\it colored; soft; unproductive. Clyde — Large; regular; moderately firm; exceedingly pro- ductive; fairly good quality; one of the best of recent intro- duction. Satisfaction — Medium size, running down small toward the end; fairly firm. Robinson— \\o\\g\v, small: soft. Mary — Small jjlant; dark; very firm; fairly productive, running down in size. Sparta — Small; dark; unproductive. Marshall— I jVirgi'Ht size; bright dark color; productive; good quality; a strong vigorous plant; one of the best. Strau^er—Sum\sir to Sharpless, but not the same, and more productive. Weston— ^luaW; soft; poor. No. 1,000— iimaW; light colored plant; fruit large; very dark; firm; not productive. Ideal— ^maW; very dark; not productive; sour. STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 209 Wm. Belt — Large; very rough and coxcombed; fairly pro- ductive; rather late; quality fair. IscibeJIa — Fair size; good shape; quite productive; prora- ising. Oriole — Small plant; dark; firm; fair size; soon runs down in size. Enormous — Fair size, becoming smaller towards the end; fairly productive; good color; fair quality. Ivanhoe — Under size; dark; firm; high flavor; not pro- ductive. tlunnysideSmaW plant; fair size, becoming small toward end of season; soft; sour. Belle— ^maW plant; good size long glossy berr^'; firm; fairly productive. Orange County — Fair size; moderately productive; light colored; not desirable. Brandy wine— Liarge at first, soon getting small; very regular; firm; good quality; late; only moderately productive. Eubr — Midseason to late; of large size which it carries to the end of the season better tht^n any other; moderately firm; has proven itself to be a good shipper and keeper; in ■quality unsurpassed; very productive; strong, vigorous plant; the most promising of recent introductions. Experiment Station No. 9, Cobden— T. E. Goodrich, Super- intendent. cherries. June 1, 1897. Dyehouse — Bore a moderate crop, when cherries were nearly an entire failure; medium size; sour variety; tree good grower; of spreading habit; fruit good quality, good keeper and ap- parently a good shipper; fruit and tree much resemble Early Kichmond. strawberries. May 25 to June 2, 1897. Wolverton—GooA size; prolific and fine quality; long fruit stems; hardy plants; good grower; staminate; conical in shape. raspberries. June 7, 1897. PricZe— Bed rapsberry; early, fair size, bright red color; good quality, but not heavy croper, —14 210 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS Egyptian— Black raspberry; early; good croper; fair size; quality of the best. Thompson s Prolific— Red; medium to large; early; fine quality. Palmer — Black raspberry; good size, prolific, good qual- ity, but rather tart. June 13, 1897. Ostheimer (cherry)— Dwarf; good bearer; fruit medium size; bright red, good quality, with cherry flavor; rather small for market. mulberry. July 1, 1897. Victoria— Good grower, annual and heavy bearer; fruit of very fine quality. PLUM. July 15, 1897. Abundance — Rich golden color; yellow flesh; good size; sweet and rich; good grower; subject to rot, although not so. much so as some other sorts; tree very vigorous. blackberries. July 10, 1897. Spaulding—V oov cropper; would discard. July 15 to 21, 1897. Prize — Only medium size; would discard. Omer — Medium to large; good quality. Piasa — Although five years planted, bore more heavily than ever; medium size, good quality and healthy; later than Harvest. APPLES. July 21, 1897. Lexington (?) Crabapple—YeWow, covered with bright red; flat and round; sour; very handsome; tree prolific and early bearer. August 13, 1897. Borsdorfer— Tree dwarfish; fruit conical; very showy; red^ yellow splashed and covered with beautiful dots. October 1, 1897. Jackson — Medium size, dull red, covered with dots like Baldwin, which it much resembles in texture and quality, but much sweeter; shape very flat, with deep stem cavity; blossom end protruding; short, slender stem; flesh white; quality ex- tra good. STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 211 PEACHES. August 3, 1897. Piasa—F'me, large and handsome; lucious quality; vigor- ous grower; worthy of general planting. Prize— Tree medium grower-; fruit medium size; yellow, beautifull red cheek; free stone; best quahty. August 13, 1897. Cabin— Medium size; white, covered with red; a little too small for market. June Rose — Good size; white; free; good quality; vigorous and prolific. Mrs. Brett— Good size; white; good quality'. Requett Cling— Good size; white; good quality. Beers' Malucatoon— Yellow; showy; first quality, but sour; free. Reeves' Golden — Large yellow; very showy; best quality; tree vigorous and productive. Lock's C7iz?^— Medium size; vigorous grower; very prolific; do not recommend. August 16, 1897. Crosby— Smsill to medium; yellow flesh; dull red; not at- tractive; very woolh^; fruit nearly round and without point; strong tendency to overbear, and unless thinned will be too small for market; quality best, fruit small; tree vigorous, but not as hardv in bud as advertised. August 19, 1897. HoUister — Large; white and red; very handsome; very juic}'^; sweet; quality best; free; tree vigorous. Chairs Choice— Good size to large; yellow; free; good grower and bearer; qualitv best. August 30, 1897. ^oser— Medium size; white, with dark, cloudy patches and spots; quality poor; would discard. HaUiday Cling— ^h\te, covered with red; good quality. Gudgeons Late— White; medium to a small above; tree vigorous; free; poor quality; would discard. Loons Mamouth Cling and Cooper's late very similar; not good size, quality or color; would discard both. Lovett's White — Medium size; white, with beautiful red cheek; free; good quality and very heavy bearer. September 2, 1897. Wonderful— Medium, to good size; j'^ellow, covered with red; very handsome; deep sunken stem, very prominent ridge lengthwise, at the base of which is a crease, with a red stripe, when fully ripe; free, with dark pit smothered with red; fair quality. 212 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS PEARS. August 13, 1897. Mongolian 6'flovr— Moderate size; russet; vigorous grower; good quality, but too young to tell of its bearing qualities; good shape, and so far free from blight. August 19, 1897. Lincoln— Tveen from Augustine, Normal, 111., and Phoenix, Bloomington, 111.; fruit medium size; yellow; quality same as Bartlett and equally as good; tree a rapid, somewhat strag- ling grower, and so far free from blight. September 2, 1897. Brockwortb— Good size; green and yellow, slight blush; sprinkled with minute dots much resembling Howell; short, thick stem sticking out to one side; qualit}'^ best and very sweet: tree vigorous and strong grower, but died of blight the fourth year after planting. September G to 20, 1897. Duhamniel Du Monceaw— Medium size; russet; nearly round; stem irregular and one sided; flesh white; good qualit;^'. September G, 1897. Josephine De .¥a/aines— Irregular shape; small; ribbed; large, long and crooked stem; white flesh; good quality, but too small for market. QUINCES. October 2.',. 1897. Champion— iionnd and pear shaped; medium to large; yel- low flesh; good quality. Rhea's Mamouth — Medium size, but good quality. Pear — Ivarge size; pear shaped; good quality. Meeches Prolific— SmaW to large; nearly round; quality exactly the same in all the varieties. Trees, vines and plants planted in Stations of the South- ern District during 1897: Station No. 8, Alton.— J. S. Browne, Superintendent. Pomona. Connells. CURRANTS. Black Champion. GOOSEBERRIES. Keepsake. Edward Scfort. Columbus. Souvenir de Billard. STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 213 Babbit Creek. Con rath. Phoenix. Avery. Beverly. Bismarck. Berlin. Clark. Currie. Cobden Queen. Dollar. Eureka. Enornaous. Erie. Eleanor. Edith. Evans. Equinox. Earliest. Fountain. Far West. Gandy Belle. Glen Mary. Giant. Gertrude. Gardner. Gross Lombard . Howell. Hersey. Holland. RASPBERRIES. Centennial. Lotta. Salmonberry. STRAWBERRIES. Ideal. Jerry Rusk. Kansas Prolific. Marshall. Mexican. Michigan. May trot. McKinley. Magoon Murry. Noble. Oriole. Owego. Plow City. Ponderosa. Pet. Pride of Cumberland. Royal Sovereign. Ridgeway. Rose Seaford . Starr. Satisfaction. Tennyson. Weston. Brunette. Belle. Benoy. Station No. 8 B., Alton. — E. A. Riehl, Superintendent, APPLES. Austin Sweet. Bk. Ben Davis. Briers Sweet. Bears Sweet. CofEman. Delicious. Hyatt. Ishmaelite. Krauser. INixonite. Austin Sweet. Conference. Durand. Dr. Hogg. Eastern Belle. Fuller. Fame. Paul . Piatt. Red Paradise. Shannon Improved. Schaett'er's. Sweet Jonathan. Starr. Thompson. Wasser. Delicious. Piatt. PEARS. Goodale. Jones. Keepsake. Mary. Marie Louise. Magnatt. } 214 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS i'EACH. Greensboro. Triumph. Lewis. Miller's Cli CHERRY. Magoun. Compass. Stanton. QUINCE. Winter Sweet. CHESTNUT. Alpha. Advance. Beta. Superb. WALNUT. Mayette. Kagazii. GRAPES. Campbell. Delago . Leader. Pulliat. Bresley. Nectar. Owosso. CURRANTS. Crunnell's. Pomona. RASPBERRY. Babbit. Centennial Creek. Egyptian. BuUnose. Beverly. Berlin. Bismarck. Cobden Queen. Carrie. Fertilizer. Maytrot. BLACKBERRY STRAWBERRIES. McKinley. Monster. Madeline. Margaret. Olean City. Seaford. Splendid. (80 varieties.) Station No. 9, Cobden. — T. E. Goodrich, Superintendent. PEARS. Conference. Dr. Hogg. Eastern Belle. Keepsake. Marie Louise. Magnate. STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 215 Boyd's Earl3^ Bishop's Early. Dr. Berckruan's. Belle of Georgia. Connet's Early. Crunneirs Late. Darby. Delaware. Hale. Normand. Alpha. Advance. Beta. PEACH. Eldred. Emma. Gilman's Favorite. Grand Eeporter. Japan Dwarf Blood. Lorentz. Sturdy. Scriggs. PLUM. Nimon. CHESTNUTS. Success. Paragon. Green's. Station No. 11, Olney.— C. S. Mace, Superiutendent. AHPLEs. Brier's Sweet. Bauman. Doctor. Early White Sweet. Garr's Seedling. Gulby. Hawke's Eusty Coat. Ivanhoe. P. W. Sweet. Price's Sweet. Pride of Texas. Park Spice. Legal Tender. Commerce. Black Ben Davis. Paul. Conference. Magnate. Piatt. Starr. Delicious. Challenger. Headlight. Sweet Jonathan. Hiatt. Wagner Improved. Shannon Improved. Oliver Eed. Loy. Kera's Greening. Walter Pease. Sweet Alice, Eichardson. Sutton Beauty. PEAES. Angel. (36 varieties.) Station No. 15, Villa Eidge.— E. J. Ayers, Superintendent. GEAPES. American. Alice. Big Hope. Beacon. Brilliant. Barry. Belle. Lindherbe. Laussel. Leader. Margurite. Moyer. Moore's Deamond. Nectar. 216 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS Big Extra. Campbell. Carman. Del ago. Delaware Seedling. Eaton. Elvicand. Fern Munson. Gold Coin. (xoldstein's Early. Green Men n tain. Great Cluster Hopkins. Jaeger. Onderdonk. Pulliatt. Presley Rommel. Raisin. Rochester. Riehl'sNo. 10. Riehl's No. 11. Riehl's No. 12. Riehl's No. 15. Triumph. W. B. Munson. Wyoming. (45 varieties. THE FARM GARDEN. L. H. Calloway, Bethel. [Note.— The copy for this paper, read before the State Society, came too late for insertion in the proper place in the proceedings.] Does it pay to grow vegetables to sell? Probably it does not pay. However, it should lessen the consumption of meat and vegetables to the value of $100 per annum. Too much meat is consumed, and of that too great a portion is pork. Four neighbors should form a meat club. At intervals of three weeks from April 1st to September 15th a fat lamb or sheep should be butchered, each member receiving a quarter. Each member in rotation should furnish, butcher and deliver a sheep. Until used this fresh meat may be kept without salt in a refrigerator, or lacking this, it can be kept for a week by enclosing in a clean sack and suspending almost to the water in a deep shaded well. On or about each of the dates October 1st, November 15th, Januarv Ist, and Februarv 15th a member of the club should furnish and butcher four fat hogs. He should keep the lard, shoulders, sides and hams for his own use; but he should divide equally between the other mem- bers and himself the head-cheese, sausage, back-bones and spare-ribs. Each member should take his turn in rotation to furnish and kill the hogs. Because of the danger of trying to cure pork before cold weather, the member having the light hogs should kill first. On or about each of the dates October 15th, December 1st, Januarv 15th and March 1st a member of the club should furnish and butcher a. fat beef, aged 1% or 2 years. He should deliver a quarter of the beef to each member and keep a quarter for himself. Each member should take hi STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 217 turn in rotation to furnish, butcher and deliver a beef. A portion of the beef butchered March 1st can be kept for awhile in a pickle, consisting of the following ingredients in the fol- lowing proportions: For each two gallons of water take two pounds of salt, one ounce salt petre, one pound brown sugar and two large tablespoonfuls of soda. Mix, boil and skim. The garden should not be a square lot of ground that cannot be worked by horse power. It will cost more to work it entirely by hand power than its products are worth. The fence required to protect it from the poultry is a useless expenditure of money. The garden should be in the corner of the field adjacent to the house and should be long and narrow. No fence will be needed. The labor of hauling manure, breaking the ground and most of the cultivation can be done by horse power. Such things as peas, beans, beets, corn, tomatoes, cab- bage, etc., should be planted in rows on one side of the gar- den, the rows being wide enough apart to admit of horse cultivation. The onions, lettuce, parsnips, radishes and spinage and other small vegetables requiring hand culture, should be placed on the other side of the garden. If the rows are so lono- that one of them has too large a quantity of one veg- table, the row should be completed with another variety, or with other vegetables. Time is too precious to waste sticking peas and beans. The bush varieties which require no stick- ing should be used. About April 1st plant shallow a very early variety of sweet corn, like Cory. At the same time plant some large sweet variety, like Stowell's Evergreen. At succeedino- intervals of two weeks until Julv 15th, make plantings of the large sweet variety. This ought to give roasting ears from July 1st until frost. It is profitable and by the scientific use of insecticides the farmer may grow a few hills of melons and squashes. But being a very busy man he is apt to fail to apply the insecti- cides at just the right time. It is better to plant several long rows in his young orchard and give clean culture by horse power as long as the vines will permit. When the vines en- tirely cover it in the hot dry weather, the trees will be greatly benefited. The crop ought to be so abundant that its owner may select the choicest for his family and to give to kind neighbors and haye a large surplus to feed to his live stock. ■218 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS An acre of Kaffir corn should be p;rown. The horses and cattle like the fodder. The latter is also useful for the walls and roof of a temporary shelter for live stock or for poultry. The seed is excellent poultry food. The "table syrup" of commerce is o^lucose, colored, fla- vored and sweetened more or less, accordino- to grade. It has received various names such as "Table Syrup," "Silver Drips," "Honey Dew," "California Nectar," etc. If the farmer has an acre of thin clayey soil within two miles of a surghum mill and evaporator he would better grow sorghum. The molasses is sweet, wholesome, good. The seed is good for poultry and live stock. The leaves are excellent for horses. The bagasse is good for mulch and for covering stock sheds. The seeds of winter spinage, seed onions and lettuce may be sown about September 10th, and the young plants may be covered with mulch when freezing weather begins. The mulch should be removed early in the spring and an early crop of these vegetables ought to follow. A portion of the parsnips and salsify may remain where grown until wanted. A portion may be lifted and with car- rots, beets, turnips and winter radishes be layered with sand in the cellar for winter use. The cabbage should be covered with dirt. Enough of the sweet corn for use from October 1st until July 1st should be dried with the cook stove evaporater or other evaporator. No acids or cans are used and there is no injury by freezing. The commercial strawberry jam, raspberry jam and blackberry jam are glucose coagulated with sulphuric acid, and colored with dyes. The seeds in "strawberry jam" are old spent timothy seed and in raspberry and blackberry jam the seeds are old spent clover seed. The commercial jellies contain the same ingredients ex- cept timothy seed and clover seed. Hence the farmer's family should put up their own jams and jellies from berries. The commercial fruit syrups are also artificial products. The farmer's family should put up several gallons of grape syrup, strawberry syrup and blackberry syrup. When drank it should be diluted with water and sweetened. It is cooling, refreshing, strengthening, better than lemonade, sodawater or root beer. Grapes layered in white sugar are good for winter use. Ripe persimmons layered in white sugar are also good for winter use. STATE HORTICULTURAL, SOCIETY. 219 Honey is wholesome, strengthening, purifying, healing and nourshing. I have reference to the kind made by bees— not the glucose kind. Persons suffering from rheumatism, nervous diseases and nervous dyspepsia should eat celery and tui-nips. Onions are almost the best nervine known; will quickly relieve and tone up a worn out system and are beneficial in cases of coughs, colds, influenza, scurvy and liver coniplaints. Lettuce eaten by those who suffer from insomnia is bene- ficial. Let those who need iron for a tonic eat spinach and let the drug (iron) alone. Persons suffering from gravel should eat onions and spinach. Carrots should be eaten by persons who have asthma. Let those who need increased perspira- tion to relieve over-worked kidney's and lungs eat asparagus. Raw beef is proper diet for persons who have consumption and eggs for those who have jaundice. Cranberi-ies are pro- per diet for those suffering from erysipelas. They should also be applied externally. Lemons satisfy and cool the thirst in fever. Blackberries are a tonic. Blackberry cordial is the proper remedy for diarrhoea. Persons who are billions, who have indigestion and dyspepsia, conditions for which calomel is usually prescribed, should let the calomel alone and eat freeh' of ripe tomatoes. Let those who have rheu- matism and need an aperient, eat pieplant. The apple, ex- celling other fruits in phosphoric acid is an excellent brain food. It is aperient and diuretic and hence obviates indiges- tion and dyspepsia, and assists kidney secretions and pre- vents gravel. It cleans the mouth. Let persons who use drugs classed as aperients and laxatives and cathartics, stop their use and eat freely of apples, figs, bananas, pieplant, tomatoes, onions, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries. While cultivating this garden the farmer should see ob- ject lessons in botany, chemistry, entomology and the change of seasons for mind culture. When the harvest is plenteous let him cultivate the love and friendship of his neighbor by giving him some of the vegetables and fruits. Let the plant- ting of the seed and the setting of the bud and the graft be a type of death; the dormant period a symbol of the await- ing of the reserrection and the developement of the seed, bud or graft, an evidence of the great day when mortality shall put on immortality. 220 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS REPORT OF DELEGATE TO WISCONSIN. Frank D. Voris, Neoga. Mr. President and Members of the Illinois State Horticultural Society: I, .your delegate to the Wisconsin State Horticultural Meet- ing, held at Madison February 1, 2,3 and 4, 1898, would make the following brief report of same. Arriving at Madison at 12:45 P. M., found the delegates making their headquarters at the Capitol House. We got our dinners and started at once for the capitol building. The meeting was held in the senate chamber and was called to order at 1:30 by President L. G. Kellogg. Credentials of delegates from different states were read and, on motion, the delegates were made honorary members. First was reports on trial orchards and experiment stations. They recommend that, to be sure of success, to plant apples of none but well known, hardy noi-thern varieties, their ex- periments with the same having been very satisfactory, while with others not so. They supplement their experiment station reports with reports from every locality throughout the state where there is a local horticultural society. Almost every town and county has a good, live society. The local society meets as often as four times a year and meet frequently with the dif- ferent individual members, have a program, following by good things to eat, and have a profitable, social and general good time, which serves to hold them together and tends to make them zealous and enthusiastic in the cause. Their local societies as well as their state society have a good member- ship of ladies, which is as it should be. For how can we expect to have these meetings attractive without our mothers, wives, sisters, cousins and aunts being with us to push the good work along. The societv supports a monthlv paper and publishes same, v\z: "The Wisconsin Horticulturist," which is a live, earnest, spirited, newsy exponent of hoi-ticnlture, filled full of good things, and edited by Mrs. Fraidvlin Johnson of Baraboo, Wis., and is doing much good in the interest of horticulture. Found the fruit display very credible for any state, in fact more than I expected. Vmong the a])ples there, was the (Jrimes' Golden. North- Western Greening, Duchess, Yellow Transparent, Wolf River and others too numerous to men- tion. Among the ])otatoes there was almost every good variety for market and a large and fine display of new va- STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 221 rieties of seedlings, altogether making the finest display of potatoes I ever saw. From the plates entered, would say that the Wisconsin farmers should cultivate more acres of potatoes than they have in years past. Their climate and soil being so favorable to the potato. The majority of the states south of them are not making a success with the cul- ture of same, will have to turn their attention to some other crop and buy their potatoes from their northern sister states bordering on the great lakes. Northern potatoes not only have the southern sister states for a market but the whole world. In the future, as in the past, think we will have to depend on them for our late potatoes and they on us for peaches, . pears and winter apples. In small fruits, Wisconsin and our state will not come in competition; the difference in latitude being enough to enable the Illinois dealer to work his small fruits all off before the Wisconsin crop is ready for market. Prof. King, of the University of Wisconsin, delivered an address on rehabilitating and regrowth of new forests in the place of the old ones, cut by the lumberman's ax. He offered a strong plea for a law to protect same against fire and, if necessary, remit taxes to encourage owners to hold and re- timber same. He deplored the day when these old forests would become nude of timber from lack of proper legislation and attention when it can be so easily done. Prof. Gettle, of Madison, delivered an address on the asthetic and ethical value of trees which was replete with good thoughts and highly appreciated by his hearers. Mr. Wm. Tool, of Baraboo, read a paper strongly advo- cating the teaching of horticulture in their public schools which brought forth quite a discussion, which settled down to whether "it would not be of doubtful success in all grades below the high school, but strongl}^ recommended that it be taught in the high school, especially in township high schools, and that Prof. Goff, of the State University, would get out a text book in that line suitable for high school work. Prof. Baley. of New York, delivered an interesting address on agriculture in comparison with manufacturing and trans- portation. He said agriculture had not kept pace with either manufacturing or transportation and urged the farmers to post up, use new helps, new theories and new appliances and more intelligently do their work, and in order to do this horticulture should be taught in all our high schools and that agriculture and horticulture should be brought to the front as a calling. 222 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS Mr. Hoxie, chairman of the committee on Trans-Missis- sippi Exposition, recommended that the association make an exhibit there, and on motion the recommendation was adopted. President L. G. Kellogp^ delivered his annual address, stating that the fruit growers had met with only moderate success, having had late frosts and drouth, but with all it was cheerful and hopeful for the future. Secretary and treasurer's reports were made showing a good live state of their affairs and sufficient cash for all legitimate prospective demands, unless it be for their exhibit at Omaha, for which they will ask the state for an appro- priation. Prof. Bailey again addressed us on the condition most favorable for fruit buds. He said that summer pruning tended to fruit buds or fruit growing while winter pruning to wood growth. He advised trimming but little, only enough to cut out cross limbs and water sprouts; would trim yearly and not spasmodically, two or three years apart. A tree might be induced to bear fruit 3'early by removing half the fruit buds and letting it bear but half a crop each year, but after all not more practical than to let nature take its course about that and let them bear alternate years, and said not try to trim \our trees to look all alike, but let each one have its peculiarity, taking off only what you have to; he did not think it advisable to use any artificial means to make an ordinarily healthy tree fruit, but if they would not fruit they might be girdled or notched successfully. In conclusion, I cannot speak to highly of the Wisconsin State Horticultural Society. It is composed of men wonder- fully in earnest and is occupying advanced ground in the cause of horticulture and we can expect nothing but good and intelligent work from them. They have my heartfelt thanks and best wishes for favors shown while with them. A. R. ^WHIXIVEY. The subject of this memorial was one of the early settlers of Northern Illinois. He was the only son and youngest child of Col. ISTathan Whitney : was horn in Orleans County, N. Y., in 182-4: came with the family to Lee County, Illinois, in 1838: set- tled near Franklin Grove, where he resided at the time of his death, Jan. 15, 18P8. In 1843 Mr. Whitney began planting with a view of estab. lishing a nursery. His large planting of orchards and shelter belts has made his place a land-mark in that region. For many years he was an extensive manufacturer of cider and cider vine- gar, which was noted for its purity and excellent quality. The well-known Whitney crab originated on his grounds. At a very early day he was closely identified with the horti- cultural interests of this state. He attended the first meetings of the IS'orthwestern Fruit Growers' Association and acted as its treasurer for several years. Was one of the leading parties in the organization of the Horticultural Society of I^orthern Illi- nois, and has always been one of its most active and etficient supporters. He was one of the charter members of the i!f ational "Nursery- men's Association and served as its treasurer for many years. Being a man of much energy and executive ability he became one of the prominent horticulturists of this portion of the state. Although he never took a very active part in the deliberations of our society he was a close and accurate observer and would often, by some question or terse remark, demolish a mountain of theory. !N^otwithstanding his busy life, he found time for public affairs, holding various offices in his town. He was an ardent republican, and prominently identified with the Masonic fra- ternity. Was a kind husband, good father, and a genial, faith- ful friend. In his death Illinois has lost one of its most efficient and active horticulturists. JAMES X. 9ICSPADDBTV. James T. McSpadden departed this life July 2d, 1897. The following is taken from the Neoga News: "Was born in Monroe County. Tenn., Jan. 22(1, 1840, and was brought up on a farm and acquired a strong constitution. On December 27th, i»62, he was married to Angeline Ewing. The wife and mother died March 26th, 1877, leaving two girls, who still survive: the oldest, also a girl, died at 5 years old. He was again ujarried February i;Uh, 1879, to Sarah E. Edwards, of Monroe County, Tenn. Three children were born to this union, all boys, the oldest dying at 7 years old, the other two still sur- viving. He removed to Keoga township in 1864, and has been a citizen of the town and township ever since. Bought the farm where he resided at his death in July, 1879, moved to it the fol- lowing February and engaged in the nursery and the fruit grow- ing business on a small scale. He had about 1,700 apple trees in orchard, besides several acres in peach, pear, cherry and plum trees. Also about five acres in small fruits. Any one viewing his farm can see what a few years of hard work and patient enterprise will do. Mr. McSpadden was brought up a Presby- terian and joined the church here soon after his arrival, on a letter brought from Tennessee. Politically he was a republican, but had no quarrel with the members of any other party. He was twice elected to the county legislature and represented Neoga township to the satisfaction of his constituents. In re- ligion and politics as in his business he was thoroughly reliable, and everyone that knew him knew which side he was on. While thus severely strict as to himself, he was broad in his liberality toward others and is the enbodiment of that sentiment of Lin- coln, "malice toward none, charity for all.'' He was a pleasant conversationalist and an hour's chat with him was to the mind what the sunshine is to the body. "But he is gone. The candle which a few hours ago burned here is not gone out, but is merely transferred to yonder world of glory, where it shall ever burn undimmed as one more beacon light to keep us off the rocks. "Farewell, husband and father: farewell, brother, neighbor, friend. Your place on earth is left vacant, but your place in heaven is tilled." JAS. T. McSPADDEN. ^IT) BB JAMES BEI^EDICX SPAULDIPiO. Born at Marlborouph, Massachusetts, October 19th, 1824; died from a stroke of paralysis at his home, Spaulding, Illinois, November loth. 1897, aged 73 years. Coming to Illinois in 18.17 he has since given his life work to horticultural pursuits, never tiring of them. Nothing did he enjoy more than visiting with old horticultural friends. A lover of trees, home grounds and landscape, he often walked among and listened to the wind among the branches of the tall ever- greens in his front yard. When the orchards were white with bloom, or when the trees were red with fruit, he never tired of driving beneath them; or in June he never tired of viewing the green fields of grain, and in August the golden harvest fields. Though his enjoyment partook of a quiet nature, none can por- tray his constant pleasure while surrounded by these peaceful rural scenes of spring and autumn. Death summoned him with creeping paralysis while direct- ing and showing his men, with his usual energy, how to do some work in the field. Without telling his family or any one he suc- ceeded in getting to his buggy, to the house and his couch, and after resting a short time he again attempted to return to the field, and only after much persuasion did he give it up. He was conscious for three days and died five days after the stroke. His family and friends often suggested that he should take greater rest, but his cheerful maxim was, "It is better to wear out than to rust out."' Like many another New England boy along in 1830 to 1840, he was not favored with much schooling. He was a "self-edu- cated" man, and it was often remarked by his acquaintances that "Mr. Spaulding was a wonderfully well-posted man on many subjects of the day and on subjects of his day." A busy life. At the age of 22 years he was engaged in the operations of logging and milling lumber, also buying and ship- ping lumber by canal from Western New York to Albany and surrounding towns. In the fall of 1857 he came to Springfield and established the nursery business which bears his name. He always spoke with much feeling of those who befriended him in early days in Illinois. Such friends were Jacob Bunn, Elijah lies and other genuine men prominent in Central Illinois in the 50's and GO'S. Abraham Lincoln once showed him a kindness. Being himself kind at heart, he had many friends — some he had helped as would a father or brother. A man of strong character, a capable business man. After coming to Illinois he soon put himself at the head of a large business, and for forty years carried on one of the largest nur- series and orchards in the United States. A nurseryman of national reputation, "the result of earnest, industrious effort, and of a thorough knowledge of an intricate and scientific business." On June 1st, 1848, he was united in marriage with Mary C. Smith. She died May 13th, 1852, leiving two sons, Louis H. Spaulding and Milton E. Spaulding. On September 20th, 1854. was married to Cynthia A. Ewing, of Rochester, N. Y.. who still survives him. Four children wore born to this marriage — Frank K. Spaulding, Albert S. Spaulding, Mrs. Cynthia E. Fisher (wife of Frank R. Fisher) and Irving E. Spaulding. »' ^ A. R. WHITNEY. J. B. SPAULDING. ROB'T DOUGLAS. ROBBRX DOUOI^ASS, The apostle of tree planting in the west. He was the most successful, thoroughgoinfj and eminent of evergreen growers and tree planters of not only the west but of the whole country. He raised for many years evergreens by scores of millions yearlyi which were sent not only from Maine to the i'aciflc Ocean, but even to the most remote parts of Europe and other countries, and his seedlings of many and exquisite varieties, especially of Arborvita% were very numerous. His botanical knowledge was comprehensive,and he was an authority in this.branch of science. He was a lover of every tree, plant and flower, a nurseryman of wide experience and exactness, so that if known that plants came from Kobert Douglass it was taken for granted that they were true to name. His honesty and uprightness of dealing was known and unquestioned wherever civilization and the buying and selling of trees was known. He was indeed like his great prototype of Scotland, "The Douglass, tender and true." He will live forever, for are not his seedling evergreens, now grown, many of them giants in their green age, growing over all the civilized eanhV What magnificent living monuments to the memory of one man I Has the earth ever before seen such? Mahomet is recorded as saying that "Whoso planteth a tree watereth the earth.'' What a benefactor then the man who was the means of having caused innumerable groves and forests to spring up all over these United States he loved so well. The monument of "The Douglass" will last when the Pyramids have perhaps crumbled, for he sent out many of the giant segnoia of California, of whom the American Horticultural poet said: "They were green when in the rushes lay and moaned the Hebrew child." "In their tops the crows were calling when the streets of Rome were grass." * * * * * * "Green when Panic Hosts at Cannae bound their gory sheaves And the grain and mangled Romans lay about like autumn leaves." What a galaxy of great horticultural minds was he contem. porary with! Wilder, Warder, Bryant, Barrj', Downing, Shep- herd, Hull and others who like him have gone home. But few of the tree lovers and tree planters of the earlier part of the century are left. Those living mourn the Douglass dead, dying in harness, like Eli, well stricken in years, a friend of man and servant of the Lord. STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 229 *PIONEERS IN ILLINOIS HORTICULTURE. Arthur Bryant, Princeton. It has been the custom of our society to make mention of those of our members who have died during- the past year. It has seemed to me to be eminently fitting that we should recognize the valuable services of the veterans in our society who are still with us. The first horticultural meeting of which we have any clear record, is one held in Princeton, 111., in December, 1850, which was adjourned to meet in the same place in October of the next year, when the Northwest- ern Fruit Growers association was permanently organized. This was the first society of this kind west of the Alleghanies that embraced any great extent of country. The work they undertook, as we look at it, was immense. * At that time our state was in its infancy', everything was new and untried. Facilities for communication and transportation wei'e slow and limited. Testing the adaptation of the various kinds of fruits to our western soil and climate was a matter of no little moment. Immigrants from all parts of the union came to this new country and brought such varieties of fruit as they found desirable in their former homes, with their various local names attached. The consequence was the nomenclature of fruits was in a very chaotic state. Many nurseries had from one to two hundred varieties. Sometimes the same variety under three or four names, in other cases three or four kinds under the same name. The task before them was to eliminate from this mass of material whatever was found to be of value, and lav the foundation for a horticulture that was adapted for this new region. How well they succeeded the present condition of this industry' in Illinois, and the reports of our society well show. In looking over the records of the first horticultural meetings held in this state, I find the names of but few per- sons who are now living; not nore than half a score. Most of these are too advanced in years to take any active part in business, but all of them as much interested in "the art that does mend nature" as they ever were, and surely we can do no less than give a passing mention to these veterans who have grown grey in the service. These remarks are in- tended to apply to the first meetings of the Northwestern Fruit Growers' association, not later than 1853 or 1854, and en- tirely prior to the organization of the Illinois State Society. *Read at the auiiual meeting of the State Society, but copy received too late for insertion in proceedings. Secretart. 