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TRANSACTIONS

OF THi:

Illinois ^Me porticultoal ^ocietij

FOR THE YEAR 1668.

BEING THE

PROCEEeiBGS OF THE THIRTY-THIRD ANNDAL MEETINS

HELD AT

ALTON, DECEMBER 11, 12, 13,

ALSO PROCEEDINGS OF THE

CENTRAL, ALTON-SOUTHERN AND NORTHERN DISTRICT

SOCIETIES, ALSO PIKE COUNTY, KANKAKEE

AND WARSAW SOCIETIES

FOR THE YEAR 1888.

HEW SERIES-YOL. XXII.

LIBRARY
NEW YORK
BOTANICAL

GARDEN.

Edited by the Secretary, A. C. Hammond, Warsaic, Illinoi.->.

x/

^ublisbcb bg tbe ^otietjr.

J. W. FRANKS & SONS

Printers. Binders, PuWishers, Stereotypers,

206, 203, 210 S. Jefferson Avenue,

Peoria, Illinois.

LIBRARY
NEW YORK

REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR. botanical

Oarden.

To His Excellency Joseph Fifeb, Governor of Illinois:

I take pleasure in herewith presenting ijou the twenty-second vol-
ume of Transactions of the Illinois State Horticultural Society^ and
trust that its perusal will convince you that the Legislature has acted
wisely in granting us State aid.

It is very gratifying to those who have labored long and earnestly
to advance the interests of tree planting ., fruit growing and home orna-
mentation and to make this organization the p)eer of any of its kind in
the world., to know that their work is becoming more and more appre-
ciated., and that the demand for the Transactions is ten-fold greater
than ten years ago.

It is imperatively necessary for the highest welfare of our rural
people that this demand be supplied.^ and our Transactions sent into
every Township ( and if possible into every farm-house ) in the State.
To do this of course a larger appropriation will be required, but those
who have given the subject careful attention., are convinced that the
benefit to the farmers and fruit growers of the State ivill many times

j}ay the cost.

Very respectfully yours.

A. C. Hammond, Secretary.

WARSAW, Jan. ef, 18fi9.

Officers for 1889,

President — H. M. Dunlap, Savoy.
Vice-President — D. H. Gray, Elmwood.
Secretary — A, C. Hammond, Warsaw.
Treasurer — H. K. Vickroy, Normal.

EXECUTIVE BOARD.

H. M. Dunlap President State Society,

A. C. Hammond Secretary State Society.

Arthur Bryant, President Horticultural Society of Northern Illinois.
A. Dunning, Vice-President Horticultural Society of Northern

Illinois.
C. N. Dennis, President Horticultural Society of Central Illinois.
F. I. Mann, Vice-President Horticultural Society of Central Illinois.
Wm. Jackson, President Horticultural Society of Southern Illinois.
J. S. Browne, Vice-President Horticultural Society of Southern

Illinois.

AD-INTERlM COMMITTEES.

The ad-interim work, was placed in the hands of the Presidents
and Vice-Presidents of the three District Societies, with instructions
to perform it themselves or call to their aid such assistance as they
may need.

ANNUAL MEETING.

The Annual Meeting for 1889 will be held at Hamilton, Decem-
ber 10th, 11th, and 12th, 1889.

Standing Committees,

07'chai'ds — Thomfis Lowry, Flora; Benjamin Buckman, Farmingdale;
S. G. Minkler, Oswego.

Farmer's Kitchen Garden — J. M. Berry, Elvaston; J. M. Pearson; God-
frey; L. A. Budlong, Bowmansville.

!Small Fruit for the Farmer's Garden for a family of six, Varieties,
Cultivation and Amount — J. Webster, Centralia; Ira Coe, Quincy; Wm. C.
Hazellon, Forest Grove.

Grapes — A. H. Worthen, Warsaw; E. C. Hathaway, Ottawa; G. W.
Endicott, Villa Ridge.

Experiment Station — What is being done, J. T. Johnson, Warsaw;
What can be done, Arthur Bryant, Princeton.

Strawberries — Caleb Miller, Anna; J. S. Browne, Alton; J. G. Bubach,
Princeton.

Stone Fruits — Caleb Miller, Anna; Jacob Freeze Jr., Coatsburg; R. W.
j^eil, Huey.

Ornamental Planting — A. Dunning, Dunning.

Forestry — G. W. Minier, Minier ; L. R. Bryant, Princeton; L. C. Francis,
Springiield.

Floricultxire — Qi2kV\hSLgQ Floral Guild, Carthage; Montebello Floral
Society, Hamilton; Ladies Floral Society, Warsaw.

Fruit Growing Combined with Farming — Wm. Jackson, Godfrey.

Spraying Fruit Trees — L. R. Bryant, Princeton; J. G. Vaughan, Odin.

New Orchard Fruits— W. R. Crain, Villa Ridge.

New Small Fruits — H, K. Vickroy, Normal; D. J. Piper, Forreston.

Nut Bearing Trees — Frot. T, J. Burrill, Champaign; G. W. Hilliard,
Brighton.

Raspberries and Blackberries — P. E. Vandenburg, Jersey ville; H. R.
Cotta, Nursery.

Fruit Blossoms — Prof. T. J. Burrill, Champaign.

Top Working Fruit Trees — J. V. Cotta, Nursery.

Little Things in Nature — Mrs. O. F. Berry, Carthage.

Mistakes in Horticulture — A. L. Hay, Jacksonville.

Necessity for Pollenizing the Grape — F. I. Mann, Oilman.

How Shall the Fruit Grower Maintain the Fertility of his Soil — E. A.
Riehl. Alton.

Relation of Bees to Horticulture — C. P. Dadant, Hamilton.

Cultivating and Marketing Tomatoes and Sweet Potatoes — T. E. Good-
rich, Cobden.

YOUNG PEOPLE'S SESSION.

Flowering Shrubs for Garden and Laion—F. J. Heinl, Jacksonville.

Influence of Flowers on the Home — Miss Emma Sanford, Warsaw;
Miss Lulu Hay, Jacksonville; Miss Mattie Cochrane, Hamilton.

Young People on the Farm — Wm. Jackson Jr., Godfrey; Miss Lucy H.
Bryant, Princeton.

The Children's Garden Pate/i —Edwin H. Riehl, Alton.

The Secretary was instructed to add to this list of young people
as may seem best. He would therefore be pleased to correspond with
some of our young ladies and gentlemen who are interested in rural
affairs, and are willing to prepare papers for this occasion.

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS.

AS AMENDED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING, 1874.

CONSTITUTION.

I. This Association shall be known as the Illinois State Horti-
cultural Society.

II. Its object shall be the advancement of the 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 twenty dollars at one
time; and of Honorary 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 gffieers shall consist of a President, one Vice-President, Secre-
tary, and Treasurer, who shall be elected at the annual meeting, and serve
until their successors are chosen; also on Executive Board as hereinafter
provided.

V. The affairs of the Society shall be managed by an Executive Board
to consist of the President and Secretary of the Society, and the 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 transac-
tions annually; x>'>''^^''''ded, there are sufficient funds in the treasury to defray
the expenses 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
meetings of the Executive Board, and, under its direction, have a general
superintendence of the affairs of the Society; and direction of expenditure
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.

III. The Secretary sliall, 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 shall receive for
his necessary expenses for postage, stationery, printing, expressage, office
rent and salary, such sums as the Executive Board may vote therefor.

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS. VII

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 report to the Society of the receipts and disbursments,
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 five thousand dollars for the faith-
ful 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 com-
mittees 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 reorganize the Illinois State Horticultural Society :

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the
Gene?-al Assembly :

Section 1. That the organization heretofore chartered and aided by
appropriations 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 here-
inafter provided, three horticultural societies, to be organized in the three
horticultural districts of the State, which shall be known as the Horticul-
tural Society of Northern Illinois, now operating in the counties of Bureau,
Boone, Cook„CaiToll, DuPage, DeKalb, Henry, Grundy, Jo Daviess, Kane,
Kendall, Kankakee, Lake, Lee, LaSalle, McHenry, Ogle, Putnam, Rock Is-
land, Stephenson, "Whiteside, Winnebago and Will (23); the Horticultural
Society of Central Illinois, operating in the counties of Adams, Biowu,
Cass, Champaign, Christian, Coles. DeWitt, Douglas, Edgar, Fulton, Ford,
Iroquois, Hancock, Henderson, Knox. Logan, Livingston, McLeai . Mc-
Donough, Marshal], Mason, Mercer, Menard, Morgan, Macon, Moultrie,
Peoria, Pike, Piatt, Sangamon, Shelby, Schuyler, Scott, Tazewell, Vermilion,
Warren and Woodford (38); and the Horticultural Society of Southern
Illinois, operating in the counties of Alexander, Bond, Clark, Clay, Craw-
ford, Calhoun, Cumberland, Clinton, Edwards, Effingham, Fayette, Frank-
lin, Green, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jasper, Jefferson, Jersey, Jackson,
Johnson, Lawrence, Madison, Macoupin, Marion, Monroe, Montgomery,
Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Richland, Randolph, St. Clair. Saline, Union,
Wayne, White, Washington, Williamson and Wabash (41).

Sec 3. The affairs of the Illinois State Horticultural Society shall be
managed by an Executive Board, to consist of the President and Secretary
said Society, and the President and one vice-President from each of the
three 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 Executive Board created by this act, and shall
hold their ofiice until their successors are elected, as hereinafter provided.

Sec. 4. The Executive Board of the Illinois State Horticultural Soci-
ety shall have the sole care and disposal of all funds that may be appor-
tioned (appropriated) 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 Abori-
culture in this State. 'I'liey shall meet at Springfield on the second Tuesday
after the first Monday in January, 1875. and biennially thereafter. They
shall render to the Governor of the State a detailed statement of all funds

VIII CONSTITUTIOK AND BY-LAWS.

received from the State and all other sources, which statement 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 responsible 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. Within 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 Arboriculture. Four members of the Executive
Board shall constitute a quorum for the transactions 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, 1874.

* The Society was first incorporated February 11, 1857 — two months after its organization.

List of Members for 1889.

Auer, Jacob Deer Plain.

Augustine, Henry Normal.

Baldwin Eros Jacksonville.

Berry, R. C Batchtown.

Bancroft, L. R Pontiac.

Bryant, L. R Princeton.

Bryant, Arthur Princeton.

Bryant, E. W Princeton.

Bryant, H. G Princeton.

Buckman, Benj Parmingdale.

Browne, J. S Alton.

Barnard, O. W Manteno.

Beeby, J. C Girard.

Beal,'L. N Mt. Vernon.

Cottle, J. R Princeton.

Conner, S. F Alton.

Cart, J.J Morrisonville.

Cope, A Tonti.

Cook, G. W. E Lacon.

Grain, \V. R Villa Ridge.

Cogswell, C. H Virden.

Curtis B. O Paris.

Coe, Ira Quincy.

Collins, Mrs. C. E Alton.

Doan, H. L Jacksonville.

Dyer, W. S Springfield.

Dennis C. N. & Son Hamilton.

Draper, B. F '. Malvern, Ark.

Draper, A. N Upper Alton.

Endicott, G. W Villa Ridge.

Freeze, Joseph & Son Coatsburg.

French, Prof. G. H Carbondale.

Fitch, J. N Cobden.

Fowler, J Brussels, Calhoun Co.

Galusha, O. B North Peoria.

Goodrich, T. E Cobden.

Gray, D. H Elmwood.

Graves, E. W Sandwich.

Graves, H. C Sandwich.

Hutchinson, W. A Tennessee.

Hay, George Savannah.

Hollister, E. T 811 N. 3d. St. Louis, Mo.

Hay, Leon Kankakee.

Huber, T. E Illinois City.

Harlan, Frank Canton, Mo.

Hammond, A. C Warsaw.

Hall, Ifr. Lyman Champaign.

Humphrey, Edward "W Quincy.

Hilliard, G. W Brighton.

X LIST OF MEMBERS.

Hay, A. L lacksonville.

Jackson, Wm Godfrey.

Johnson, F.C Ivishwaukee.

Johnson, James T Warsaw.

Judd, James S Chicago.

Kramer, John Brighton.

Lightner, F. L Agl. College, Ames, Iowa.

Leeper, J . Byrd Pellonia.

McPike, H. G Alton.

Minkler, S. G Oswego.

McWhorter, Tyler Aledo.

Mathews, J. B" Marissa.

Mann, F. I Gilman.

Mesler, W. P Cobden.

Mortimer, Henry Grayville.

McCluer, G. W Champaign.

Mastterson, B. F Auburn.

Nehring, Wm. F Strausburg.

Niel, R. W Huey.

Perrine, G. H Centralia.

Poscharsky, F. W Princeton.

Pearson, John M Godfrey.

Riehl, E. A Alton.

Riehl, F. C Alton.

Rehmeyer, Henry Jacksonville.

Rockwell, C. B Hamilton.

Strubler, Phil Naperville.

Stutzman, A. W Morrisonville.

Sturgis, M. B Des Moines, Iowa.

Schureman, W. H Normal.

Swindler, H. J Magnolia.

Tucker, E. W Williamsfield.

Vickroy, H, K Normal.

Vaughan, J. C 146 W. Washington St. Chicago.

Vaughan, J. G Odin.

Yandenburg, Peter E Jersey ville.

Wilkinson, Thos Friendly ville.

Webster, Jabez Centralia.

Warfield, B. C Sandoval.

Webber H.J Gardenville, Mo.

Wilson, J. P Olney.

HONORARY MEMBERS.

Babcock, E. F Little Rock, Ark.

Brackett, Col. G. B Denmark, Iowa.

Dunlap, Mrs. H. M Savoy, 111.

Murtdfelt, Chas Kirkwood, Mo.

Nash, Miss Bessie M Warsaw, 111.

Patterson, Chas Kirksville, Mo.

Reed, Miss Alice W Warsaw, 111.

Samuels, Wm. M Clinton, Ky.

PREMIUM LIST.

The following premiums are offered for exhibits of horticul-
tural products to be shown at the annual meeting of the Society to
be held at Hamilton, December 10-12, 1889. All entries, except in
Class IV, to be confined to the State.

C. E. Dennis, Superintendent of Exhibits.

APPLES.
CLASS I.— FROM NORTHERN ILLINOIS

1st. 2ud.

1.— Best five varieties, winter apples, for marliet .$3.00 .S2.00

2.— Best five varieties, winter apples, for family use 3.00 2.00

3.— Best three varieties, fall apples, for market 3.00 2.00

4.— Best three varieties, fall apples, for family use 3.00 2.00

5. — Best plate winter apples for market 2. 00 1.00

6.— Best plate winter apples for family use 2.00 1.00

7.— Best plate fall apple for market 2.00 1.00

8.— Best plate fall apple for family use 2.00 1.00

9.— Best plate Ben Davis 1 .00 ,50

10.- Best plate Willow Twig 1 .00 .50

11. — Best plate Jonathan 1.00 .50

12.— Best plate Grimes' Golden 1 .00 .50

13.— Best plate Minkler 1.00 .50

14.— Best plate Domine 1.00 .50

15. — Best plate Roman Stem 1 . 00 . 50>

16.— Best plate Wealthy 1 .00 .50

17.— Best plate Maiden's Blush 1 00 .50

18. — Best plate Snow 1 .00 .50

19.— Best plate Red Canada. 1.00 .50

20.— Best plate Bailey Sweet 1 .00 .50

21.— Best plate Broadwell l.a) .50

22.— Best plate Northern Spy 1.00 .50

23.— Best plate Cayuga Red Streak 1 .00 .50

CLASS II.— CENTRAL ILLINOIS.

24. — Best five varieties, winter apples, for market S3 .00 $2 . 00

25.— Best five varieties, winter apples, for family use 3.00 2.00

26. — Best three varieties, fall apples, for market 3 . GO 2 .00

27. — Best three varieties, fall apples, for family use 3.00 2.00

28. — Best plate, winter apples, for market 2.00 1 .00

XII PEBMIUM LIST.

1st. 2d.

29.— Best plate, winter apples, for family use 2 . 00 1 . 00

30.— Best plate, fall apples, for market 2.00 1.00

31.— Best plate, fall apples, for family use 2 . 00 1 . 00

32.— Best plate Ben Davis 1.00 .50

33.— Best plate Willow Twig 1.00 .50

34.— Best plate Rome Beauty 1.00 .50

35.— Best plate Jonathan 1.00 .50

36.— Best plate Grimes' Golden 1.00 .50

37.— Best plate Minkler 1.00 .50

38.— Best plate Yellow Bellflower 1.00 .50

S9.— Best plate Wine Sap 1.00 .50

40.— Best plate Northern Spy 1.00 .50

41.— Best plate Wealthy 1 .00 .50

42.— Best plate Belmont 1 .00 .50

43.— Best plate Bailey Sweet 1.00 .50

44.— Best plate Cayuga Red Streak 1.00 .50

45.— Best plate Hubbardstons Nonesuch 1 . 00 .50

46.— Best plate White Pippin 1.00 .50

CLASS III.- SOUTHERN ILLINOIS.