230 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS At these meetings there do not seem to have been any per- sons present from further south than Peoria and Tazewell counties. At the Burlington and Alton meetings in 1855 and 1857 the state was more generally represented. Of the list of thirty-one members at the organization of the State Society at Decatur, fully one-half of them were from what is now included in the southern district of this state. On another page of this volume will be found the portraits of some of these veterans who are still alive, and as a slight recognition of their services in our horticultural work, and to show our respect for these men, we have pre- pared short sketches of their lives and labors. Among those who have been most influential in the horticultural work of our state is our venerable friend and co-worker * SAMUEL EDWARDS. Faithful he has stood by us for half a century. He is the only person living, on record, who attended the horticultural meeting in 1846, and was present at the first meeting in Princeton, Illinois, in 1850.' He was quite active in the or- ganization of the horticultural society of Northern Illinois, and was president of that and the State Society at yarious times. The records of this society will show that he has been no passive member, always on hand and ready, zealous and enthusiastic almost to a fault. He has probably done more than any one living person for the horticultural inter- ests of Northern Illinois. He came to the state in 1842, and located near Lamoille, where he improved a farm and carried on a nursery for over thirty years. He planted and sold large numbers of evergreens, practically carrying out his motto, "Screens from the bleak winds, the great need of our prairies." For many years "The Evergreens'' was a noted place in this portion of the state. Many went to visit his grounds to see what a man of energy could accomplish in half a lifetime on the bare prairie* His fruits aud genial companionship drew many visitors to his home, where all were made welcome. After leaving the farm he was chosen treasurer of Bureau county, which office he held for four years. Liter on, he went to Peoria and was employed in writing and work on the agricultural columns of several papers, but wherever he was, his love for horticultural per- suits would crop out and he always was planting trees, fruit and flowers. ♦Since deceas<'d. STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 231 F. K. PHCENIX, Now of Delevaii; Wis., was born in Genessee county, New York, in 1823. He moved from New York to Delevan, Wis., in 1837, starting a nursery there in 1842. He attended the horticultural meeting in Princeton, 111., in 1850, when Edson Harkness was President, and he served as Secretar^^ and was an active member of the society for many years afterward. In 1852 he started his nursery near Bloomington, 111., moving his family there in 1854, where for twenty years he carried on one of the largest establishments of the kind in the state. He returned to Delevan in 1879, and is still growing trees and taking a lively interest in horticulture and the general reformation of the world. JOSEPH T. LITTLE Came to Dixon, 111., in 1839, and bought an interest in the second dry goods store established there. Leaving mercantile life in 1848, he invested in a farm, which eventually was turned into the Nachusa nursery. His intei'est in the pursuit won for it a reputation second to none for thriftiness and correct nomenclature of its trees and plants. At several dif- ferent times he held important offices in Lee county, and has also been Secretarv of the Illinois State Agricultural Societv, The Northwest Fruit Growers' Association claimed him as a member, and he belonged to it when it was merged into the Illinois State Horticultural Society. Later on he sold his nursery and went to Washington, D. C, where he held a posi- tion under the Assistant Treasurer. He is now a hale and hearty man, living a retired life in Dixon, 111. Always deeply interested in horticulture, he looks back upon the years when he "was permitted to associate with the noble band of brethern comprising the Illinois State Horticultural Society as the happiest of his life. DR. L. S. PENNINGTON Was at a very early period interested in the horticultural in- terests of Illinois. We find his name among those that at- tended the meeting at Princeton, 111., in 1851. He continued in the nursery business for many years, for a long time tak- ing quite an active part in the society. He was among the first to plant a large orchard. At present he is living in Sterling, III., giving a general oversight to his farms. 232 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS O. B. GALUSHA Has been one of the most active workers our society ever had. He was born in Bennington county, Vermont, in 1819, came from Michigan to Illinois in 1849, and settled near Lisbon, Kendall county, where he carried on the nursery business and fruit growing. In 1868 he sold his farm and located near Morris, 111., where he engaged in growing small fruits and some nursery stock. Later on he moved to Peoiia, 111., where he now resides, a sunstroke, a severe sickness and failing health preventing any very active work. He took a leading part in the organization of this society, being elected its first Secretary in 1856, and holding that office until 1861. Later held the position for thirteen years, when he retired at his own request. Twice he was elected President. He was a member of the State Board of Agriculture for four years, and was chosen as one of the original trustees of the Illinois State University, an institution for whose establishment he worked side by side with many other veterans of our society. In all these j^ears of service to the society Mr. Galusha was faithful and untir- ing in his efforts to found the interests of horticulture in our state. As Secretary his reports were well arranged and care- fully prepared and he was always ready to give his time and assistance wherever needed. JOHN H. BRYANT Was born in Cummington, Mass., July 22, 1807. He remained at home on the farm until 1831, when he started for the west, landing in Jacksonville, 111. In the fall of 1832, just after the Black Hawk war, he, with his brother Cyrus, located near Princeton, 111., where he has resided ever since. Mr. Bryant has been one of the leading men in that por- tion of the state. While he could not be called a politi- cian, his influence has had much to do with shaping the course of political matters in the county and districts where he lives. At various times he has held positions of trust in the gift of the people and has always been iden- tified with any measures that were brought up for the benefit of the public. He was the President of the first organized meeting of the Northwestern Fruit Growers' Association, and although he has never been a professional fruit grower, his inate love for the beautiful in nature has given him a great interest in horticultural matters, and led him to plant and care for trees, fruit and fiowers. He is also a poet of no STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 233 mean accomplishments, as a neat volume of his published a few years ago will show. He is now in his ninety-firat year, the last survivor of his family. "With exceptionally good health for one of his years, and mind keen and clear as ever. In his poem at eighty-seven he shows with what fondness he still clings to life: "Though thus bereft, life still is sweet. All nature doth her promise fill, The wild flowers blossom at my feet, These glorious heavens are round me still.'" WILLIAM H. MANN Was born in Adair county, Kentucky, in 1827, and was the youngest of a family of five children. When quite young he moved with his father to Montgomery County, Illinois. His father dying, later on he went to Missouri, where he resided six yeai's. Soon after he went to Texas and enlisted in a company of Texas Rangers. War being declared with Mexico, he entered the service of the United States, participated in several engagements, and when his terra of service expired was honorably discharged. While in Texas he prepared a few bushels of Osage Orange seed for market. With these he started north, landing in Peoria in February, 1848. Mr. Mann failed in selling his seed, as the nurserymen and farmers were not acquainted with the value of the plant and were doubtful whether it would succeed in this northern climate. xibout this time he became acquainted with Messrs. Hark- ness and Overman, who advised him to plant the seed, the venture was a success, and for many years afterwards he was one of the largest growers of hedge plants in the west. At the breaking out of the war in 1861, Mr. Mann assisted in raising the first quota of troops. Later on he helped to organize and was chosen captain of Company I, of the Ninety- Fourth Illinois regiment, which position he filled satisfac- torily for two years. in 1868 he purchased a tract of land near Gilman, Illi- nois, improved a large farm, and planted out large quanti- ties of nursery stock and Osage seed. In 1881 Mr. Mann visited Florida, and was so well pleased with the country and climate that he invested in a large body of land, laid out a town, and has planted out a large amount of orange trees and other fruits adapted to that locality. \VM. H. MANN. saMlkl k I) war us. JOHN H, HRYANT. F. K. I'HCENIX. .TOSEPII T. FilTTLK. DR L. S. PKNNIXGTON. O. H. GAU SHA. TRANSACTIONS OF THE Twenty-fourth Annual Meeting AND EIGHTH OF THE REORGANIZATION OF THE HORTICULTURAL SoCIETY OF Southern Illinois Held in Vienna, November 17 and 18, 1897. REPORTED BY E. G. MENDENHALL, Secretary, Kinmundy. OFFICERS FOR 1898. Presidext J. WEBSTER, Centralia. First Vice-Pkesident J. W. STANTON, Richview. Second Vice-President L. N. BEAL, Mt. Vernon. Third Vice-President W. E. GALLENER, Vienna. Secretary and Treasurer E. G. MENDENHALL, Kin- mundv Place of next annual meeting Vandalia, November, 1898. LIST OF MEMBERS. Beal, L. N Mt. Vernon Benson, J. N Vienna Beauman, Harry Tunnel Hill Barbee, W. J Edgewood Caspar, W.J New Burnside Chapman, F.J Vienna Chapman, Hon. P. T Veinna Grain, W. R Villa Ridge Cauhle, I Elco . Clutts, John Cobden DuBois, A. M Cobden Dintleman, L. F Belleville Eckert, Hy C Belleville Endicott, G. W Villa Ridge Eastman, H. T Anna Foster H. M New Burnside Fuller, J. W Anna ' Fitch, J. N Cobden French, Prof. G. H Carbondale Gillespie, J. F Simpson Gould, Geo Villa Ridge Goodrich, T. E Cobden Gallener, W. E Vienna Germain, J. H Belleville Hartman, C. F Nashville Hartley, W. A ' Walnut Hill Harpster, Henry — St. Peter Hehner, Phil D Mascoutah Heaton, J. W.. Jr New Burnside Heaton, J. C. B New Burnside Hook, Alfred Vienna Hill, I. B Charleston Hertel, Chas Freeburg Hammill, Chas West Union Hileman, J. L Anna Helms, F Belleville Husband, J Leanderviile Jennette, E. R Anna Johnson, Abe C Mt. Vernon Kinker, J. H Villa Ridge Kretzinger, J. H Villa Ridge Kell, M. C Kell 238 LIST OF MKMBERS. Karr, G. M .lohnsonville Kruse, H. J Farina Lauter, John Belleville Lanter, August Belleville Mendenhall, E. (J Kinmundy Murphy, F. G York McCabe, T. F New Burnside Mozley, J. T Vienna Migell, W. R New Burnside Mathews. D. W Vienna IMackey, J. C Vienna McCaffrey, .T Cobden Mathews, J. B Marissa Miller, J. B Anna Neeper, A Kinmundy Nelson, Wm. K Marissa Poole, J. H Mill Creek Parker, I. A. J Vienna Parker, Lucas Vienna Price, J. M Vienna Perrine, CM Fairfield Reynalds, T. B Ozark Riehl, E. A Alton Simpson & Sons Vincennes,Ind Stanton, J. W Rich view Simpson, O. B Fairfield Span, W. A Vienna Short, W. W Vienna Spangler, L Ashley Thomas, J. D Altamont Thacker, F. B Vienna Tincher, J. W Xenia Tale, Geo. R Smithton Vickers, A, K Vienna Vaughn, J. G Odin Webster, J Centralia Wright, J. D Vienna Whittenberg, D. W Vienna Wright, J. D Vienna AVebster, C. H Centralia Whitner, L. O Vienna Wilgus, J Centralia Williams, T. L Tamaroa Warfleld, B. C Sandoval Wliitford, E. M Farina OF THE Horticultural Society of Southern Illinois. EEPOBTED BY E. G. MENDENHALL, Secretary, Kinmundy. The twenty-fourth annual meeting of the Horticultural ►Society of Southern Illinois convened in Beal's Opera House in the city of Vienna, November 17 and 18, 1897. Rev. J. H. Ford, of the M. E. Church, opened the session with prayer. Mayor J. M. C. Damron made the following address, introducing Judge A. K. Vickers: I feel proud to-day to be able to meet this intelligent audience. I also feel that our country here needs the experi- ence and advice of these scientific men and I feel that our country will be much benefited by this horticultural meeting. I feel impressed that we have as good a country here for the purpose of raising fruits and vegetables as there is, per- haps, in Southern Illinois. But I know that our people need to understand the scientific principles of horticulture. That is the great trouble in this country; our people are not edu- cated to understand how to take care of and propagate their fruits. If we had a school for our young men— horticultural colleges so that our young men could give special attention to this science — it would be very beneficial to this country. Gentlemen, I am not a speaker. I am glad to introduce Judge Vickers, who is an orator and a man who has given this subject a great deal of thought. 240 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTUKAL ADDRESS OF WELCOME. Judge A. K. Vickers. Mr. President and Membei's of the Southern lUinois Horti- cultural Society: I was much pleased with the Mayor's little talk if it had not been for the closinp; sentence in which he says that I am both an orator and a man that has given much thought to the subject of horticulture. Now, it is bad enough to take a man off the bench, without a second's warning, where he is trying a lawsuit in which a question of law is occupying his attention, and transfer him from the dingy, dusky, impure air of the court room to the sweeter, purer air of a horti- cultural hall like this. It is bad enough, I say, to transfer a man in this manner; but it is infinitely worse to introduce him as both a scientific speaker and a horticulturist. He told you that we welcome you to our little town. I am sure that that sentiment is cordially seconded by every man, woman and child in the city of Vienna. We welcome you for no other reason only for purely selfish reasons, if we get what we expect to get out of it. But we will not be so un- generous as to try to take everything and give nothing in return. While we mean to be enlightened on the subject of horticulture, we will treat you to our bacon and beans, our pork and mutton chops, etc., and will try to make your stay here pleasant. The subject of horticulture, I wish to say, more especially to you of Johnson county, is a subject in which you can well afford to take deep interest. 1 feel quite sure that what will be said and done here, during the meetings of this as- sociation, will well repay you for giving every moment of your spare time to its sessions. The future success of the average farmer of Johnsou county depends, to some extent, upon the extent in which he engages in the fruit raising business and the intelligence he brings to bear upon that subject. The time has long since passed when a man can make a success in any line of agriculture or horticulture by simply applying muscle and labor, without having that muscle and labor intelligently overseen by the well-informed men that grasp the science and progress of the age upon that topic. The time has passed when a farmer can expect to succeed unless he gets into the current — agricultural cur- rent. Connects himself, as it were, with the great telephone system that is established all over the county for his benefit, SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS. 241 and draws liis information from the storehouse of agricul- tural science and progress, and keeps himself in touch with the gi-eat armj- of producers in this line. l>ast summer I was in Champaign for a short time, and Avent out to our experiment station— I went to the horticul- tural station and examined into what was there, and done there at the expense of the government for the fruit growers of Illinois. You would all be surprised and delighted if you could go there and see the amount of money that is being- expended there — that is all for the exclusive benefit of you and I and every citizen of this state who is engaged in the production of fruits and berries of any kind. The results of those experiments are ]nib]ished at the expense of the gov- ernment. The postage is paid upon them and they are laid upon the table of ev^ery fai-mer and every citizen of the state, at no expense, whatever, except to call at the post office, if he will only send up there and say, "I want the bulletin." How many of you that have been digging around your blackberry briers, and in your orchards, trying to grow fruits; how many of you have taken the trouble to send a postal card to Mr. Blair, who is at the head of the horticul- tural experiments of the state with a request to send you the bulletin? If vou have not done it, let me advise vou. the very first duty you do, when you leave this hall, to get a postal card and send your name for it, and they will come just as regularly as your weekly paper, as soon as they are published, and then you will get the benefit of all of the ex- periments of the station. Is not that true, Mr. President? {By the President, "Yes, sir.'') You will get all of that laid on you table here. You will find out a great many things that you will not find out in a lifetime— some things that you will not find out at all; because you are not prepared to make the experiments as they are there. Professor Blair was astonished when I told him that we had a good fruit country down here. I said: "I want you to come down, Professor, and go with me, in my buggy, to see some of our pear orchards and apple orchards, and if we haven't, you can tell us." He says: "I will go." So he did come. He went all through Johnson county, to different places and, after spending three or four days looking over all the conditions that existed here, with reference to horticulture, Mr. Blair went away expressing himself as astonished at the orchards. He said all that we needed Avas development in order to make one of the most excellent counties for fruit in the state of Illinois. From here he went to Villa Eidge, to -16 242 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL Cobden, and I believe he went to Centrnlia. He went back feeling- happy in the belief that Southern Illinois is a great fruit producinu: country. Now, gentlemen, 1 want to say that there will be papers read from this rostrum, during the two days, that will voice the sentiment and ex])erience of the country, I insist and urge you, from purely selfish if no other reasons, that you will attend and hear every word, that the fruit growers of this county may be better prepared for the growing of fruits in the years to come. To the gentlemen who have kindly come to our town from a distance, we, from the very bottom of our hearts^ welcome you here. I know that I voice the sentiment of every citizen of Johnson county when I say to you, Mr. President, that we are truly glad that you are here. We cannot, per- haps, make as good a showing as other counties more ad- vanced. You cannot expect from us what you would get from full grown men in this subject. But we are truly glad that you are here. Our latch strings are on the outside. We^ have numerous rooms in our houses and we will turn them over to you, kitchen, dining-room and all, and hope that you will be able to go away with pleasant recollections of the town of Vienna. RESPONSE. By Mr. Stanton. Mr. Piesklent: In behalf of this Society, I wish to thank you for the kind words of welcome. We have met here to do what we can to further the inter- ests of horticulture in Southern Illinois. We have come here by invitation of your citizens — by a delegation that kept at it for the last six or seven years everlastingly until they got us here. I am glad to see the meeting so well attended on the first day. It is evident to me that there is interest here; evident to me that you mean business; that you came here to learn something about hoi'ticultui-e. I cannot promise you what you will learn, but I can promise you that, if you attend the convention, that we will have an interesting and profitable meeting. There is one thing that I always find — a dis])Osition on the part of the public to sit still and say nothing when they might open their mouths and be asking questions — if there is anything 3'ou want to know, ask questions. We have' SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS. 243 men here that have knowledge that thej didn't read in books; they have actually dug it out of the ground. I think you will get valuable iuforinatjon from any of the gentle- men visiting here. My experience has only been limited in that regard. I have learned a good deal— largely by proxy. My observation has been close. I couldn't make a suitable reply to the gentleman who has just spoken. I don't fell able to do so. I think our time can be spent more profitably in the business that we have met here for. ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT. Mr. J. Webster, Centralia. Gentlemen of the Horticultural Society of Southern Illinois: The hour has arrived for the afternoon session of this annual meeting. I am glad to meet so many of you. I trust all of you who have honored this society with your presence will find pleasure and some profit grovAnng out of your at- tendance at this annual meeting, and that none may have occasion to regret being here by reason of any little incon- veniences you may have had to encounter in reaching this enterprising little city of Johnson county, which is now ap- parently undergoing an evolution in horticulture that less favored counties with good direct transportation facilities have experienced years ago, which I trust you will all feel as I do, are conditions that are of interest to all of us as a society. We hope that the relaxation from business and labor spent at this annual meeting may be profitable. This season jnay be correctly claimed as above an average one for the pushing enterprising fruit growers. Some of our products have been remunerative, though one of our earliest staple crops sold below cost of production in portions of Southern Illinois. I refer more particularly to che strawberry crop. The seasons as they pass, are marked by new difficulties, rapid and extreme changes, new fields are open, and un- thought of competition is constantly confronting us. The younger men who must necessarily fill the places.of those who drop out of the ranks, will no doubt solve the problems in the progressive evolution constantly going on. At this time there are no doubt many things that need your careful deliberation. The aims and objects of this so- ciety should be more generally known throughout Southern 24:4 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL Illinois. We should strive to stand forth as a society on a broader plane of usefulness and helpfulness in everything pertaining: to pi-ogressive fruit growing and marketing, as well as th" planting and caring for beautiful trees and flowers, and as far as it is possible for us to do by our ex- ample, point the way. Our society has had its aims and ob- jects wrongly construed by men who should have known better. In connection with one of the great railroad com- panies of the state, this great man, in his own estimation, positively refused to recommend to his superior officer that a pass be given the president of this society, because the so- ciety had the gall last year at your annual meeting at Cairo to appoint a committee of three, after passing a resolution to ask the Railroad and Warehouse Commissioners to change the classification of pears, making them the same as apples, which was done, but for this act, in self defense, your society and your committee are branded by an ordinary freight solicitoi- as a lot of cranks organized more for the pui-pose of securing lower transportation rates, and antagonizing the interest of the railroad company. All of you know how little of truth there is in this assertion. We regret that even one official in the employ of a great railroad company, who for thirty years has fostered, encouraged, advertised and in every possible way striven to build up the industry this society represents, should have the gall to slander us. We believe that the members of this society will compare favorably with any society of business men, and fully realize the advantages we enjoy in prompt and rapid transporta- tion services, and that our dependance on them for good railroad service is fully as great as the railroad company can be for the business growing out of the industries along their lines, and that we, as a society, in asking for a change in the classification as set foi-th at the last years resolution at Cairo, were only asking for simple justice in the classi- fication of a product that was ^^early becoming cheaper, and the shipping rates double apple rates were almost prohibitory, and to that extent our interests are mutual. A resolution setting forth the true sentiments of the so- ciety toward the great transportation companies in Southern Illinois, might not be out of place at this time. In behalf of the society we thank the progressive people of Vienna and Johnson counties for the cordial welcome given the society in your little city. SUCIE'IY OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS. 245 DISCUSSION. Mr. Mendenhall— If this society took a little more in- terest in the matter of transportation and other matters of that kind, in connection with other ^Yorks, it would be a good idea; and I think we ought to take more interest in the matter. I don't see why we are not, as an organization, in a position to do much in that way. Mr. J. W. Stanton — To let the people understand more fully the question of classification on pears, it was simply prohibitory. We couldn't ship pears. The rate for the dis- tance of 265 miles was just about three times what it was on apples. On the other hand, the freight rate for three times- the distance south, instead of north, was the same as apples was. There was a great inconsistency that we saw in the fruit rates, working on a great many articles. We took action at the Cairo meeting on the pear question. The sec- retary and myself presented the matter to the board of com- missioners. We got it— just what we asked; we got it after considerable struggle. I don't see why it should be consid- ered, in any way, out of place. This society is organized for the purpose of bettering our conditions. It is legitimate and right to the fruit grower. If they could carry pears in one direction for the same rate as apples, they should the other way. Therefore, we made the complaint to the board of com- missioners and it was granted without any trouble. Not only that, but we learned something in our investigation. The secretary of the railway commissioners suggested that it might be a good idea to write to all the agents in Chicago and ask them if they knew of any reason why the classification on pears should not be the same as apples. The first reply that he received was from the Chicago & Alton K. K. Co. They said they didn't see anj' reason wh^'; that they always made their rates the same. There is not anything now that we can get without co- operation, and we cannot get co-operation without organi- zation. What you people need here is organization in the way of shipping. It is an uphill business in starting, but after you get it started, then your people see what there is 246 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL in it and thej will like it. It is a great advantaj^e; if we do not have co-operation and organization, we will not effect much. One man cannot do business alone in any line; he has to hnA'e help. Mr. Webster— It may not be out of place for me to say a few words on this classification business. I heard one morn- ing that the railroad and warehouse commissioners were on a little trip south, and that they would be in Centralia some- time during the morning between 9 and 10 o'clock. I went down to the station and Superintendent Baker was there. I said to him: "I understand that the railroad and warehouse commissioners are coming by here this morning; will you in- troduce me to them?'' He said he didn't know them but he would introduce me to them. I don't believe he would have done it if he had known what I wanted. When they came, Mr. Baker introduced me to them. They wanted to know what I wanted ; I told them this matter of the classification of pears, and that I wanted the classification changed because of the injustice if nothing else. They assured me that it should have their attention. T also called their attention to the classification of Hickorynuts which is the same as Almonds. SECRET.VRY-TRE.\SURER'S REPORT. E. G. Mjkndenhall. Nov. 20. 1896. Balance cash on hand from ISOO $238 93 '• '• '• f>om (r. W. Endicott, for apples sold 3 00 Nov. 1(3. 1897. Seventy-seven Memberships "paid to date" 77 00 $31« 93 Nov. 10, 1897. Total expenses 195 43 Balance on hand $123 50 At this time a motion carried to refer above report to the auditing committee. Your auditing cnnimittee have examined the accounts of the Secretary and Treasui-er and fined the same correct. Signed, L. N. Bkal, J. W. Fuller, E. K. Jennett, Committee. SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS. 247 REPORT OF FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT. J. W. Stanton, Eichyieav. The fruit season just past has been fairly profitable and while the protracted drouth has no doubt cut short our small fruits for next season, we find apples and other tree fruits going into winter in fair condition. The strawberry crop this season was fair in quality, prices were low. I'ears and cherries very light crop. Peaches good crop and fair prices. Apples were'^fair crop and prices good. In looking over the orchards in my district, I do not find anything of special interest to report only on Keiffer pear trees, I find many orchards badly blighted. ^ One orchard of about fifteen acres was black with blight, don't think there was a sound tree in it. We had bpen led to believe up to this time, in our neighborhood, that the Keiffer \\as entirely €xempt, but this season has developed an alarming condition in Keiffer orchards. My own Keiffer trees are, so far, free from blight, they are on high ground. I notice where or- chards are on flat land, the blight is more general. Find the San Jose scale in several orchards and in my opinion it will be only a question of time, until the whole country will be infested with this plague. I appeared before the legislative committee at Spring- field last winter, several times, in our efforts to secure proper legislation to afford relief from this pest and to guard against further spread and importation of diseased nursery stock into this state. We were only partially successful and the state entomologist will no doubt do every thing possible as far as the means provided will permit. I want to warn all persons buying nursery stock, to be sure they are free from this scale. DISCUSSION. In answer to question as to remedy for the San Jose scale, Mr. Stanton replies: "Use soft soap. I have washed every tree that I have set out with soft soap from top to bottom. If there is any kind of an insect on it, it will destrov it. The trees ought to be thoroughlv washed with it, otherwise you may set out trees with insects on, and you may not notice that there is any insect on it at all until 248 TRAXSACTIOXS OF THE UORTICTLTURAL the tree has been stunted so that it will not do well. 1 didn't know for five vears that I had these scales in the orchard. I went to Urbana last winter to the Entonioloo:ist and ^ot a sample of it, and, upon making examination found them in my orchard. After an examination last year it was found to be all over the state in isolated places. Mu. Beal— Prof. Blair told me vesterdav that there were sixty-six orchards affected in the state of Illinois. The worst affected district is at Sparta, covering a territory twenty- five square miles. An appropriation was made by the legis- ture of .f3,000. He says it would take every dollar of that appropriation to exterminate the San Jose scale in the Sparta district. He talked to me like he thought he would try to eradicate the scale in the other parts of the state and leave that part until he got more money. He said it was all over the state, that is, it is in twenty-five or thirty places in the state — they cover a good portion of the state. The Sparta country is so hilly and rough it is thought that it will be very hard to get rid of it there. They are Germans there and the countrv folks don't seem to care verv much about it. Mr. Jennette — How do you wash with the soap? Mr. Stantox — I reduce it to about the consistency of paint and then I put a double handful of pulverized cop- peras to the bucketful and paint the trees. I think that copperas is one of the most objectionable things to insects, and rabits wont touch it. I have experimented on peach trees and am satisfied that it is good, and, believe, that if you will allow it to run around the roots that it will take the grubs entirely out of the trees. The same thing will apply to apple orchards; you will not be troubled with borers if vou use that remedy in the season. Use it on apple, pear, cherry and peach trees. I have not found any- thing like this soft soap and copperas for the oystershell- bark louse. — Question — How do you manage to get it on the trees when you have the San Jose scale? SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS. 249 Answer — I put a force of men to work — used it on 1,700 trees. It was not so large a task as I thought. Q. — What kind of a brush do you use? A. — Just an ordinary paint brush. Q. — Does the scale eter penetrate the bark, or does it stay on the outside? A. — The San Jose scale, just as soon as it is ushered into the world, struggles to a tender part of the growth, it will there insert its bill, and there it stays— just as soon as it inserts its bill into the bark, it sours the sap all around it, and then it begins to spread. I think there are about three generations in a season, and one individual will multiply at the rate of some 40,000,000 or 50,000,000. Mr. Mendenhall, Secretary, produced samples of San Jose scale etc., to the Society for inspection sent him by Prof. Forbes. KEPORT OF SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT. L. N. Beal, Mt. Vernon. The year of 1897 can be classed as a good fruit year, notwithstanding the heavy and late cold rains in the spring with frost as late as May 24, when we had quite a white frost, we were picking strawberries and apparently the frost did not do any injury. The crop of strawberries was good, and during our largest picking prices in Chicago were very low, so much so that shippers lost on the shipments made the last days of May and first days of June. Prices ranged in Chicago on those days at from 50 cents to fl.OO per 24- quart case for good berries. Raspberries were a fair nrop, but very few are gi'own in my vicinity. Prices were fair and I think more should be planted by those having good locations. Blackberries were an immense crop, so much so tha they became unprofitable to ship them, and were allowed to go to waste. Wild blackberries were brought to town by the farmers and sold for five cents per gallon in trade. Gooseberries— Of this fruit there was an immense crop, and the^^ were free from mildew. They suffered some when about full grown from the hot sun which cooked them. All; those in the top of the bushes where the leaves had dropped. 250 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL off were completely destro^'ed. I think these leaves dropped from the effect of that late frost in May. because bushes which were protected by grape vines did not shed their leaves. The prices of gooseberries became so low in Chicago that many growers quit picking and let them go to waste. The prices ruled the lowest in all my experience, as I have grown gooseberries for many j'cars, and this year marketed 140 bushels. Currants are not grovvn to any extent and are not suc- cessful, as our dry summers and autumns kill the bushes. Grapes — It would be difficult to see how grapes could produce a larger crop than they did this year. The quality was good and they were bothered less by the birds than usual. Prices were too low in the Chicago market to make shipping profitable from my section of country; sold at home for one cent per pound. Cherries were almost a failure and the fortunate horti- culturist who had cherries this year had a chance to increase his bank account. The cause of the failure 1 attribute to the cold rains while blossoming. Pears were not a full crop, unless it was the Kieffer. You know 1 think it never tails. I had some Kieffer pears this year that were — well fairly good — I am yet waiting for those good eating Kieffer that my friend Webster promised me one year ago. Peaches were better than usual, in fact better than for several years past, and the quality was also fine. The plum crop was A'ery abundant and the fruit excep- tionally good and were a profitable crop this year. Apples were not a full crop, but can be called a very good crop. The quality of the fruit was good. Apple buyers w'here they bought the npples by the bushel or bai-rel in the orchard, culled out fully one-half of them, but where they bought the orchard they culled out only about one-tenth or less — mostly less. Therefore the apples were good oi- bad, owing to the standpoint you view them from. But I must say many apples were wormy and scabby, and many suf- fered from the hot sun, which, where they were exposed too W^ much, cooked them, this could not be avoided as well as the scab and wormy ones might have been. Tho.se who had ^ good orchards of wintei- apples done well with them and were well paid for the care and labor bestowed upon tliem, and I do not think the apple business is yet overdone. I find too many neglected oi'chards belonging to the general farmer for me to think otherwise. Horticulture is a science; SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS. 251 it is a business. The farmers in g:eneral do not study as much as they should, but the good crop and prices will stimulate many to gain more and better information on fruit growing. So be it. REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON PEAR CLASSIFICATION By Mr. Mendenhall. I desire to say that so much has already been said about the results of this committee in the President's address and following discussion, that it would only be a waste of time to more than make an official statement that we had been successful, the only fight being made on us by one of our leading lines into the fruit belt of Illinois. But we won and we are grateful to the Railroad and Warehouse Commissioners. The rate is exactly the same as on apples in barrels and in car lots. We could not get it in baskets and other small packages. I now ask that the report be accepted and the committee discharged. A motion to accept the report and discharge the com- mittee carried. OUR BEST STRAWBERRY. J. W. Fuller, Anna. I do not feel that I am capable of deciding which is the best strawberry. We have now so many new and some old ■varieties that are favorites, that it is diflficult to determine which variety is best, some do well in one locality and not in another. I have been growing strawberries for forty years past and am now as much lost as some are that have been but a few years growing them. My first plants were of Hoveys Seedling. What a wonderful change since I set my first plants. I have tested a great many new varieties as they were brought out only to become disappointed in some of them, still the strawberrv has been steadlv advancing to- wards larger and better berries. We have a long list of old and new varieties to select from now, a great many of them do well over a large extent of territor3^ The demand now seems to be for larger berries and it is a difficult point to decide which is best for all purposes. Bubach No. 5 seem to be a favorite polenized with Lady Thompson, also a berry of large size and of good quality, a splended berry of great 252 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL promise. Then we have the Bisel. a berry that has shown u]) well for two years past, also of large size aud good color. The Golden Queen comes highly reccommended, a berry of large size and good color. The Greenville, J^ovett's Early, Beder Wood, Tennesse Prolific, Bullrose by J. B. Miller; Madeline, Pollard, all the above named are large and favor- ites where planted in Southern Illinois. SEEDLIJs^G STRAWBERRIES. John. McCArrREy, Cobden. I wish I could write so as to impress upon the members of this society the importance of this subject. The strawberry is today one of the most important fruit of commerce, as it is one of the most widely distributed of any of our horticultural products, not excepting the apple, i? it is capable of adapting itself to almost all climates. While there is hardly a month in the year when some portion of our country is not shipping them to market. Hence I be- lieve it is no exageration to say it is the most important of 4 all our fruits, in-as-much as it furnishes more employment to labor in its production and transportation than any other fruit we cultivate. It is mv observation that the average profitable life of any variety is about fifteen years, so the importance of constant renewal from seed must be obvious to all progressive fruit growers everj^where. It is also just as important in the fruit as it is in the animal kingdom, that the best blood should be used in the effort to produce new varieties and I beleive there is no blood equal to the Wilson, if you wish to produce a berry that will bear long carriage and go on the market in good condition. I have been growing seedlings for the last fifteen years and in that time have produced but two varieties that I have considered good enough to propagate for general culti- vation— the Golden King and Queen. The Golden King was grown from seed of the Warfield, Pollenized by the Sharpless, and while not a long distance shipper, will carry 300 milles in good condition, and is a wonderful producer of large, well flavored berries in immense quanties, covering a season of from, three to four weeks and carrying a very large amount of Palten. ' The Golden (^ueen is a seedling of the Wilson and I regard **; it as the best commercial strawberry in cultivation. It can v be shipped one thousand miles and arrive at its desiinatioiij in sound condition. SOCIETY- OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS. 253 In selecting fruit to propagate from, I take great pains to find a strong healthy plant that is well loaded with fruit, selecting the first well formed- berry to ripen. I plant the seed as soon as picked, planting in a small box filled with good rich soil, obtained from about the cow stables, covering the seed lightly, say about the sixteenth of an inch, placing the box on the north side of some building where the soil can be kept cool and moist. Under favorable conditions the plants should be up in from two to three weeks. I let the young plants remain in the box until the next spring, select- ing the most vigorous, then set them in the field I expect to pick from the following season, and if they do not show me some promising fruit the next spring I pay no more attention to them, but try again another season. As it is only by perseverance one can expect to succeed in the experimental field, besides one must be an enthusiast and have his heart in his work for best results. DISCUSSION. Mr. Mendenhall — I just want to say in regard to the Beder Wood; have tried it; we don't consider it of any ac- count, at all, in Marion county, so far as I know. Mr. Riehl — I don't want to do all the talking; I think there are people here that want to ask questions — ask them and some of us here will answer; if we don't know we will say so; we will try to answer you if we don't know. Mr. G. W. End.'cott— What is the best strawberry to grow? Answer — The Crescent is a good variety for market — it depends upon whether you ship to Chicago. Q.— Well, Chicago? ^ A. — You want a variety that will be ready for market earlv. Mr. Jennette — I wish to say for the Lady Thompson, it did well with me. One of my neighbors down there made a great success out of the Bubach; he got |3.00 and $3.50 for his, while others were cheaper. Mr. J. W, Fuller — The Lady Thompson we have tried in Union county, and we find it a splendid berry; a splendid seller and one of the best early berries — a large handsome berry. 254 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL Mr. Mkndenhall— What is the best fertilizer for the^ Lad J Thompson. A. — Bv Mr. Jenuette: One of the best fertilizers is the Tennessee Prolific. Mr. Riehl — In rej^ard to the difference in the reports on certain varieties: We are not always sure that all of us have the same thing under that name. I don't know that I have the Lady Thompson. True, I can refer back to my records and find out where I got it from. I know that in Southern Illinois, it is generally spoken well of, but it is my duty to report as I find it under my observation. I shall make it my business to get some of these plants in Southern Illinois and trv them. Mr. Heaton — There is one point that would probably be well to mention. We have land here of every character under the sun, from the poorest to the richest. Land that would produce so man}^ bushels of corn or wheat; we understand that. I think we might know the kind of berries would grow on our poor land. Mr. Fuller— The Michael, as I have seen it tested, grow» better on poor land — land not too poor to grow corn. I find that the Michael grows on that kind of land— it don't make so many plants as on better land, that is the trouble on good land. Mr. Webster— At Centralia, it is called Michael's Early. I think, probably, Michael's Early is right. It has succeeded better than any other early variety around Centralia. There has been sometimes four or five shipments of it before the other varieties. Mr. Jennettp: — A neighbor of mine says you can't get anything for the Crescent. Mr. Stanton— I think we should take into consideration thf3 location— there was a time when the ])eople in Union county succeeded with the Crescent; they got to raising earlier berries, the result was the Crescent does not pay there now. If the people down in Union county get to raising Michael's Early, it will, very likely, interfere with the people south. I iiave been trying to raise strawberries for about twenty SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS. 255 years. I set the first Michael strawberry I know of in our county. You have to keep jumpinp; around all the time ta keep in the procession. Mr. Beal — You can not compare what corn will grow on land with what strawberries it will raise; some of our best berries orow on land so poor that it won't raise an umbrella. Mr. Casper— I never saw a good strawberry on poor land in my life; jon will find little dried up plants standing there which will probably bloom a few times; but the ques- tion is, will they get ripe in quantities to pay you for gather, ing them. Has anv of the gentlemen of this society had any exoer- ience with the Cobden Queen, and also the Cobden King? Mr. Mexdenhall— I grew the Cobden Queen this year. I was very much taken with it at its home in Cobden; and I found the same result— I don't want an^'thing better. The Cobden King bears heavier than the Queen, but it is soft and will hardh' do for distant market. Mr. Stanton — With regard to shipping berries in re- frigerator cars; we shipped some berries last year to Buffalo, New York. Of course this was a very favorable season for shipping berries. It lacked one day of being a week before that car of berries was sold; we had no complaint as to the condition of the berries; they were in the car very near a week. There was a good many Crescent in the lot; at the same time, if the season had been wet and warm, it would not do to risk anything of that kind. My opinion is, for shipping berries in refrigerator cars you should have the car cooled out before putting the berries in, and they will ship most any distance. If you are loading at different stations, I don't see any difference if you keep the car iced. Mr. Webster — For the past number of years I was presi- dent of the shipping association at Centralia. Some men have very erroneous ideas about shipping fruit in refrigerators. If your fruit is in bad condition when it is put in there it can- not come out in good condition ; if your berries are soft, you cannot improve their condition by putting them in these cars. Berries put in the car full of the sun's heat will not reach the 256 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL market in good condition. Berries picked before nine o'clock get tlie best results. AVhen picked in the latter part of the day, when the weather is extremely hot, will sometimes mold. Berries picked befoi-e nine o'clock in the morning will sell for a better price on the market. Mr. Simpson, of Vienna— How thick should plants be al- lowed to grow? Mr. Riehl— No closer than six inches apart; you can get larger berries and get more money out of them in that way. Mr. Stanton — That is my experience. Mr. Riehl— It has been my principle for several years to first run a line, and plant them where I want them and, after that, I treat all the runners as weeds. REPORT OF AD-INTERIM COMMITTEE. September 21st, 1897. Trip to South-Eastern Illinois. In company with Vice-President L. N. Beal we left Cen- tralia, via. I. C. R. R., for Sandoval; our time at this point was short, to make an east bound train on the B. & 0. R. R. Near Sandoval, we saw from the car window the Keiffer pear orchard belonging to Judge C. F. Patterson, once healthy and symmetrical, now badly disfigured by pear blight; this orchard has succumbed to blight sooner than any pear orch- ard in the vicinity. We understand that it has, from the time it was planted five .years ago, received liberal treatment and cultivation. At this point we found two local apple buyers who were doing a brisk business; Mr. C. H. Dolson having been engaged for years in shipping all the kinds of fruit grown in the vicinity, commencing with strawberries, shipping often from 100 cases of berries per day, to five or more car-loads of summer fruit per week. He was at this time purchasing agent .for a Cincinnati, Ohio, firm, and was paying for all the good apples offered, from .|1.25 to ^1.75 for Jonathan. The other local buyer was purchasing for a Chicago firm, and was getting some very fine small lots of Grimes' Golden, Rome Beauty' and Spy. He was contracting one car load or more per day for October delivery, at 45 to 65 cents per bushel for Ben Davis. There are numerous small and a few large orchards in this vicinity which are well cared for. SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS. 257 We made our second stop at the rich old town of Xenia, which is situated on the undulating' prairie on the B, & 0. R. R. This is noted as the apple belt region of Clay county. We were driven in the afternoon to take a view of the orch- ards, which are the pride of the inhabitants of this old steady going town. In company with one of the oldest citizens, Captain Payne, and the genial Thomas M. Cox, who took great pride in showing the well cared for orchards with rows a mile or more long. We were driven in a carriage through one orchard of two hundred and fifty acres in one body, planted at three different times, making the age of a part, 8 years, 7 years and 6 years, showing only a few scattering apples, but an excellent good growth. Only the old orchards, twelve or more years planted, excepting an occasional one, that missed fruiting last year, are bearing this year. We found Mr. Tully, of the Orchard City Bank, a very busy man. Besides his large general store and bank business, he had found time to purchase in small lots, Jonathan apples to the amount of one thousand two hundred barrels which he had sent to the city and placed in cold storage. Other local buyers were there shipping a car-load or more per day, before the season for picking Ben Davis had commenced. There were six apple buyers from Ohio at the hotel, who claim at this date to have contracted for sixtv car loads. October delivery, to be shipped in bulk, paying an average price for number ones and twos of ninety-five cents per hun- dred weight. Although rain has not fallen here for about nine weeks, excepting one light shower, the orchards with a few exceptions show up excellantly. There are several thou- sand acres in a circle of five miles around Xenia, of from five to twelve years planted, besides some extensive older ones. A few of the older ones are now on the decline. John Engle- ton, now one of the oldest citizens, planted his first orchard of Ben Davis at the time the B. & 0. R. R. was built. He then lived half way between Xenia and Flora, on the old St. Louis and Vincennes stage route. There are now in orchards of all ages, tributary to this old town, ten thousand acres. September 22nd, our third stopping point was Flora, a thrifty town of four or five thousand inhabitants. Through the courtesy shown us by L. A. Mitchell, E. A. Shinn and B. M. Maxcy, we were piloted in a carriage behind two good horses, over the dusty roads, to view more of Clay county's orchards. The apple crop is light in the vicinitj^ of Flora; some of the oldest orchards, however, that were considered past the stage of producing a fair market apple, are aston- -17 258 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL ishing the owners as to the quality and the quantity of the fruit, which had not colored up until the cool nights of the past week, but are now coloring up in good shape. We were driven through a twenty acie orchard, part of it ten, and part of it eleven years planted. This orchard, being near town, has been liberally manured with stable manure. It has had good cultivation for the first eight years, and very little trimming. A part of it was bearing the third crop in suc- cession, of Ben Davis. There had been no cultivation this season ; the weeds which had been cut down with a mower in August, were left lying on the ground, which was very hard and dry. The limbs dropped to the ground, furnishing a perfect shade to the body of the tree ; the wood growth was abundant, clean and healthy. Even on that portion of the orchard which had borne almost a full crop three years in succession, the fruit was smooth and fairly well colored. We can only account for three crops in succession as a result of the liberal manuiing and eight years of high cultivation. It is a remarkably uniform orchard and shows well for liberal treatment. There are several thousand acres of as prettj-, well cared for orchards in the vicinity of Flora, of from four to fifteen years planted, as can be seen in Illinois. At one point on our drive, at a glance across the landscape, at least twenty-five hundred acres of orchards could be seen. Many of them had the benefit of liberal cultivation in connection with stock peas and soja beans. Every place where this crop was grown in orchards, the trees loomed up in fine shape, with a healthy green foliage clear to the terminal buds of the uppermost twigs. It shows very plainly that a loose surface shaded with a plant foliage, is the true method for orchard culture in Southern Illinois, and it needs no argument to show that such qultivatiou must, and will supercede all other methods, including Red Top, Timothy and Clover, with the successful orchardist. The orchards where a heavy crop of Red Top had been cut a,nd fourteen dollai's to sixteen dollars' worth of seed sold per acre, were nearly defoliated with the drouth and showed plainly that they had been bound in a hard, dry soil and robbed of what is necessai-y to produce ^ an apple crop in the coming years. Where rag weeds and Spanish needles were allowed to grow up through the summer, > to be cut down in the droughty days of September, the con- ^1 dition of the tree was not a great deal better than where a .♦«. robber had been and taken a crop of Red Top seed and straw. Evidently the best results are to be seen where the orchard is plowed three to four inches deep in early May, and disced (cut away) in the opposite diiection, and again in June to I SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS. 259 prepare for stock peas, which, from the tenth to the twentieth of June should be drilled into a well prepared seed bed, three pecks per acre, planted two inches deep, with a corn drill, or with a wheat drill, stoppino- up every other drill spout. It is important, to have a good stand, to shade the ground quick- ly, which is very much easier to do when the peas are drilled than when they aie sowed broad-cast. Cultivation when young, once or twice, will often render succors more certain, and the ground will be more thoroughly shaded and loose. This crop of living green will build up the ground and build up the trees, and will be worth, for feeding purposes, from $4.00 to fT.OO per acre. These facts we got from practical men who had given this a practical test for four years in succession. We saw the orchards where this method of cul- tivation had been carried on, the trees showed a fine, healthy, uniform growth, all their foliage clear to the tips, at this late date, after a long drouth, giving us living testimony as to the merits of this svstem. These trees showed a good bank account and, like a man in that condition, will not dis- appoint his ci'editors. We visited the orchard of Mr. J. M. Cunningham, president of the Clay county horticultural so- cietv. This orchard, mostlv Ben Davis, is near town and contains nearly one hundred acres. It had excellent care un- til it reached bearing age, except that it had very little trimming. It was bearing a light crop which, from some cause, was mostlv on one side of the trees. We believe that Mr. Cunnino'ham will find it necessarv to do more trimming than has been done, and also to plow shallow and again pre- pare a loose surface. We did not see Mr. Cunningham, to get his ideas of future manaoement. It is a fine orchard, and shows liberal ti'eatment in its early stage. There are very many orchards of seven and eight years planting, where about twenty feet of the centers are cultivated in corn which show fairly good results, when compared with no cultivation, or with the robber system of Red Top for seed and roughness. September 23, Sailor Springs, our fourth stopping place. This thriving inland village has quite a number of its prominent business men which take a great interest in the horticulture of the county. Mr. David Dilman has thirty acres of apples near the village, which has a partial crop this year. Peaches were a full crop, and of a fine quality. C. E. Hilts has eighty acres, north of the village, mostly Ben Davis, with a few rows of Jonathan and Akin. There is no fruit on this orchard this year, although it is nine years planted. NVe were informed by parties who had been to Summer, that a Mr. Caudle, near that town, has 150 trees 260 TUANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL of Akin that were then loaded, bending to the ground with the second season's crop of this very pretty, new, red apple, and that they were very smooth, of uniform size and quite a favorite in that vicinity. In the niorniug we returned by hack, with the mail car- rier, to Clay City. Time would not permit of us taking- a view of the manv fine orchards south and west of this thrifty little city. We failed to see our esteemed friend, I. Mills, as he had gone out to one of his farms in the Wabash river bottoms. While waiting for the east bound train, we made a short visit to the Clay City Evaporator. The manager treated us very cordially and informed us that they were handling 500 bushels per day of wind falls, and that day, were paying 20 to 25 cents per 100 pounds. We arrived at Olney just before noon on the third day out, and repaired at once to the place of business of our hustling, enterprising friend, J. F. Jolly. Through the court- esy of Messrs. Zook, Jolly and others interested in horticul- ture, the afternoon was devoted to viewing the orchards in the vinciuity of Olney. We placed ourselves in charge of the genial Dr. Morris, who drove us in a circle of four or five miles, around the hustling, enterprising city of Olney. J'Yom the elevation we could see hundreds of acres of orch- ards of all ages and varying in size from 20 to 150 acres. The orchards, under the beneficient effects of the cultivation of Stock Peas and Soja Beans, dotted the landscape with patches of the brightest green. It left with us a lasting, favorable impression that Richland county orchardists are not behind any people of the state in solving the problem of orchard culture whilst they are coming into bearing. We found apple buyers here at Olney from Boston, New^ York, Canada, Ohio and Chicago. The enterprising horticulturists of Olney and Richland county have provided themselves with an ice plant and quite an extensive cold storage warehouse. When their vast orch- ards come into bearing they will be prepared to ask buyers, at any time in winter, to come to Olney for their apple sup- plies. A In addition to the several thousands of well-cared for orchards, they have commenced to make an avenue of apple trees for twelve miles east of Olney. The old public high- way, known in the forties as the St. Louis and Vinceunes Stage road, is to be transformed into a pleasing avenue of apple trees. We understand that provisions are already made to care for them. SOCIETY OF SOUTHEKN ILLINOIS. 