47.— Best five varieties, winter apples, for market, quality

to rule $3.00 $2.00

48.— Best five varieties, winter apples, for family use, qual-
ity to rule 3.00 2.00

49. — Best three varieties, fall apples, for market, quality to

rule 3.00 2.00

50.— Best three varieties, fall apples, for family use, quality

to rule 3.00 2.00

51.— Best plate winter apples, for market, quality to rule. . 2.00 1.00

52.— Best plate winter apples, for family use, quality to rule . 2 . 00 1 . 00

53.— Best plate fall apples for market, quality to rule 2.00 1 .00

54.— Best plate fall apples for family use, quality to rule. . 2.00 1.00

55.— Best plate Ben Davis 1.00 .50

56.— Best plate Willow Twig 1.00 .50

57.— Best plate Rome Beauty .. , 1.00 .50

58.— Best plate Jonathan 1.00 .50

59.— Best plate Pennock 1.00 .50

60.— Best plate Domine 1.00 .50

61.— Best plate Newtown Pippin 1.00 .50

62.— Best plate Minkler 1.00 .50

63.— Best plate Fink , 1.00 .50

64.— Best plate Northern Spy 1 .00 .50

65.— Best plate Grimes' Golden 1.00 .50

66.— Best plate Smith's Cider 1 .00 .50

67.— Best plate V\^ine Sap 1-00 .50

68.— Best plate Pickett's Late 1.00 .50

69.— Best plate Rawles' Janet 1 .00 .50

PEEMIUM LIST. XIII
CLASS IV.— NEW FRUITS.

1st. 2d.

70.— Best collection of new apples, not to exceed five varie-

eties !|5.00 .S3. 00

71.— Best plate Seedling, good enough to be recommended. 3.00 2.00
72.— Best plate, New Variety, good enough to be recom-
mended 2.00 1.00

CLASS v.— MISCELLANEOUS.

Ist 2d.

73.— Best collection of pears $5.00 .S3. 00

74.— Best collection of grapes 6.00 4.00

75.— Best and most artistic display of fruits, flowers and

vegetables 5.00 3.00

76.— Best collection of apples, not to exceed twenty-five

varieties, Rule II not to be enforced 10.00 .5.00

CLASS VI.— VEGETABLES.

1st. 2d.

77.— Best half peck early potatoes $2.00 SI. 00

78.— Best half peck potatoes for winter and spring 2.00k 1.00

79. — Best half peck onions from seed 2.00 1.00

80.— Best half peck onions grown from sets 2 . 00 1 . 00

81.— Best three heads celery 2 .00 1 .00

82.— Best half peck sweet potatoes 2.00 1.00

83.— Best half peck turnips '. " 1.00 .50

84.— Best half peck beets 1.00 .50

85. — Best half peck parsnips 1.00 .50

86.— Best half peck carrots 1 .00 .50

87.— Best winter squash 1 .00 ..50

88.— Best head cabbage 1-00 .50

89.— Best sample of salsify 1 .00 .50

90.— Best sample of winter radish 1 .00 .50

CLASS VII.— CANNED FRUIT.

1st. 2d.

91. — Best jar strawberries $1 . 75 $ .75

92.— Best jar red raspberries 1 .00 .75

93.— Best jar black raspberries 1 .00 .75

94. — Best jar cherries 1 .00 .75

95.— Best jar plums 100 .75

96.— Best jar blackberries 1 .00 .75

97.— Best jar currants l.OO .75

98. — Best jar gooseberries 1 .00 .75

99,— Best display of canned fruits and jellies 5.00 3.00

RULES OF EXHIBITION.

I. AH entries must be in the hands of the Secretary on, or before, the
Saturday preceding the meeting. The entry cards will be handed exhibit-
ors the first day of the meeting.

II. All articles must be entered in the name of the grower or manu-
facturer, and a statement to that effect must accompany the application
for entry.

III. All exhibits must be on the tables by Tuesday, December 10th, at
7 p. m., properly arranged, and plainly and conspicuously labeled with the
name of the fruit and grower and place of growth, and accompanied by a
list for the use of the Awarding Committee.

IV. All exhibitors will be required to become members of the Society
by the payment of one dollar. This will entitle them to a volume of the
transactions and all the privileges of the Society for the coming year.

V. " Plates " of fruit — except grapes — shall consist of four specimens,
neither more or less. The same variety may compete for different prem-
iums, and different varieties for the same premium, but separate samples
must be furnished for each entry.

VI. Competent committees will be appointed to make the awards, who
will l^ governed by the following

SPECIAL RULES-

1st. The condition and general appearance of the fruit ^ which should
be in its natural state, with all its parts— stems and calyx-segment — well
preserved, not wilted nor shriveled.

2d. The size, in apples and pears, particularly, should be average, and
neither overgrown nor small — the specimens should be even in size.

3d. The form should be regular or normal to the variety, and the lot
even.

4th. The color and markings, or the surface, to be in character — not
blotched nor scabby. '

5th. When comparing different varieties, and even the same kind,
grown on different soils, the texture and fiavor are important elements in
coming to a decision.

In Grapes we must consider and compare the form and size of the
bunches, the size of the berries, their color, ripeness, flavor and condition.

6th. A fruit that has been named and passed upon by a Horticultural
Society shall no longer be considered a " seedling," and a fruit that has been
introduced and named ten years shall no longer be considered " new."

7th. All applications for entry of seedling and new fruits must be
accompanied by a full statement of its origin, habit of growth, hardiness
and productiveness, or no premium will be awarded.

The Secretary desires to call particular attention to the I, II, and III
rules of exhibition, as he has been instructed by the Board to strictly enforce
them.

LISTS.

The following lists of apples are recommended for planting in
the three Horticultural Districts of the State.

FOR SOUTHERN ILLmOIS.

Early Summer — Benoni, Red June, Early Harvest.
Late SMmme/- — Chenango Strawberry, Lowell, Maiden's Blush.
^aZZ — Jonathan, Mother, Grimes' Golden.
Winter— Ben Davis, Wine Sap, Minkler, Rome Beauty.
Recommended for trial — YeWow Transparent, Fink, Niel's Keeper,
Pickett, Grain's Spice, Indian, Black Twig.

FOR CENTRAL ILLINOIS.

Summer — Red Astrachan, Benoni, Duchesse.
i^aZZ — Maiden's Blush, Wealthy, Ramsdell's Sweet.
Early WMzie?'— Jonathan, Grimes' Golden.
Late Winter— B&n Davis, Willow, Minkler.

FOR NORTHERN ILLINOIS.

*Sfw^?i7ner— Benoni, Duchesse.

^aZZ— Maiden's Blush. Cayuga Red Streak, Fameuse, Wealthy.

TTm^er — Jonathan, Ben Davis, Willow, Roman Stem, Minkler.

The following list of pears is recommended for general planting.
Pears-^ Tyson, Seckel, Keiffer, Flemish Beauty, Howell.

The following list of vegetables for the farmer's garden was
recommended by the Society at the last annual meeting.

Asparagus, Radishes. Lettuce, Peas, Beets, Onions, Salsify, Cabbage,
Tomatoes, Bush Beans, Sweet Corn, Lima Beans, Cucumbers, ]Melons, Rhu-
barb, Horse Radish.

XVI LISTS.

The following lists of trees and shrubs are recommended as
suitable for the purposes named.

FOR LAWNS.

Trees — Elm, Hard Maple, Magnolia Accuminata, Linden, Tulip Tree,
Catalpa Speciosa, Birch, Mountain Ash, Norway Spruce, White Pine.

^ArMfcs— SyringaPhiladelphus, Snow Ball, Upright Honeysuckle, Straw-
berry Tree, Fring Tree, Purple Leaved Berberry, Lilac, Flowering Almond,
Spirea Van-Hauttii, Flowering Quince, Hydrangea-P-E-Grandiflora, Cal-
ycanthus.

Climbers — American Ivy, Scarlet Honeysuckle, Fragrant Honeysuckle,
Clematis Jackmanii, Wisteria.

FOR SCHOOL YARDS.
Elm, Ash, Hard Maple, Catalpa Speciosa, Linden.

FOR THE ROAD SIDE.
Elm, Linden, Hard Maple, Ash, Catalpa Speciosa.

PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

THIRTY-THIRD ANNUAL MEETING

OF THE

Illinois ptatse [lortsicultur'al ^ocietij

HELD AT

Alton, December U, 12 and 13, 1888.

The Thirty-third Annual Meeting of the Illinois State Horti-
cultural Society convened in Root's Opera House, in the city of
Alton, December 11th, 188S, with President Dunlap in the Chair.

At the appointed time the President called the house to order
and invited Rev. J. W. Caldwell to invoke the divine blessing.

Mr. Minkler — Thirty-three years ago a few of the energetic
horticulturists of the State met in this city and organized the Hli-
nois State Horticultural Society. As one of the original corporators,
it gives me great pleasure, after the lapse of a third of a century, to
again meet the Society at the place of its birth. But of that little
company who founded this Society, which has been such a power
for good, I am to-day the only representative present, and it is sad
to know that nearly all have gone to the " other shore."

Hon. H. G. McPike, Mayor of the City, welcomed the Society
in the following appropriate words :

Mr. President and Members of the

Illinois State Horticultural Society :
It is with pleasure that we greet you to-day, and welcome you
to the city of the bluffs. I have long been interested in horticul-
ture, and for many years connected with our local society, and am
proud of the work it has done. Alton may truly be called the

2 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

cradle of western horticulture, and has given the world some of the
most eminent men, in this line of work, that the century has pro-
duced. We point with pride to the names of Hill and Flagg.
They have gone to their reward but their works do follow them.
Now, in the name of the good people of Alton and of the Alton
Horticultural Society, I welcome you to our city, and trust that
your visit may be pleasant and your meeting one of great profit.

President Dunlap — In behalf of the Society, I thank you for
these kind words of welcome, and can assure you that they are ap-
preciated. Thirty-three years ago the Society here had its birth,
and it is fitting that now in the vigor of its manhood, it should re-
turn to the place of its infancy. We know something of the noble
men referred to and appreciate the grand work they have done.
Again thanking you for your cordial welcome, we will proceed with
our regular business.

EEPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON okCHARDS.

BY ALLAN" COPE, TONTI.

On receipt of horticultural report for 1887, I was somewhat
surprised to find my name down for an article on orchards. Twenty-
five years ago I was much more positive in my views than at present
as to varieties and cultivation. Then I thought the orchard location
should be on high, rolling land, cultivating so as to get rid of water.

Ben Davis stands (to-day) at the head of the list for profit ;
but when we reflect that seven-tenths, if not eight-tenths of the
winter varieties set within the last five years are of that kind, may
we not feel some apprehension as to its future success. There seems
to be a well-founded belief that all things have their youth, man-
hood, old age and decay ; even worlds form no exception. To be
convinced that apples form no exception, it is only necessary to
think of the different kinds that stood well in their day, but now
have been left almost entirely out, not because they would not be
profitable could they be grown with all the beauty and certainty as
when Nature first gave those varieties to the children of men.

The Ben Davis has turned its face to the setting sun and seems
to feel the chill of old age coming on. The people, to a certain
extent, seem to realize this, but the pertinent question with everyone
is, if not the Ben Davis, what shall we set ? Plant Ben Davis, but
not to'the exclusion of other varieties, nor in solid blocks by them-
selves for reasons given farther on. Mix in Minkler, Wine Sap,
Rome Beauty, or any variety that experience or location may suggest.

Could our legislators fully realize that fruits of all kinds are

STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 6

paying in their nature, they certainly would respond by establishing
local experiment stations, the only practical way in which the ques-
tion can be met.

It is too much to expect individual effort will experiment for
years with, perhaps, barren results. And the temptation to foist on
the public new varieties of doubtful merit for the purpose of gain
is very great ; as to the location, the conditions are different, seasons
have changed. Thirty years ago much of the land was in its native
state, unfenced, unscarred by the plow. The prairie grass at home
in its beauty and strength, often tall enough to hide a man on
horseback, but finally weakened by old age and biting frosts,
tumbled down in a mass sufficient to choke the water ways and
shade the ground. Consequently streams were longer drying up ;
pools were larger and more frequent and ponds dotted the land ;
heated air drank from their surface and returned in such copious
showers, that the question was how to plow so as to get rid of sur-
plus water, and high rolling land was preferred.

All this has changed. The prairie grass, like the Indian, has faded
before the white man's touch. The ponds have dried up and holes
in the creeks where fish used to disport themselves scarcely contain
water sufficient to satisfy the cravings of thirsty cows. There is
now more danger from a semi-arid condition during the growing
seasons than ever from surplus water. The quantity the soil and
sub-soil is capable of holding and giving up for the use of plant life,
under favorable circumstances, should be more thoroughly under-
stood.

Thanks to the thoughtful minds who have studied and are still
studying to blaze the way so that we may follow up and utilize the
facts they have or may bring to light. What can be more strik-
ingly impressive than the experiments of Professor Hunt, as given
by Professor Burrill on page 115, of Horticultural Report for 1887,
with the two cans ? The uncultivated evaporating or giving up
within a fraction of double the amount of the cultivated one.

That experiment ought, as it were, to burn itself into the mind
of every horticulturist and farmer.

The year 1854 will be remembered as an exceptionall}' dry one.
Corn only grew a few inches high in large sections of the country.

Orlando Burrill, present sheriff of White County, planted that
year forty acres of corn, and abandoned all but thirteen, and his
father advised him to abandon that, as he would only be throwing
his work away; but having nothing else to do he tended it every
week. He not only had corn, but good corn — more than was raised
in all the balance of the township.

Every effort should be made not only to catch and hold the
summer showers, but to utilize all the soil and subsoil has in store

4 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

for US. Consequently almost level land, with comparatively flat cul-
ture seems best.

The disk harrow, where crops are not raised, will be found ad-
mirably adapted to pulverizing the ground and keeping it in good
heart for the trees.

The theory that has come up to us from the dim past, that if
man expects intellectual strength, long life and good health, closely
related relatives must not marry, seems to hold good in lower life.
The Wilson strawberry must fertilize the Crescent for best results;
and different kinds of plums promiscuously set it is thought give
better returns than where only one kind is grown.

In 1861 we planted one thousand apple trees as follows: com-
mencing on the east side of forty acres, running clear across north
and south, first, 200 Little Romanites; second, 200 Wine Saps; third,
300 Janets; fourth, 100 Ortleys; fifth, 100 Kings: sixth, 100 Tall-
man Sweets.

In 1863 we set 500 Ben Davis. Forty of the Little Romanites
had died, and a few of the others. A survey of the land showed
room enough for a row on the south end. After planting that row,
and filling in where the others had died, we set the balance, eight
rows deep, on the west side. Our experience has been that the end
row and those used to fill in bore more and finer fruit than the aver-
age in the solid block.

We did not suspect the cause then, nor do we know it now as a
positive fact, but our belief is about as eight is to seven (which for
all practical purposes, on a certain noted occasion, was considered
very near a certainty) that crop fertilization did it.

We have ten acres set entire with Ben Davis, eleven years old.
It never has borne a full crop of perfect apples.

Henry Ray planted in 1865 six acres, about two-thirds Ben
Davis on the north, the balance on the south consisting of Wine
Saps, Janets, and Rhenish Mays. It produced several fine crops. In
1871 he set several acres adjoining on the east side, solid Ben Davis.
That orchard never has borne a satisfactory crop, and is now on the
decline.

What avails thoughtful selection of site, and careful cultivation,
if our trees are rendered constitutionally weak and short-lived, not
by a survival of the fittest, but by a long line of selecting seed, for
raising stock to graft on from the poorest fruit, if seed for stock is
mainly procured from cider presses? May we not confidently look
in that direction for the cause of lost vitality? In my opinion J.
Gr. Vaughan, in his paper published on page 4, Vol. 20, of Horticul-
tural Report, struck the keynote in condemning the practice of pro-
curing seed from cider presses and vinegar factories.

At the following meeting, held at Princeton in the fall of 1887,
Prof. T. J. Burrill, of Champaign, and C. N. Dennis, of Hamilton^

STATE HOETICULTUEAL SOCIETY. 6

read essays on the influence of scion on stock, and stock on scion,
presumably in answer to the Vaughan article.