261 Our attention was particularly called to two orchards as bein^- moldes, the owners having; given them great care, and according to their individual ideas of management,, have spared no expense. The eighty-acre orchard of L. G. Landerburger, we should judge, are mostly Ben Davis, planted 82x36 feet with peach trees between, "one way. The trees are very uniform and show good care for the first six years, or until it was sown to Red Top grass. Two years a crop of this hay has been cut, the seed thrashed this year bringing $13 to |16 per acre. These crops and the peach trees, of which there are about forty or more per the acre, make the apple trees (in September), have the appearance of being robbed. Very much of the foliage has fallen off, the ground is hard and very dry, and we think decidedly un- favorable for fruit bud development. J. F. Jolly is the owner of orchard No. 2, which is along the same road. Mr. Jolly, according to his best judgment, has spared no pains or expense to care for his orchard. He is a thorough cultivator and believes in building up his land by manure and green crops, but he is a little ticklish about plow- ing even three inches deep, in an eight year old orchard. He has grown stock peas upon his ground, and this season has a portion of it in soja beans. In June he planted as a fire protection a strip of soja beans 100 feet wide along the B. & O. R. R., the entire width o^ eighty acres. This was a truly beautiful sight — a wall of living green when all the rest of the surroundings were a barren, dry, drought}' looking brown. A thorough protection against fire from railroads, thus a.void- ing the resulting litigation and hard feelings. Mr. Jolly shows a splendid orchard and an example to his neighbors and to the railroad compan3% worthy to be adopted by every orchard owner along the lines of railroads in the United States. As we looked over the landscape at pleasing, peaceful viesv, we remembered the fires we had seen, the traces of desolation, the law suits for orchard damages and the bad feeling and litigation, and the thought came to us that the railroad com- panies of Southern Illinois should use their good influence and hold out some inducement by purchasing the seed of this great plant, and instructing farmers to help protect them- selves. As we studied and reflected on the scene before us, we thought how much better it would be for the railroad com- pany to offer trip passes to the families of owners of orchards along their lines who would prepare the ground and plant a strip" 100 feet wide of soja beans as a protection to their orchards from fire, and that it would be much cheaper and 262 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL better to have the g:ood will of their neif:;hbor fnriners than this endless liti«2,ation with the consequent stirring and wrang- ling; of bad blood. We visited the beautiful fruit and dairv farm of S. C. Mace, near Olney, and in the evening- had a very pleasant chat with Messrs. Mace, Jolly, Zook, Morris and others, identified w^ith progressive horticulture. In the early morning, before daylight, we departed for Fairfield. J. M. Staley and A. E. Roberts took us for a morning drive around that beautiful little city. We drove through some very ex- tensive orchards— one of 300 acres. Here, as elsewhere, we found some orchards that were receiving good care, and oth- ers very poor. Thorough, frequent cultivation and the cul- ture of green crops showed up well beside the let-alone-system of a heavy growth of rag weed and Spanish needle, which is generally mowed down in August to enhance the danger of fire in September. Fairfield and vicinity has a vast acreage of orchards. Wayne county did nobly by us in supplying the World's Fair exhibit for Southern Illinois. Little inland vil- lage of Johnsville has in its vicinity several large orchards, but only an occasional old orchard in bearing this year. Wayne county (Jrimes Golden, Jonathan and York Imperial, have a reputation with their highly colored Ben Davis, second to no other portion of the state. They also raise a good many peaches in the vicinity and they have planted Keiffer pears quite extensively. Dr. C. W. Sibley has an orchard two years planted of 2,000 trees. This orchard is planted on broken, worn out hillside and we regretted to see some blight at this early stage. Mr. Cyrus Perrine, a nurseryman at this point has 250 trees adjoining town, loaded with fruit ready to pick. A. E. Roberts has 1,100 pear trees of the Lincoln Coreless and Keiffer. Mr. Parkhurst had a nice crop of Ben Davis on 950 trees near town, eight years plant-ed, which he had just sold. These apples were of tine quality and would average a barrel to the tree. In conclusion, to sum up our observations in our tri|) through a portion of the apple region of Southern Illinois. It is expensive to keep up the cultivation of center spaces after ten or twelve vears. When the trees have reached bear- ing age, in our judgment, based on observations at this and other times, we cannot hope to attain to perfect apple grow- ing except by some continuous system of shallow plowing and disc cultivation. This will require a constant stirring twice a month through May, June, July and the first half of August, unless a thorough seed bed is prepared, and stock peas or soja beans are drilled in on the spaces one way. SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS. 263 This may be done from the 1st to the 2()th of June, and if they are cultivated twice or more by July 20th the ground will be perfectly shaded. Kespectfully submitted, J. Webster, L. N. Beal. DISCUSSION. Mr. Eiehl — The Lincoln Coreless is utterly worthless; it is a large, fine looking pear, but it never gets good to eat; it is full of tan bark. There is a pear that was called the Lincoln before this came out, that was better. RASPBERRIEIS. L. ]Sr. Beal, Mt. Vernon. PLANTING. When we read about raspberries writers say that any good corn ground will grow raspberries. It may be said in general, however, that raw sod ground should be avoided if possible, and it always pays to give the ground a thorough preparation. Ground where stock peas had been grown is in excellent shape for raspberries. Plow deep in the fall, and in the spring prepare the surface if need be by again plowing, but shallow. 1 would prefer to disc harrow in the spring, but this will depend on the season. Mark the lows with a plow, six feet apart. Mark deep, so you can set the plants four inches deep. Careful grow'ers, who have given attention to this point have satisfied themselves that this gives the best results. The plants should be set three feet apart in the furrow and covered lightly at first, and then gradually fill up the furrow as growth progresses. Plants thus set stand the drouth better than shallow planting. Spring plantiug is to be preferred for black caps. CULTIVATION. Cultivation is not so much a question of tools used, but of the man. The idea is to keep the ground loose and clean. We all know what good cultivation is. Many successful growers mulch in the latter part of summer, with good re- sults, some applying green cut clover hay along the row and keep the center spaces cultivated. This keeps the land moist and cool. 204 - TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL PRUNING, Methods of prunino- black caps are <»:enerally well under- stood by growers, and little difference is practiced only as to time. Some of us who are very busy with our farm work do not always have time to prune at the right time. But the young shoots should be nipped back when they reach the de- sired height, from two to three feet, and not allow them to get much higher, and then cutting back to the height re- quired. If pinched low and at the right height the plant will throw out strong branches, making a well-balanced, self- supporting bush, while on the other hand, if allowed to grow higher and is then cut back, the buds seem weak and do not develop good laterals, for the canes generally die down for three or four inches of the top. If done at the right time the work is easy and should be gone over at least once a week for a few weeks to get all the canes as they attain the proper height. VARIETIES. With me the Ohio, Kansas and Gregg for black caps. Ohio, because they are a dry berry and ship well, besides be- ing productive and hardy. Kansas, because they are of good color, hardy and pro- ductive. Gregg, because they are large and later than the former two. The Nemaha is also good, being as large as Gregg and more hardy. Shaeffer is the best canning berry after the black, and is good for family use, but not for market. The color is not good. Turner is the best all-round family red raspberry, but too soft to ship. The canes are hardy and can be grown by any one who will try. Brandywine and Thwack are firm berries and can be shi[)ped, but I never found any red raspberry profitable. BASPBERRIES IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS. O. B. Simpson, Fairfield. The requirements necessary to success in growing rasp- beri'ies are much the same as for other small fruits, and no one need expect to succeed who has not a love for that kind of work, neither should one expect to succeed fi-om a cora- meioial standpoint who is not favorably located both as to soil and market. i SOCIETY OK SOUTHERN ILLINOIS. 265 The soil should be well drained and should be rich, especially in potash; but manure containing a large amount of nitogen should not be used too fi-eely, avoid planting on wet land or land that is bad to heave in winter. As to markets a good local one is to be preferred, but if one hasn't that he should be so situated as to have the ad- vantage of good shipping facilities. When there are good horticultural papers to be had so cheap and when one dollar will pay a membership fee in the society of Southern Illinois and procure a copy of the horti- cultural proceedings of the whole state it seem as if there should be no excuse for one to grope in the dark. In these days of close competition whoever does not ob- tain all the information he can get from others in regard to his occupation, study it well and then make a practical appli- cation or use of his knowledge will soon find his better in- formed and more enterprising brethren laying their products at the doors of his patrons cheaper than he thinks they can be grown, and is likely to be heard complaining that the business in which he is engaged is overdone and perhaps will soon be found engaging in some other occupation, there to meet the same obstacles that confronted him in his former occupation or calling. How to always be able to obtain good reliable help just when needed at a price which the grower can afford to pay is an important factor in the successful growing of raspberries, as well as other small fruits, and is one upon which I would not be able to enlighten this societ3^ It seems to me that this question alone and of itself is of sufficient importance to be the subject of a paper at some future meeting of this societv. I do not consider it necessarv to say to this well informed and experienced bod}' of horticulturists that perseverence is essential to the successful growing of raspberries, but to those before whom this paper may come who have as yet not learned this fact in the best of all schools, that of experience, I would say do not become discouraged if you should fail in your first efforts, but look back and see what have been the mistakes of the past, avoid them in the future, and tiy again. There is an old saying that a ''faint heart never won a fair lady," neither will it ever successfully grow raspberries. It is verj'^ essential to success in growing raspberries that the work be done in the proper time as well as in the proper manner, and in order to l^e able to do this one should try to 26G TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL have his other work so arranged that it will not be pressing; wlien the raspberries need attention. After the manner of the Apostle Paul's advice to his beloved Timothy, I would say "be instant in season and thoughtfully hopeful and diligent at all times and success will be your reward." DISCUSSION. Mr. Kiehl— I have a criticism to make. I agree with everything that Mr. Beal said, in the main, but when he says that he would first pinch the raspberries off when they are from two to three feet high, I think that is too high; I pre- fer to do my pinching when they are from 14 to 10 inches; 1 find that is plenty high enough. If you get them too high, they are apt to blow over. I believe the Schaffer to be all right as far south as Mr. Beal lives; further north it is apt to be affected by the winter. I think the Columbian is better than the Hybrids. Mr, Goodrich — It seem to me that Mr. Riehl has gone to extreme lengths; it is my experience, if you pinch them so low, they will make so many branches at the top that it will make them top heavy, then you need to pinch them once after that, and may be twice, the best is between the two extremes ; I would rather meet on the center and make it two feet. Mr. Jennette— I find it very difficult to make raspberries grow. I planted last year in land in fine shape. I found it extremely hard to make them grow; they ought to be planted very earl 3' in the season. Mr. Fuller — My experience is not to let too many grow in a hill ; if you let too man^^ clusters grow together, they don't ripen so well; I prefer four or five canes to the hill. Mr. Mkndexhall — I want to make one remark about the /. Gregg; I find that the winter kills them every year and that is the general complaint. I would like to hear the experience of some one that has been growing the Loudon. Mr. Goodrich (to Mr. Riehl) — Have you shipped the Miller enough to know about it? 'Hi. SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS. 267 Mr, Riehl— No, sir; I have just simply been experiment- ing. Question. Do you know of their being shipped? Answer. ISo, sir. Mr. Jennette— I shipped a quantity of the Miller rasp- berry last year and saw them being shipped; I consider them one of the best shippers. Question. How do they sell? Answer — They sell well. Mr Simpson — The Miller is sent out by the same man who sent out the Brandywine. I would like to ask the mem- ber whether cow peas would be good to plant in the rows after the fruiting is over and then, in the fall, turn them under, would it be good manure? Mr. Gould— We planted peas in our raspberries this year and they did well. Mr. Webster — I would think mvself that where the rows are seven or eight feet apart, it would be good to plant peas in them. Mr. Palmer— Mr. Chairman: I would like to ask my Cobden friends about the Palmer raspberry? Mr. McCaffrey— I have not grown them, Mr. President, but my neighbor, Mr. Buck, has; I don't think they will en- dure much drv weather. GATHERING, PACKING AND MARKETING SMALL FRUIT. T. E. Goodrich, Cobden. Gather strawberries and blackberries in quart boxes, raspberries in pints. Handle with the greatest care possible. Do not pick or handle when wet with dew or rain if it can be avoided. Rough handling make decay and loss. Moist- ure tends to heat, and heat soon renders fruit worthless. Choose warm and sunny hours if possible and pick directly into the boxes. Make a rule against pickers holding berries in their hands while picking. The temperature of a hot sweaty hand is too great for the welfare of the fruit. Let the berries be gently dropped into the box. Supply each picker with a hand crate holding not to exceed eight boxes. T 268 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL A greater number requires the retention of tiie berries too long in the heat of the field. When filled, the crates should be promptly carried to the shed and be allowed to cool. Tho packing of fruit is the ])rocess, more or less elabor- ate of preparing it for market. Some of our best growers and shippers do not pack fruit at all. They simply level the tops of the boxes, and remove what broken leaves or other things may be in sight, left by accident by the pickers. They claim that the process of overhauling the fruit in packing is more harmful than helpful. That a strict super- vision of the pickers in the field will obviate the necessity of more than a casual adjustment of the top of the boxes. Other good growers advise a thorough inspection of the contents of the boxes from top to bottom ; claim this to be the only way to free the boxes from soft and rotten berries. Perhaps a modification of the two systems is the most reasonable. If the weather is favorable, and one has good pickers enough to keep the patch picked up close, very little packing will be necessary; and, of course, the less the better. But if the weather is rainey, or excessively hot, and berries ripen a little faster than they can be yjicked — which is frequently the case, and soft fruit is scattered through the boxes with leaves and trash. A search more or less thorough is imperi- tive. MARKETING. After a score of years experience as a fruit grower, I am more and more convinced of the truth of the saying, "Any fool can raise fruit, but it takes a wise man to sell it." Many very learned theories are advanced about "fruit distribution," corporative selling, etc., but most unfortunately for the fruit grown the larger part fail of their object. But this paper is to be confined more to the preparing of fruit for market than the selling. Remember that berries must be attractive — they must look well. If one desires to sell a house he paints and beautifies it. If a miror he brushes the frame and polishes the glass. Neither is more valuable than before, but look better and sell better. So with fruit. After it is packed and made ready for market it is not more valuable than before, but more pleasing to the eye — consequently more saleable. SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS. 269 A great deal of talk is made, and advise given, about sending nothing but the best to market, throwing away or feeding to stock the rest. But suppose one has nothing but second quality. Must they throw away all they have? Do millers throw away the second quality of flour? Do tailors make up nothing but all wool cloth? Are there not several grades of sugar, tea and coffee, made expressly to fit all purses? Then why not several grades of fruit? In packing study appearances; use neat packages plainly marked. If the apple or the peach has a beautiful red cheek, why hide it in the bottom of the box? It is your privilage and your dutj' to place it conspicuously on the top of the basket where it can shine like a diamond and be seen and known of all men? Did not the good book say "men do not light a candle to put it under a bushel." Did not the fruit venders on the streets of Queenly Jerusalem carefully preserve the bloom on the grape and the blush of the pomie granite? And did not the passing Bubis give them words of '^-p- proval for their "good business methods?" Did not Mother Eve select the pretiest Ben Davis in her orchard and present its most attractive side to the market? Did not Adam purchase at a high price the title deeds to his entire estate and walk out of his front gate a peniless man? It was indeed the highest price ever paid for a crop of apples. This was an illustrious example of the value of earefuU fruit packing. Barnum was not quite right. The world does not like to be humbuged, but honestlj^ dealt with and well fed. The heritage of the man who raises unpalatable fruit packed in an indifferent manner will be obscurity and want. While the one who grows lucious fruit, carefully and honestly packed, will have the blessings of his fellow men and riches and honor and power. BLACKBERRIES. "The Early Harvest"— Mr. H. C. Heaton. I commenced growing the Early Harvest, I believe, in 1882. I know of no one who had Early Harvest blackberries at the time in this country. I commenced growing them at that time for the purpose of having quite a crop in 1893. I 270 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL commencod trying; to sell them to my nei<^hbors; I had great confidence in the future of the blackberries, in 189'i, the World's Fair year. I had something over five acres in black- berries and, as you all know, blackberries at that time were very profitable; and then I sold to my neighbors; they got them and planted them until now in Johnson county, espe- cially in the vicinity of New Burnside, you could not give them away if you furnish a cromo. We don't want any more Early Harvest blackberries in our section of the country. Up to the last two years Early Harvest was paying, but during the last two years, they have been an absolute failure for money. I sup])ose there was only one-tenth of the berries grown in our vicinity that was marketed at all, and they vvere marketed generally at a loss. There were some of us who, probably, came out a little ahead, but they have been a failure to the fruit growers in the last two years in the matter of profit. Mr. Webster — Was it because of over production of blackberries? A. — I think not. • Mr. Webster — Under consumption? A. — I will leave that for the brethren to solve. The Snyder — E. G. Mendenhall, Kinmundy. Is there any portion of Southern Illinois where the Snyder can be grown to an\^ commercial advantage? I have tried it on the prairie and in bottom land, but find it has no chance with the summer heat and drouth of Southern Illinois; it dries up before the crop can be ripened and gathered. It is my opinion that no late blackberry can be of any advantage to commercial fruit growers in Southern Illinois. I have been told that it does well in soil around Vincennes, Ind., and they seem to grow it largely there. It is a sweet berry, and the first ripening is very excellent. The cane growth is something wonderful and with heavy cut- ting back it requires loom. When planting, would advise setting 8x10 feet and cultivating both ways. It is undoubtedly as hardy a blackberry as grows and will stand the mercury a long way below zero. Best Varieties and Treatment— Abe C. Johnson, Mt. Vernon. I have been assigned the task of writing a paper on the above subject, best varieties of blackberries and their treat- ment. There are many of you who have had more experience in the growing of blackberries than I have had, but as one i SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS. 271 can't tell it all and as I know that there are others to help me out on the blackberry question, I will proceed with this paper. First, would select a piece of land about as nearly level as I could get it, with a very slight incline to the south, and in such shape that I could run the rows north and south. Said piece of ground should be very rich soil and if tile- drained, so much the better; then it ought to be ploughed deep and subsoiled and well pulverized, until there is not a clod to be seen: then run furrows as straght as a line, with a suitable plow, eight feet apart for four rows, then I would leave a space of ten feet, then four rows eight feet again, then another space of ten feet and so on to the last row. Those wide middles would be for the purpose of driving a wagon through to gather the brush of the trimmings, for the pur- pose of spreading manure and for spreading green clover hay to mulch in the rows, or any other material like straw, etc. Then I would set the plants three feet apart in the row, using a shovel to fill in the dirt, firming it very solid, with foot, around each plant; then take a one-horse turning plow and throw a furrow on each side of the row. I would prefer doing this in the fall, say from 10th to 25th of October, then in April, when the ground is in good working order; would work the ridge down with a hoe to a level, then would cultivate with a "Plant Junior" cultivator, would cultivate shallow all the time; would also recommend "Breed's Weeder" as another cultivator, and would also use a roller after each cultivation, when not too wet, yet if the weather is not inclined to be dry, would not use the roller. Now, for varieties: Would plant Early Harvest, Ancient Briton and Eldorado ; would top the canes the first year to one foot high, by pinching or with small pruning shears; "would use hoe to keep the row clean and would treat every plant that was not directly in the hill the same as weeds, cut them out. The laterals, on the first year's cane, would clip to one foot long in the spring, then, as soon as the fruit was off, would cut out all the old canes and top the second year's canes to two feet and a half. Just as soon as they attained this height, which, in order to do, will probably have to go over about three times, as they wont all attain this height at the same time. It is very essential to do this topping-'as soon as the cane gets to the groper height, in order that you get your latterals all right; then in the spring, always clip the latterals about last of March or first of April, leaving them two feet long after first year, cutting out any weak or immature ones and always cutting out the old wood as soon 272 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL as the fruit is off, and burning it. Would recommend mulch- ing dii-ectly in the row, say two feet wide with old straw. As being better and clieaper than hoeing, would only cultivate often enough to keep weeds down entirely, unless the weather is dFy and then would cultivate often, also use the roller after each cultivation. Would use barn-yard manure, wood-ashes, commercial fei-tilizers or any good fertilizer, more or less every year and would recommend spraying when and wherever needed. What we want and need is suggestions, but the prudent man weighs well all he reads, modities the practicable to suit his condition, stores his mind with the best thoughts of his fellow- workers and then does his own thinking for himself. He fits himself by digesting others' thoughts, then depends on his own trained judgment. DISCUSSION.— Blackberries. Mr. Simpson— As to the Snyder blackberry around Vin- cennes, my father was the first to try it there. We had out ten acres of them; we found them very profitable. I would like to ask my friend Heaton if Early Harvest is unprofit- able. I don't think there is anything else that would do nearly so well as the Early Harvest. Mr. Stanton— I don't like to see the blackberry business done away with; we have had a good many blackberries and I am a little bit ahead on them. The Early Harvest is one of the best berries— they furnish a good deal of labor for those who want to labor. I don't believe there ever was a year that there was such a universal blackberry crop as there has been in the last two years, and I think that is the cause of the Early Harvest not being so profitable. The Secretary— In Marion county, everybody that grew blackberries made money on. them. The President— Blackberries will not stand being re- shipped. People who handle blackberries must understand that they must find a market for them. Blackberies will sour if they stand over. I want to call attention to the Secretary's remark. He seems to have an idea that nobody in Marion county lost money on shipments; I know of one man losing; I know that he would have lost a great deal of SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS. 273 mone^^ if lie hadn't stopped. The last shipment he made, he told me that he lost something near $60.00. I have been growing blackberries since 1867, and I have never seen the time that I haven't made money out of blackberries, or would have made something, until last year. Mr. Casper— My wife ran a little blackberry ranch up here and she says she actually made |15.00. The President— She must have quit early? A. She didn't; she went the season through. She says she made an average of 15 cents a case. Mr. Beal— It seems like the outlook for the blackberry is rather dark. I don't want to quit the blackberry entirely. I don't know but what we could help the blackberry a little bit if we wouldn't grow so many free for our neighbors in the fence rows. I have known pastures of wild berries to sell for $5.00, and let the shippers go and get the berries. I believe if we would clean out some of our fence corners, where they grow spontaneously, where everj'body can help themselves and gather them and sell them, and it don't cost them anything except the picking; that effects the market. Prof. Blair — Has any one present had any experience in packing and shipping wild blackberries. Has anybody had any experience in propagating the wild berry? Mr. Stanton — I will say to the professor that my first experience in the berry business was with wild blackberries. As to propagating wild blackberries I will say this, once a nurseryman came down to our county digging them up for the purpose of propagating, but I don't think he propagated them; I think he sold them just the way he got them. The President— There is one question in regard to blackberries, the price that growers, under the present con- ditions, can afford to pay for picking. In our neighborhood we have never been able to get blackberries picked for less than two cents; we are paying just as much now for picking as we did when they sold for |2.50 to |4.00 a case, 48 cents a case then for picking was not so much. I don't think they pay as much any other place as we do in Southern Illinois. —18 274 TH AXSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL Take the matter of strawberries, too, I have talked with the men of Michigan— that have been raising strawberries— and they never pay more than a cent and a half per quart. Is it not proper to take into consideration what they sell at? If they are worth 48 cents for picking and sell in Chicago at 50 cents, where is the profit? Question— If the President can tell us any way by which we can regulate this matter, we will be glad to hear it. Mr. Stanton— I neglected to state that the wild black- berry ships better than the Early Harvest. Mr. Webster — Well, we have some that I think are really a wild blackberry that are being cultivated, but I think it improves them very much; they grow larger, some- what, than the others. I think, if they are propagated, they will be better than the Early Harvest. Mr. Riefil — I want to say one word on the cultivation of the wild blackberi-y; it is more than probable that all of our tame blackberries are wild berries brought into cultiva- tion; that is where we got the Early Harvest, and where vve got all the other varieties produced by cultivation. PLANTING, CARE AND PRUNING OF GRAPES. G. W. Endicott, Villa Ridge. When our Secretary informed me that I would be expected to read a paper on this subject I felt grateful to him that he had divided the subject of grapes into three parts, and had given me but one of them. If he had done such a thing twenty years ago, the prob- abilities are that I would have kicked because he thought me incompetent to handle the whole subject of grapes from A to Z; but time brings change, so that twenty-five years' experi- ence and the fruiting of more than fifty varieties I now feel incompetent to do justice to the part he has assigned me. In this paper I will onl^'^ state what course I should pur- sue in planting, caring for and pruning a vineyard for my own use. The land should bo neai-ly level and fairly good land for wheat. This should be subsoiled sixteen to twenty inches deep in the fall or early winter. As soon as the ground is dry in the spring I would plow it in lands eleven feet wide. Along the dead furrow I would sow a mixture of ground bone and muriate of potash — JJOO pounds of bone to 150 pounds SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS. 275 of potash per acre—and run a cultivator three or four times through it; then stake the land seven feet apart in the fur- row and set an A No. 1 one year rooted cutting- to each stake. Care the first year would consist of oft repeated shallow cultivation and keeping the young vines tied up to the tem- porary stakes. The following winter the permanent stakes should be set and the young vines cut back to two or three buds. In the following spring, when the ground is in good fix, three furrows should be turned to the stakes on each side with a one-horse plow; then put in the subsoiler with a good heavy team and work the balance of the land between the rows as deep as the team can pull it. After this deep work- ing never stir the land more than three inches deep at any future working, but work it early and often until the first of July; then, at the last working, sow one bushel of cow peas to each acre, and make this a rule as long as the vine- yard lasts. Now, as to the pruning and training of the vine, there are systems without number. All are good in a way, but some better for one country than another. The best thing I have found, all things considered, is to stretch the top wire of your trellis about five and one-half feet high, then stretch another wire two feet lower on the posts. Make it fast to the post, then raise it to the top wire half way between the posts and fasten with small soft wire, then down to the post two feet from top and fasten with staple as at first post and repeat to the end of the row. Train the vine up the stake to the top and pinch. First pruning after the vine is to the top of the stake clean it off to a single stem and trctin it straight up the post to the lower wire, then wind it around the post to the top and fasten with wire nail. The next pruning leave a cane on each side near the lower wire and train it on this wire at an angle of nearly forty de- grees, and always cut away all wood but two buds on each spur and never allow the spurs to be nearer than five or six inches. If I undertake to go any farther with this pruning de- scription without a blackboard I would soon be in deep water. 276 TRANSACTIONS OF THi: HORTICULTURAL THURSDAY MORNING. Report of Committee on Resolutions. obituary. Whereas, Our Heavenly Father, in His infinite wi.sdoni has, since our last nieetin*;-. removed from our midst our friend and comrade in horticulture, J. H. Mitchell, of Anna; therefore, be it Resolved, That this society feels keenly its loss in the death of a member and friend, and hereby extend to the bereaved family and friends its sympathy and condolence. The Secretary is hereby directed to forward a copy of these resolutions to the family of the deceased. E. R. Jinnette, J. W. Fuller, Committee. PROFITABLE PEACH GROWING. George Gould, Villa Ridge. Mr. President : I am afraid that I will not be able to say anything on this subject to do it justice. The biggest mistake, I think, with peach growers is on the wrong varieties— varieties not adapted to the soil. Some varieties require rich soil and some poor soil. Most do best on high, dry and well-drained soil — very few will do on bot- tom lands; sometimes a few will do. I think parties plant- ing orchards, it would be a good idea to get an outlook of the peaches that are growing in their neighborhood; first get acquainted with the business a little bit before they plant. I think that on good land peach trees should be planted about twenty feet apart in this country. I would not choose anything but the hardy. The hardiest we have is the Mamie Ross, Chairs Choice and others. The ground should be plowed; not too much, but should be kept clean; not plowed too deep, but shallow as possible. When you plow deep the ground holds too much moisture and it takes too long in the season for the moisture to leave the ground. 