While Dennis's emits no uncertain sound, Burrill's seems to the
unscientific mind a little like the oracles of old — a foot on opposite
sides of the fence while neither touches — for, in conclusion, he
says: "It therefore seems that we may at least render a Scotch ver-
dict upon the question, and say ' not proved.' At the same time we
cannot deny the possibility of the occurrence, at least in some excep-
tional instances, of a radical constitutional change in either stock or
scion, from an influence exerted by the one upon the other." Yet
in the body of the article he says, " that life is a property of solid
rather than liquid matter, hence it is impossible that living proto-
plasm should be carried through plant tissues with the ascending or
descending sap."

No more does the mother in animal life take up the living pro-
toplasm, and pass it through her veins with the ascending and de-
scending blood. But in that case a third party is formed, who suf-
fers by the taint which either party may have inherited. Suppose
animal life could be extended by grafting the body of one on to the
foot of another. Would anyone imagine for an instant that the
ascending and descending blood would not be affected by coming in
contact with a cancerous foot? Would not the ascending and de-
scending blood carry and distribute the disease, and affect the whole
system? Would we go to the hospital, the cider presses, for the foot?
Is there such a thing as blood poison? What is sap but the blood
of the plant?

Further on he says: " It is, perhaps, necessary here to again ex-
clude the mere changes in vigor shown by plants on different stocks."

That is just what is not intended for him or anyone else to do.
The whole discussion is like the play of Hamlet with Hamlet left
out. But he helps us out, for he adds, '' The stock and scion do
have reciprocal influence in the matter of nutrition, and the peculi-
arities of growth, fruitfulness, and the like." Exactly! That is
what is claimed; and had he stopped right there we would not have
been in so much doubt as to his views. But after citing numerous
cases to prove the truth of the above, he adds: " The fact is, in the
ordinary methods of propagating apples and pears, we confidently
proceed upon the assumption that the stock has no real or essential
influence upon the scion, otherwise it would be impossible to keep
true by present methods, any variety of fruit by grafting or budding.
The thousands of seedling stocks on which the Yellow Bellflower
has been grown would surely have spoiled the variety if each modi-
fied in the least the characteristics of the scion grafted upon it."

That line of argument would seem to say, that because the fruit
is not thought to be changed, the constitution of the tree must re-
main unaffected. In this we are liable to be deceived. While the

6 TEANSACTIONS ^OF THE ILLINOIS

fruit is easily seen, tasted, and tested, although it may and does
change, it is so gradual that we become educated to it.

It is difficult to get into the seed and grasp the latent power
that will stamp the plant or tree with long or short life. Yet expe-
rience teaches it is there.

It is difficult to look into the inner life of trees and see their
constitution weakened by coalescing with short-lived roots. And it
is still more difficult to see a scion cut from a tree thus weakened
sending down its defects to others still to be grown. Yet, if it was
in animal life, few of us would doubt its being done.

The wondrous thing called protoplasm, the real germ of life,
biologists know no essential difference between it in plants and in
animals.

While in animal life, notably the horse, we pay every attention
to hereditary descent, so much so that a pedigree is kept, showing a
long line of ancestors noted for durability, etc., yet in plant life, in
propagating pears and apples, th^ Professor, in effect, says we
"confidently proceed" to do no such thing. Think of getting a
pedigree of seed from a cider-mill. What a wind-broken, blear-
eyed, blinkey-eyed, raw-boned, knock-kneed, splinter-shanked record
they would have.

Yet they are the chaps you and I buy, after the nurseryman
has "confidently proceeded to put a head on them," and made them
look presentable. Is it any wonder they freeze to death in winter
and starve to death in summer?

C. N. Dennis, in his article, says: " Vaughan condemns the
procuring of seed from cider presses," and answers: "Who does or
can know anything about the hardiness of a seedling until it is
tested," etc.

I apprehend Judge Vaughan was striking at the whole system
of obtaining seed from imperfect fruit, not whether a particular seed
might or might not produce a hardy seedling.

Again Mr. Dennis says: " A good stock is good, even if it did
come from a cider mill." With all due respect to everybody, Diay
we not with equal propriety say a good pig is good even if its sire
was a hazel splitter and had a consumptive cough. And " who does
or can know anything about " the quality of his progeny until they
are tested. But do thoughtful men take chances in that direction?

Surely those men know the kind of fruit that is taken to the
presses. Are the ones that grow on thrifty twigs out in the open
air, who blush at being kissed by the god of day, while the bloom of
rosy health mantles their cheeks, — are they the ones that are
dumped by the cart load at the cider presses? Are they not the
ones that, for some reason, have not come to perfection? Perhaps
the scab has marred their beauty, or they are dwarfed in size by a
brother's greed; or have grown in the shade and been rendered

STATE HOETICULTUKAL SOCIETY. 7

sickly for want of sunlight and air. Are they not the ones that are
mainly taken there?

Why not plant little green potatoes? Why go through the
corn hunting the finest ears? Why take the fairest fruit of the vine
from which to obtain seed to propagate their kind, and ignore the
very law of nature which ca^ises us to do it when selecting fruit
from which to obtain seed to build our orchards on?

We may work and double work,- cross the ocean, and search in
every land an ironclad to find — could one be found — bouncj in
triple bands of steel. This wholesale poisoning at the fountain
head would, in time, burst the bars and assert itself.

J. V. Cotta, in the discussion which followed the reading of
those essays, said : " Last year Mr. Vaughan was pitted against me
on top working. Now, in our commercial nurseries, all the apple
seeds come from the cider mills." We can only get hardy trees by
getting hardy stocks, " it makes little or no difference as to the
root."

Mr. .J. A. Spear says: " I give no care to the root!"

There is not a shadow of doubt but that those men are honest
in their views, but in going to the cider mills for their seed they
ignore the law of hereditary descent, which, unfortunately, the
whole human race has given too little heed to.

The scientists of to-day believe that vegetable and animal life
are so closely allied that the same law of nature to which one must
bow the other will have to obey. But the masses, who pay so little
regard to the transmission of their own defects, will be slow to be-
lieve it possible in vegetable life.

I as firmly believe that obtaining seed from cider mills lies at
the base of the cause of the short lives and unfruitfulness of our
trees as that the earth is lighted up by the sun. I am borne out in
this by some of the illustrious men who have "gone before."

Barry, in his "Fruit Garden," published in 1858, pages 60 and
61, uses the following language : " It scarcel}' admits of a doubt but
that the greater part of the difiiculties met with in fruit-tree culture,
as maladies of various sorts, unfruitfulness, etc., are induced by care-
less and an undiscriminating system of propagation. The stock has
a most important influence on the health, longevity, fruitfulness and
symmetry of trees. And it does not seem possible that our indis-
criminate mode of saving seed for stock is at all consistent with
rational, intelligent culture." But he seems to have indulged in the
hope that the danger would soon pass, for he adds: " A discrim-
inating spirit is already becoming apparent among the best classes of
cultivators, and their example will soon be felt." Has that hope been
realized? Let our dead orchards and faded hopes answer.

0. B. Galusha, in his address as president, gave utterance to
the following pointed sentences, — page 740 of " Horticultural

8 TEANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

Reports " for 1861, 1862, 1863, 1864: " I allude especially to^the fixed
law of the hereditary transmission of diseases and so-called consti-
tutional biases. While the strict observance of this law is regarded
as of the utmost importance in the rearing of animals, yet it is
either repudiated or almost entirely disregarded by a large proportion
of the propagators of trees and plants. Yet this law is universal in
its application and inflexible in its nature in the vegetable, as well as
in the animal, kingdom."

J. L. Budd, on page 263 of the " Transactions of the Iowa
Horticultural Society," in 1878, says: "Thomas W. Field, one of the
most careful writers upon the pear, remarks: ' It is surprising that
so little attention has been paid to the perfection of the seeds which
form the germs of our pear trees. After abundant experience I am
satisfied that not half of the pear seed sown vegetates, and of those
that do, not more than one-fourth produces healthy stocks ; and
that of the hundreds of thousands of trees sold from the nurseries,
not one in five reaches its tenth year.' "

If our trees are to be saved from slow, but sure, destruction,
those that are interested must keep the words ringing in the ears of
people, that obtaining seed from imperfect fruit to build our
orchards on will have its effect as certainly as conditions favoring
consumption is transmitted from sire to son.

KEPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ORCHARDS.

BY F. I. MANIS", GILMAN.

The problems which meet a breeder of live stock have received
considerable attention and the results have been of marked benefit.
The laws governing hereditary development have been studied, and
applied by man to reach artificial results. The success of a breeder
depends largely on his knowledge and the application of these laws in
the reproduction of animals. The breeder has given him the ovule
from which he is to develop the new individual. We may consider
this ovule as having fixed tendencies and characteristics, inherited
from the parent. The study of the breeder is to know what affects
the development of this ovule, and to understand the methods by
which it can be affected. Of course this is mostly through the
means of the other parent, or the sperm, which, like the ovule, has
its tendencies and characteristics fixed. It is, then, the influence of
the sperm upon the ovule that decides the characteristics of the new
individual, and which the breeder has to consider. I have assumed
that the sperm and the ovule have fixed tendencies. That is, the
tendency of animals to perpetuate their own individuals. If this
tendency was not a fixed one, scientific breeding could not exist;
results would be haphazard and guess work, and it is this element
that gives value to the family or breed for the stock grower. The

STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 9

relations existing between the sperm and ovule seem to depend
largely on these tendencies. They must not be too widely separated,
nor yet too closely allied, in their characteristics. There must exist
an affinity between the two. If too wide apart there can be no new
individual formed, and if too much alike, either no new individual
or a deficient one. Nature seems severe in compelling compliance
with these demands.

As I have said, the laws of breeding have been more generally
observed in connection with live stock improvement, but, do not the
same laws hold true in the vegetable kingdom. Have there not been
made as great improvements through breeding in some lines of vege-
tables and flowers, as there have been in horses or cattle. Many of
the flowering plants show the breeder's skill and study. And the
modern tomato and cabbage are not much like those of years ago.
Most of these improvements have been made through successive
generations until a type had become fixed, and then you have sperm
and ovule with the fixed tendencies and characteristics, and can pro-
ceed with intelligence to a greater degree of excellence.

But how is it in the orchard ? Have we there any pollen or
ovule with fixed tendencies ? Do we know anything about what a
Ben Davis ovule and Willow Twig pollen will give us in a new indi-
vidual. If a Ben Davis had been produced by a long line of breed-
ing, where its characteristics were more firmly fixed each succeeding
generation, we could then then know just what were the tendencies
of the ovule. Then if we had pollen from a Willow Twig bred in
the same way, we could tell very nearly what our offspring would
be. But most of our orchard fruits were not formed in this way.
They were accidentally bred, apparently sports, where quality ruled.
Is not the time coming when we will be compelled to have these
fixed characteristics to work with to secure the features needed in a
new individual for the orchard ?

In live stock breeding we have to consider only the influence of
the sperm upon the ovule and do not calculate that the male parent
affects any more than the developing ovule. But in the vegetable
world there is another feature in connection with the fertilization of
the ovule, and to bring it to your minds was the object of this paper,
and for which the preceding was intended to be explanatory.

It is the influence of the pollen extended beyond the ovule into
the fruit. Is there such an influence extending into the ovary ; the
receptacle and even into the parent itself ? Many varieties of
strawberries show either an absence of pollen, or that the pollen
that is supplied is lacking in affinity for the ovules. These varieties
are called pistillate and we supply pollen from some other variety to
obtain a thrifty and profitable growth of the berries. But of what
use is the pollen at all ? The berry is but the developed receptacle
for holding the seeds, or the true fruit. Is it necessary that the

10 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

ovules of these small seeds have the action of pollen that there be a
development of the receptacle, generally considered an independent
part of the plant ? If not necessary why do we plant staminate
varieties with pistillate varieties, and if necessary, what do we gain
by so planting ? The modification of the form of the strawberry
directly from the pollen, is a matter in which there is a conflict of
opinions. Experiments made in a number of recorded cases, did not
show any marked difference in the fruit from the use of different
varieties of pollen on the same pistillate variety. My own observa-
tion with several acres of Crescents, a part of which was fertilized
with Captain Jack and a part with Wilson's Albany, was that there
seemed to be more or less of a modification of form from the pollen.
I could not say that there was any decided influence in a large por-
tion of the berries, but that there was, in some of them, such a
modification I believe. Many other fruits also seem to show occa-
sional slight modifications.

But even if this influence was a strong one, could we expect
any definite results from the parents that we use. Strawberries and
most other fruits, like apples, have pollen and ovule without fixed
characteristics, and have but a slight tendency to reproduce their
own qualities ; and we should no more expect certain results from
them, than from animals of mixed blood.

If there is any direct modification of the fruit as to size, form
and quality , it seems to be so slight as to be of little importance to
us, only as it indicates another influence from the pollen. In the
production of a new individual the element of first importance is its
vitality. That is, its desire to live. Its ability to resist adversity,
whether in form of bacteria, or some other enemy that may be in-
vited by some fault in its environments. This vitality does not
depend upon vigor of growth, nor complete functions. The man who
lived through untold agonies in AndersonviUe prison, who amputated
his feet himself and sawed off the bones with his jack knife, had
probably no better functions than many of his comrades who died
with first symptoms of gangrene; but he had more vitality. The
plum that matures with the mark of the little Turk upon it seems to
be different in no respect from the one that drops undeveloped, but
it has more vitality. A morning that blights one strawberry, may
not another.

This element of vitality seems to depend largely on the proper
observance of Nature's laws in reproduction. I consider one of the
most important of these is that there be a variation in the tenden-
cies of the pollen and ovule. To get this variation it is better to
use pollen from another individual than the one that furnished the
ovule. As the development of the fruit — the receptacle or ovary —
depends upon the fertilization of the ovule, the vitality of the re-

STATE HOBTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 11

ceptacle or ovary seems to depend upon this vitality of the ovule ;
and hence fruit containing developing ovules of strong vitality can
resist attacks of enemies better than fruit with a weak ovule. Then
if we can learn to govern this influence of the pollen , through the
science of breeding or the laws in reproduction, we will have enlarged
our capacity in the production of fruits of high quality. The seeds
of fruit must be fertilized or the fruit will not develop. Apples
having seeds not fertilized, drop when they have reached a cer-
tain stage of development. If they have to be fertilized at all, will
not a fertilization in accordance with known laws prove more bene-
ficial than an accidental fertilization ? Does it not give increased
vigor and stronger development ?

One stalk of corn grown alone and distant from any other will
give a marked illustraticfc. It shows a moderately well developed
cob, some weakly developed grains, and some grains not developed.
Those partly developed indicate that the pollen and ovules were so
closely allied, being from same individual, as to cause a deficient
development; and those grains undeveloped indicate an entire absence
of pollen, or pollen so closely allied that tliere was no affinity between
it and the ovule. In either case there was no strong'vitality result-
ing from the action of the pollen. If there was no influence extend-
ing beyond the ovule, why would not the ovary, or the grain, develop
as well, without the action or the pollen? In the case of corn the
apparent and imperfect mixing of varieties the first season seems to
be an evidence of only an influence beyond the ovule, as the true
mixture is in the ovule and not fully apparent till the succeeding
generation.

For several years I have noticed our best apples of several varie-
ties were from trees where the varieties grew contiguous. Among
these were English Golden Russet and Roman Stem, that stood with
limbs interlocking between the parallel rows. The finest specimens
of these varieties were taken from these limbs, and many of them
showing a tendency to approach the other variety in characteristics.
Not but what Roman Stems were taken from Roman Stem trees and
Russets from Russet trees, but there was a slight tendency in each
one to approach the other, enough to excite the question whether
this mixing of blood was not responsible for the better appearance
of the fruit and the greater apparent resistance to its enemies. On
trees of Maiden Blush and Fameuse standing near together we have
for several seasons obtained better fruit than from same varieties
standing by themselves, though I have been unable to detect any
difference in the appearance or thriftiness of the trees, to which it
might be due.

If there is this influence on the fruit, due to cross fertilization,
we can use it in the orchard to remedy much of the inferior quality

12 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

of the fruit, by planting the trees so as to give the greatest oppor-
tunity to the foreign pollen. Instead of setting trees of each variety
together, mix as far as possible with other varieties with somewhat
similar characteristics.

I am aware there are among fruits many cases where fertilization
does not seem necessary, and in which there is no development of seed.
We have seedless raisins, grapes without seed, the banana, the navel
orange, etc. In these cases there may be fertilization, but if so the
influence of the pollen is all extended beyond the ovule into the fruit.
If there is no fertilization it is evident that the fruit develops with-
out any influence from the seed. Fruit that does develop without
having seed, seems to grow in the most perfect environments — con-
ditions that require but little resistance to enemies, and where less
vitality is needed than under less favorable conditions. Grapes
within a paper bag do not have the enemies to resist, that grapes
without a paper bag have. The seedless raisins, bananas, etc., grow
in perfect climatic conditions, and do not have the enemies that fruit
grown under imperfect conditions have. A cry in Florida is "what
is the matter with navel oranges that they do not bear better?"
Because some fruit will develop without seed it does not follow but
that they might prove stronger if they had them.

Mr. Augustine — I have this criticism to make on Mr. Cope's
paper. He has told us that seed from the cider-mill should not be
planted, but has not told us of a better way to procure them.
Thousands of bushels are planted annually, and if we go to the
orchard and select seed from the best fruit, it will be a slow and
expensive process.

Col. Brackett, of Iowa — This question of stock and scion is
an old one. As a rule we should select the best seed for planting,
but it is well to bear in mind that when we graft we change the
whole structure. Take a lot of seed from a cider-mill and graft the
young seedlings with Dachesse and they will be alike hardy, but
plant seed of the Duchesse and graft with a tender variety, and the
trees will all be alike tender. Hence, we see that if the scion is
hardy, the root has little or no effect.

Mr. Cope — Mr. Augustine says where shall we get our seed?
Everything that is first-class costs something, and first-class apple-
seed will be no exception to the rule. I know of an apple tree fifty-
six years old that is healthy and productive, and am very sure that
seed taken from it would make better and more hardy trees than

STATE HORTICULTUBAL SOCIETY. 13

those taken from a tender tree. We are told that the root has no
influence on the tree, but as we cannot grow a tree without the root,
I am unwilling to believe that it does not affect its health and
longevity.

Mr, Murtfeldt — Many years ago I was a resident of Illinois when
I attended these meetings quite regularly. ♦This discussion brings
to my mind the meeting at Peoria, where these very questions came
up. A very severe winter had killed many of the grafted trees, and
the question of planting seedlings was seriously discussed. It now
seems to be generally understood that the character of the tree is
fixed by the scion and that the root has little or no controlling
influence.

Mr. Dennis — In the animal kingdom we find imperfect individ-
uals among the best breeds. So in the vegetable kingdom. But will
the seed from an apple that has been stung by an insect and thereby
made one-sided and imperfect, be less suitable for planting than seed
from a perfect specimen ? Graft a thousand Duchesse on a thou-
sand different roots and they will all be Duchesse.

Mr. Minkler — We expect too much of our orchards. We seed
them to blue grass and make a pasture of them and expect them to
produce fruit. Examine the ground after a rain and you will find
that it is wet but an inch or two; but go to the cultivated field and
it is wet deeply. Don't plant too many varieties; don't plant Rus-
sians, but plant intelligently and cultivate carefully and you will
grow as good fruit as you did twenty years ago.

Mr. Vaughan — The last reports of our Society may be compared
to the Lamentations of -Jeremiah, as they are a record of disappoint-
ments and losses. And we should carefully look for the cause of
these failures and losses. Mr. Augustine says seedlings are not
always hardy, as he has lost thousands of them in his nursery.
This is all true, but I have eaten apples from trees over fifty years
old and think that seed from this fruit will produce a better tree
than from that grown- on a short lived tree.

14 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

Mr. Webster — I have talked with men who think we can prop-
agate a variety forever without loss, but I think there is a constant
tendency to revert back to the original type. Mr. Cope says the
Ben Davis is not what it was years ago, and it may be accounted for
on this theory.

Col. Brackett — Wa should discriminate between growing seed-
lings for fruit and stock. If for fruit we should select seed from
the best fruit and hardiest trees, but if for stocks, it makes but little
difference about the parent.

Mr. Vaughan offered the following resolution :

Resolved, That this Society condemns the practice of propagating
trees from seeds of any but varieties of known hardiness.

Resolution laid on the table. Adjourned.

TUESDAY AFTERNOON.

The President called the house to order at the appointed time
and requested Miss Josie Collins to favor us with the promised selec-
tion of music, after which he proceeded to deliver his

ANXUAL ADDRESS.
BY H. M. DUNLAP, SAVOY.

One short year ago this society convened in the city of Prince-
ton and elected one of its veteran workers, Mr. Milo Barnard as pre-
siding officer for the ensuing year.

It was an honor well earned and cordially bestowed. Always
an active member, Mr. Barnard entered upon the duties of his new
position with characteristic energy and enthusiasm. His plans for
the year were well laid and active work begun when death summoned
him from his labors here to a beautiful home in the garden of
Paradise. To others more able have been assigned the privilege of
bestowing a fitting eulogy upon the life of Mr. Barnard. In his
death our society has lost an efficient worker, an able presiding
officer and the cause of horticulture an enthusiastic teacher.

The loss of Mr. Barnard brings forcibly to our minds the fact
that to make this Society effective and perpetual, younger men and
women who are interested in horticultural work must come forward
and lend their earnest efforts toward success by becoming active
workers and members of this Society. This meeting will witness a

STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 15

departure in this direction in the devoting of one whole session to
the younger members. I trust their interest will not stop there but
continue through all the sessions and manifest itself by an active
part in the discussions.

The past season has its lessons, and not the least of them is
the renewal of faith in fruit growing by the people of Central and
Northern Illinois, caused by the bountiful crop of fruit, especially of
apples, in those sections of the State. A remark in open meeting by
a prominent member of this Society that the " people in Central and
Northern Illinois would have to depend on Southern Illinois in the
future for their apples," seems to have been rather premature. The
good effects will be seen in the increased number of trees that will
be planted this coming spring. In view of this fact we can see the
importance of recommending, so far as practicable, a good fruit list
at this meeting for the several districts of the State, as a guide to
the planter. A committee might be appointed to report such a list
to the Society for discussion.

The most important matter of the year is the beginning of
horticultural experiments at the State Experimental Station at
Champaign. Each of the three important agricultural interests of
the State, viz: the Horticultural, Agricultural and Dairying interests
have a representative on the board of directors of the station. This
action of the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois in
securing the cooperation of these Associations was a wise one, and
deserves the thanks of this Society for recognizing the importance
of horticulture in the State and the State Society as the representa-
tive of that interest. The importance of this work to the fruit
grower can scarcely be overestimated, and when the subject comes
before the Society, through the report of the committee, I trust it
will receive the attention it deserves. The horticultural part of this
work should receive the cordial support of this Societ}- and the indi-
vidual members. Instead of paying fabulous prices individually for
every new variety that comes forward, they should be referred to this
station for testing and the fruit grower could demand of the ''meek
and lowly" tree agent a certificate of character from this station
before investing two dollars in his ever-bearing strawberry, curculio-
proof plum or iron-clad apple. The reputation of this experimental
station should be such as shall commend it to the fruit growers of
the State. Let the experiments carried oa be of live, practical
questions, and not of dead issues, and success is assured.

The many questions of interest to fruit growers are well covered
by the programme and I will not trespass upon your time further.

This Society has now completed a third of a century of its history
and it is a history of which its members may well be proud. Here
in the city of its first inception it has come to hold its thirty-third
annual meeting; here where it began to creep it has come as a

16 TEANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

stalwart man back to the old home of its infancy. May it go
forward to as great success in the future as it has achieved in the
past.

Mr. Minkler — During the year we have lost two valuable men,
Milo Barnard, President of the State Society, and D. W. Scott, Presi-
dent of the Northern Society. I move that a committee be appointed
to take proper action in relation to their death.

Motion adopted, and Mr. Minkler and Mr. Mortimer named as
the committee.

Mr. Minkler — I think that Indiana and Ohio are now holding
their annual meetings, if so, I move that the greetings of this Society
be telegraphed them. Carried.

SECRETARY'S REPORT.

BY A. C. HAMMOIvrD, WARSAW.

It is our pleasure to assemble here, on the banks of the " Father
of Waters, " in the goodly city of Alton, noted throughout the land
for the superior quality of its fruit, and for having been, and still
being, the home of some of the most successful horticulturists of the
age, to hold our thirty-third annual meeting.

We assemble with every assurance that the meeting will be of
more than ordinary interest and» the attendance larger than usual.
The year has been one of more than ordinary prosperity and we
meet to-day under very favorable circumstances, yet we are sadden-
ed by the thought that our honored President has gone to the spirit
land, that we shall miss his pleasant face and cordial greeting and
no more profit by his wise counsel, yet we have special reason to be
thankful that his mantle has fallen on one so willing and capable to
take up the work and carry it forward.

Our last volume — No. 21 — was issued more promptly than any
previous one. The Secretary by remaining in the office and doing
the necessary work there and employing a proof-reader to read proof
at the office of publication, was able to put it in the hands of read-
ers the tenth of February, fifty days from the close of the meeting.
Judging from the numerous commendations received I think this
prompt publication very satisfactory to the members of the Society
as well as other readers and that it is the universal wish to have the
forthcoming volume published just as promptly and I know of no
reason why it cannot be done. The Messrs. Franks, as usual, gave
us a carefully printed, well bound and handsomely finished book.

STATE HORTICULTUKAL SOCIETY. 17

At the time u£ the Springfield meeting of the Executive Board
we had a confereuce with Gov. Oglesby relative to the proper time
for and best method of observing "Arbor Day.'" Asa result of this
conference the Governor, by proclamation, appointed the 13th of
April as Arbor Day. This Society followed the proclamation with
a circular which was distributed throughout the State, and sent to
every paper published within our borders^ calling attention to the
importance of the work, and naming lists of trees suitable for plant-
ing in parks, lawns, streets, county roads, school-house grounds and
cemeteries.

Judging from the published reports of its observance and the
great number of private letters I have received relating to the mat-
ter, I am sure that the vvork of this Society caused the planting of
hundreds of thousands of trees in school and church yards and
cemeteries, as well as about the farm and village homes of our
people.

This question of tree planting upon our public grounds and
highways and about our rural homes, as well as other methods of
ornamentation, is the legitimate work of this Society, and it is
doubtless our duty, with each returning spring, both by precept and
example, to do all in our power to make the day a success.

As I said a year ago, so I say again, that we should do some
earnest work in the way of distributing our publications and extend-
ing our influence into those portions of the State that have no
knowledge of the objects and work of this Society; and possibly you
may think it an exaggeration when I say that more than half of the
counties of the State, and some that boast of tens of thousands of
dollars invested in orchards, are never represented at our meeting
and never see our "" Transactions " ; and you ma}^ be still more
astonished when I tell you that I have conversed and corresponded
with men who have thousands of dollars invested in fruit-growing
who scarcely know that there is such an institution in existence as
the State Horticultural Society.

Something should be done to learn more of these fine fruit
regions and secure their cooperation and assistance. This work
properly belongs to the ad-interim commitk;es, but they are, of
course, composed of practical horticulturists, who can give but a
limited amount of time to the work. The only remedy 1 can suggest
is to make the committees larger and divide the work.

When we can properly do this work an interest will be aroused
in the objects of the Society that will result in planting orchards and
small fruit plantations and gardens, as well as in encouraging every
description of ornamental work, thus adding greatly to the wealth
and beauty of the State, as well as the health and happiness of our
people.

18 TKANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

In attempting to do this, as well as many other branches of our
work, we find ourselves hampered for means. Some of our own
people fail to realize the fact that Illinois is a state of vast pro-
portions and wonderfully diversified soil and climate, covering an
area of six degrees of latitude ; that in the extreme north only the
ironclads will succeed, while the southern portion is the favorite
home of the peach. They do not seem to understand that this great
Empire State of the West, with its millions invested in commercial
fruit growing, with its hundreds of thousands of farmers who do not
yet realize the importance of supplying their families with fruit and
vegetables, and its hundreds of thousands of rural homes that lack
those elements of a perfect home, — an orchard, garden, a w^ll-kept
lawn and shade and ornamental trees, requires a larger outlay of
means to properly do the work expected of a Society like this than a
State of one-fifth or one-tenth of our area and with a homeogeneous
soil and climate.

The sum that has been annually appropriated to our Society by
the State would probably be ample for some of the smaller States,
but is totally inadequate for Illinois.

I have heard the remark made by members of this Society that
our taxes are high, and we must be careful about burdening the
farmers, who pay most of the revenue. All very true, but did it ever
occur to you what an enormous burden it would impose on the
400,000 families of the State if the legislature should grant us an
appropriation of $5,000 per annum, — which we need. Why, if we
do not take into consideration the other taxable property of the
State, but assess the whole amount on these 400,000 families, it will
actually cost them a cent and a quarter apiece.

I have every confidence that if we ask the incoming legislature
for an appropriation sufficient to publish ten or twenty thousand
copies of our report and do other important work — if presented in
a proper manner and followed up with energy — it will be granted.

The Society is under special obligations to the Illinois Central
and Wabash Railways for passes, by means of which the ad-interhii
and other work of the Society has been done at a very small expense ;
and if other railroads ^ would exercise the same far-seeing policy it
would be increasing their business and enhaacing the value of
property along their lines and add greatly to their profits.

Since my last Annual Report the following orders have been
drawn on the Treasurer :

Dec. 15, 1887— Appropriation to Northern Society $ 50.00

Dec. 14, 1887— E. A. Riehl, expense of Board Meetiug 27 . 35

Dec. 14, 1887— J. S. Browne, expense of Board Meeting 27 . 15

Dec. 14, 1887— T. E. Goodrich, expense of Board Meeting 20.51

Amount carried forward !$125 . 01

STATE HOKTICULTUEAL SOCIETY.

19

Dec.

14,

Dec.

14,

Dec.

14,

Dec.

14,

Dec.

15,

Dec.

15,

Dec.

15,

Dec.

15,

Dec.

15,

Dec.

15,

Dec.

15,

Dec.

15,

Dec.

15,

Dec.

15,

Dec.

15,

Dec.

15,

Dec.

15,

Dec,

15,

Dec.

15,

Dec.

15,

Dec.

15,

Dec.

15,

Dec.

15,

Dec.

15,

Dec.

15,

Jan.

6,

Jan.

6,

Jan.

6,

Jan.

6,

Jan.

6,

Jan.

6,

Feb.

4,

Feb.

4,

Feb.

4,

Feb.

4.

Feb.

14,

Feb.

14,

Mch.

21,

Mch.

21,

May

31,

June

14,

Sept.

5,

Sept.

5,

Amount brouo;ht forward ^125.01

1887 — J. S. Browne, expense ad-interim work 26.70

1887 — H. K. Vickroy, commission 47 . 72

1887— A. C. Hammond, expense Board Meeting 23.61

1887— A. C. Hammond, bill of Secretary 195.60

1887— W. R. Grain, premium 40.00

1887— C. B. Rockwell, premium 41 .50

1887— J. T. Johnson, premium 20.50

1887— E. W. Bryant, premium 4.00

1887— L. R. Bryant, premium 12.00

188*7— Jacob Auer, premium 7.00

1887— J. S. Browne, premium 9.00

1887— F. W. Poscharsky, premium 7 00

1867— A. H. Gaston, premium .50

1887— F. C. Johnson, premium 4.00

1887 — Charles Patterson, expense bill 14.75

1887— Bessie M. Nash, Assistant Secretary 20.00

1887— E. A. Riehl, premium 45.00

1887— Delano & Son, premium 10.00

1887— D. H. Gray, expense Board Meeting 4.68

1887— C. N. Dennis, expense Board Meeting 12 . 09

1887 — A. C. Hammond, premium and ad-interim 53.00

1887 — Len. Small, expense Board Meeting 14.55

1887— S. F. Conner, premium 3 .00

1887— J. T. Johnson, reporting 20.00

1887 — J. Webster, special premium 8.00

1888— D. H. Gray, expense Board Meeting 13.57

1888- J. S. Browne, expense Board Meeting 9.50

1888 — C. N. Dennis, expense Board Meeting 11 .83

1888— Milo Barnard, expense Board Meeting 13.80

1888— E. A. Riehl, expense Board Meeting 11.35

1888— A. C. Hammond, expense Board Meeting 14 .55

1888— Bessie M. Nash, expense proof-reading 40.30

1888— J. W. Franks & Sons, printing 500.00

1888— Phil. Dallam, printing bill 21 . 75

1888— C. N. Dennis, cash advanced 7 . 65

1888- J. ^Y. Franks & Sons, printing 316 . 74

1888— A. C. Hammond, cash advanced 71 .30

1888- Phil. Dallam, printing 11.75

1888— A. C. Hammond, cash advanced 18.00

1888— Phil. Dallam, printing 4.45

1888— A. 0. Hammond, salary I.jO.OO

1888— S. F Conner, appropriation Southern Society 50.00

1888— Frank Heinl, appropriation Central Society 50.00

Total $2,085.75

I

iJO TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

The expenditures and receipts of the Secretary's Office has been
as follows :

EXPENDITURES.