1 think that shallow |)lowing in the hilly lands where there is drainage gives the best peach crop. SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS. 277 PRUNING. You don't need much prunning for the peach. Do not let the brush grow up around the trees, keep the ground clean and then you get rid of a good deal of the mildew. I think it is a good plan to plow after the fruit is gathered; bj that means you plow under the rotten fruit — the more you plow under the rotten fruit the less mildew you have the next year. I haven't had much experience in spraying. I have seen some people spraying. I think it does more damage than good. I don't think peaches will stand paris green in any form . My varieties would be: I like the Early York; there are several kinds of Early York; this kind is not a very large Early York, it is a nice peach. Next on the list would be Mamie Koss, a good peach with a tough skin; it is a very hardy peach. Next would be the Elberta and the Turber. I think that is about all I want to say to day. Question— How about the Heath Cling? Answer — Everj^body knows about the Heath Cling; if you get a crop of Heath Cling they are pretty hard to get rid of. Question — When does the Thurber ripen? Answer— It ought to be about a week before the Old Mixon- — I would not put peaches near the timber if I could avoid it. Question— Why? Answer — The trees will be subjected to all manner of bugs and borers. DISCUSSION. Mr. Mendenhall— I have three genuine Champion peaches and they get ripe about two weeks after the Alexander. I haven't any for sale, but they are an excellent peach. The President — If you will allow me I will tell you what I know of the Champion. We have three trees on our place; they came from Nokomis. They are a good sized peach- creamy white and very juicy. The .Thurber is good, but not strictly first class; one of the hardiest trees Question — I would like to ask Mr. Gallener what he knows of the Sneed? Answer— It is a very early peach. 278 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL Question— Have you ever fruited it? Answer— Yes, sir; I have knowa them to be all ripe and gone by wheat harvest. Question— What other peach does it ripen with? Answer — 1 don't know of any variety as early as it is. Question — Earlier than the Alexander and Amsden? Answer— Yes; all gone by the time they are ripe. It is the earliest peach that I know anything of. It is a very fair sized peach; of course it does not compare with those later varieties for qualit3^ QuESTio.N— Is it a free stone? Answer — Well, none of those early peaches is entirely free stone. Mr. Rkihl — Is it not a seedling of the Alexander? Answer- No, sir. Mr. Riehl— I am told so. Answer— That is not so. It belongs to the Chinese family; it is a creamj^ white like those of the Chinese class; it is not a free and yet it is not altogether a cling, but it is rather between Question — Tell us where they originated? Answer — I cannot, Mr. Gould — It originated in a nursery in Mississippi. I fruited some of them, but they didn't do well. Question — What soil would you plant the Sneed on? Mr. Gould — I would plant them on thin soil. In plant- ing peaches it is bad policy to put early ones and late ones together. If you do, before the season is over you will have nothing but mildew Mr. Rkihl— 1 think Mr. Gould is wrong in one thing. He has told you about the Mamie Ross. I believe he has got another peach. I have had some difficulty in the name of 'Minnie;" it is a most excellent peach and it ought not to have two names. I know there is another peach by the name of Mamie Ross. He means the Minnie, but he says the Mamie Ross. I think I have heard of the Mamie Ross before SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS. 279 I heard of the Minnie. I don't think the name applies to the variety he speaks of. I think what he speaks of is what 1 have called the Minnie. Mr. Gould— I refer Mr. Riehl to Mr. Munson; he can speak for himself. Mr. McCaffrey— Is it not a fact that the early varieties of the peach are an injury to the country? Ansaver— Yes, sir. Mr. McCaffrey— Would it not be better to discard all these early varieties because they carry the rot with them? If I had a peach orchard, I would not want the Alexander and other early varieties, because of their disposition to rot, I think thev ouerht to be discarded. Mr. Riehl— This is true of the Mamie Ross, but the Min- nie does not rot so much. I think, though, it rots some, because at that time of the year the conditions are such that thev will rot. The President— The people in the vicinity of Centralia have abandoned that class of peaches; nothing- with us is profitable until the Mountain Rose comes in. Mr. Goodrich— I think we ought to be ver\^ careful, as a convention, about recommending anything that is for bad. I don't see why nurserymen propagate such peaches and sell to the public when they are a detriment to the country; if they did not, I think these varieties would drop out of sight. I think three or four varieties are doing the peach market, the peach grower and the peach consumer more harm than all the rest of the drawbacks all put together. If the words that we say here are to influence peach growers in Southern Illinois, we ought to be very careful. I absolutely would not have the Sneed growing on my place. I am told that they came directly from the Alexander. I think we ought to be emphatic in demanding a peach that is not a detriment to the country. We ought to speak out and let it be known. That is why I speak about it, so that others may see some of the mistakes we make. Mr. Gallener— We, as nurserymen, have to provide for our customers. Sometimes a customer wants trees and says 280 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL he wants the earliest peach you have. It is not absolutely worthless; it is the only earl^' peach you can take into your home market. I would not advise customers to plant it for a commercial way. A great many people prefer to have them; you get some good peaches. Mr. Gould— There was a time when there was more monev made off the Alexandei' than any other peach for the market. I remembpr when my neighbor made some $000 or $700 off of his Alexander peaches. It went very much like the Early Harvest blackberry, it is a good blackberry but it don't bring any money; it is the same way with the Alexander peach. If the Alexander peaches were all gone out of the country, it would be worth $1.00 a basket, Question — Can any one give us any information about the May Beauty? Answer — It is very inferior; rots badly. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Mr. J. Webster was elected President to succeed himself; on motion of Mr. Stanton, the Secretary was authorized to cast the ballot for Mr. Webster. The same motion was made and prevailed in the election of Mr. J. W. Stanton for First Vice-President, Mr. L. N. Beal for Second Vice-President and Mr. W. E. Gallener, of Vienna, for Third Vice-President. The President was instructed, by motion, to cast the ballot for Mr. Mendenhall, for Secretarv and Treasurer. An invitation from Vandalia to the society, inviting them to hold tlieir next annual meeting at that city, was at this time presented to the society. Mr. Beal — I move that this society accept the invitation to meet at Vandalia, and meet in that town next year. Motion carried. SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS. 281 REVISION OF FRUIT LIST FOR SOUTHERN ILLINOIS. Apples — For farmer's orchard. Summer— Red Astrachan, Early Harvest, C. R. June, Sops of Wine, Benoni, Cornell's Fancy, Jeffries, Sweet Bough, Keswick Codlin. Fall— Maiden Blush, Grimes' Golden, Lowell, Jonathan, Mother, Ramsdell's Sweet. Winter— Ben Davis, Minkler, Rome Beauty, York Imperial, Winesap, Rawles' Janet, White Pippin. Apples— For market. Summer — Yellow Transparent, Sops of Wine, Benoni, Duchess of Oldenburg, Jeffries, Early Pennock, C. R. June, Sherwood's Favorite. Fall — Lowell, Jonathan, Grimes' Golden, Pennsylvania Red Streak. Wintei— Ben Davis, Minkler, York Imperial, Winesap. Pears — Tyson, Bloodgood, Osborn Summer, Duchess, Clapp's^ Favorite, Bartlett, Howell, Sheldon, Anjou, Easter Beurre, Winter Nellis, Vicar of Winkfield, Keiffer, Koonce, Clar- geam . Peaches— Mountain Rose, L. E. York, E'y Barnard, Ede, Elberta, Stump, Old Mixon (free and cling), Chairs' Choice, Stevens' Rareripe, Red Heath, Wilkins, Smock, Ward's Late, Thurber. Cherries — E'j Richmond, Montmorency, Wragg, English Morello. Grapes— Winchell, Norfolk, Worden, Niagara, Goethe, Norton's Vir- ginia, Cynthiana, Lindley, Wilder, Woodruff Red. Blackberries — Early Harvest. Raspberries— ^ec^— Turner, Brandywine, Hansell. Black— Souhegan, Eureka, Kansas, Gregg, Palmer. 282 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL Goo8EnEKiup:s— Houghton, Downing. Currant — Wilder, lied Dutch. Strawberry— Beder AVood, Michael, Crescent, Bubach, Havei-land, War- field, Lovett, Lady Thompson, Gandy, Bisel. J. W. Stanton, J. W. Fuller, Geo. Goulu, Committee. DISCUSSION, Mr. Reihl— I object to a part of that list, myself. It would be well enough to be known why I object. There is, in the corrected list, two grapes that are very similar; why did you want them? Certainly not for market, because they don't sell. You will only want for one famih^, so 3'ou don't want both of them; don't want two varieties of that class of grapes. Mr. McCaffrey — In regard to strawberries. As to the Michael, it is all right for the garden, but for a commercial strawberry it is not good. I think the Michael is all right for the garden, but for the market it is a detriment to all strawberry growers. The Secketary— If we go on to discuss that long list clear through it will fill a volume. I would suggest that the committee add to this list instructions to the readers to in- form themselves what is best for their locality, stating that this covers the whole field of Southern Illinois. There are strawberries in there that would not do on ray place that would do in other places; and the same will apply to other fruits. I think that this paper should be referred back to the committee. Motion, by E. G. Mendenhall, that the list be referred back to the committee for the purpose of informing the public that this covers the whole territory of Southern Illinois, and that they must be governed a great deal by the locality and in- formation that can be gathered from successful growers. Motion carried and committee reported as follows: SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS. 283 We are aware of tlie fact that a portion of this list will not meet the requirements in every locality in the southern district, and some kinds of fruit*^ will not answer for some localities, whereas the same variety will be very successful in other places, therefore persons wishing- to set fruits should consult as to the best varieties adapted to their peculiar neighborhood. Committee. PREMIUMS AWARDED ON FRUITS EXHIBITED. REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON APPLES. The exhibit of apples is as good or better than is usually made by this Society. Fruit of good quality and in good condition. The majority of the varieties poorly colored, which we attribute to the season. All things considered the exhibit is better than we expected to see. R. Redden, J. C. B. Heaton, T. B. Reynolds. Committee. Your committee on pears and quinces would submit the following report: PEARS. The exhibit of pears is not equal to that of former years. and with a few exceptions, the specimens were not in first class condition. Varieties exhibited were Winter Nellis, Law- rence, Duchess and Keiffer. QUINCES. The exhibit of quinces is the largest and best for this lo- cality and season that the Society has ever had. The fruit is smooth and well preserved. The varieties exhibited were Orange, Rea and Meach's Prolific. E. R. Jennette, Anna. John McCaffrey, Cobden, J. T. MOGELY. Committee. new FRUITS. There were but three exhibits of new apples: Paragon, Ingram and Salome. All of which are good fruits in quality. 284 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HOUTICTLTURAL Taking the specimens before us, we have given first premium to Paragon, but wish to throw out the caution to planters ttha so far as fiuited the indications are that it will not prove a profitable vaiiety, owing to the fact that the fruit drops badly in some localities. Ingiain, to which we have given second premium is a seedling of Rawles' Janet, much like its parent in shape and quality, and so far as heard from the character of the tree, as to growth and productiveness, is all that could be desired. Salome, were good specimens, somewhat lacking in color, a fruit of good quality, productive, but very subject to in- sect attacks. PEAKS. There was but one entry of new winter pears, which was by C. H. Webster, of Centralia. Variety, no names, but sup- posed to be Horn's Winter. Not of high quality, but not a bad pear, and from appearances, is a truly winter pear that will keep into January as grown in the vicinity of Centralia. In lot 38, best plate; new pears; good enough to be recommended. There was also but one entry; variety, not named, by J. W. P^uller; not known to be a new variety, and may be some old variety. E. A. RlEHL, J. W. Stanton, R. A. Simpson. Committee, aggregate amount of fruit shown at VIENNA MEETING. Total number of plates of fruit shown at Vienna were: Apples — Ben Davis, 15; Willow Twig, o; Rome Beauty, 8; Jonathan, 8; Miukler, 7; Fink, 5; Grimes Golden, 5; Wine Sap, lij; Janet, U; WinterTMaj', 10; Pryors Red, 2; York Im- perial, 5; Walbridge, 1. — Total, 95. Quinces — Four varieties, twelve plates. Pears — Six varieties, ten plates. Owing to the long dry summer and fall vegetables were left out of the premium list. (j. AV. Endicott, of Villa Ridge, placed on exhibition an immense specimen of a turnip, wliich was cooked and served up at the hotel for dinner the second day, there being plenty to go around. SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS. 285 On motion the President and Secretary were appointed delegates to the Omaha convention of Horticultural Societies to represent this socity, provided, that it did not cost this society anything. Carried. "IMPROVED METHODS OF MARKETING FRUITS." J. W. Stanton, Rich view. This subject is very interesting to me, and I presume to many present. We have found, with all the progress made during the past few years in the methods of marketing fruits, there is still room for improvement. I need not call your attention to the comparison of past and present methods, but my task, I presume, is to suggest an improve- ment on existing methods. We are now marketing large crops of fruit through the shipping association and in most cases, satisfactorily to the grower, the results are quite an improvement over the individual shipments, fruit is handled better by the transportation companies and the small ship- per receives just as much for his products as larger growers. I think, however, the time has come when our shipping asso- ciation must adopt and enforce strict rules of grading fruits of all kinds. The large acreage of fruit will sometimes pro- duce such crops that without proper grading it will be im- possible to obtain pacing prices. I have never known the markets so glutted that first-class fruit would not bring fair prices. I believe the shipping associations of Southern Illi- nois should organize and estabhsh a bureau of information at Chicago for the purpose of rendering proper aid to the several associations, by means of market reports, transpor- tation services, looking after consignments in hands of com- mission merchants, and many other matters that our ship- ping association would find of great value. I am aware of the fact that there would be some difficulty in getting such bureau in satisfactory working order, but we found the same difficulty in our shipping association, and I am confident the plan would finally work and prove very satisfactory in results. We have just closed our apple packing season and prices have been fair. In handling apples this fall I bought a lot in barrels to be repacked, when I saw how apples were being put up at different places in Southern Illinois, I felt that there was certainly room for an improvement in their methods. We must put up good fruit in a neat full sized 280 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTDR.VL packa gives foi- market four varieties, for summer three, for fall three, and four for winter. My opinion is that if the farmer's list was reduced to about the same amount of varieties it would greatly simplify matters for them when selecting from the official list of this vSociety. The Ben Davis, while not bringing top prices, is still the apple for money making, for it bears early in life, and with good attention, bears more regular than any other and for many years, it is to my thinking the best all round apple we have. However, the Jonathan is to the front now, and from the outlook, the rusli is such that there will not be a surplus ti-ee left when next spring setting is through with. The Jonathan is a splendid fruit and commands the highest price at all times; with less work and smaller amount of fruit you can make the same money perhaps as you can with the Ben Davis Those who have had experience side by side in the same orchai'd can answer to a certainty. Grimes Golden will probably sell equally as well as Jona- than. I have not fruited it. In the a])ple belt along the B. & O. S. W. railroad the Ben Davis and Jonathan are grown largely. The Minkler and Grimes Golden follow. This year I had some Akin, York Imperial and Mamouth Black Twig in fruiting, and am pleased with them. In looks the Akin will closely follow Jonathan and have the advantage of being a long keeper. I had expected to have seen some one herefrom about Olney who could give us facts and figures as to the Akin apple; that section is its home. OLD AND NEW VARIETIES OF PEARS. J. Webstek, Central ia, 111. The craze for planting pear trees was the outcome of such large quantities of LeConte pears being planted in Georgia and other southern states, and a vast quantity of Keiffer pears being planted in Illinois, Missouri and other central and western states. It has at last partially subsided, and now after ten years a more normal condition in i)ear tree planting prevails. The Keiffer has now been fruited in several states in sutficient (]uantities to be shipped to market in cai- load lots; wholesale and retail dealers are begining to understand its good and i)oor points. It has appaiently come to stay longei- than some of more recent introductions. The blight proof pear has not arrived e.vcept on ])aper. The Keiffer and (Jarber promised so much in that direction, but SOCfETY OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS. 295 notwithstanding their aristocratic appearance and origin it has already began to go the way of all the more humbler bred varieties of American pears. Among the many cata- loged by American nurserymen in the past fifteen or twenty years of evolution, scarcely two points are gained. To-day we have nothing that we can with any degree of certainty say is blight proof. Scarcely one variety has developed any very marked improvement, more than a vigorous wood growth and thick foliage. Over Howell, Bartlett, Onandaga, Anjou, Sheldon, Duchess, Lawrence and others that I might name. The glimmering ray of hope held out to us in the Lincoln and Henry pears of recent introduction is only in size, form and quality of fruit, and not in being exem])t from the deadly blight. This will probably be left for others to attain after we have passed away. Of the recent introductions that are doomed to soon dis- appear from the catalogues of Illinois tree growers, are the Lawson, a poor tree and poorer fruit. Idaho isone .of the worst to blight. LeConte, Jeffei'son and Early Harvest are vigorous trees all of them. The two last named are early and very free from blight, but can not be classed as good market pears. The Chambers Hybrids are poor in quality and must give place to something better. The Clapps Favor- ite and Anjou are grand pears in some respects and vigorous trees, but the trees of both are subject to blight, and the fruit to quick decay, and are on that account very liable to disappoint the grower should he succeed in growing and sending to market. New York growers can bank on the Anjou ; it is their corner stone on which they build, but our observation and experience both teach us that, for the prairies of Southern Illinois, Sheldon, Onandaga, Buffum and Lawrence, of the older kinds, will show older and larger trees that have been and still are profitable, and are better adapted over a wider field. In Southern Illinois, Burre Hardy, Burre Superfine, Josephine .\Ialines, Louis Bonne de Jersey, were grown with us, are often lacking in the qualities that are required of a ma.rket pear. The same may be said of some others, includ- ing the Seckel, which, when properly grown, is the standard of excellence, but too small always with us to be pi-ofltably grown for market. The Vicar, Winter iNellis, Mt. Vernon and Burre Easter, all have some prominent and peculiar faults, characteristic of the variety when grown with us, beside the fact that none of them are free from blight, that we can only recommend the planting of a few trees of these varieties. 206 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HOKTICULTUKAL The pears of recent introduction worthy of being classed as fall eating pears are the Lincoln and Henry, bol h have size and quality to recommend them, but rest assured neither of them are entirely exempt from l)light. Someboiiy whispers, how about the Suddeth and Koonce? I have not seen any blight on either yet. The Koonce is a little better thnn any early pear that 1 have yet formed the acquaintance off ripening that early, and like the JSuddeth, is a vigirous tree, but unless thinned, both are liable to be below medium in size, and the least that is said about their exquisite (luality the better. FINAL RESOLUTIONS. Your committee on final resolutions would mate the fol- lowing report: Whekeas, The success of the annual meetings of this society largely depends upon the interest taken by the people of the immediate vicinity; therefore, be it Resolved, That the thanks of this society are hereby ten- dered to the citizens of Vienna and vicinity for the hospitality so generously extended to our members, and for their interest in and attendance at the meetings; for the commodious hall, furnished for our meetings; to the young gentlemen and ladies for the excellent music furnished for our entertainment; to the proprietor of the Perkins Hotel for courteous treatment; ta the railroads for reduced rates given to our members. E. R. Jennette, J. W. Fuller, L. N. Real, Committee. F=F=?CZ)CZ:^E:rDIISrir^cs" OF THE THIRTY-FIRST ANNUAL MEETING OF THE Held at DeKalb, 111., December 1 and 2, 1897. The Society was called to order Tuesday, December 1, at 9:30 A. M. by President J. L. Hartwell. Exercises_|were opened with prayer by E. S. Fursman, of ErPaso. SECRETARY'S REPORT. DwiGHT Herrick, Rochelle. One of the leading objects of this society, as I understand it, is to interest the farmers of Northern Illinois in the matter of g-rowiuo; fruits for their own use. And it is upon this sub- ject that I would like to present a few thoughts which have occurred to me since our last meeting. In Southern Illinois there are probably a great many professional fruit growers, but there are not so many in Northern Illinois. 302 TRANSACTIONS OK THE HORTICULTUKAL If jou could induce the farmers to attend our meetings I am sure we would he able to interest them in the subject of horticulture. The great difficulty is to get in touch with them and bring them in contact with our meetings. I have found it difficult to get them interested sufficiently to attend our meetings or lend us any help. I have thought that if we issued an increased number of programs — had them printed and circulated through the district schools in the territory for a radius of five or six miles or more around our place of meeting— that such a plan would result in Ijringing the at- tendance of the farmers directiv to the meeting. I should have tried that this vear if I had had the time and the author- ity to do so. If you can get the children interested in some such way as this I am sure the older folks will take an inter- est and attend the meetings. The programs are printed in the newspapers, but the premium list is not published. Our list of new members ought largely to come from the location where the meeting is held, and to bring them in we must get our premium list out among the farmers. We cannot do this successfully unless we go at it sys- tematically and have some one go into the surrounding ter- ritory and make a business of the distribution of the papers. The getting of children interested in horticulture is one of our principal objects, and I think that can be done in the same way by distributing the programs through the schools. Discussion of Fruit Condition in Northp:rn Illinois. Mr. O. W. Barnard, Manteno— We have had this season a fine crop of apples in our section of the state, so far as quan- tity is concerned, but the quality was not good. The winter apples matured very early, really becoming fall apples, and as a result they decayed early. We are not in the apple growing business in a commercial way at all, but raise apples for our own consumption. I lay the decay of the winter ap- ples to the extreme heat which occurred in the latter part of the season. The apples, in some instances, were cooked on the trees, many of them fell on the ground and were baked in the hot sunshine in September. The strawberry crop was a good one. Raspberries were a fair crop. Our potatoes were a light crop. There have been SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS. 303 shipped into our station five carloads from Wisconsin and Minnesota. The price ranges from fifty to sixty-five cents. The first carload was sold for fifty-five cents. I don't know of anybody in our county who is devoting^ his entire time to fruit growing. We go into general farming^ and dairying. The farmers, however, aim to raise fruit for their own use, and are doing very well in that way. It is not an apple country, but there were thousands of bushels of ap- ples that rotted on the ground this season. The farmers don't seem to be aware of any method of using them, except to eat them at the time they become ripe. The Presidi-:nt — Were those apple trees that bore so well in old orchards or young? Mr. Barnard — Both young and old — both bore well. The President — Are you planting many young orchards in that vicinity? Mr. Barnard— Not many. The farmers are receiving and planting some new trees every year. The President— Not particularly, outside of our local so- ciety. But there are tree salesmen who come through there and sell thousands of dollars worth of trees every year to the farmers— a few in a place. They take them home, and plant them, under the directions of the salesmen. Many times they do not succeed. They are more likely, however, to have fruit if they plant trees in this way than if they do not plant at all. The President — Mr. Friend, will you tell us about your locality in Henry county? J. Friend. Nekonia— I come from perhaps as rich corn land as any that lays to the sun in Illinois. My observation is pretty much like that of Mr. Barnard. In m^^ neighborhood they don't devote much time or talent to the growing of fruit. We are planting a great many trees, but are depending on tree agents for our horticultural advancement. We are de- pending on them too largely for a choice of varieties. We too often yield our choice to the choice of the agent who sells the trees. The result is that we have apples, when we get them, of varieties the names of which we do not know. Gen- 304 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL erally the trees bear a kind of apples that we think we did not plant. Our old orchards stand in blue grass sod, conse- quently they only bear after we have had a wet season, and then they overbear. The fruit is inferior, from overbearing. There are no commercial orchards in the county where I have traveled about. People plant from six to ten acres at a time. We are planting a great many peach trees, but most of them are seedlings. We are experimenting a great deal with pears. I have sixteen varieties of pears, possibly fifteen or sixteen varieties of apples and a great number of plums and grapes. Oar orchards are generally neglected. They stand in the blue grass sod, and are used for calf and colt pasture. They are entii-elv neglected so far as cultivation is concerned, hence when we get a crop of apples it is because we have had ex- cessive moisture. It takes heavy rains in order to give the trees a drink. We don't plant fall apples; but we depend on the tree peddler, and he gives us our fall varieties. We have to depend on the market, usually, for a supply of winter af>- ples. The apples grown in the neighborhood do not begin to supply the demand for winter apples. Mr. Barnard — Has anv one anything to sav with refer- ence to new varieties of apples? Mr. Read, of Wisconsin— Wisconsin is noted for its seed, ling apples. I wish to speak now of an apple which we had on exhibition at our last winters meeting. It is an apple which has not been tested to any extent. It is, I believe, the handsomest apple I ever saw. To picture it, you may imag- ine the handsomest Fameuse or Snow apple that you ever saw — the brightest and most brilliant red — and then when you eat it, the flesh has the appearance of the Snow apple, and the ta^te of the sweetest and finest sweet Fameuse. It is known as the sweet Fameu.se. It originated a little west of Oshkosh. The President— Is its parentage known? Mr. Kead — Only as might be supposed, from the name. Mr. Barnard — Is it hardv? Mr. Read — So so far as is known from its experience, it is hardv there near its home. SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS. 305 AFTERNOON SESSION. The president appointed the follo\vinf>- committees: Committee of Award on Fruits— Arthur Bryant, of Prince- ton; J. Friend, of Nekonia, and William Toole, of Baraboo, Wisconsin. Committee on Yej^-etables— Lewis Ulm, of Sterling; A. J. Sweezey, of Rockford, and G. N. De Land, of Dixon. Committee on Resolutions— 0. W. Barnard, of Manteno; Philip Scott, of Rock Falls. Committee on Treasurer's Report and Auditing -L. R. Bryant, of Princeton; Charles Hey, of Rock Falls, and H. R. Cotta, of Freeport. Upon motion of Mr. Toole, President J. L. Hartwell, A. Bryant and H. R. Cotta were constituted a committee to act in conjunction with the Southern and Central and State Societies for the purpose of interesting the State Teachers' Association in the question of Horticulture. SHALL THE ORCHARD BE ALLOAVED TO GO TO GRASS? H. R. Cotta, Freeport. This is not a question to be solved by the successful com- mercial orchardist. It is not a question to be solved by the peach growers of Michigan. It is not a question to be solved by the orchardist of California. It is not a question to be solved by the men who produce the thousands of carloads of orchard fruits that are annually shipped from other sec- tions of this country into the borders of the jurisdiction of this society and consumed b}'^ the people of Northern Illinois. It is not a question to be solved, I say, by the fruit grow- ers who annually receive hundreds of thousands of dollars for this fruit, but it is a question to be solved by those whose business it has been to grow corn and cattle, by those who own the fertile lands, the broad acres of Northern Illi- nois, by those whose time and thought have been taken up with other affairs. By the people of Northern Illinois, it is to be solved. Farmers in certain other localities with a peculiar soil, when their crops of grain were not sufficiently reimmerative to keep even their necessary expenses for a number of years, —20 30G TRANSACTIONS OF THE IIOUTICri.TrHAL Lave found that by intense cultivation and close application to the details of the business, their soil would produce bountiful crops of fruit, and they are now reaping the bene- fit of this knowledge. Land which produced from three to eighteen dollars worth of grain per acre, is now producing from fifty to two hun- died dollars worth of fruit. Many have already paid off their mortgages, and have a surplus. Now, let us consider the difference between an orchard that has been allowed to go to grass and one that has re- ceived thorough cultivation. The effect grass has on an orchard is to receive and ab- sorb all the light rains, and part of the heavy ones. It ab- sorbs the moisture in the soil within two feet of the surface; it checks capillary action and absorbs much of the fertility in the soil, all of which belongs to the orchard, and is needed by it. This alone will soon cause the orchard to loose vitality, to become weakened and stunted. The fruit will be smaller, it will not develop properly, and will not mature properly. As a result the fruit will lack in flavor. The trees, weakened, will grow very slow, will be easily in- jured by severe winters, and when injured, will not be able TO outgrow and overcome the injury, as will trees in a vigorous condition. This alone is sufficient reason for keep- ing every spear of grass out of an orchard. You will also find that the grass affords excellent pro- tection and breeding places for field mice and rabV)its. and myriads of injurious insect enemies. Spraying will be of lit- tle use in an orchard that has gone to grass. On the other hand, an orchard of good healthy trees of hardy varieties, if set in good soil which has been cultivated at least one year previous to setting, or has been in clover a short time, and is in a friable condition, if properly culti- vated during the fore part of the season to give the trees a vigorous growth from the very start, then seeded to buck- wheat, receiving such treatment each season until the trees begin to bear, will be in quite a different condition. After the trees begin to bear, the buckwheat should be discontin- ued, and the orchard should be sowed to clover and culti- vated alternately, and after bearing full crops the soil should be manured to keep up the fertility. An orchard treated in this way will make a rapid growth from the very start. The trees will soon form large spreading tops, sufficient to produce large crops of fruit. When the time comes for them to bear, instead of bearing a peck of indifferent fruit, they SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS 307 Avill produce two to six bushels each, of large, smooth, rich flavored fruit. If spraying- becomes necessary, it can be easily done, as there is nothing to interfere with the work. The best young apple orchards that I have ever seen are in Ogle county, and each contain eighteen acres. They liave been treated in this wav for seven vears. Early in the spring the ground is loosened up with a disc-harrow, run- ning both ways; later with the eagle claws, running both ways, which is generally repeated once; then the gi'ound is sown to buckwheat, and harrowed both ways. The owners tell me that their buckwheat in those orchards netted them more clear cash per acre than the small grain from any other part of the farms. A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of visiting Mr. R. Morrell, of Benton Harbor. Michigan, and his peach orchards of ninety-five acres. Mr. Morrell growes^a crop of something- else in his peach orchards the first and second j'ears, after which the ground is left entirely to the peaches. This year he had a number of acres or musk melons in his young- peach orchard. Now, it all depends on what you are growing your oi-ch- ard for. In these orchards thorough but shallow cultivation is begun early in the spring and continued until August. Much of the cultivation is done with the harrow and breed weeder. Mr. Morrell has also a number of acres of pear and plum orchard. If you are growing an orchard for the caterpillars, borers,' codling- moths, bark lice, scale insects, woUy aphis, green aphis, tree crickets, canker worms, grasshoppers, cur- culio, slugs, mildew, scab, mice, rabbits, goats, sheep, calves, hogs, colts etc.. you will let it go to grass. If you are growing it for the fruit it is able to produce, for apples, pears, plums or cherries, yon will see to it that it does not go to grass. DISCUSSION. Mr. Piper— I have not cultivated my young orchard as Mr. Cotta advises, but I have given it a good coat of manure every year since it was planted; and even before it was planted I had the ground well enriched. And I think I have as fine a^^young orchard as you will find anywhere in our county. Mr. Barnard— How many years old are your trees? 308 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICI'LTURAL Mr. Piper — They are of different ages. Some of the trees are not more than four and some are ten years old. I have quite a number of Salome. I planted some Wallbiidge, that hardy, iron-clad tree that was going to stand everything. The first winter fourteen out of seventeen of the Wallbridge froze to the ground. I have two trees left and they bear every year. There is one mistake I make; 1 ought to spray those trees and I don't do it. If I did I would have lots of apples. Mr. Hay, of Rock P^alls — I would like to ask Mr. Cotta what benefit there is in raising buckwheat in the orchard to the trees or the fruit. Mr. Cotta — The .buckwheat helps to pay the expense of cultivating the orchard, and it keeps the ground in good con- dition in the latter part of the summer. It is not best to cultivate too late. If the ground is cultivated late in the season, when the trees are very young, they are apt to grow too late. If the orchard is seeded to buckwheat the trees will not grow so late in the season, and the buckwheat will keep the weeds down. I am noc aware that it is any detri- ment to the orchard in any way; and it is a benefit in this respect. The President— 1 would like to know why it is that buck- wheat leaves the soil so loose? Mr. Cotta — I can't say anything about the reason, but I have seen the ground where buckwheat has grown and I know it is very loose. Mr. Fursman— About what date do you sow the buck- wheat? Mr. Cotta — I couldn't give the date, but about the usual time for sowing buckwheat. L. R. Bryant — Is it not exhausting to the soil if kept up every year? Mr. Cotta — I suppose it is, but that is true with every crop. L. R. Bryant— But would it not be w<'ll to cultivate with somethini"' that vou can turn under and enrich the soil? SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS. 309 Mr. Cotta — In the case 1 mentioned the soil was rich enough without increasing its fertility. After the trees begin bearing it would be better to put in clover and turn that under, and also enrich the ground with manure. A large crop of fruit exhausts the soil. Mr. DeLand— I have always been an advocate of raising corn in an orchard. I have several reasons. In the first jjlace it will break the wind from a young orchard and keep the wind from whipping the trees and getting them out' of place. Another thing is that the time of tending the corn is the proper time of tending an orchard; and when it is laid by the trees have considerable time to ripen up their wood. "When it comes fall you husk your corn, and if you are not too par- ticular there will be enough corn left for the rabbits, and they will never trouble your trees. The President — Field or sweet corn? Mr. DeLand — I have always raised field corn. The stalks will protect the trees in the winter. They will retain the snow, and that will protect the trees. I have never had an orchard eaten up with rabbits where there was corn left in that way. There is always enough to feed the rabbits. The President — We would like to hear from Mr. Noble, of Elva. Mr. Noble — I have got to be a pretty old man, and I have been wondering whether I had been foolish in some of my past experience in orcharding. Twenty years ago I took it into my head that fruit raising in Illinois would be a good thing, and that it would pay. But I must confess that of late years I have become somewhat discouraged in that direc- tion. I went so far as to set out an orchard of 2,400 apple trees about twenty years ago. The first year I set out 800 three-year-old trees. They did very well. The next vear I set out 1,000 one year old. They were all grafted in the root except m^' old orchard, which was an orchard of seedlings. I went so far as to set out 600 Ben Davis. This orchard got to be about ten years old and there came a wind that took most of those apple trees right off by the roots. There was a regular break-down by the wind. Out of my 2,400 apple aiU TRANSACTIONS OF THE HOIITICDLTURAL trees I now have about 500 left. That discouraged me and 1 became disgusted with grafting apple trees in the root. After that I had about 150 apple trees that were seedlings grafted in the top, and most of them are good bearing trees to-day. I have about fifty Duchessj and they are the only trees that have ever paid me rent. I have a few fall Swaar. I had about fifty Russet trees and they got tipped over in the wind. My experience is that an orchard ought not to go to grass. I have been foolish enough to let mine go to grass for the reason that I didn't think it would pay me to cultivate it. I am now satisfied, however, that if I had cultivated what trees I have left I would have better fruit and more of it. So far as that is concerned, if I had another young orchard set out I should be in favor of thorough cultivation. I believe it would be the better policy every time. 1 have about made up my mind that this climate and our prairie soil is not well adapted to fruit growing. We find that on the Mississippi river and on the lakes and such places they have better fruit. The fact that the atmosphere from the river and the lakes is warmer has something to do with saving the fruit. Mr. Fursman — Do you raise any corn on your farm? Mr. Noble— Yes, sir. Mr. Fursman— If 3'ou had given your crop of corn the same cultivation you did your orchard, would you have raised a good cro))? Mr. Xoble— Well; I wouldn't let the corn go to grass. We all know that the more we stir the soil around the corn roots, if you don't stir it too deep, the better is the effect. Mr. Jj. R. Hryant — I think the gentleman who has just spoken about cultivating corn has hit pretty near my idea about orchaid culture. When you first plant an orchard, for the first few years, crop it profitably with corn or son)ething of that kind that you can cultivate during the same season as you would cultivate for corn. Probably most farmers practice Sf)mething of that kind. But when the orchard goes to grass is when the trees get larger and older, and they get no crop with the fruit because the trees are too large. My SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS. 311 idea, from that time on, is to cultivate shallow, thoroiig-hly and often during the season. Some grass will necessarily grow close- to and under the trees, while they are small. I should cultivate, through the season, with the corn p'ow or with the Eagle claw or disk harrow or a common smoothing harrew or plank, B^'^ some means, I would keep the ground stirred up and mellow and fine, especiallj^ if the season is dry. An orchard, of course, requires some enriching after it begins to bear. But my idea is to cultivate during the proper grow ing season often, not too late in the fall. If you wish to stop cultivating you can sow something in the fall. The President— What is your objection to late cultiva- tion? Mr. L. R. Bryant— It induces a late growth of the trees and consequent danger of injury from early freezing in the fall. The trouble is immature ripening of the wood. One good Avay would be to sow oats in the latter part of the season. Apples that drop wouldn't get quite so much soil on them, and the ground is a little firmer. If your oats grow up so much as to be in the way, you can run through the orchard with a plank and bieak down the oats and stop the growth to a certain extent. Or perhaps you could sow the buckwheat, and, if you sow it late enough, turn it under the next spring. There is a certain quality of soil right next to the tree that in my opinion it is immaterial whether you cultivate it or not. If the grass grows there you want to cut it down. As a rule, however, it will be shaded and the grass will not grow- Mr. Read — I don't know as our experience in Wisconsin has been the same as it has been with you here, I am sur- prised to hear these experienced orchardists speak of growing corn in an apple orchard, especially a young orchard. In our section of the country we would consider that the quickest road to suicide. The trees will not make one-half the growth that they would with no crop there. The growing crop will impoverish the soil and take up the moisture needed by the trees. Mr. Piper— How much growth do your trees make in a season? 312 TnANSA«;TIONS OF THE HORTICULTUKAL Mi{. Read— The youno- \ ftjan who haw thin Kmall fruit to look aiUtr. if he once getK intere^t^^d, there \h no danger of hiw go- ing to town evury Saturday afternoon and wanting away his time on a <5 '- box. whittling, and Hrnoking a two cent cigar. Hti j. . .... 'hing el>>e to interest and arrjuse him. It iH a physical kuwm.'hk. I have heard a noted phywician Hay that he never knew of a f>er8on being Hick from eating too much rif><' fruit juKt frenh from the tree or vine. It in said that a man can't eat enough [>eacheH to hurt him if he will pick them off from the tree when thev are fresh and ripe. But thin f 1 he had Kf?en hundreeo- ph*. iih-M j^.jii J •'•' children, were made nick by eating half rif>e fruit. In <>ndifion is the fruit that is 8hipr>ed into this town? Much of it travels hundreds and thousands of in poorly vcntilat/r>il cars. Bome of the fruit becomes ',.•- jfx^and J'**'", and the g;jses escaping from that de- cayed fruit cin all throujrh the car. What kind of fruit in that for a man to eat? Compare that with going out into your own o ' ! and i>ickinjr there niail or njarket basket. You don't have to take I . . n town if you don't want to. There are plenty of farm- ers who would \Hi glad to get it. And by raising a variety of fruit it is e/isy to make quite an income where you have I he land all ready for il. And Ko njth me. it is a moral, social, intellectual, physi- cal and financial success, having lots of sfnall fruit on the farm. You '-• • 'js-t }jLs well have all the fruit .\oii uaiit for your- s<'lf and !. and some little to give a^vay to |>ersons who are not able to have any, and some to s«*ll, from the time come in the sf»ring until the crops are gone in ' ■,.,• . . j.ast year I attended the meeting of a farmers' club SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS, 317 on the first Thursday in November, and one man took us out and g^ve us nic-e ^raj^es from his vines. I will venture to sav that there is not one farmer in ten, throueen given, that it is chea|)er to buy the fruit. God pity the wife and the children of the farmer who raises a hog or a steer and sells it, and buys fruit for his family. They eat dried peeehes with the skins on. The first reason is, that the average farmer has got the idea, in his bead that it costs an awful sight of money to go to work and start a small fruit garden on his farm, therefore he cant afford it. The second reason is the farmer thinks that taking care of small fruit, setting it out and tending it, is a mystery that only a few fellows can understand: and that there is no use of a common farmer trying to understand it. Why does he think so? Because he has read, some time or other, some re- port from sonje horticultural society that mixes the matter up so that the poor fellow don't know where he is. That is the worst thing that ever got into a man's head in this coun- try, and It does more harm to our average farmer than any one thing in the world. The third reason is that the farmer thinks it would have been all right if he had put out some fruit a« he intended to three or four or five or eight years ago; but he didn't do it. and to start now it would take so long to come into bear- ing that he will die. or his family will break up. or some- thing of the kind will happen before he raises anything. So he thinks he won't try it now. I am going to prove to you how this is a mistake. There never was a tmie when plants and trees could be bought aj? cheaply as now. The tree peddler is a first rate fellow, and he ha^ perhaps done some good in this world selling trees. But if there is any fellow situated the same way Fursman is. a little short of money these days, the tree peddler is a lux- ury he cannot afford.' He is too great a luxury for a com- mon farmer nowadays. We can't sell corn at twenty cents and hogs at three dollars and support that fellow. He stops at good hotels and drives livery rigs, and I can't. Therefore I can't afford to pay for his' stuff. Farmers of Northern Illinois, until times become a little more prosj>erous, let the tree peddler alone. It is a pleasure to take care of small fruit. Any one who can raise corn can raise fruit. 318 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL Another objection made is to the lime it takes to raise the fruit. You can raise a crop of strawberries as soon as you <'aii turn a crop of corn. I can raise a crop of Early llichmond cherries a oood deal quicker than some farmers have ever turned a crop of corn. You can raise a crop of small fruit quicker than you can raise a steer and sell it, and quicker than you can raise fancy horses. Now I am jioing to lell you how to i-aise a crop of straw- berries. Go rifi'ht out into the field that is nearest to the house. Never put a strawberry bed in a garden patch; for this reason, that the average farmer won't hoe. If you put stawbei-ries in the garden patch you have got to hoe them, or else let your wife do it, and that would be mighty mean. Go into the nearest field, burn it over and plow it up as you would for corn. Harrow it nicely and put on a smoothing hari'ow and make it as good as you can with your horses. Then take a corn plow, take off a set of shovels and mark the field off in rows. Send to some first-class nurseryman and get first-class plants. Don't take them li-om your neighbor's old patch. In our locality we would send for some of the Bubach, Warfield and Cr-esent, and one good variety that will pollenize. After you get your plants go to work and plant them out. Big nice plants are a disadvantage if you don't know how to set them out. A boy will take a plant with a lot of magnificent roots, he will wrap them around and stick them in the ground and thev will turn to white mould. If you get that kind of roots, take a pair of shears and cut them off just as the ladies used to cut off a boy's hair about forty years ago. Letthecorn go and set out that strawberry bed. Then take your two-horsecultivator and cultivate that strawberry bed ten straight times during the season. That is the secret of it. Mulching is all right; but that is a lazy man's way of sur- face cultivating. In the winter cover up a little, so the ground will not thaw out after it has once frozen. It don't hurt the straw- berries to freeze; it is the thawing that hurts them. Keep thera covered during February and March. Use rye or wheat straw, but if you are an average farmer don't trust yourself to use oat stiaw. Thk President— Oftentimes a farmer can't get anything but oat straw. I have just spread fifteen loads of oat straw on my strawberries, and I have done that for a number of years. SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS. 319 Mr. Fursman— He is a professional. 1 am not in his line. A professional fruit grower can put oat straw on his straw- berry bed and make a success of it; but the average farmer wants to look out. If you get too much it will smother the plants. One word to the ladies. Providing your husbands do as I have told them and put out a strawberry bed, and next spring you have a fine lot of strawberries, take away those misera- ble little bits of sauce dishes and get down the soup bowls. Smother the berries in Jersey cream, and you have got the men forever afterwards on the strawberry question. Plant a large enough bed so that you will have enough berries for the family and some to spare. If you have a little straw- berry bed, and some children come to see your children, you say to your boy: "Now, don't you dare to take those chil- dren out in the strawberry bed; don't you know that your mother is trying to get a mess of strawberries to-morrow night for supper?" My friends, go without your small fruit it yoQ are going to do it that way. Either put out enough so that you will have plenty for yourself and your children ' and your neighbors, and so that you can give the wash- woman some to take home, and the man that works for you, or don't trv to have any. L. R. Bryant moved that a vote of thanks be tendered to Mr. Fursman. Carried. VEGETABLES FOR THE FARMER. Mrs. Emma Groh, Dixon. We mean to do it some day, some day We mean to slacken this fevered rush That is wearing our very souls away, And grant to our goaded heart a hush Tbat is holy enough to let them hear The footsteps of angels, drawing near. We mean to do it. Oh, never doubt When the burden of daytime trail is o'er We'll sit and muse, while the stars come out, As the patriarch sat at the open door Of his tent, with a heavenward gazing eye, To watch for the angels passing by. 320 TRANSACTIONS OF THi: HORTICULTURAL We see them afar at high noon tide When tleicely the world's hot flashings heat Yet never have bidden them turn aside And tarry awhile in converse sweet Nor prayed them to hallow the cheer spread To drink of our wine and break our bread. The day that we dreamed of comes at length, Wlien tired of every mocking quest, And broken in spirit and shorn of strength, We drop, indeed at the door of rest. And wait and watch as the day moves on, liut the angels we meant to call are gone. — Mary J. Preston. Is it not sadly true, and truly sad, as well, that in these words, the history of most of our lives might be written. Instead of ninkino- life worth living by having a determina- tion to make our little corner of this world better, purer, happier, for our having been in it, and thereby getting all the enjoyment that we possibly can out of it, many of us keep up such a persistant and never ending chase after money that everything else is forgotten or put off for the future until, alas, too often, life's brief span is suddenly ended or we have become too old, too sour or too sick to be able to enjoy anything. Our lives are but a reflection of our homes and in these should be laid the foundations for a good life, good health and purity. The farm may be made the pleasantest of all homes or it may be made just the op- posite, and I think much depends on a vegetable garden or the lack of one, which kind of a home it is. That there is something wrong about many farm homes is shown by a variety of evidences. Let me cite to you part of a statement made by Dr. VanHorn at the M. E. conference in Chicago in October. He said "while the city churches of Rock River con- ference are growing, its rural churches are rapidly declining." One of the reasons he gave for this was a "growing aver- sion to farm life." He said in substance that farm life, especially on dairy farms was something so terrible that the young people were scattered in every direction to escape it. The parents, aftei- the children were gone, if they had saved anything, soon moved to some town to reside and a tenant took the farm. It is a well-known fact that the population of the United States is rushing to the cities. Fifty years ago the cities of S,()00 and over contained only 8 per cent, and now they contain 29 per cent, of the population. Are these not deplorable facts and are we not marching right SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS. S*Jl along in the footsteps of all the older countries, in none of which does the farmer occupy anything but a menial posi- tion, politically or socially? When 1 make the statement that the farmer is the bone and sinew of every civilized nation, I do it without fear of successful contradiction. Yet nowhere, save perhaps in the United States is there accorded to him, the respect due him, and even here on this yjoint permit me to quote from the Atlantic Monthly: "The tiller of the soil, who in the days of our fathers was the embodiment of economic independence and civic virtue has passed away. He is the stock figure no longer of the orator, but only of the humorist. His relative social standing has been lost. The sturdy yeoman has be- come the "hayseed." Why is this? Is it not because farmers instead of making the farm what it might be, the grandest place for a home and the best place to bring up and keep their children, are making, in their greed for gold, such slaves of themselves and their children that the children spend their childhood in longing for the time when they can get away, and embrace the result the first opportunity to do so, being that the already crowded cities are still more crowded with farmer's sons and daughters, and tenants take farm. Now, if the owner of the farm could not make the farm home attractive, what chance has the tenant who, in addition to all the burdens of the former must make the rent beside. I do not wish to be understood as saying that a vege- table garden would mend all these matters which seem so much out of joint, but I do say that a good vegetable garden is a long step in the direction of making your home pleasant and your family healthy and happy and therefore more ansious to stay on the farm. If properly managed it can be made to be a source of health, wealth, comfort and enjoyment 365 days of the year. By a garden 1 do not mean a potato patch and several rows of cabbage, but a good garden, one that contains such a variety of vegetables that you can have them every day the whole year round. Let us take a look at some of its possibilities". In the spring you know we are told if we would be healthy we must have a regular house cleaning time with our blood, stomach, liver and what not. You must buy and take a box of pills, several bottles of blood purifier and maybe a tonic; costs you money enough to buy the seeds for a very respectable garden besides having to swallow the nasty stuff. I used to think this the only way raj^self, but I —21 '622 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL haven't taken a dose of doctor's stuff for fifteen 3'ears and my healtli and strength are fully a hundred per cent, better than formerly. The first things we can take from the garden as soon as the frost leaves the ground are winter onions. No medicine is so useful in cases of nervous prostration and there is nothing else that will so quickly relieve and tone up a worn out system. If you will eat them six days in a week, you might omit them Sundays when you go to see your best girl. Pie plant comes next and is excellent for rheumatic sufferers and useful in purifying the blood ; can be used all summer and simply put in cold water in air tight cans can be had in fresh condition all winter. Spinach if sown in Snptember and slightly protected during winter, can be had very early in spring. Besides being very palatable to most people is useful to those suffering with gravely If you are troubled with sleeplessness work two hours every day in the garden and eat plenty of lettuce. This, by having a small hot bed in the spring and providing n par- tial shade in the hottest weather, you can have it eight or nine months in a year. Next comes asparagus; for four or five weeks you can have it every day. (We like it every day and then have what is left over cold for supper.) It can be prepared in a variety of ways, especially where you have cream. Bv using a minute (juantity of salycilic acid you can successfully can it for the winter, and how handy it is when you have a guest to dinner to be able to run down cellar and in ten minutes time have a dish of asparagus, peas or beans all ready to be set on the table. If you think your wife is not very ami- ble because she isn't always pleased to entertain an unex- pected guest to dinner, ask yourself if you have done all your part in this direction. I came near forgetting to t"ll that asparagus is splendid medicine for the kidneys. We always cut the last mess the day before we pick the first peas. There is only one vegetable better than asparagus and that is peas. If you plant three varieties, early, medium and late, you can have those for three weeks and if you were careful to get a few Early Ohio in an especially warm sunny place you can have some potatoes to go with them. Once I remember we had both on decoration day, but that was an unusual season. You can not do that every year in Northern Illinois. SOCIETY OF NORTHEFJN ILLINOIS, 323 By the -Atli of July you should have beets, beans, sweet coru, early cabbage and by planting for a succession, you can have them right along until frost comes; and 1 believe if you have had plenty of vegetables instead of medicines for your system up to this time, you can eat all the cucumbers and corn you want and they will not hurt .\ou. The corn and beans can be canned, dried or salted and thus had all winter almost as nice as fiesh. I cannot take the time to mention all the different veg- etables which farmers here can have just as well as not and each one will contribute its share towards making their lives one continuous round of pleasure; but I must not leave out the tomato, that most beautiful of all the vegetables. Who has not heard of its many wonderful qualities. They are said to be invaluable in all conditions of the system whei-e calamel is used and are a superior remedy for dyspepsia and indigestion. I have been told that they cause cancers and also that they cure cancers, and I once read of a girl who ate six bushels one fall and that all her teeth fell out as a consequence. For my part I know that they look pretty, taste good, and last all the year round. Yes, I know another thing; if you raise them to sell and pick them yourself, your back will be broken and you'll turn green with tomato stain and envy because some one else is getting rich faster than you are. The garden should only supph' two-thirds of all your wants for the table in summer, but should keep it up all winter. Beside the supply of canned vegetables there should go into the cellar or pit beside potatoes and cabbages, celery, parsnips, parsley, turnips, carrots, beets, vegetable oysters and onions. Then upstairs in a closet where it is dry and won't freeze, there should be a box or a barrel of sweet potatoes a.nd beside it a row of sacks of dried sweet corn, soup peas, and navy beans. Then you can have variety, the spice of life, in one direction at least. Individual circumstances must determine where and how each one will have his garden, whether it shall be fenced and spaded, or planted in long rows and plowed. The latter is certainly aud easier way, but pigs and chickens and a gar- den will not get along together very well. Perhaps, if you concluded to plant as'much small fruit as Mr. Fursman will tell you too, you might put it between the stock and the garden. I don't think anything could get through his rasp- berries unless he thinned theiii out since last year. I want to sav lust a word to the farmer's wife. There are some 324 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HOUTICULTURAL thing:s tliat moKt of the men take to naturally, and that they will do every time without you bothering anything at all about it, but usually keeping up a vegetable garden isn't one of these things. Somehow they seem to need a great deal of encoui"agement about that. Make it your business to encourage them. Say to them, "John, you have such a nice garden this year and it make it so easy to do the cook- ing, that I think I will try and find time to help you got the weeds out that are in the rows."' I know he will appreciate that kind of encouragement. Now, don't say, "1 have more now than I can do." I know you have, but do less of some- thing else. Don't stand a whole day, and maybe more, ironing starched and ruffled clothes each week. Don't ruffle them and then don't starch them, don't bake so many pies and cakes, you are better off without them. Arrange it to suit yourself, but bear in mind that kousekeepers need fresh air and sunshine as well as exercise, most farmer's wives have more than enough of that. I am advising you to go out and get rested. 1 know from experience that inspiration, comfort and health are to be found in a vegetable garden. One point more and I close. I see so much advice to farmers as well as statement as to yields and prices of vege- tables in agricultural papers which I am sure are very mis- leading, and I would not think my duty done did I not say a word about it, 1 do not know how it may be round and about DeKalb, and I presume it is not so where Mr. Furs- man lives, but around Dixon there are market gardeners who raise vegetables enough to supply the entire demand for home-grown vegetables. Our farmers are a wide-awake lot of people who read the papers, and the result is that every year a number of them are induced to put out some vegetables for maket, expecting, if they believe one-half they read, to realize a small fortune. What is the result? The farmer plants and dreams of the money he will make; he hoes and plans what he will do with all this extra money. At last, some fine day, when, perhaps, his other crops very much need his attention, he has a load of vegetables which he must take to town. He goes from one grocerymau to another and finds to his astonishment that they are all supplied. There is nothing to do but to peddle them from house to house. Now, they say that a Chicago woman will s|»end 10 cents for car fare, have a day's time to go to a special sale to get a baigain for 3 cents less than she could have had it the last time she was down town, 1 will not vouch for the truth of this statement, but I know that as SOCIE'JY OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS. 325 a rule woman are looking out for baroains, and when a Dixon woman seey a farmer stopping- at her door with vege- tables, she knows that this is her chance to get vegetables cheap and she improves her opportunity. (Her regular ped- dler hears all about it next time he comes.) Perhaps for a time. he vainly tries to get what the regular men are getting, but finally gives it up in dispair and takes what he can get to get rid of his load. I even heard of one man who took his load down to the river and dumped it in. During the past season we sold not one bushel of toma- toes for less than 80 cents. Yet, I know of one farmer who peddled his load out for 80 cents. I never heard of his com- ing again. While we could have sold many more potatoes than we had for |1 a bushel, I know of several farmers who sold theirs at 75 cents per bushel. For green tomatoes we got 40 to 50 cents a bushel this fall. We sold all we had and were asked for more, vet father was asked one day bj' a man who had a lot of them on his wagon, "Say, Mister, what do 3'ou get for green toma- toes?" "Forty cents a bushel." ''Good land, i have been offering mine for 20 cents, and I can't give them away." A vegetable garden for his family's use every farmer can and ought to have, and it will prove in every case a source of blessing and comfort, but a few vegetables raised to sell, will, nine cases out of ten, prove a loss and a disappointment. DISCUSSION. Mr. Toole — I think we all heartih' agree with the senti. ments expressed in Mrs. Groh's paper. We all know how much better either fruit or vegetables are, fresh from the gar- den. Peas picked twenty-four hours are not so good as those which have been picked only twelve hours or less. In regard to the social status of the farmer, in our com- munity the farmer is better situated than in some other parts of the country. We don't worry as much about the social status as we do about our finances. I am called a pansy man, but I do some farming to keep my head above water. I will say, as far as the social standing of the farmer in con- cerned, that a farmer who sells out and goes into town, on the amount of capital which he had on the farm, his social standing will not be nearly so good in the town as it had been on the farm. With us, the farmer ranks pretty well in the community. 