Postage on Premium Lists $ 2 . 50

Postage on Books 29.52

Postage on Circulars 13.50

Postage on Programmes 6.00

Letter Postage 23.00

Postage on Stationery 76

Postal Cards 4.00

Wrapping Paper, Twine, Eegistering Packages 3 . 50

Expense, Trip to Peoria 11 .65

Express on Books 70

Express on (3opy 1 . 20

Express on Exchanges 9. 10

Express from Peoria .50

Express on Order Book 25

Freight and Drayage 7 . 95

Shelving and Curtains for Library 19.80

Box for Books 35

Trip to Chicago 18.00

Trip to Griggsvile 2.85

Entry Book 1.20

Telegrams 2.46

Incidentals 4 . 45

Office Help 50 . 00

Salary 300.00

Stationery 5 . 00

Postage on Books 30

Railroad Guides 75

Express on Books 1 . 10

Total $520.39

llECEIPTS.

Feb. 14— Order 357 $ 71.30

Mch. 21— Order 2 18.50

June 14— Order 4 150.00

Membership Fees 17.00

Total $256 . 20

Balance due Secretary $264.09

STATE HOETICULTURAL SOCIETY. "^ 21

TEEASUREK'S REPORT.

H. K. ViCKROY, Treasurer.

In account with the Illinois State Horticultural Society.

RECEIPTS.

Dec. 15, 1887— To cash— Balance $ 641 .99

Dec. 15, 1887— " " Membership fees and badges 122.15

Dec. 15, 1887— " " State Appropriation 2000.00

Dec. 15, 1887— " " A.C.Hammond 18.00— $2,782.14

disbursements.

No. of Order.

Dec. 15, 1887— J. S. Browne j ^2^ $53.85

Dec. 15, 1887— A. C. Hammond j 32^ 219.21

Dee. 15, 1887— James T. Johnson 344 20.00

Dec. 15, 1887— E. A. Riehl 318 27.35

Dec. 15, 1887— L«n. Small 342 14.55

Dec. 15, 1887— D. H. Gray 340 4.68

Dec. 15, 1887— ex. Dennis 341 12.09

Dec. 15. 1887— J. S. Browne 332 9.00

Dec. 15, 1887— A. H. Gaston 334 .50

Dec. 15, 1887— Miss Bessie Nash 330 20 . 00

Dec. 15, 1887— E. A. Riehl — 45.00

Dec. 15, 1887— James T. Johnson 326 20.50

Dec. 15, 1887— A. C. Hammond 329 53.00

Dec. 15, 1887— H.K Vickroy 321 47.72

Dec. 15, 1887— T. E. Goodrich 319i 20.51

Dec. 17, 1887— Delano & Son 336 10.00

Dec. 19, 1887— S. F. Conner 343 3.00

Dec. 20, 1887— Jabez Webster 345 8 .00

Dec. 20, 1887— W. R. Grain 324 40.00

Dec. 2L 1887— F. C. Johnson — 4.00

Dec. 22, 1887— E. W. Bryant 327 4.00

Dec. 22, 1887— F. W. Poscharsky 333 7.00

Dec. 27, 1887— Jacob Auer • 331 7.00

Dec. 27, 1887— L. R. Bryant 328 12.00

Dec. 27, 1887— Chas. Patterson 337 14 . 75

Jan. 14, 1888— D. H. Gray 346 13.57

Jan. 14, 1888— J. S. Browne 347 9.50

Jan. 14, 1888— Milo Barnard 249 13.80

Jan. 14, 1888-C. N. Dennis 349^ 11.83

Jan. 14, 1888— E. A. Riehl 350 11.35

Jan. 14, 1888— A. C. Hammond 351 14.55

Amount carried forward $752 . 31

22 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

Amount brought forward ^ 8752.31

Jan. 14, 1888— C. B. Rockwell 325 41.50 '

Feb. 13, 1888— Phil. Dallam 354 21 . 75

Feb. 16, 1888— Miss Bessie Nash 352 40 . 30

Feb. 20, 1888— J. W. Franks & Sons 353 500.00

Feb. 22, 1888— C. N. Dennis 355 7 .65

Feb. 27, 1888— A. C. Hammond 357 71 .30

Feb. 28, 1888— J. W. Franks & Sons 356 316 . 74

Mch. 5, 1888— L. Woodward — 50.00

Mch. 22, 1888— A. C. Hammond 2 18.00

Apl. 14, 1«88— Phil. Dallam 1 11.75

June 17, 1888— Frank Heinl 6 50.00

June 18, 1888— Phil. Dallam 3 4.45

June 25, 1888— A. C. Hammond 4 150.00

Sept. 13, 1888— S. F. Conner 5 50.00—12,085.75

Balance $696.39

Respectfully submitted,

H. K. VICKROY, Treasurer.

Mr. Riehl — I move that the reports of the Secretary and
Treasurer be referred to the Executive Board. Motion adopted.

FARMERS' KITCHEN GARDEN.

BY G. W. M CLEUR, CHAMPAIGN.

It is an old and familiar saying that "distance lends enchant-
ment to view," and it may be for this reason that the work of taking
care of a kitchen garden does not seem invested with the same
terrors that it must have had to me when I was not big enough to
plow, but was big enough to pull out weeds in the garden where they
were, to the best of my knowledge and belief, ten thousand weeds to
one onion or radish or beet. One couldn't use a hoe because the
rows were planted too close together and the plants were too close
together in the row. I didn't want to pull out any plants because
they were so little, that if one had been pulled out, the rest would
have been lost. And there was the first mistake we made. The
rows of vegetables were planted too close together and the seed was
planted too thickly. It would have been better if the rows of car-
rots had been eighteen inches or two feet apart, instead of eight or
ten inches, and if there had been two good plants in twelve inches,
than twelve poor plants in two inches of row.

Weeds will grow in the garden as well as anywhere else. We
used to leave the weeds because the other things were so small and
there was danger of pulling out other things besides weeds. When

«

STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 23

the radishes were big enough to be seen, we couldn't see them
because the weeds were larger than the radishes. We waited then
until the ground was so wet the fields were unfit to work and then
pulled weeds in the garden ; they pulled easier then. The weeds do
not come to the common farms alone. While looking over one of
the State experiment stations this fall I happened to get sight of
a kitchen garden belonging to the Professor of Agriculture, because
my attendant told me so, but if there had been a watermelon in that
garden as big as a barrel, it could not have been seen five rods away
because of the weeds. The way not to have weeds in your garden
or anywhere else is to keep them from going to seed. Of course a
few seeds will be carried in, but they are not to be compared to the
thousands and tens of thousands t^t would be produced by a few
weeds left to go to seed.

Kill the weeds when they are small. It won't take long when
the weeds are first appearing to go over the ground with a garden
rake, and that would be all that is necessary ; but if you wait until
they are larger, until che weed roots have a firm hold on the soil, it
is not so quickly done. If you have planted your rows of vegetables
eighteen inches or two feet apart and in rows the full length of the
garden, you could take one of those cultivator harrows of chaugable
width and cultivate with a horse. It would take much less time
besides being more thoroughly done.

A good farmer will not cultivate his own corn when the ground
is too wet, and the same reasons that apply to the cultivation of
corn will apply to the cultivation of the garden. Cultivate often
and cultivate thoroughly.

We made our garden up in beds about four feet wide and eight
or ten or twenty feet long, and there were paths around every bed.
This was done that the weeds might be pulled out without stepping
among the vegetables to pack down the soil. We don't do that
now, but plant everything in long, straight rows with room enough
to walk without stepping on plants.

We planted lettuce, onions, radishes, etc., in the spring as soon
as it was warm enough and the ground was in good condition to
work. Sometimes there would be other plantings of these things
later in the season and sometimes not. I don't think we were an
exceptionally thriftless lot of people. All these little things take
time, and a farmer doesn't like to lose time from the things that
look big for the things that are small. The garden never brings in
any money as the field of corn or the hogs that may be grown on
the corn do. And in the case of a great many of us it is the money
in view that is the great incentive to work. Now if the garden
vegetables were to be grown in long rows so they could be cultivated
with horsepower, instead of boy or woman-power, it would take
much less time and be very much more satisfactory. Land is not so

I

24 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

valuable yet that things need be crowded. Then plant your rows of
vegetables two feet apart, cultivate with a horse harrow, and make
fragment plantings of such things as lettuce, radishes, beans, peas,
sweetcorn, etc. Plant along one side of your garden a row of grape
vines and keep them thoroughly cultivated; next beside that put a
row of red raspberries, then of black raspberries, then gooseberries
and currants, then three or four rows of strawberries. The straw-
berries, of course, are not to be cultivated after the first season for
they must be mulched to keep them clean, and it hardly pays \,o
cultivate an old patch.

If a frame could be made in some corner and covered with glass
or oiled cloth, such as gardener's use, some things that are nearly
hardy might be planted in theiji much earlier than could be done in
the open ground. In this way peas and some other things could be
had two or three weeks earlier than if planted at the usual time.
Lettuce is nearly a hardy plant and by sowing late, say August,
could be had until in November. Bv covering snap beans that were
planted late with some old cloth, gfeen beans could be had in many
cases for at least a month after the first killing frost. It is hard to
coax tomatoes to come early, but by picking off the green ones that
nearly have their full size and laying them away in a dry cellar,
they will ripen gradually and may be had until Christmas, though
they are hardly as good as those that ripen naturally on the vine.

Do not try all the new varieties of vegetables that are offered by
seedraen. Many of them will never be heard of after two or three
years. The novelties in tomatoes that ripen ten days earlier than
any other tomato are sure to be disappointing. Because a variety
of corn has "extra" prefixed to its name is no guarantee that it is
any earlier than the same variety without the extra, and adding the
word "sugar" to the name will not make it any sweeter or better in
any way. There have been many changes in names of watermelons,
but have never seen any larger than my father raised twenty years
ago in his cornfield, or any better than our neighbors raised in
theirs.

Do not try to raise too many varieties of vegetables. If you
have two varieties of sweetcorn or tomatoes, or most of the other
things, you are better off and will be better satisfied than if you
tried to raise a dozen.

Mr. Pearson — I know but little about the theory of gardening,
but claim to have some practical knowledge of it. I claim that we
do have better melons, and sweet corn, and peas than our grand-
fathers had, and that we have made some very gratifying progress in
this direction. We cannot name a fruit that has been so much im-
proved as some of these vegetables. To make a success of gardening

STATE HORTICULTUBAL SOCIETY. 25

on the farm the planting must be in rows, and so arranged that most
of the cultivation can be done with a horse and cultivator.

Dr. Hall — Where the garden is of considerable size horse culti-
vation can be introduced, but in small gardens, in town, it is not
practicable.

Mr. Riehl — We should remember that the qu^^stion before us is
" Farmers' Kitchen Gardens," and not gardens in village lots. I
agree with Mr. Pearson in regard to the advance that has been made
in gardening, but think we need a greater variety in some lines, par-
ticularly sweet corn, that we may have a succession from the earliest
to the latest. Salsify is a vegetable that should be better known,
and more generally grown.

Mr. Coe — The principal reason why farmers neglect their garden
is that they do not know how small an amount of money and labor is
required for the purpose. If properly planted and cultivated with
the improved implements an excellent garden can be had very
cheaply. i

Mr. Webster — A great part of garden work does not pay unless
we employ horse labor and use the improved tools. I have bought
a great many, some are valuable, and others worthless.

Mr. Pearson — It is a fact that the majority of farmers do not
have their tables properly supplied with vegetables. This is partly
because they do not know how to cultivate cheaply, and partly from
lack of knowledge what to plant. I should like to see a committee
appointed to recommend a list for this purpose.

Mr. Cook — I move that the chair appoint such a committee of
which Mr. Pearson shall be chairman. The motion prevailed, and
Mr. Pearson, Mr. Doan and Mr. McCleur appointed.

Mr. Gilham — I don't know anything about horticulture, but do
profess to know something about gardening. A mule is much better
than a horse for this kind of work, as he can be educated to put his
foot down in the right place every time. I have raised acres of
melons and kept them clean with a mule and cultivator without the
use of a hoe. If you don't want weeds in the garden, don't let them
go to seed. It is not very difficult to keep them down in the spring.

26 TKANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

but in October I am afraid that even Brother Pearson will have some
weeds.

Thirty-three years ago your Society held a meeting in this city,
at which a list of apples was recommended for the different portions
of the State, which has been worth millions to our people. You
have made progress in this third of a century. You are doing a
grand work, and should be liberally aided by the State.

AD-INTERIM REPORT FOR NORTHERN ILLINOIS.
BY ARTHUR BRYANT.

Having had no expectation of acting on the Ad-Interim Com-
mittee until very late in the season, and being very much pressed
with other duties since that time, I have had but little time 4;o pre-
pare anything for a report, and must beg the indulgence of the
Society while T read a few notes, which I have hastily put together.

A report like this to be thorough, means a considerable time
spent in travel and a more detailed study into the matter under con-
sideration, than I have been able to give it since the duty devolved
upon me.

Consequently my remarks apply to the district in general or else
to the particular locality in which I reside.

As all know, during the past few years the fruit interests
throughout the Northwest have suffered severely. In many cases
not only the large, but also the small fruit being affected. However,
where orchards and fruit plantations were healthy, this season has
been a fruitful one, and the agriculturists throughout the North-
west have had a bountiful harvest.

The apple crops has been the largest for many years, and the
fruit is very much sounder than usual, on account of the codling
moth not being so plentiful as formerly.

The past year has been more favorable to tree growth than for
several previous seasons.

In old orchards that have had attention, the trees look better,
many of them putting forth new branches.

They seem to be renewing their vigor and in most localities the
major part of them have borne a good crop of fruit.

With us, both in the nursery and orchards, the leaf roller,
skeletonizer and many other insects that prey on our trees, have
made a marked decrease in their numbers, and have been much less
destructive than usual.

In the nursery, I sprayed a part of my trees once, and some
twice, with London Purple, with a view of destroying the leaf

STATE HOKTICULTUEAL SOCIETY. 27

roller and perhaps the skeletouizer, but as their work was very
slight this season, I received no appreciable benefit from it.

Of the leaf roller there seemed to be no second crop.

Early in the season there were about as many as usual, and 1
fully expected we should have to tight them all summer; but in the
fall scarcely any of them could be found. In that respect our trees
being unusually clean and nice.

This was not due to my spraying with London Purple, as there
were no more signs of the roller on the trees that had not been
sprayed at all, than upon those which I had sprayed twice. The
same was the case in my neighborhood, where orchards were sprayed
for the codling moth. As far as my knowledge extends, the fruit
was as sound in the orchards that were not spra3'ed, as in those that
were attended to faithfully.

My explanation of this is; that for some reason the second crop
of the apple worm failed to put in an appearance, and the result was
an unusually clean crop of fruit.

However, I had one serious trouble, that checked the growth of
my trees to a considerable extent, early in the summer. I refer to
the leaf hopper. This insect affected the growth of my trees more
than anything else, and its effect was especially noticeable on the
younger ones. Old and well established trees not seeming to be
injured by them.

So far as I know, no practical and effective remedy for this pest
has been found.

The blight of certain varieties has damaged the orchard trees
in some localities to a considerable extent, but still not as seriously
as in former years. In this district, the nursery trees have not been
much affected by it. In our orchards, the Willow and some of the
crabs seem to have suffered the most.

My observations would not lead me to consider that high culti-
vation is likely to increase the liability of the apple to blight.
Some of the worst cases of blight which have come to my notice,
have occurred on land of ordinary fertility, that had never been
highlv manured or fertilized in any way.

While on a trip through Central and Western Iowa this fall, I
found a great deal of this trouble in most of the nurseries in certain
localities, and on some varieties it was very bad. The so-called
Russian varieties seem to be the most easily affected by this trouble.
No very effectual remedy has been found. Some have tried cutting
out the diseased portion. To be at all effectual, I think this should
be done as soon as the blight appears, and the diseased portion
entirely removed, or it will avail but little in checking the disease.

This was the year for the periodical return of the Cicada? or
seventeen-year locusts. They made their appearance in a large por-
tion of the Northern District. On old trees and where there were

28 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

plenty of branches for them to lay their eggs in, the damage done
was slight, but where young trees were planted close to timber, or
where an orchard had been planted ou timber land cleared since the
larvae went into the ground, the trees suffered severely. I know of
a few young orchards planted on such locations that were almost
entirely ruined. But we have little need to fear them, their visits
come so seldom, although where they do appear they sometimes
destroy the labor of years.

The cold weather early in the season, and the killing of the
first bloom by late frosts, made the first picking of strawberries
unusually late.

These frosts and the continued dry weather while ripening,
made the crop in our vicinity light, and the later pickings small.
However, the general supply seemed to be ample and berries of good
quality were plentiful.

Of varieties that are planted, I think the Crescent still predomi-
nates, and where well fertilized gives entire satisfaction. The lack
of fertilization is one of the great causes of failures with many of
the pistillate varieties of strawberries. Capt. Jack and May King
are used by many as fertilizers.

One experienced planter said that in planting fourteen acres
for profit, he would plant ten acres of Crescent, fertilized with May
King and four acres of Windsor Chief, fertilized with Capt. Jack.

On old plantations Bubach No. 5 has done finely, but the new,
or last year's setting, did not seem to fruit so well. Whether this
was due to frosts or dry weather, I am not decided.

Warfield's No. 2, Jessie, and several other varieties were planted,
but the experience this season will not warrant any expression of
opinion, further than that the growth of the two varieties named,
was very satisfactory.

Raspberries, where the plantations were not too old and weak-
ened, in some cases were a fair crop. From present indications I
think that the plantations of raspberries will necessarily have to be
renewed quite frequently, on account of the effect of insect enemies
and summer drouths. In small plots, heavy mulching is practicable
and I think it would lengthen the life of the plants and increase the
quantity and quality of the fruit.

The Gregg and Souhegan are mostly planted, but the Ohio is
gaining favor with those who have tested it. Shaffer's Colossal, when
it winters well, is a colossal in size, growth and bearing. Mine were
seriously injured last winter, though from what cause I have not
fully determined, as the wood seemed fairly well ripened in the fall.
This is one of the most profitable raspberries, with me, for notwith-
standing the injury to the bushes, we received fully as much fruit
to the acre from as from any other variety.

The Snyder Blackberry is the only variety planted to any extent.

STATE HOETICULTURAL SOCIETY. 29

Young plantations had good crops, but old ones suffered from weak-
ness in the canes and dry weather.

This year grapes were all very late in ripening, and the later
varieties were not well matured and lacked in flavor.

For a short time in the summer there was a period of damp,
mugg}- weather that was favorable to the developement of fungus
growth. This started the rot on our grapes that were in condition
to be affected by it. Concords suffered but little. Worden, Salem,
Agawam, Lindley and Elvira suffered a good deal. What fruit was
not injured within this short period ripened nicely. Brighton and
Perkins ripened a good crop of line fruit.

Plums and Cherries were all destroyed by spring frosts. The
trees made a fine growth and we hope will give us some returns
another year.

The larger part of the old cherry trees in Northern Illinois are
dead, or nearly so. But those which have been planted within the
last three years are growing finely, are healthy trees, and promise to
give us plenty of fruit in the near future.

As far as health and vigor are concerned I think that we have
reached a turning point in our horticultural experience. Only by
eternal vigilance, continued work, both with head and hands, we of
the northwest can expect to succeed in growing fruits. But I feel
confident, that eventually some way or method will be found, to
destroy or render harmless, the attacks of the enemies of our fruits.
Much has already been done in this direction and with the increased
facilities at command I look for many valuable experiments and
tests, in the near future.

Mr. Augustine — I would like to ask Mr. Bryant whether he

refers to the leaf roller or the skeletouizer. The roller rolls itself

up in the leaf and will, I think be hard to reach with poison. I

think the skeletonizer does the most damage in the orchard, but in

the nursery the leaf roller is the most to be feared, as they not

only destroy the leaves, but by injuring the central branch or leader,

spoil the shape of the tree.

The President named the following committees:

On Plates — Col. G. B. Brackett, of Iowa.

Collections — Northern Illinois, H. Mortimer. <

Central Illinois, Benj, Buckman.

Southern Illinois, J. G. Vaughan.
Miscdlaneous — H. L. Doan.
Vegetables — Dr. Lyman Hall.
Neiv Fruits — C. B. Rockwell.

I

30 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

On motion it was ordered that the time of meeting be fixed at
10 A. M., 2 p. M. and 7:30 p. m.
Adjourned.

TUESDAY EVENING.

This session was devoted entirely to the young people, and that
they performed their part as well or better than the older ones we
think all will admit.

THE CHOICE OF A VOCATION.

4

BY FRANK 0. RIEHL.

Many and varied are the occupations of men; from the dude
who promenades the city streets, the picture of indolence and self-
conceit, to the statesman who, from the council chamber, rules the
fate of nations. All the great family of humanity moving by many
different roads, yet all traveling in the same direction, and each
striving to outstrip the other in the race to the same goal — happiness.
Taking together all the pursuits of men, I think we may divide
them into two great classes, those derived from direct communica-
tion with nature, and those one step removed and dependent upon
the first; those of the fields, and those of the city. As horticultur-
ists we have to do only with the former.

There comes a time in every boy's life when he begins to think
of the future. In that wonderful period of transformation when
the toys of childhood and the careless indifference of youth are laid
aside forever and the boy becomes a man. Aroused from his trance
by the kindly injunctions of a solicitous parent, or it may be by the
tender power of love, he suddenly awakes to the realization that he
cannot always be dependent and must choose his path of life. He
stands, as it were, on the threshold of home, and, gazing out into
the great, wide world cries out: Oh! though great and mighty
world what has thou in store for me? Thou owest me a living;
which, of all thy many occupations, shall I follow the easiest to gain
that living ?

Thinking that there may be some farmer boys of Illinois asking
that question to-day, I will attempt to answer it from a horticultural
standpoint.

It is one of the fatalities of human nature to be dissatisfied with
its present lot and to long for something better, and the trouble with
this as with all other distempers of the mind is that it cannot be

STATE HOETICULTUEAL SOCIETY. 31

reasoned with. Anything that will bring a change of circumstances
appears to the dissatisfied spirit in the light of an beckoning angel.

Thus it is that many a farmer boy, who has grown up in the
pure and healthful air of the country becomes dissatisfied with his
old home and longs for a change. It may be that he has gone to
the city and, attracted by its brilliance and splendor, he longs to
become one of the festive crowd. Oh, my friend beware how you
submit to this delusion; you have gone to the theater and were
attracted by the glare of lights, the music and the brilliant scenery,
but have you been behind the scenes? Do you know that all this
outward splendor and gayety is only a hollow mockery? Ah! how
many a poor fellovv has left home and friends, attracted by this
false light, and afterwards atoned for it by a life of misery and
regret. You are attracted by the wealth and festive gayeties of the
city, but have you ever thought that it is all dependent for life upon
those who "with sun-trod faces and horn-gloved hands" till the soil
and make the earth to bring forth fruits, and must turn for
support to the children of toil, the lords of creation, the son of the
soil ?

I would not disparage the city. It is all right in its place and
and as necessary to the support of the country as the country is to
it. But let each remain in his own sphere. Statistics show that
sixty per cent, of the country lads who have gone to the city have
failed, and it affords us but small comfort to reflect that ninety-five
per cent, of those who have come from the citv to the country have
done likewise. You have grown up surrounded by the beauties and
simplicities of nature, and she has done for you all that a fond
mother can do for her child. And if you will abide with her and do
your duty as you should, she promises you a good living — more than
many get in the city — and health of mind and body, which is worth
more than all the riches of Vanderbilt and Gould. And if happi-
ness and content are to be had on earth surely you will find them
here.

When Adam first came to the Garden of Eden he came as a
horticulturist to tend the garden of the Lord, and had he been con-
tent to stay and perform this duty he might have saved himself and
us a vast amount of trouble; but he did not have principle enough
to resist the voice of fiattery, and it would seem that all following
generations have inherited his weakness.

" Ah! yes," says Dr. Taltnage in a recent sermon, " the fields were
honored. The old shepherds with plaid and crook have gone, but
instead we have all those who toil in the fields. All vine-dressers,
all orchardists, all husbandmen. Not only on the Christmas night
but all up and down the worlds history God has been honoring the
fields. Nearly all the Messiahs of reform, and literature, and elo-
quence, and law, and benevolence have come from the fields. And

32 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

before this world is right the overflowing populations of our cities
will have to take to the fields. Instead of ten merchants in rivalry
as to who shall sell that one apple, we want at least eight of them
to go out and raise apples. When the shepherd's crook was upon
that famous night set against the wall of the Bethlehem kahn, it
was a prophesy of the time when the thresher's flail, and farmer's
plow, and woodman's axe, and ox's yoke, and sheaf-binder's rake shall
surrender to the Grod who made the country, as man made the town."
While I do not think with Dr. Talmage that eight out of every
ten of our merchants should come out and raise apples, yet we surely
do not want half of our farmer boys to go to the city and compete
with those merchants in selling what apples we grow. It is true
that the horticulturist does not often acquire great riches, but he
enjoys many priceless blessings which his wealthy brother of the
city never knows.

" Honest and fearless, free and glad.
A very prince is he!
At peace with God, in love with truth,
With man in harmony."

It has been said that contentment is the sweetest and also the
rarest drop in the cup of life, but I believe that if it is anywhere to
be found it is in the quiet retreat of a horticultural home. Why
then should we envy our brethren of the city the wealth and splen-
dor which is theirs?

We care not for honor, we care not for wealth,
We ask but a living, contentment and health.

It is not only Washington who has declared horticulture the
the noblest of all occupations, the experience of man since the
beginning of time, has proven, and nature declares it, to be so. He
who labors in the fields and tills the soil lives in direct communica-
tion with nature, and to him she gives her choicest gifts. Here
alone is true originality, and all the countless ministers of God teach
their endless lessons of peace, purity and love.

He who turns his back upon the country and betakes to the city,
forsakes the holy temple of nature, to become a worshiper of the
machinations of man. God made the country, man the town, which
will you choose?

Are you ambitious? Your being a farmer will not prevent you
from becoming famous if you have in you the right material. Every
man is judged for just about what he is worth here on earth, and if
you are a genius the world will find it out in time enough. It were
needless to recount the names of those who have gone from the fields
to fame and fortune. SuflSce it to say that the brightest names

STATE HOETICULTUKAL SOCIETY. 38

recorded ou the pages of history are theirs, and there they will be
well preserved, aa everlasting compliment to the great mother,
Nature, who nurtured them and made them what they were.

"The first glad tones that rang for me

Were woodland whispers, soft and mild;
The woods sang me a lullaby
As sings a mother to her child."

Before we conclude let us direct our attention for a few moments
to the good old Society. Nobly and well has it done its work for
thirty-three long years. By the untiring energy of its skillful lead-
ers, and those of its sister societies, horticulture has been advanced
from an art into a science, and only the future can tell what they
may yet accomplish. And if only some of our legislators could be
brought to realize the importance of the work which they are doing,
something might be done that would gladden their hearts and
lighten and facilitate their labors.

But boys, have you ever thought that they need recruits. Many
of its leading members are no longer young, and one by one, they
will lay down their armor and retire from the field.

The philosopher of old wanted but a fulcrum on which to rest
his lever in order to be able to move the world; unfortunately how-
ever, for that aspiring genius, he failed to tind one. The Illinois
Horticultural Society to-day, in order to perpetuate itself and carry
out the good work which it has begun, wants but a few young and
willing hands to take up the burden where tired hands have laid it
down.

And boys let us wake to the duty before us.

Xo longer restrained by the flickering lights
Of doubts and uncertainties hovering o'er us,

We'll shoulder our arms and advance to the right.

•

THOROUGH WORK THE KEY TO SUCCESS.
BY LEON" HAY, KANKAKEE.

Before attempting to write on this subject it mav be well to try
to find a definition that may cover the entire scope of the proposition.

Thorough work the key to success is, in other words, applying
neither less nor more labor in the various known ways, than is neces-
sary to obtain the best possible results when trying to attain any
desired object.

This subject may be treated by drawing illustrations from all
the occupations of man, yet for this occasion it is appropriate to draw

^34 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

only from horticulture, as in this it is frequently seen that either less
or more labor than is necessary is applied when ordinary results are
expected.

It is but a short time since an experienced and successful fruit
grower said that he failed oftener, when pressing farm work was on
hand, to obtain a full crop of fruits, from lack of culture than any
other cause. Not only of fruit growing is this too frequently the
the case, but in the failure of other products, if the real cause were
traced to its source.

A careful observation of the way some farmers, as well as many
persons having a parcel of land manage a private garden, will seldom
fail to show this. The preparations may be correct as to fertilizers,
properly added to the soil, plowing, planting and care at the start,
weeding in due time, but soon other duties call the would be gardener
away just at the very time the crops most need his attention. He
may be aware of this but at the same time he thinks this work can
be put off till to-morrow, to-morrow comes and some other duties call
him away again, and thus circumstances come and go until he finds
procrastination to be the thief of time, and what would have taken
but a few hours to do at the proper time, now, takes perhaps as many
days, not to speak of the loss by the injury done in the meantime,
to the crop, which can never be fully regained no matter how good
the after-care may be, and instead of seeing his table regularly and
abundantly supplied in their season with wholesome, palatable, and
health giving vegetables and fruit, fresh from the garden, he has to
be content with seeing it set with salt pork, potatoes, boiled cabbage,
hash for a variety, and mush for a change, or buy the garden vege-
tables and fruit, which as a rule, means that he and his family will
be without them half of the time.

Too often the garden is neglected to such a degree, that instead
of being — as all kitchen and fruit gardens should be — a source of
health, profit, and pleasure, the crops are smothered by weeds. The
soil having been well plowed and fertilized the previous season, is
conducive to their growth, to ripen an abundant supply of seed and
in tarn give more work for next season. Par better had such a
deplorable piece of ground called garden, been seeded to grass than
be a loss to the owner and an eye-sore to the public.

As gardeners are also either farmers or have some other calling,
and other pressing work is on hand, pressing garden work may also
be on hand, either one, or the other, or both must be partly neglected.
It will be seen that often the real cause of failure, is undertaking
more work than can be properly done. Since experienced horticul-
turists realize the fact that most failures come from lack of culture
let us for a moment stop and listen to what the most successful hor-
ticulturists have to tell us about this matter.

" The commercial gardener, from the keen competition ever going

STATE HORTICULTUEAL SOCIETY. 35

on iu the vicinity of large cities, is, in his operations, taxed to his
utmost ingenuity to get at the most expeditious and economical
method to produce the finest crops." "At present prices ( 1886 ) no
one would be safe to start the business of vegetable market garden-
ing, in the manner it is carried on in the neighborhood of New York
City, with a capital of less than ^300 per acre, for anything less than
ten acres; if on a larger scale, it might not require so much."

"The number of men employed throughout the year on a mar-
ket garden of ten acres, within three miles of market, planted in
close crops, average seven; this number is varied in proportion, some-
what, according to the quantity of glass in use." Some have gener-
ally employed more than that — fully a man to an acre — but that
was in consequence of having in use more than the ordinary propor-
tion of sashes. This may seem to many an unnecessary force for
such a small area, but all experience proves that any attempt to work
with less would be unprofitable.

The pomological display, of the Missouri State Horticultural
Society, made in the St. Louis Exposition, September and October,
1888, said to contain about 5,000 plates of fine fruit, comprised the
largest number of varieties of nice apples I ever saw together. Pos-
sibiy every variety grown in the state of Missouri, were exhibited
there. The gentlemen in charge of this display were very proud of
it, and with every reason to be so, as it was beyond praise in itself,
and said to be the finest ever made by any horticultural society in
the United States. Not failing to attend, I learned that results like
these were not caused by slip-shod work. Admitting that the climate
of the state of Missouri, may possibly be a little more favorable to
apple growing than that of our state, yet — judging b}^ success only
brings the test of good generalship — the greatest cause of the suc-
cess must be attributed to the skill of the grower. In their discus-
sions they readily answered almost any question asked them, about
the names and habits of most varieties of apples, the various diseases
and insects affecting the same, with all the known remedies. One of
the marked improvements in apple growing, was that all present
attributed the chief cause of their success, to spraying the trees with
arsenical poisons, showing that the use of these remedies so much
advocated by the most practical horticulturists and entomologists is
fast coming into use.

While it may not seem practicable for the private gardener, to
go fo such expense as the commercial gardener, for taking into con-
sideration the low price of land, fertilizers which can often be had
for the hauling, and much of the labor done at odd times, thereby
reducing the cost to a minimum, yet it must not be forgotten that
as a rule too little care is given to private gardens, which cannot be
properly cropped and cared for with less labor than can a market
garden, no matter how low the expense of producing may be.

36 TEANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

And while the ways of doing things by such men as quoted above are
for operations on large scales, the private gardener and fruit grower
will derive much benefit by modifying them to suit his smaller
requirements.