32(J TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL The Pkesidext— Mrs.Gioh told you about the prices which she obtained for her vegetables. She has a very peculiar father, in one respect at least. When he picks his tomatoes, instead of looking at one side and running the chance of the other side being ripe, he tips it clear over and looks on the other side. There is nothing that goe^s from his wagon but what is always absolutely perfect. He is exceedingly careful, and care is the seciet of the success of most people who are successful. I picked up a point in this regard in Mr. Toole's town (Barraboo, Wisconsin,) from a man who always sells his strawberries for a little more than any one else can get. Mr. Toole — The man who has earned his reputation is entitled to what he gets. But the man who has not made a reputation may sell just as good berries and not get as good a price. The man who just comes in occasionally, and is not regularly in the business, is not going to stand the same ohance. Mr. Berger — A year ago this last summer, I found some of my strawberries were small and some of them large. I assorted out the larger ones and put them in boxes by them- selves, and sold them readily for twelve and a half and fifteen cents per box. The others looked better than they would with the large berries mixed in with the small ones, and I sold them for ten cents and three for a quarter. By sorting I got a good price for the best berries and could sell the others for a reasonably paying price. Mrs. Groh — Don't you find that your strawberries are damaged in sorting over? Mr. Berger— No. We sort them in picking. In my pick- ing crates I have four boxes to a crate, two boxes for large ones and two for small ones, where thev average about the same. In that way there is no lolling about of the berries. Mrs. Groh— Do you do the picking yourself? Mr. Berger — As far as I can. But my yjickers have got to pick them that way or they can't come into the patch. They ai'e insti'ur-ted to pick them in that way. (I (( SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS. 327 TREASURER'S REP(3RT. L. WooDARD, Treasurer, in account with The Horticultural Society of Northern Illinois. Dec. 10, 1896— Balance as rendered $233 29 " " —43 membership fees 42 00 " " — 1 life membership fee 5 00 Dec. 13,, 1896—1 membership fee 1 00 Oct. 9, 1896— State Horticultural Society 50 00— $332 29 EXPENDITURES. Dec. 10, 1896— J. C. Blair, per bill S 10 88 — J. E. Hartwell, per bill 36 48 —Hotel bill. Blair & Blnm, J. C 4 70 —Stenographer, Andrews 35 00 —Premiums 19 00 Feb. 25, 1897- J. L. Hartwell for Dunlap 10 88 April 1, " — D. Herrick, per bill 3 85 Dec. 1, " —Postage for treasurer 1 00— $210 50 Balance on hand $332 29 Respectfully submitted, L. Woodard. Treasurer, Marengo, Ills.. Dec. 9, 1897. EVENING SESSION. Rev. A. T. Horn, of De Kalb, delivered an interesting and entertaining address of welcome, to which 0. W. Barnard, of Manteno, responded. PROTECTION OF OUR SONG BIRDS. Mrs. a. ^y. Fish, De Kalb. The charm of the songs of birds is like that of a nation's popular airs and hymns, and is so much a matter of asso- ciation that it is perhaps entirly natural for every people to think their own feathered songsters the best. What music would there not be to homesick American in Europe in the simple and plaintive note of our blue bird or the ditty of our song-sparrow, and what to the European traveler in this country in the whistle of the black-cap or the red-breast, or in the melody of the sky-lark? It is an idea common among the English people that our song birds are inferior to theirs, but it is no doubt due to the fact that they do not hear our birds in the most oppor- tune moment and season. The nightingale needs to be heard at night, the lark at dawn, rising to meet the sun, and the robin, if you would know the magic of his voice, should be 328 TRANSACTIONS OF THK HORTICULTURAL heard in early spring;, when, as the sun is setting, he carols steadily for ten or fifteen minutes from the top of some near tree. There is perhaps no other sound in nature. Patches of snow linger here and there, the trees are naked and the earth is cold and dead. At such a time this contented, hope- ful strain fills one with the very breath and presence of the spring. And yonder blue-bird with the earth tinge on his breast and the sky tinge on his back, did he come down out of heaven on that bright March morning when he told us so softly that spring had come? We hear a loud call that conies from the throat of our golden winged wood-pecker that proclaims Tarrup's peace and good will toward all. On looking at the matter closely we fine that most birds have — in the spring— some note or a call that hints of a song and answers perfectly the end of beauty and art. As the fancy of the young man lightly turns to thoughts of his pretty cousin, so the same renewing spirit touches the silent singers and they are no longer dumb. Witness the clear, sweet whistle of the grey-crested tit- mouse, the amorous warble of the blue-bird and the rich, long note of the meadow lark, the whistle of the quail, the drumming of the patridge and the like, even the hen has a homely, contented carol that is music to a hungi-y man, and I credit the owl with a desire to fill the night with music. All birds are would-be songsters in the spring. Yet the coming and going of the birds is more or less a mystery and surprise. We go out in the morning and not a sound to be heard. We go again and every tree and grove is musical. Yet again, and all is silent. Who saw them come? Who saw them depart? Did you never think what wonderous beings these? Did you never think who made them, and who taught the dialect they speak, where melodies alone are the interpeters of thought? Whose household words are song-s in manv kevs, sweeter than instrument of man e'er caught; whose habitions in the tree-tops even are half-way houses on the road to heaven. Think, every morn- ing when the sun peeps through the leaf-latticed windows of the grove, how jubilant the happy birds renew their old melodious madrigals of love, and when you think of this remember, too, 'tis always morning somewhere, and above the awakening continents, from shore to shore, somewhere, the birds are singing forever more. But in spite of the fact that thty contribute so much to our enjoyment by their usefulness, beauty and music, the hand of man seems to have been raised against them, and SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS 329 we are taxing our resoiirses and ingenuity to expel them forever. Millions of birds are killed every year that their bright plumage may be displayed upon the heads of women, because of the fashions of our milliners many of our most beautiful species are almost extinct. The snowy heron or egrel has almost entirely disappeared from the Southern states because of the war waged upon them by plume hunters. These birds furnish the aigrette so fashionable in opera hats, bonnet and wedding dresses. This snowy plume is worn only during the nesting season and their destruction means certain extermination of the en- tire brood through starvation. And in spite of this fact, Avhich should prevent all humane women from ever wearing aigrettes again, the plea of the great majority of women is that of ignorance. AVhat a comment on women is this item! Frank M. Chapman, of the American Museum of Natural History, New York, has compiled a list of the birds which he saw on the liats of women in that city during two after- noons. Forty species were represented, including thrushes, warblers, shrikes, flycatchers, tanagers, swallows, orioles, wood-peckers, jays, owls, grouse, doves, quails, shore birds, herons, gulls, terns and grebes. In all he saw 175 wild birds, or parts of them, on hats. Of these, at least, thii-ty-two varieties are protected b^^ law during the major portion of the year. The cause of the birds has its practical as well as its sentimental side. Birds play a very important part in agriculture upon which the life of the world depends. Owls and chicken- hawks are enemies of field-mice. Other birds such as the swallow, night-hawks and whippoorwill feed on the insects that fly in thf air. Warblers and humming birds pursue their food in flower and leaf, while the wood-pecker and creeper examine every inch of tree-bark. The thrushes and sparrows carry on tlie war upon the ground. The chickado eats HO to 40 female canker worms a day, and in twenty- five days would destroy 138,750 eggs of this obnoxious insect. Professor Forbes, director of the State Jjabratory of Natural History, found in the stomach of a single robin 157 larvEe of bibio—a. fly which in the larvae state feeds on the roots of grass. National and state governments have passed laws pro- tecting their forests, fish and game, and societies have been formed for the protection of domestic animals, but how little has been done for the protection and propagation of our children of the air. 330 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL The principal work of bird protection is conducted through the Audobon Society, which is established through 23 per cent, of the states of the Union. The object of the society is three-fold. First — To discourage the purchase or use of any bird for ornamentation except the ostrich and domesticated fowls, (game birds included.) Second— To discourage the destruction of birds and their Third — And that wherever possible the members shall use their influence with legislators to have one day in the year set apart as Bird Day, which in many cases it seems best to combine with Arbor Day. From reports it has been shown that Wisconsin has ad- vanced farther in bird protection, having set aside a day on which school children are taught bv actual observatoin and guided by instruction. Marshall Field, ot Chicago, has gladdened the hearts of bird lovers by forl)iding the use of some birds to be used as trimming on hats in his establishment. Much has been done through the press and in the schools to make people compre- hend the desii'ability of protecting the wild birds. Yet much is still to be accomplished. The most fertile field for mission- ary work is among the women. Once convinced that women, as a mass, are as determined not to wear song birds feathers as they have been to wear them the restless hand of trade will seek new fields. The Sunday issue of one of our leading journals contains a well-written article on the violation of the game laws of Illinois. The writer who has given personal attention to the matter declares that birds of song and plumage are being- trapped daily by hundreds in the city of Chicago, and that there are men who make a regular business of the illegal traffic and that their victims each year uumber many thou- sands. He also assures us that nearly all of these bird trap- pers are Germans who, not content with having evaded the laws of their own country, bring to the land which feeds and shelters them the same disregard of authority. The time has come for our people to take the matter in hand and decide, whether, in openii g our doors to wanderers from foreign lands we shall permit them to bring destruction to our own. The President— 1 once heard Mr. J. G. Holland deliver a lecture on reforms, in which he introduced his subject with the statement that the wiser policy if a man wanted to build a SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS. 331 symmetrical and beautiful forest would not be to ])rune up a lot of old snags, but to grub out and plant new. He followed this with the statement that instead of trying to reform im- perfected characters it might be well to let Satan run off with them and put our forces to work upon the childi'en. Not that we wish to lose any of these charactei-s who are so unfor- tunate; but there is a question of policy in the world in the matter of reformation. The central theme of this evening's exercise from this on is a question of child education. And the paper that I hold in my hand, and that ha,s the dignified name of the "President's Annual Address," if it has a point in it, has its central point along this line. PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS. J. L. Hartaveli,, Dixon. Man is an upward looker, constantly- seeking for better things. Man is by natui-e a philanthropist. He gets a new idea and he rushes to his neighbor that they may share it together, which makes a convention of two. He carries back a new idea and so is twice blest. The convention spirit is abroad in the land. An era of tremendous onward movement is upon us. Napkins and bushels can no longer cover talents and ideas. They will es- cape, and with the speed of thought on the wings of elec- tricity they penetrate to the reniotest parts of the earth. We no longer depend upon inspiration for the proposition that all men are brothers. Science has demonstrated it. Launched on this great flood of progress we are here in convention assembled to contribute our mite to and absorb our portion of the tide that is sweeping us on to higher ideals. It seems to be a kind of unwritten law that the President of this society should in his annual address outline what he conceives to be its legitimate work. In attempting to perform this duty I am not unmindful of the fact that my proper place is at the feet of many of our number who are older than I am in years, and more especially in experience. You have placed for a number of years as your Secretary in an excellent school of instruction and I assure you that in the performance of the duries of that office I appreciate the oppoi'tunities that I was thereb}^ given for getting hold of the possibilities of the work that 332 TE{AN8ACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL lies before this organization to accomplish. It is peculiar to Americans, at least that portion who trace their ancestry to the bleak, stone-clad New England hills, to count the cost as each new movement is contemplated, and so it may not be inappropriate for us to cast anchor for a few moments, take our soundings and look about us. In short, to inquire into our situation as a convention of horticulturists. Why are we here? Would not the time be more profitably spent in attending to such seasonable work on our farms, in our orchards, small fruit fields, gardens, etc., as might be done with profit? The season just papt was a very peculiar one— full of large promises and larger disappointments. It opened with bright prospects, fruit buds all alive with abundant moisture, and when our anticipations of an abundant harvest of fruit had reached the highest pitch, we woke up one morning with strawberries as large and as hard as marbles, blackberry and raspberry blossoms with black centers, new growth on grapes as limp as chickens that had tiied to play dudes, and ground hard enough to hold up a loaded wagon. Nevertheless, when the harvest came — for it did come — the berries flowed into our market from hither and yon, until many growers felt relieved when they got retui-us from their shipments if a remittance was not necessary to square up the account. From all over this land the fervent and eai-nest prayer of many berry grow- ers was: "(). Lord, deliver us from another big crop of berries!'' Evidently thinking that the frost and low prices had not sufficiently disciplined me, a neighboring brother fruit grower came at me after this fashion: "Hartwell, you are to blame for all this. You have been preaching to the farmers and telling them how easy it is to grow small fruit, and now they are paying you back for your pains. The first thing you know every farmer around Dixon will be bringing berries to town. Then where will you be?" It may be stupidity on my part, but for some reason this did not frighten me a bit. I am just as wt^ll aware as my friend is that berry grow- ing from a commercial standpoint for a number of years has been strained to about the last limit. For that matter what legitimate business has not? And I have given the average farmer credit for ability to see all this. The fact is, the enormous profits which have been peculiar to nearly every in- dustry in the west especially, must go sooner or later, and the sooner the better for the common people.- SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS. 333 I count that man a benefactor to his race who makes it possible for children of wage earners especially, and those who cannot afford many luxuries, to have upon their tables daily any article of food that will aid digestion and give them healthy bodies, thereby making an important contribution to the moral, spiritual, as well as physical growth of the world. Intelligence is the true basis of industrial and commercial prosperity. To that end the legislators of our state have shown great wisdom in appropriating funds for the mainte- nance of such organizations as this. Since I commenced the growing of small fruit as a busi- ness the consumption thereof has increased enormously — away out of proportion to the increase in population. This is partly due to what might be called an educated task, but chiefly to reduced prices, resulting ])ai'tly from competition but largely from reduction in the cost of production. This change has been brought about through the work that horticultural societies and kindred agencies have done. The spirit of investigation is one of the earmarks of the nineteenth century. I for one am grateful that I was born at a time when I can reap the benefits to be derived from it. I came here to swap ideas with you, to look into your methods and discoveries and tell you about mine. This, as I see it, is one of those scriptural cases in which "giving does not impoverish and withholding does not increase' our riches. The final conclusions of this body should be authorative. No definite statement should be made from superficial obser- vations. i\o one should be led astray by immature conclu- sions. He who sets a tree does it for the lifetime of the average human being, and when we estimate the loss or gain therefrom many naturally unproductive years must be counted in. This leads me to suggest that in my judgment too little time has been given to the question of varieties in our former meetings. Varieties differ in period of maturity, productive- ness, hardiness, quantity, etc., and their differences are not constant under all conditions. This society has been in existance for thirty years, and it succeeded the Northwestern Fruit Growers' Associatfon, which dated back nearlv twentv vears more. That much jrood has been accomplished is not debatable. That there are possibil- ities for a larger degree of usefulness I think is equally true. We are hampered by our limitations. We come in touch with 334 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL too few people. We move within too small a circle, and, for aught I can see, the diameter of that circle is about the same from year to year. The larger field is before us and the means are at hand by which we can reach it. If we are to make any permanent and substantial gains along the lines we are working it must be bv reachiiiff a vounoer treneration than attend our meet- ings. The agency at hand by which we may reach them is our public schools and the key by which we may gain ad- mission is the public school teacher. Whenever the great army of earnest, intelligent men and women who are diiecting the growth of our children are im- pressed with the importance ol any question which they are asked to consider, rest assured it will be considered and acted upon. Farmer, in its application and vital connections, is a larger word than horticulturist; in fact, in a general sense, the latter is included by the former. Any agency by means of which the farmer's intelligence may be quickened and field of observation enlaiged may be appropriated for the dissem- ination of horticultural knoweldge. Of slow development, and, therefore, I hope all the more permanent, the farmer's insti- tute is assuming shape that J trust will make it an instrument of much value to the state. This compaiativ^ely new organ- ization should receive a hearty support from horticulturists and as a society we may be of appreciable service to the in- stitutes held in our district. Until every rural and suburban home produces small fruit in variety and quantity to abundantly satisfy the family occupying it; until cherries, apples, pears nnd plums are as common as chickens and pigs on every farm; until the beau- tiful shall be considered a part of the useful in the domestic economy of every household; until the school houses of our children shall be something more than a plain, cubical box, situated on a niggardly piece of ground, Avhose only decora- tion i.s a bai'bed wire fence — with all due respect to the chief industrial interest of these our hosts — until all these things, and more, aie attained in Northern Illinois, the mission which justifies the existence of this society will not have been ac- complished, and when these ideal conditions have been reached this society will have fully demonstrated its claims to an in- definite lease of life; for horticulture, like orher sciences which build on nature's process, is piogressive, and what is ideally perfect to-day is but the stepping stone for better things to-morrow. SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS. 335 PRIZE ESSAY-WHY AND HOW SHOULD AGRICULTURE BE TAUGHT IN RURAL SCHOOLS. Jennie M. Wilson, Mears, Michigan. If onl}^ the weary miles did not intervene, how gladly would I meet with the fruit growers of Northern Illinois at their coming meeting, at De Kalb, where we might converse face to face on this all-important subject. Yet, as that can- not be, if I may in speaking through these feeble lines, convince any of the great good arising from the teaching of horticul- ture in our rural schools, I shall "rejoice and be exceeding- glad." I have for years been interested in this subject and, being fortunate enough to be a teacher in these schools, have had a grand chance to practice what I preached. As to .why it should be taught, the reasons are manifold. Horticulture of to-day, is not what it was a century ago. While the arts and sciences have steadily advanced in that period, horticulture has kept pace with the foremost, stand- ing next to grain raising in importance— not only in the- pleasure and comfort it brings to our homes — bub in a com- merqial point of view. Long and earnestly have we worked, to bring it to its present high standing, but soon our hands will rest from their labors; soon the responsibility must rest upon our child- ren. Shall we fit them for the work, or shall we leave them to struggle long years to solve problems that might easily be explained to them in childhood? It seems to me a great and a sad mistake for any person to object to the teaching of horticulture in our rural schools, as very many of our boys and girls get all the education they ever get, in these schools. For this reason, if for none other, it is our sacred duty to grant them every privilege that will aid them to become intelligent workers in this great and glorious cause. If we would have them such, a love for hor- ticulture must be instilled in childhood and fostered in 3^outh, for we all know how next to impossible it is to change the habits of old people. It has been said, and that very truly, that to attempt the reformation of an old man, was like trying to straighten the crooked and distorted trees in a forest. VVith the appli- cation of guyropes and pullies, one might possibly straighten 336 TRANSACTIONS OP THE HORTICULTURAL one in a year, but more than likely, kill it in the operation; but if we went to the saplings, we might straighten a hundred in a day, and injure none of them. Thus it is witli the minds of childhood; we can easily im- press valuable lessons upon them that would make little or no impression on mature years. Children are lovers of Nature, and I have vet to find the child who would not gladly take lessons from her great Book. To them it is a source oif pleasure which needs little or no encouragement. All they need is opportunity. Let us then, by all means, give them this chance, by admitting the study of horticulture in our rural schools. And now the question arises, how shall it be taught? My answer is, let the work be practical. Do not depend altogether on books. In Germany, gardens and orchards are a part of the school grounds, and a portion of time each day during the growing season, is spent there, in giving practical lessons. I once read an article written by a successful horticulturist of Wisconsin, who said he owed his success to lessons learned in such a school. Each pupil had his task to perform and an experienced teacher to guide his hand. I say, let our schools do likewise; for such practical knowledge gained by experience, is worth more than many terms at school where nothing is taught but that is contained between the covers of books. I said I had practiced what I preached, but in my experi- ence, no grounds were ever furnished, nor was I ever asked to teach horticulture; but the little folks and I always man- aged to have our flower-beds, when it was possible, and from them man 3' a lesson has been given. I wish that anv who doubt the feasibilitv of this work, could see the children as 1 have seen them, eagerly watching for the first tiny plant; and when it came, a shout of rejoic- ing went up. Each day, when the weather was fine, they had their lessons from the flowers, but if, perchance, it rained, a lesson was given in the school-room, where seeds and potted plants were helpers. Each child would listen with rapt atten- tion as I showed them how each tiny seed wore a little coat, and that under this coat was a little plant, and a store of food to nourisli it until it took root in the ground and sent up its tiny leaves, as they had seen them in the yard. Transplanting the flowers opened the way for another lesson, showing them how the different ])lants required differ- ent soil, according to their natnre; and that it was just so with their fathers' orchards; that we all had to studv and learn what kind of soil the trees required, and what food the soil needed to make them healty and productive. SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILLIXOIS. 337 I then explained to them, how that even^thing that lives and grows must have food; that although the plants and trees did not have mouths and teeth to chew their food, like animals, they had roots and leaves which served them instead, and obtained their food from the soil and the atmosphere, taking in the gases and soil substances through their roots and leaves; that under the influence of sunlight, the leaves digest this food and use it to build up the plants and trees. I never saw a class of boys and girls more interested, than one before which I exhibited a simple specimen of clover, and told them of the wonderful work it could do. Each child was allowed to examine the plant, their attention being called to the little lumps or tubercles on its roots, when I explained to them how the soil was a perfect menagerie of microscopic organisms or bacteria, and that in studying their nature it had been found that tht^y have the habit of locating them- selves on certain kinds of plants, and especially on the clovers, where the\' cause the little tubercles, which they had just been shown, and that they live in these, drawing nourishment from the plant, and in return give it compounds of nitrogen, which they are able to produce from the air. Thus in a short space of time they learned a lesson that is all-important for the horticulturist— a lesson that we older heads were years in finding out; that by green manuring with leguminous crops, we might greatly lessen the expense for commercial fertilizers. In thus giving my experience, I give my answer as to how horticulture should be taught in our schools. Let it be prac- tical; and let us in securing our teachers, strive to engage those whose whole heart and soul are in the woi-k. Teachers who will teach horticulture because they love it, and not sim- ply because it is required by the school law. As I said at the outset, I am glad this subject has been brought up b\^ the society of Northern Illinois, and I feel that much credit is due you for the interest you have taken for the advancement of horticulture. It is our earnest prayer that the good work may go on, until the same interest per- meates our entire land, and until horticulture is taught in every school, from the rural school to the university, and a iove for it is cherished in everv home. —22 338 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL MORNING SESSION, DEC. 2, 1897. L. R. Br^'ant read report of Committee on Treasurer's accounts as follows: Your committee to audit the Treasurer's account would report that we have compared the same with the accompany- ing vouchers, and fiud the same correct. Respectfully submitted, L. R. Bryant, H. R. Cotta, Charles Hey, Committee. AD-INTERIM REPORT OF TRIP THROUGH WISCONSIN. J. L. Hartwell, Dixon. August 20 I started from Dixon for a week's run through Wisconsin, my primary purpose being to look up hardy and desirable varieties of apples for Northern Illinois. My trip took me through Madison, Portage, Montello, Princeton, Ripou, Baraboo and West Salem. We had had no rain for over a month. I found plenty of moisture at Portage, also east, west and north of that place. Our potato vines were all dead from drought and ripen- ing; their's were fresh and green, many late varieties being in full bloom. Wisconsin had a very large crop of apples last year and nearly a failure this. The lay of the laud and soil characteristics of Southern Wisconsin differ very little from Northern Illinois — rich, roll- ing prairie, none being on a dead level, such as may be found in Champaign and Livingston counties, this state. From Portage to Princeton is very sandy, the chief farm products being beans and potatoes, very little fruit of any kind is grown. The country around Ripon has made quite a reputation for the production of small fruit especially. Pres. L. G. Kellogg devoted himself and team to my service during most of one day, and enabled me to get an excellent idea of the fruit in- dustry in and around Ripon. Mr. Kellogg is secretary and agent for the Ripon Fruit Growers' Association, through which most of the fruit in and around Ri):on is marketed. There are between eighty and one hundred members of the association, who bring their fruit to the association's build- ing, where it is received and recorded and from which it is SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS. 339 delivered to freight and express agents. The exy)enses of the association are shared pro rata by its members. Sixteen quart blaclvberry cases were billed the day I was there at ^fl.OO. Chicago quotations the same day were from 40c to 60c. Mr. Kellogg informed me that about the same difference held through the season, and he thought the difference was due to the reputation the association had attained for good stock and honest measure. The varieties of small fruit grown are about the same as in our state, except the Ancient Briton takes the place of Snyder, the canes of which are buried every fall. The Loudon raspberry is uniformly promising wherever tried, but owing to high price of plants has not been planted extensively. A journej^ through Wisconsin will show up the old orchards in about the same condition as Illinois — very much dilapidated and gone to grass. Many commercial orchards are being set and are receivino- the attention which advanced ideas in "c orcharding demand. Mr. Kellogg has a young apple orchard of sixty acres some distance from Ripoii, and ten acres of cherries near the city. I rode through a fifty-acre Duchess orchard just cominginto bearing. While driving around thecity Mr. Kellog showed me four trees Northwestern Greening, about eight inches in the body, very symmetrical, perfectly healthy and free from blight, but carrying no fruit. They bore very heavilv last vear. These four trees are about as laro-e as anv of the variety to be found in the state. Mr. Kellogg told me that he had seen enough of the Northwestern Greening to be fully justified in planting it extensively, I found it planted in everj^ young orchard, free from blight, and to all appear- ance as hardy as the Duchess. With one exception every one spoke favorably of it. From what I saw of this variety in Wisconsin, the speci- men of fruit exhibited at State Fair and grown by Mr. Cotta, in Carroll county, this state, and from what I have seen of the trees grown elsewhere in Illinois, I am confident there is no better apple for orchardists to set in Northern Illinois than the Northwestern Greening. I hired a team at Portage and drove to Baraboo, a dis- tance ( f eighteen miles along the banks of a stream. Baraboo by name, if I remember rightly. The country along this stream and around Baraboo and Devil's Lake, two miles south of Baraboo, is noted for its romantic scenery. While at Baraboo I visited the orchards of Mr. Toole, Chas. Hors- burger and Fi'anklin Johnson, all of which were comparatively old, most of the trees being on the down-hill side of life. In 340 TliANSACTIONS OF THE HOKTICULTUIJAL all three of these orchards I was surprised to find the old seek-no-fnrther trees of my boyhcod days, comparatively healthy and bearing on this, a decidedly off year, for Wisconsin. In these orchards the varieties which showed the best points are: Utter's Red, Plum Cider, McMahan's White, Wolf River, Long;fipld, Snow, Bell Pii)pin and Wealthy. The Haas was bearing quite heavily for Mi-. Hii-shinger this year. Mr. Hiisiiinger had a very large exhibit at the state meeting last February, which I had the pleasure of seeing. One lesson which I learned at this, about the first adopted home of the Russians, is to give them, the Russians, as a rule, a wide birth. Their predisposition to blight, their tendency to drop their fruit before maturity, and the fact that they are nearly all summer or fall varieties in this country does not make them a desirable ac(]uisition to our list of fruits. Mr. Toole, who is a "Ramsy specialist," is doing some ex- perimenting with different varieties of plums, one of which, a native which he calls the Baraboo, he considers very promis- ing. It resembles the DeSoto, is larger and as productive. With honest dealing and intelligence for a basis, Mr. Toole ha» built up a large trade all over this country in pansies and pansy seeds. Mr. Franklin Johnson, whose home is in the north suburbs of Baraboo, has the reputation of getting two or three cents more per quart for his berries than the usual market price. Mr. Johnson thinks it is due largely to his care in picking and marketing. He says that a strawberry that is removed from the plant by taking hold of the berry will begin to de- cay first at the points where the fingers touch it. The stem only is touched by the fingers of his pickers. Each picker is furnished with a cloth which is used to keep the direct rays of the sun from their beiries while they are pick- ing. Mrs. Johnson is editor of the Wisconsin Horticulturist, a journal published by the State Horticultural Society. In her hands the Horticulturist is growing in popularity and usefulness. Secretary Philips has an orchard six miles north of West Salem, the situation of which is unique. It is reached by as- cending the slope of a hill over a mile in length. Mr. Philips has acquired quite a wide reputation as a pomologist, and his experimental work in orcharding is watchf^d with much interest by apple growers of Wisconsin especially. Varieties top-worked in the branches of the Virginia crab is Mr. Philip's method of getting a hardy apple tree. He SOCIETY OF NOKTHKRN ILLINOIS. 