So far it has been shown that a cause of failure in horticulture
is giving the crops less care than they need. It is hardly necessary
to say that another cause is doing more than is required, for one
man who may fail from doing too much in accomplishing a result,
thousands will fail from not doing enough. While there is perhaps
no person who does only the amount of work that is absolutely nec-
essary to obtain the best results, a few may occasionally go to
extremes like the man who was told that by moderately pinching
back melon and squash vines, while the fruit was yet small he
would direct more sap to it and thus hasten its growth and increase
its size. Trying this with success one year, he wondered why cut-
ting ofl! all other vines except what bore the fruit would not concen-
trate into it all the sap going to form these vines. Applying the
experiment to a few vines, with what seemed to him at first was
going to be a marvelous result; and in the meantime caused him to
extend the treatment to his entire crop, found to his loss and disap-
pointment, that while the first grew luxuriantly for a time, it soon
wilted and rotted.

A very puzzling question to decide, and possibly the one where
the mistake of doing too much is most often made, is in growing
crops on which there is a boom. It causes many to grow this crop
and by the time their product is ready for market, the supply often
exceeds the demand, and as a result glut follows, bringing the prices
to a point insufficient to justify the expenses, viz; the occasional
booms in strawberries, potatoes, etc., or a crop may be in demand at
one time, and not at another. As an example a market gardener
often finds a good demand for sweet potatoes, cabbage, or other pro-
ducts one year, which induce him to plant again the same crop the
next year, but then there may be a very limited, or no demand for
them, thus involving a considerable loss to him. But as a rule it is
very seldom that such will be the case when once a good article has
been in demand.

Another mistake frequently made is that a crop is left to perish
when it will realize less than the aggregate expenses. Should the
crop be abandoned when one-half or three-fourths of the work has
been done at a loss, yet it is unwise to leave it at this point, for the
amount of labor still necessary to save what percentage of the crop
can be saved, will often be amply repaid.

As an illustration : This fall, early in September, in the north-
ern part of this State, a flock of sheep was turned into several acres
of cabbages badly damaged by the cabbage-worm {Pier is rapw) ; in
fact, I believe, that not a sound head of cabbage could have been

STATE HORTICULTUBAL SOCIETY. 37

found in the entire patch. A. few miles further a small patch of
cabbages were, at that time, in the same condition. Six weeks later
I noticed in the latter patch a number of small to medium sized heads
cleaned of the worms and fit for use. Being led by curiosity to
count them, out of 258 I found 175, mostly in the same two rows,
fit for use. On inquiring why the majority had headed mostly in the
same two rows, I was told that about five cents worth of common
black pepper, ground fine and dusted on the cabbages about the last of
September, was the cause, and that about twenty-five cents worth ap-
plied a week sooner would have saved every head. A few days previous,
about fifty miles west of this place, I noticed, in passing the field of
a market gardener, that he was taking a load of a fair quality of cab-
bages to town, for which he readily found sale. Inquiring why his
cabbages had headed as well as they did, he said that about the
middle of September, in the entire patch of a few thousands, no
cabbage had headed yet ; but this being the time of early frosts, and
when caljbage worms pupated for the last time, it gave the cabbages
a chance to form what could be called a fair crop. Should this man
have fed his entire crop in September it would have been a consider-
able loss to him, and other things being equal, I can see no reason
why the several acres fed to the sheep would not have come to a fair
crop, or even if, like in the case of the small patch where pepper was
claimed to have been the cause of saving the few heads, some such
cheap and harmless insecticide had been used. I see no reason why
half or three-fourths of the crop would not have been better than
the meagre profit realized in feeding to sheep, — although better thus
than let them go to waste.

History tells us that in time past a man taking corn to the mill
would place the sack on one side of the back of his mule, and stay
it there by tying it to a stone equal in weight placed on the other
side. Also, that " a law was made by the Irish Parliament, only a
little over two hundred years ago, to prohibit the drawing of harrows
by the ' tayles ' of horses " ; a practice which was thought to impair
the breed of these animals. Strange as these facts may seem, they
show that inventive talent has completely revolutionized the process
of performing different kinds of work ; " what required the labor of
many under primitive methods is now better done by one person
with the aid of improved appliances." One of the most experienced
market gardeners tells us, concerning this matter, that '' it has been
a wonder to many of us who have been workers in the soil for a
generation, how some of the simplest methods of culture have not
been practised until we were nearly done with life's work."

There are few of us but have had such experience. Personally,
I must say that I never pass through a year but I am confounded to
iiti.(\ that some operation cannot only be done quicker, but done
better, than we have been in the habit of doing it.

38 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

As a proof of the value of such improvements which have led
to simplifying our operations, I will state the fact that, though my
area of greenhouse surface is now more than double that which it
was in 1870 and the laud used in our florist's business is one-third
more, the number of hands employed is less now than in 1870, and
3^et, at the same time, the quality of our stock is vastly better now
than then.

While some improvements have been merely accidental, many
have been the result of much time and cost. In addition to these,
in the future the horticulturist, as well as all agriculturists in
general, can look to quicker results, since many difficulties in these
lines have now been overcome by expedient systems adopted to carry
out the class of work by experiment stations. The bulletins issued
by these should be in the hands of every progressive and wide-awake
tiller of the soil.

It is not the mission of this article to lay down rules claiming
to be the key of success, for in such matter what may be gold in the
hands of the giver often becomes dust in the hands of the receiver.
These have to be learned in the school of experience of yourself and
by observing the ways of others, aided, in the meantime, by all the
other sources of information available. Join horticultural societies.
Go and see and stud}^ the ways of as many successful horticulturists
as possible. Be riot afraid to read as many books and periodicals as
you can treating on the information you want; by your experience
you will soon be able to detect whether or not the ring is of spurious
metal. And last, but not least, if you are young and contemplate an
agricultural or horticultural pursuit, if possible, take a course at
some agricultural college. If you cannot take a full course, take a
shorter one, of which there are several.

When having gained all experience possible, instead of, as is
frequently done, looking upon agriculture as a very simple employ-
ment, hardly needing to be given thought to, you will find that
although you take but one branch of it, you will then know the little
that is possible to learn of that one branch in the course of a life
time.

May this feeble effort in attempting to treat this subject lead
an abler pen than mine to do it full justice, and if no new idea 1ms
been suggested, I hope that at least old ones have been so presented
as to be conducive to good results.

CANNING AND PRESERVING FRUITS.

BY MISS NELLIE KOCKA\rELL, HAMILTON.

The Society has given me the subject of "Canning and Preserv-
ing Fruits," and although they might have chosen more wisely, and
found someone who has had more experience, yet since the " die is

STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 39

cast" I can only acquiesce cheerfully and try to tell you the little I
really know about canning fruit for exhibition purposes, and for
daily use during the winter months. We use only the Mason self-
sealing jar, granulated sugar, and deem it a most important point to
have tlDe fruit in a fresh and perfect condition, for it is almost an
impossibility to keep fruit successfully when it has been picked any
length of time. Berries are especially perishable and require prompt
attention.

We pick our berries and put them in the refrigerator until we
are ready to can them, for they lose much of their fine flavor if ex-
posed to the air. If it is the intention to use them for exhibition,
the finest and largest fruit is selected, packed as tightly in the cans
as possible without bruising. Then prepare a syrup composed of
one teacupful of sugar and two teacupsful of hot water boiled until
the sugar is dissolved and then poured over the fruit. Place the can
in a kettle of luke-warm water, put on the lid loosely and let it boil
until the fruit is done, which can easily be ascertained by tasting,
(Mamma says that I always feel it my duty to taste it quite often.)
If it is sufficiently cooked to be palatable, screw the top on and leave
it for five minutes longer, then take it off the stove, examine the lid
to be sure that it is perfectly tight and set away to cool.

Buy new rubbers every year, the old ones are unfit to use again.

Red and black raspberries, gooseberries, blackberries, cranberries,
barberries, currants, apples, rhubarb, pineapple, peaches, plums,
oranges, lemons, grapes and cherries may all be found quite satis-
factory if canned by this method.

Pears, quinces and figs require a different treatment. They
must be cooked slowly in syrup until the blade of a pen-knife can be
readily passed through them, fill the cans and seal very quickly. In
canning for daily use, all the above mentioned fruits can be cooked
in the syrup (with the exception of the red raspberries and peaches),
filled into the cans and sealed up directly, thus greatly simplifying
the process, and the fruit will taste just as good, but will not pre-
sent so perfect an appearance. We do not use the old-fashioned
recipe for preserves, the " pound for pound of our grandmother's
time;" but, instead, take less sugar, do not cook them so long, and
seal in jars precisely as we do the canned fruit.

In conclusion let me urge everyone who can, to save fruit for
winter use, the home-made article is so much superior to any that
can be purchased in the market, and although the labor of canning
fruit is considerable, yet I think one is amply repaid for that by the
pleasure it gives to others and the satisfaction one feels in having
produced something creditable enongh to prove a welcome addition
to the table when "friends drop in to tea."

40 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

INFLUENCE OF FLOWERS ON THE HOME.

BY MISS BESSIE M. NASH, WAESAW.

Whatever fixes the attention or engages the affections of people
either tends to elevate or debase them, and as it is impossible that
the beautiful flowers, with which our Heavenly Father has strewn
his footstool, should lead downward, it must be that their influence
is for good.

That the rural homes of America are vastly superior to those
of any other country will not for a moment be questioned. The
principal reason is that women who, in some other countries, are not
coQsidered the equal of man, and do not receive the respect and
attention they deserve, in this intelligent land occupy the same .posi-
tion and are one of the principal factors in the home-making.
Women intuitively love the beautiful, whether it be beautiful ap-
parel, or works of art, or beautiful homes, and it is generally her in-
spiration that brings into being the stately trees, the handsome lawn
and beautiful flower garden, and it is her taste and skill that fill so
many homes with floral beauty.

" Oh! the flowers, the beautiful flowers! "

With them we decorate the house of God as well as our own
homes; with them we adorn the bride and comfort the mourner, and
when our loved ones have been laid away to await the resurrection
morn, how lovingly we strew flowers upon their graves.

A. well-kept flower-bed affords its owner many a pleasure in her
own home, and then one can enjoy the luxury of giving. All are
not able to make costly presents, but the flowers are something which
any one can freely give or accept.

As our people cultivate a taste for beautiful surroundings, hand-
some lawns ornamented with trees, shrubs and flowers, the spirit of
improvement permeates the whole home system; the house is re-
painted, the fences are kept in better repair and the farm machinery
put away in its proper place, and things in general are more tidy.
This in turn affects the whole community, and if one family in a
town or neighborhood surround themselves with a neat lawn, pretty
flowers, shrubs and trees, other will follow their example and you will
soon find that the whole town, village or country, has wonderfully
improved until there is not just one fine place, but a whole street
or a whole neighl)orhood of neat and beautiful homes. The wealthy
and refined will be attracted thither, and thus by their means and
society promote the business and welfare of the community.

If all our country homes were kept as they should, and as they
might be, there would be less complaint heard of the young men and
young ladies leaving the farm and going to the city to be cooped up
there from morning till night in dark stores, shops or offices, where

STATE HOKTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 41

they soon lose their bright, healthy look, and ere long droop and die.
If they had stayed on the farm and had been allowed some conve-
nient place for a flower garden and a little help now and then to
take care of it; if books, papers and music had been provided in the
house, and some chance given now and then for a trip to see some-
thing of the world, in fact if everything had not been work and
striving for the almighty dollar, many would have stayed in their
country homes and grown up to be useful men and women instead
of going to the crowded city, where so many go down in moral and
financial ruin.

I quote the following extract from an address by one of Illinois
proDiinent horticulturists, bearing on this subject:

"If you travel over New England, or the Middle States, or the
broad plains of the West to-day, and count the thousands of man-
sions, villas and cottages, in suburbs, in towns and on farms, which
are embowered in shade and sheltered from winds, with bright lawns
and blooming flower beds around them; if you will consider the
sheltering roadside maples, the shaded school house grounds, the
hundreds of handsome parks; and how everywhere the love of beauty
in the soul of man and woman is in full blossom in tree and plant, in
lawn architecture, you will be certain that the esthetic side of our
horticultural education has been advancing at a wonderful rate."

Think j^ou not that the young people who are brought up among
such surroundings will grow into a better type of manhood and
womanhood than where these conditions do not exist ? If so what
a grand work is laid at the door of this society, not only to beautify
and adorn your homes but to lead the children and young people of
Illinois up to a higher and nobler life.

" Bring flowers, fresh flowers for the bride to wear !
They were born to blush in her shining hair.
She is leaving the home of her childhood's mirth,
She hath bid farewell to her father's hearth.
Her place is now by another's side-
Bring flowers for the locks of the fair young bride !

" Bring flowers, pale flowers, o'er the bier to shed,
A crown for the brow of the early dead I
For this through its leaves hath the white rose burst.
For this in the woods was the violet nursed !
Though they smile in vain for what once was ours.
They are love's last gift, — bring ye flowers, pale flowers I

" Bring flowers to the shrine where we kneel in prayer.
They are nature's offering, their place is there ! •

They speak of hope to the fainting heart.
With a voice of promise they come and part.
They sleep in dust through the wintery hours,
They break forth in glory— bring flowers, bright flowers ! "

42 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

FAEMER'S BOYS AND GIRLS.
BY HAERT G. BRYANT, PRIXCETON.

Nature has said that if man wishes to enjoy life to its fullest
extent, he must possess a healthy mind and body. Nowhere can we
attain this so well as on the farm.

How healthy farm life is ! How well we can enjoy such life
and its surroundings — breathing the pure air of heaven, uncontam-
inated by the smoke and dirt of the cities, with plenty of exercise to
develop the physical powers to their fullest degree, — and after our
day's work is done, we have the time and opportunity to improve our
minds by reading ; not trashy, cheap literature — there is far too
much of this done already, — to its door can be laid much of the dis-
satisfaction for farm work and life. It poisons the mind and
conveys to the person starting out in life a wrong impression, which
takes the best years of his or her life to find out it is false.

But let your reading be standard works, such as will elevate
and improve the mind. Here we should not leave out the Agricul-
tural and Horticultural papers. Each family should take one or
more of the best of these, as they can afford, and not only take, out
read them ; for much can be learned in this way that will aid us
greatly in improving our ways and means of farming.

With improved tools and machinery, we are enabled to do our
work much more easily and quickly than in the past, and I hope
that in the near future as much improvement may be seen in the
farmer's home surroundings and life as is now seen in the tools with
which he does his work.

There is no need of so many farmers living as they now do,
with uncomfortable homes, the yard overgrown with weeds, and
used by the chickens, calves and hogs as common property. We
can find hundreds of examples of this all over the country. This
state of affairs could be avoided by a little care and attention at the
proper time. Should we wonder that the boys and girls who live
on such a place as this, dislike farm life and long to go to the city,
or, in fact anywhere, where neatness and order prevail. No one has
any more right to enjoy the luxuries of life than the farmer, or has
more opportunities so to do. He can raise his own fruit and vegeta-
bles without much trouble, by caring for them at the right time.

It seems to me that in every family some one should see that
there are enough trees, plants and seeds planted to yield a sufficient
supply of fruits and vegetables for the family use during the year.
These will not need much ground and can be planted in rows and
cultivated with the same tools used for corn.

The front yard should also receive attention in order to give
the place a neat appearance. The grass can be easily cut with a
mower and trimmed with a scythe.

STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 4'd

Near the house, we should plant sparingly of large trees. If
too closely planted they will give too much shade and make the house
damp.

A few evergreens will give variety and beauty, and should not
be left out. Two or three flower beds will give more pleasure to the
tired mother and daughters, than almost anything else. There is
scarcely anything that is more easily grown than the hardy annuals,
for they do not require a great deal of attention and give the best
results. 1 will not attempt to say, how the inside of a farm house
should be arranged. That, I will leave for some one better posted
than myself.

By all means let us have it arranged as conveniently as possible,
so as to save the mother and daughters as many unnecessary steps
as we can.

It seems to me, that if the boys have an especial liking for any
one branch of farming, that it is the duty of the parents to give him
all the opportunities they can to improve himself in that line; by so
doing, the boys may be encouraged to stay on the farm and to have
a liking for it.

We can not all reasonably expect to be very successful farmers,
but 1 am sure we can get a comfortable living from our farms much
more easily and satisfactorily, than we could if we invested the same
amount of money in business in some of the cities.

Tu selecting your life work you should be very careful what you
choose, try to make up your mind to one thing, then settle down and
work away. If business is dull, do not get discouraged and try some-
thing else; but keep at your chosen pursuit, and sometime, probably,
fortune will favor you.