341 thinks the ability of a tree to en rl lire severe winters and droughty summers depends very much upon its start during the first few years after phxnting. A well established tree has greater powers of resistance than one that gets its start under unfavorable conditions. Therefore, the farmer's orchard espe- cially should not be all set at one time. Here, as elsewhere, I found but few apples, and those mostly"- of inferior quality. Many varieties that were usually considered free from that disease were blighting badly for Mr. rhihps this year. The Northwestern Greening, however, here as elsewhere, showed no signs of blight. The Sweet Rus- set crab, a variety new to me, of Wisconsin origin, I believe, was loaded with handsome specimens, yellow in color, but excellent flavor. It is a regular and pi-olific bearer and hardy. Returning to Madison in the morning, I spent a delight- ful half day with Prof. Goff, in the University experimental grounds. Want of space precludes more than a brief mention of a few of many things which I saw during my short stay at the University grounds. The horticultural department of the University, over which Prof. Goff presides, is conveniently and commodiously housed in a beautiful new building, with class rooms, library, laboratory, lecture room and green- house. A large room under glass is provided, where classes in winter may have practice and observation work in plant- ing, propogating, grafting, cultivation, etc. I was much in- terested in an exhibit showing the root extension of plants. The specimens were secured by digging parallel trenches on opposite sides of a, plant whose roots were wanted extending downward and laterally as far as the roots extended. The roots in the bank of earth between the trenches were held in their natural position, while the bank was washed away, by fine wires supported by frames of lattice work which had been placed in the trenches. The approximate root extension of a few plants which I noticed was as follows: Downward. Laterally. Grapevine H feet 15 feet Strawberry 1 foot 1 foot Gregg rasp -4 feet 4 feet Corn 6 feet -4 feet Three-inch apple tree, more than 8 feet More than 16 feet Contrary to the 'usual idea, there were not many grape roots near the surface. Prof. Goff thought the severe winter may have killed them. 342 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL The experimental j^rouiids contain a large number of na- tive seedling plums, some of which are quite promising. Ex- tensive experiments in "pinching back" cane fruits as to increasing productiveness show that once pinching back does not increase the productiveness of raspberries and blackber- ries, and pinching back the laterals tend to diminish rather than increase the crop. Experiments in crossing the Alpha tomato with a French variety, began in '83, produced a bunchy sort, many of whose plants were sterile. By careful selection this last feature has been practically eliminated and a valuable variety secured. Prof. Goff has a number of seed- lings of the Crandall currant that he thinks are au improve- ment in productiveness and quality over their parent. The results in experiments with new varieties of small fruits differ very little from those in our own stations. QUESTION BOX, Question— Does it increase the fruit productiveness of cane fruits by nipping back? Does heading back cane fruit make it bear more fruit? The President — There is a theory- abroad in the land that it does. Is it true? Mr. Bead — I should judge that it would be the same as thinning fruit trees. We get less in quantity but better in quality. The President — The questiop is, does the nipping back of the canes cause them to bear more in quantity', Mr. Bead— It gives more budding surface. Mr. Toole — My answer would be. yes. The President — I was led to ask that question by the report of a series of experiments in the experiment station at Madison, Wisconsin. Professor Goff has been experimenting on that point for some time. He has made a great many ex- periments; and the report of his experiments is this, that there is no appreciable increase of cane fruits by nipping back. Twice nipping back is a decided detriment in matter of bear- ing. It decreases the yield. It causes .a second set of side branches to start out ntid they do not have time to mature the wood, and are killed b^' the winter. SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS. 343 Now as a corollary to this statement there might be the question, What do you nip back for, then? A child can pick from a low bush; but when the branches get away up in the air there are several reasons why it is better to have a smaller vine. Mr. Toole— Do you get larger berries by nipping back? The President— No. Mr. Bead— You want to get down near the ground to nip it off. The cane should never be over eighten inches high when it is nipped off. That is the recommendation of all our Wisconsin cane growers Mr. Toole— When the question was first presented I was inclined to say yes, from my own experience; but that refers to black raspberries especially, and not to blackberries. Not- withstanding what Professor Goff's experiments may show, I will say that I am positiveh' in favor of nipping back black raspberries at about from eighteen inches to two feet from the ground, thereby giving more fruit bearing surface. That leaves the vine more within mv control than if it runs hio-her up. I don't know what the Professor's plan mioht be. If he did no trimming back at any time he would have an unman- ageable growth. If we nip back we are in the habit of saying that we must have about so many canes to the clump. It may be possible that he may get a great many single canes. In that case he may have sufficient fruit surface without nip- ping back. My experience is positively against a second nipping back. That gives a second growth late in the season that will not mature, and wood will not ripen. The President — The advantage of nipping back is to get the bushes down to where the snow will protect them in the winter. Arthur Brya.nt— My idea is that cutting back does not increase the amount of fruit. If you let the cane grow all it has a mind to it probably will grow just as much fruit. If the canes grow as strong as many of the Black Cap raspber- ries and blackberries do grow, a great deal of the vine is up so high that we can't get at it, and it may be broken down. By cutting back you get a stiffer cane, and you can utilize 344 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTFCULTURAL all that you want to grow there. Ytui may not get as much fruit, but you get more of it than you can use. We have some small patches of our own that grew just as they were a mind to anrl, when the canes were away up in the air, if they didn't break down, they would develop fully as m'uch fruit as where they were trimmed back. But with a large patch you couldn't handle it. Thk Pricsident — Some people run off on a tangent along the line of nature's processes. They say this trimming back is unnatural. The whole thing is unnatural. Cultivation is unnatural. Nature, aside from man's assistance, does not cultivate the soil. It is unnatural to transplant from one climate to another; but when you have got the thing picked up from one climate and put in another you have got to give it the conditions that produce results. Hybridization is natural and unnatural. Man assists it and gets the results. Those potatoes and apples on the tables are all artificial in the sen.se that man has brought them about, so far as present results are concerned, by his intelligence; but if you don't fol- low nature you will never get them in the world. It does not pay to say that a thing is unnatural unless you can show that in doing it you are going against the thing that pro- duces re.sults. J. V. CoTTA— While I thoroughly agree with Professor Goff's theory a.s to the productiveness of the cane fruits in case they are not nipped back, still I would say that we ought to look at the practicability of the problem, t would say that while it is perfectly feasible for those who are conducting an experiment station to tie the canes and make high trellises, and preserve the natural growth intact, and secure them against storms and other contingencies, still the practical fruit grower cannot afford to do so. In order to keep a plan- tation in a manageable shape and within bounds, he must keep his vines within the reach of his pickers; he is obliged to nip l)ack. But this nipping should have its limitations. In the first place it should be done early in the season when the canes reach not more than two feet, or eighteen inches from the ground, then it is better if it should be nipped. SOCIETY OF NORTHEUN IT^LINOIS. 345 Then let the laterals take their course, and the following spring thej may need another nipj)ing back to get them into better shape for handling. You should also nip back and cut back the ends that are more or less injured by frcFzing. If the tips of the long canes produce fruit at or after a cold winter it will be small and insignificant. Nip back the sound cane, to the strong buds; and do that after growth has com- menced so that you can see where you should cut it. Mr. Read— I think Mr. Cotta has struck the key note in this matter— the question is where to nip back. After nipping- back, the cane will continue its upward growth a little. If you nip back at eighteen inches your bush probably reach two feet. Eighteen inches is decided by most growers as the proper place. You only want to take off the tip. You should not let it get up to two feet in height and then cut it back six inches or more. If you do that you have done that plant more harm than it can ever recover from. Nip it back when it is eighteen inches high and it will still grow upwards six inches, making a bush six feet high. J. y. CoTTA — Don't let the bush expend too much of its natural force before you nip it back. The correct method is to just take off the tip. Otherwise it will expend too much vital force and vou will damage it more than vou can do it good. Mr. Hay — I have a row of blackberries along the fence, where I couldn't cultivate it. I nipped back inside the field, where I cultivated, and outside, next to the fence, I paid no attention to the vines. They grew ten feet long. I never saw anything like the amount of fruit that set on those canes. But there was too much of it, and the fruit didn't mature. I got very nice fruit from those that were cut back. J. V. CoTTA — In an excessively dry season, you do not get a properly matured growth. Y'^ou get premature ripening that is likely to be injured by the cold of the following win- ter. The shrivelled up berries and the dried up canes are probably caused by the winter's frost. If you will examine 3'our canes early in the spring, after the winter is 346 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTUHAL over, as the cane commences to grow you will see that there is a discoloration in the canes. Not in the wood, because those canes have no wood. It is pith. So far as those dis- colored canes are concerned the fruit is ruined, whether the fruit is wet or dry. When they have progressed about so far there is an end to the sap growth, and the berries shrivel up. Invariably, our people have attributed this to dry weather. It is no such thing; it is the cold of the previous winter, H. R. CoTTA — There is one point that should be consid- ered, and that is the different varieties. The variety that only makes a short cane, say three feet long, should not be nipped back. It is only the rank growing varieties. Thk President— I think it is no advantage to nip back the late varieties, such as the Loudon and the Turner, which make only a small cane. But rank growing raspberries, in- cluding most all Black Caps, should be nipped back. Schaffer's Collossal produces a number of canes from one hill, perhaps seven or eight or a dozen canes. I think there is no advant- age in nipping tho.se back. It would make too mauA' branches. After the Schaffer's Collossal gets to be four or five years old I don't think there is any advantage in nipping back. Question — What do you do with rabbits in your nursery? Mr. Hay — It seemed to me that yestei-day an error crept in here in regard to feeding them corn to keep them away from trees. I asked that question because I have fifty plum tree that are already badly nibbled by the rabbits. Mr. Toole — I had one experience with tame rabbits where they did a great deal of damage to our plum trees. There were apple trees near by, and the apples were laying on the groung within ten feet of some of the injured trees. They came along and trimmed off little branches from some trees and others they would bark. There were cabbages in a patch not far away. They were not hungry. They had plenty to eat. This idea of leaving a crop of cron or any- thinu: olse to feed vour rabbits is a delusion. You had bet- ter look after your rabbits in some other way. Arthur Bryant— I think it is i)ure cussedness on the part of the rabbits. We were digging some trees this fall. SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS. 347 We dug them up and covered the roots just were they stood. In the night the rabbits took a little nibble out of pretty nearly every tree that had been dug, and left the others. L. R. Bryant— Are we to understand, Mr. Hay, that the plum trees to which you refer were orchard trees? Mr. Hay— Some were cultivated and others were wild. L. R. Bryant— If you will cut cornstalks about three feet long and tie them around you trees you will have a protec- tion against the rabbits and possibly the winter's sun. Question— Will English gooseberries grow in Illinois? H. R. CoTTA — I answer no. The President— They would nearly all mildew. Mr. Periam— The climate is too dry. Question— What is the successful cultivation of a goosbeerry? The President— Surface cultivation is the answer to that question. AuTHUR Bryant — And pruning. The President— In currants I should say you have to be careful about deep cultivation if you want a good crop. NEW IDEAS IN POTATO CULTURE. L. H. Read, Grand Rapids, Wis. There is an old saying that runs like this: "Try all things, and hold fast that which is good." But mauy have forgotten the first clause, and so only hold fast to the old methcjds that have been followed for years regardless of the fact that the present is a time of great advancement, and that all lines of labor have been revolutionized by new inventions and discoveries. The farmer and fruit grower, of all men, should be the most progressive and should most assuredly "Try all things, and hold fast that which is good.'' It has been one of my hobbies to try all things in my line, so far as it was in my power, and in doing so I have spent much labor in testing hundreds of varieties of pota- toes. I have also grown thousands of seedhngs myself, a few of which I am happy to say have proven to have merit, and have become quite generally known throughout the countr}'. Others of my seedlings give such promise at the present time that two of them have been named "Klondyke" and 'Yukon." 348 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICTLTURAL But the object of this paper is not to speak of ray suc- cesses and failures, but to tell you a few facts that I have du<^ out in my study of that greatest of food plants, the potato First — I want to call your attention to the idea that has been growing popular for several years in some sections, re- garding what is known as Southern Second Crop Seed. Many claim that such seed is even better than the Northern seed potatoes, which .so many Southern planters have been in the habit of purchasing each succeeding year. Now, I set out to discover if this was a fact, and if so, why it was so. If this second crop seed is better than all other seed, there must be some rea.sou for its being so. I have never read or heard any reasonable exyjlanation of the fact, and so have devoted considerable study to the matter, and believe that I have found the reason why it is better for seed, than ripe stock, and am willing to admit that in part the claim is well founded. It is claimed that the so called "second crop seed" will keep sound and firm until the season for planting has arrived. This is true, and in fact I believe lays the entire secret. I have discovered by continued experiments that when a potato is perfecth^ ripe, unless kept in practically cold stor- age, it will verv soon betjin to wilt. In other words, it evaporates a part of its moisture, thus leaving the tuber shiunken and less fit for seed purposes — in the same way that a wilted cutting of currant or other plant grows less vigorously than an unwilted one. Repeated observation shows that a tuber that has not reached full maturity will retain its moisture, and for many months continue as firm and solid as when dug, under con- ditions uhere a ripe one will not. Such a potato often, on being cut for seed, will crack ahead of the knife, it is so brit- tle, and the juice will run from it as from a newly dug tuber. It is in just the condition to give its sprouts the necessary amount of moisture to start a strong, thrifty plant, suited to produce a bountiful crop. The fully ripened tuber on the other hand has already passed the prime of life and is on the decline as soon as wilted. Its sprouts have not the nece^^sary vitality to give them a proper start in life, any more than have the off- spring of aged animals, or the buds of a shrunken currant cutting. SOCIETY OF XOKTHERN ILLINOIS. 349 It is a well established fact in animal husbandry that the offsprino- of animals that have only reached the full flush of maturity are much thriftier than those of animals that have begun to go down the decline of life. The same law holds in the propagation of plants of all kinds; propagate from the strong, thrifty and robust, but not from the weak- ly declining plants that are withered or are approaching old age. You never cut your grafts from old, or shrunken wood, but from young, vigorous growth. Bear in mind the potato is not a seed, but is a swollen, under- ground stem, in which are stored up starch, juices, etc., for the feeding of the young sprout. Perha])s you will say, why is not the fully matured tuber better tban one half-grown? For cei-tainly it would stand to reason that it would be better supplied with the necessary chemical constituents, then the smaller, immatuj-e tuber can be. I say that, under right conditions, it is. But in order to retain this vigor of full maturitv, von must at once, bv some process, provide a method of suspending all life action. In others words, you must retard nature's plan. For in that plan, maturity once reached, then comes decay and the wast- ing away of old age. And with that comes the loss of vigor. and with this loss of vigor comes inability to produce vigor- our and robust offspring. The fully matured potato, if it could be used soon after maturity, or kept from all contact with warm, dry air, that would cause it to wilt and deterioate, is as good seed as can be had. But it is a fact that very few growers can, and still less do, give the proper care, or have the necessary facilities for thus keeping their seed. Their mature seed is, therefore, wilted, and for that reason a small tuber that has not reached full maturity, and will not at once commence the downward run to old age and decay, is greatly to be perferred to a matured one that has already begun the decline. My observation has repeatedly shown that mature seed stock,*^ which has been so kept as to be in prime condition at planting time, is as good, or better, than second crop or late crop seed. Central Wisconsin being too far north to successfully grow two crops of potatoes in a season, we have been ex- perimenting with what we call a late crop. To get this, we plant good, sound seed at intervals of a few days, up to as late as July 22. For some reason, very early planted pota- 350 TKANS ACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL toes are not a success with us, and our main crop is planted entirely in June. The past season we planted most of our crop between June 6 and 22, and I can assure you that I never saw so fine a crop before in 20 years experience as a potato crank. On June 29 and 30, on a piece of very poor, sandy up- land, we planted two acres which yielded 220 bushels of medium size tubers. This was the earliest of our late crop. Our main crop, or river bottom land, run from 200 bushels per acre up to 433 bushels per acre, without any special pre- paration of soil. In our experimental plats, planted during July, we secured some fine yields of smooth tubers about the size of hen eggs and larger, a sample of which 3^ou will find in our exhibit. These will make the best of seed, and we intend next season to plant a larger area during July, if the weather is suit- able. We shall use that seed ourselves for part of our plant- ing to further determine the merits of mature potatoes, when properly kept, compared with second or late crop seed. SCAB AND ITS PREVENTION. I wish here to speak of two things that, although not exactly new, as they have been recommended by our experi- ment stations for several years, yet are new to the gi-eat mass of potato growers. I refer to the soaking of the seed in corrosive sublimate as a preventive of the potato scab, and the spraying with bordeaux Mixture to prevent the early and late blights. No one should ever plant a field of potatoes without first soaking the seed in the corrosive sublimate solution,. (2 oz. of corrosive sublimate to 16 gallons of water). Even if the seed appears perfectly free from every and all trace of scab, soak it, as the germs of scab may be clinging to the skin of the tuber. The expense is small, and the remedy sure, if the treated seed is planted upon land free from the germs of the scab. HOW TO PREVENT BLIGHT. Bordeaux Mixture is just as sure a remedy against blights as is coiTosive sublimate against scab. But one thing must be remembered, and that is that it is not a cure, but is a preventive. In using it you must commence early and apply it as often as necessary to keep every leaf coated with an armor ]ilate of copper, then the germs of the dreaded blight will not be able to gain entrance. Don't apply SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS. 351 it once or twice and think that will do, as you will be very likely to lose entii-ely the labor expended in the first applications. If you take up the battle you must keep it up until the season is over, or your labor may be in vain. In a wet season you may have to go over your' field as often as once a week, or even oftener. The only safe way is to keep that armor plate solid or the little foe may enter. In an ordinary season, four or five applications give very satis- factory results. POTATO SEEDLINGS. There is one other new idea that has been advanced by one who has had considerable experience as an originator and grower of many kinds of potatoes, that is so far in error that I wish to speak of it here. I refer to a theory expounded by E. S. Carman, the venerable editor of the "Rural New Yorker," who says "that in growing seedlings the best shaped tuber from the hill should be selected the first year, as foundation for the new variety, and that it will follow that shape of type in the j^ears to come." It does seem strange that a grower of such great experi- ence should advance such a theory, as it is totally wrong. Each seed from the seed ball is an individual life germ, and in some respect differs from all other such life germ. The tubers produced on the plants the first year, are, like those of each succeeding year, only a part of the plant. In other words, a swollen, underground steui with buds or eyes to carry on the propagation of the variety. I have often found that a seedling may, the first year, be long and slim, and in after years change its shape to an oval, flattened form. Again a seedling may be nearly round the first year, especially if a late variety and not matured, and the next season may develop into a long, slim tuber. In fact, very little can be told as to the future appearance and value of a seedling from its first j^ear's growth, further than that a healthy, vigorous grower with a limited number of smooth, well formed tubers of fair size may be expected to do even better the next year, and so on for several years to come. But often the expectations are not realized in the growing of seedlings, but nevertheless, no branch of horticulture has so much of pleasant anticipation as the originating of new varieties. May the anticipations and expectations of the Horticul- turists of Northern Illinois be fulfilled to their fullest desire is- the wish of your brother from the home of the Badger, 35-2 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL DISCUSSION. Mr. Peuiam— Do you claim that an adept in potato cul- ture cannot discriminate between the tubers of the first year? Mr. Read— I mean to say that from one individual plant there is likely to be tubers of different shape. There is likely to be a long one, a rouud one and a flat one from the same plant. If you select the rouud one, it is no more likely to produce a round one than the long one. The President— Is the plant hkely to produce both round and flat tubers in the same hill? Mr. Read— Quite likely. I have seen from the Beauty of Hebron, when it first came out, potatoes as round as a ball, and others that were that long (indicating) in the same hill. The typical form is probably half way between a long and a flat potato. Mr. Periam— Is it not a fact when the tuber emerges from the bud it is round in every case, and eventually in its growth it loses that roundness and sometimes is very much elongated? The President — I have seen the statement made by a potato grower that the potato to be normal in shape must have a continuous and regular growth. If there is a natural check and a suV)sequent growth, it is likely to get all out of shape. That will account for these knobs on potatoes. They result from the fact that the potato quits growing and then commences again. Mr. Barnard- I would like to ask Mr. Read one question in regard to planting seed. Do you plant a single ball to the hill? Mr. Read— No, sir; 1 grind those balls up as finely as pos- sible and allow them to stand in a tub or barrel, and 1 wash the seed out as I would tomato or cucumber seed. Then I put them in a hot-bed or greenhouse and start small plants. Then I usually transplant once in a bed and then later set in the ground. Mr. Barnard— How many plants to the hill? Mr. Read— Only one plant to the hill. The past season I raised a thousand seedling. SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS. 353 The President— In the matter of spraying you make my head swim, when you exact of me that I shall stand right over my potatoes and keep spraying them with that bor- deaux mixture. What is to become of my other work and everything else? Mr. Read— I emphasized that point so that you wouldn't spray them once or twice and then come up next year and tell me that spraying didn't do any good. If you take up the battle you have got to keep everlastingly at it. Mr. Periam — Won't you state about how often the spray- ing should continue during the season? Mr. Read— It depends on the weather. Mr. Periam — You wouldn't spray every hour in the day? Mr. Read — No; just enough to keep that armor plate of copper solid. Mr. Periam— I heard you say that you soak your pota toes in a solution of corrosive sublimate. How long would you soak them? We want to know if what your experience has taught is true in this respect. Mr. Read — Doctors disagree as to the length of time. Some say one and some say two or three hours. You can take a kerosene barrel and cut it in two halve;, using one half of it. Put the potatoes in the liquid, leave them there a couple of hours and take them out and put in another mess. You can use it about four times. After that vou will have to use some more corrosive sublimate. Mr. Periam — Does not your experience show that an hour as a rule is sufficient? You simply want to saturate the bac- teria or fungus germs. Mr. Read— I would be a little afraid to say that an hour would be sufficient. It might not. I did leave some in over night at one time, and I could not see that it did any harm. The solution is what is known as the one-to-a-thousand solu- tion. There is one thing I want to say about it, and that is, it is very poisonous. It should -not be left in any place where any children or other person could drink it, or where an an- imal could get at it. But there is nothing harmful about it —23 354 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL to handle it. That liquid solution is the exact strenf!;th that your physicians use as an antiseptic. There is no dang;er of poisoninp; 3'ourself by havinp; your hands in it. The President — Does it maice any difference whether that soaking is done at one time or another — that is, whether it should be just before planting- or along in the winter some- time? Mr. Read— I think not; I think you can do it at any time before using. But it should always be done before the pota- toes are cut up for seed. Mr. Periam— I think there is another point in your paper that perhaps has not been appreciated. You speak of the second crop of Tennessee potatoes as being valuable for seed. Is it not a fact in your experience in Wisconsin that the fully matured seed that is dug when ripe, no matter what the sea- son is, piled up on the ground and covered with a little trash and earth to keep the temperature normal, and then put in a pit in the ground and kept near the freezing point during the winter is a better form of seed than if the potato was immature? Mr. Read— You know I am a Yankee, and have a way of answering one question by asking another. You speak of digging those potatoes when they are ripe and putting them in a pile and covering them. When do you mean to do so? Would you plant those potatoes the last of April or the fore part of May, and then dig them along in July and put them in a pit and let them lay there? Mr. Periam— In your climate I would put them in at the time of ripening, which is after the warm weather is over. When I used to plant potatoes to sell in the market at Chi- cago I planted as earl^- as I could before oat-sowing time, as soon as the ground is fit to work. I planted them deep and covered them deep. It is a scientific fact that the slower the germination is the stronger the plant. Every greenhouse man knows that. 1 wouldn't say that I had buried potatoes in July, because they are not matured. After the vines dry the potatoes must lay in the ground a little while in order to mature and fully ripen, just as an apple or pear that is picked SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS. 355 off from the tree must have its season to mature. But I have put my seed potatoes in the ground in August that I had selected for my own individual use. I planted everything that was as big as a walnut; but I wouldn't plant from the small ones year after year. The question is, which do you consider the best, the fully matured tuber or the tuber not fully matured? Mr. Read— The iuWy matured tuber, if it can be kept practically in cold storage— that is, if it can be kept so that it is as solid and sound and unwilted on the day of planting as it was when it ripened. In that case it is as good seed as can be had. But there is not one grower in ten thousand who keeps that matured seed in that condition. Mr. Barnard — What has been your experience in harvest- ing potatoes during the hot months? Have your tubers sus- tained any injury by getting very warm or by being left un- covered? Mr. PtEAD — Yes, sir; that is one reason why we plant late. We dig late. The most of our digging is done past the mid- dle of October; in fact many of our potatoes were as green the night of the 9th of October as yours were in June — that is, the tops were green. We have a very favorable location. We are on the southeast bank of the Wisconsin river, the river being at that point half a mile wide. Below us is a large dam for the mill of the Centralia Pulp and Paper Com- pany-, making practically a lake nearly half a mile wide. Thus we are favored, and early frosts along our river bank do not touch us there. I think it was the morning of the 10th of October that we got the frost that killed our vines on that river bank this year. Mr. Toole — Two j-ears ago last summer we had quite a lot of early potatoes, and when about the middle of August came it seemed as though they had been in the ground so long, we thought we had better dig them. We did so, and laid them in heaps about on the surface of the ground and covered them with straw, and earth on top of the straw. Some of these potatoes were dug on pretty warm days, when the thermometer was perhaps up to eighty, and at another 356 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL time still wariuer, the therraometer being about ninety. Those that were dug during that very hot day, when we came to uncover them, were a rotten mass. Those that were dug before and after the hot spell were in perfect condition. In regard to this question of the condition of seed, in our section the farmers are beginning to appreciate the necessity of having their seed in good condition, so that many of them are deciding to keep their seed out of doors. We have in our neighborhood one market gardener who has a large cave, about seventy-five feet long, where he stores a great quantity of vegetables. He looks after the ventilation, and keeps it very cool in the winter and spring. Some of our people think they had better buy 8ee