The old adage is undoubtedly true, that " a rolling stone gathers
no moss." So let all see that they do not become "rolling stones"
in this world, trying first one thing, then another, and succeeding
with nothing. Such persons are a dead letter in the world, leaving
it no better than when they came into it. Let us make up our minds,
that we will succeed with whatever we attempt to do that is right;
so tha^t when we are passing away, we can feel that the world is Iset-
ter for our having lived and worked in it.

THE PROPAGATION OF TREES AND PLANTS.

BY C. E. DENNIS, HAMILTON.

Your honorable committee, in assigning duties, gave me the sub-
ject of propagation of trees and plants, without assigning any special
feature thereof. They might have shortened it by saying horticul-
ture, for it really embraces the whole subject. And I assure you I
feel greatly at a loss in being called upon to take up a course of
thought that has been a puzzle to wise heads for more years than I

44 TEANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

am capable of recounting. Let us take the thought of propagation
for a few minutes consideration. Webster says propagating is con-
tinuing or multiplying by generation or successive production, to cause
to spread or extend, to impel or continue. Two words in this may
give us some branches of thought. They are continuing and succes-
sive productions. We might, for our subject's sake, say successful
production. Then we would have propagation meaning continuing
in successful production. And two other words explain the object
of this paper and this Society. Spread and extend. And is it not
the true intent of all practical horticulturists to get a correct under-
standing of desirous results that they may be spread throughout the
land for the good of the toiling millions and to extend to the coming
generations. And I, for one, have learned much from the horticul-
tural societies, of which there are many and doing much good. Yet
they come far short of performing their full mission, as I believe
the}^ are the medium through which we as individuals may attain to
near perfection in the matter of plant propagation. And let me say
right here that propagation does not consist merely in the originat-
ing of any special object but just as much, and many times a great
deal more, in the perpetuation of material when results are con-
cerned. For instance, propagation is commenced under many differ-
ent conditions and in many different forms, the originating and
development of trees and plants is only attained after much essential
and carefully guarded attention. From the time the initial step is
taken, constant care is required so long as the tree or plant shall live,
and each kind differently as concerns their nature and present sur-
roundings. Plant life requires food and protection just as much, and
repays just as well for the care bestowed, as animal life, and I think
horticulturists are beginning to arouse themselves to the plant's
necessity and appeal for nature's life-giving properties, and to look
in wonder at the constant abuse and robbery everywhere arrayed
against them. Witness ! We will again call in the Horticultural
Society as a medium of communication. Take the programme of
this meeting and you will find it consists of appeals for assistance to
plant life, and calls for remedies for the many grievances.

And it was, I believe, wisely said this morning that the history
of this Society is one of continual lamentation. And experience
has taught me that many have been lead astray by exhorbitant ideas
and enormous estimates of production, founded many times on scien-
tific theories instead of scientific facts. Now, so far as mj^ mite
shall go in contributing to the records of this society, it will only be
a personal experience. Again, if we will take this Society reports,
we will see what some of this wailing is about. Let us see ? We
find them sending up a cry for the relief of rust, insects blight, rot,
winter killing, and summer stowing ; the irrepressible agent of snide
varieties, and above all, the unprincipled nurseryman, who will

STATE HOETICULTURAL SOCIETY. -15

persist in getting his seed from cider-mills, to the imaginary detri-
ment of all planters.

Let me say right here that I claim the honor of being a nurser-
yman^ and presume one of the much despised ones, and shall not say
as one said this morning, that I have no ax to grind, for I have one,
and the Society has given me a chance to grind it. Who is there,
among all plant growers present, who cares what the plant is, so the
desired results are attained. Let us again take animal life and
results for an example. It is within the experience of every stock-
raiser in the country that when stock is neglected and starved that
they are thrice subject to all the ills to which animal life is heir,
and produce poorest results. Also, on the other hand, when the
necessities of the animal are fully supplied, all the necessaries per-
taining to their welfare and the desired results placed at their
disposal, that they are then, and only then, in a condition to return
good results. Consecpiently, those interested, have taken scientific
facts as their guide, and if they want milk, they feed for it ; if beef,
feed for it ; if butter, feed for it ; it matters little what kind the
stock may be, if principles are adhered to, results will be good.
They have carried science so far as to almost veto the cow. Now, I
think that the answer to this vexed question of plant life and profit,
lies in scientific research, instead of theory. And I think the Hor-
ticultural Society is on the right road in establishing Ad-mterim
Committees and Experimental Stations. Agricultural colleges are
very good, yet they are liable to be biased in their desires and man-
ner of treatment, also local difiiculties.

Now, T want to grind my ax ! We, as nurseryman, know some-
thing, and I, for one, have gotten my knowledge from dearly paid
experience. I will take the apple tree for example, as it is one on
which argument seems to center, and I am better posted. We take
the much abused cider-mill seed as our germ ; we prepare our ground
and grow our stock one year for a desired result, and experience has
taught that culture very largely governs results, yet I will tell you
something more, farther on about this. In the fall we take up our
roots and graft our stock for exactly opposite results, afterward
planting them out to grow for the much-abused consumer. When
we dig after two or three years growth, we find there are some char-
acteristics in the soil which plants seek for. For instance, we find,
perhaps, on one side of the tree only large brace roots, while on the
other there may be one single root, or the whole side of the tree
literally crowded full of small fiberous or feeding roots reaching
into some peculiar soil. An old stump or some particularly fertile
spot taking to itself necessary life-giving properties. Let science
say what it is !

I wish to say one more thing that we know. That is, people
say: "Oh, you propagate from scions cut from the nursery row from

46 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

trees that never bore fruit, and are constantly bringing the trees to
a state of barrenness/' What we know is, that in our locality if we
keep trees over three years in the nursery row and give them proper
care, we are very liable to have some fruit, if the trees are barren.
There is still another fact of which we are well informed, although
not very pleasantly, sometimes. That is, that we may, for instance,
take the Willow Twig, and from one block of trees grown in exactly
the same soil and under the same condition, sell three or four bills
of trees, one man will come and say, " I want more Willows; they
make me more money than all m}^ other apples." That man is pre-
pared for and should grow Willow. Another says, " Bitter rot spoil
mine. Ben Davis make my dollars." He should grow them. An-
other says, " They blight, Minkler for me." He should grow them.
Now, it seems to me that it makes little difference what the germ
originating the plant is, if we have the location where the plant
thrives, leading us to believe that there is where the chemical essen-
tials are. And on this ground our advice is that, for dollars, men
should confine themselves to varieties that produce good results with
them, and let others grow their successful kinds, and not try to grow
all the different ones mentioned in the long catalogue of names. I
think this the desired end of experimental stations; give them a sample
of soil and surroundings, and let them analyze and tell you the condi-
tions both beneficial and detrimental and govern yourself accord-
ingly, if in your power, remedy the difiiculties. See what the exact
condition is of some man's land who makes a success of your favor-
ite varieties, and if you can make your conditions the same, well
and good; if not, try something else. Do not try to force nature to
do just your way, because she is obstinate. Let us look at our sur-
roundings and see if we have done all we might have done to save
our already dead apple trees, and I believe that what is true of trees
is just as true of other plants.

Probably every reader of this volume is familiar with the
Legend of the Piasa Bird. A huge painting, or traces, at least, of
which could be seen on the cliffs above the city of Alton but little
more than half a century ago. In 1669, Father Marquette, the first
white man who ever navigated the Father of Waters, saw the paint-
ing and heard the Indian legend, which our gifted young friend has
told us so well in verse ; and though not horticultural matter, we
are sure that all who read the book will be glad to see it in print.

STATE HOETICULTURAL SOCIETY. 47

THE LEGEND OF THE PIASA.

BY FRANK C. RIEIIL.

Sitting lonely by the hearthstone in the fire's ruddy glow,

Musing on old scenes and incidents that happened long ago ;

While the winds outside are sighing through the tree tops cold and raw,

I recall the Indian legend of the dreaded " Piasa."

Long before a white man gazed upon the Mississippi's flood,—
When the Indian was sole monarch of these Western solitudes, —
This great monster bird — or devil, — so the ancient legends say.
Cast its shadow o'er the valley on a sultry autumn day.

Just above where the Missouri and the Mississippi blend.
Where the river turns to southward, and the bluff comes to an end ;
There the beast took up its lodgings in a cave beneath the clitl", —
There the terror-stricken warrior oft beheld it from his skiff.

'T was a fearful sight to look on, with its awful, horned head,
And its mighty, vice-like talons, sharp as spears, and bloody red, *
With its giant wings extended, and its alligator tail,
And its body all protected by a rugged coat of mail.

All day, perched upon the hill-top, it would gaze upon the wave.
But at nightfall it would settle down to roost within the cave ;
And as regular as nature, just at break and close of day,
It would spread its sail-like pinions, and go forth m search of prey.

Woe to any living creature that its eagle eye might scan !
Oft it captured deer or bison, but its favorite food was man !
It would seize its hapless victiim, and retire into the cave.
And, once grasped within those talons, all was powerless to save.

Many a squaw beheld her warrior borne toward that fatal height.
Many a huntsman, home returning, found his wigwam bare at night !
Sore dismayed, the tribe retreated far out on the western plain,
But the bird still followed after, and the flight was all in vain.

Till the cavern floor was covered with a pile of human bones.
And the forest echoed loudly with a despairing nation's groans, —
When at last their aged chieftain, who had prayed and fasted much,
That his people might be rescued from the awful monster's clutch,

In his dreams beheld a vision, and was counseled by a voice —
And the counsel tliat it gave him made his stout old heart rejoice.
Though the Maniteau informed him that to save his people's life,
He, himself, must be the victim, and might perish in the strife !

48 TBANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

" He would soon be old and useless : gladly would he die to gain
Life and freedom for his people, and to see that monster slain."
Then he chose his twelve best warriors, and they journeyed in the night,
Armed with bows and poisoned arrows, till they reached the fatal height _

On a rock above the cavern the old warrior took his seat.
Bidding his reluctant comrades bind him to it, hands and feet ;
And then, pointing ta the covert nigh, he bade them go and hide,
And whene'er the bird swooped down on him to shoot it in the side.

Thus he waited for the sunrise, and, meanwhile, with rapture viewed
Nature's beauties spread about him in that awful solitude ;
Here his native hills and valleys, sloping backward from the shore,
To the plain where stood his wigwam in the happy days of yore.

There the plains of the Missouri in their waves of living green,
And the Mississippi rolling in majestic course between ;
The»he wandered back in fancy, and with honest pride he thought
Of the trophies he had taken and the battles he had fought.

Many moons had come and vanished since, on yonder shining strand.
He received the regal hatcbet from his dying father's hand ;
With injunctions to be watchful,— well to guard his people's life,
And protect their wives and children from the stranger's scalping knife.

And no foe had e'er been able to molest him in his sway,

Till the " Piasa's " dread ravages had driven him away ;

Then he thought of wife and children, and the hero's soul was moved,

As he asked a final blessing for the beings that he loved :

For the sun had now arisen in a flood of golden light.
Gilding all the plain below him with a thousand colors bright,—
Now the time had come for action, and, with calm, untroubled eye,
He embraced the fate before him, for his time had come to die !

A moment, then the chieftain bowed his head in silent prayer,
The next, the death hymn from his lips rose on the morning air ;
And the twelve secreted archers, as they listened in dismay,
Saw the awful bird rise upward and swoop down upon its prey !

Then the chieftain heard the twanging of a dozen loosened strings.
And a dozen poisoned arrows lodged beneath the monster's wings ;
With a cry of rage and terror, such as never since was heard.
Backward o'er the lofty prec'pice, dying, fell the mighty bird.

STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 49

And though badly bruised and mangled by the monster's dying throes,
The old chief survived, and lived to conquer many daring foes ;
All the warriors then assembled at a great thanksgiving feast.
Where they praised the Blessed Spirit that their king had been released.

And a likeness of the demon on the prec'pice was engraved,

That they ever might remember from what fate they had been saved ;

Ever after when the warrior drifted by it in his skiff,

He discharged his poisoned arrows at the picture on the cliff.

Though the painting now has vanished with the silent lapse of time.
And the rocks whereon 't was drawn have been converted into lime ;
Though another race is monarch o'er the Mississippi's tide,
And a city's domes are standing where the Indian fought and died,
Yet do parents oft rehearse, while children list with bated breath.
How the noble chieftain lured the dreaded " Piasa "to death.

Col. Brackett — I congratulate you on the success that has
crowned your efforts to interest the young people in your work. We
feel that we need young blood in our Society, but have so far failed
to draw in the young men and women. I have been greatly pleased
with the exercises this evening, and think this new departure will
result in good. You have set us an example that we shall certainly
follow.

Adjourned.

WEDNESDAY MORNING.

By invitation of the President, Rev. A. T. Wolf opened the ses-
sion with prayer.

The election of officers was the first business in order. It occu-
pied but a short time, and resulted as follows:

President — H. M. Dunlap, Savoy.
Vice-President — D. H. Gray, Elmwood.
Secretary — A. C. Hammond, Warsaw.
Treasurer — H. K. Vickroy, Normal.

e President — The location of the next Annual Meeting is now in

|l order.

I

50 TEANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

Mr. Augustine invited the Society to hold its next meeting in
Bloomington. Mr. Webster presented an invitation from Cairo, and
Mr. Dennis, from Hamilton.

After a full discussion of the question a ballot was taken, which
resulted in favor of Hamilton.

Mr. McPike — I think it a mistake to hold our meetings in
December. In October or November we would have better meetings,
better exhibitions, and make better reports. Our meetings and
reports are greatly in advance of many other states, but I think
both would be made better by holding the Annual Meeting at an
earlier date.

Mr. Minkler — I move this question be referred to the Executive
Board.

Mr. McPike — If the motion prevails, I hope the Board will
report to this meeting.

Mr. Riehl — I think if the Board is to report to this meeting we
had better settle it now, as the ground will all be gone over again
and much time consumed.

The motion to refer to the Executive Board was adopted.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON GRAPES.

BY J. B. MILLER, ANNA.

To the Members of the State Horticultural Society :

As circumstances will not permit me to attend your annual
meeting, I deem it neccessary that i should send in some kind of a
report, as to what I am doing in the way of fruit growing down in
lower Egypt.

This has been a season of full crops of all kinds of fruits here —
peaches, pears, apples, plums, cherries, and all tree fruits. But all
my finest peaches were ruined by the excessive rains in August, which
caused them to crack open and rot by the bushel, and the ravages of
the curculio were fearful. It was a hard matter to find a peach or
plum that was free from their wounds. Pears were more than full
crop, my Bartletts were as full as they could hang of nearly perfect
fruit. The price ruled low, fifty cents per one-third bushel box, yet
there is money in them even at that price, if we could keep the trees
from the blight.

Grapes were only about a half crop — from the black rot. All

STATE HOETICULTUKAL SOCIETY. 51

kinds rotted badly owing to the heavy rains in June. Perkins the
least, Moores, Pocklington, Jefferson, Duchesse, Prentiss, Martha,
Vergennes and Delaware nearly all rotted. I have a new seedling
from the Perkins that has never shown a single rotted berry as yet,
fruited now for three seasons in succession, a golden grape same as
the Pocklington, sweeter than the Martha and as large as the Per-
kins, being healthy and vigorous. Have others from the same source
but not so promising as this. I believe this golden grape to be the
coming grape for localities where grapes rot bad. My new apples
I have decided are no improvement over the old Winesaps, if as good.
But am saving seed to try again.

I am experimenting with all kinds of fruits from the seed. But
shall devote a good deal of my time hereafter to seedling pears. I
think there is a large field open to improvement here. If I can raise
from the seed of the Bartlett pear one that is as good, and free from
blight, then I will have it, for this is what we need and must have.
1 have several seedlings coming on now that will fruit in a few years.
But I know that this is* a herculean task, but think I am equal to it.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON GRAPES.
BY GEO. B. WORTHEN, WARSAW^

Gentlemen of the Illinois State Hor'ticultural Society :

I had thought of having the pleasure of meeting with you this
winter, but find, at the last moment, it will not be convenient.

I have but little to report on grapes, and that little not very
encouraging. In this locality, the crop in all the large vineyards
has been a failure on account of the rot. There was never a finer
prospect for a crop than last spring, but by the first of July nearly
everything that was not rot proof was gone.

The largest vineyard in the county is owned by Broult Bros., of
Warsaw, who have thirty acres of Concords. Their crop was one-
half barrel of wine. I have ten acres of Concords and did not pick
any of them. There are a few Catawba vines in the county, but
they rotted as badly as the Concords. As a general thing the grapes
in the city lots where there were but a few vines, and those not cul-
tivated, did not rot.

Of the older, the Virginia Seedling and Hermann are the most
reliable, but they must be protected in winter. I protect by pruning
in the fall and laying the canes on the ground, and putting enough
earth on them to hold them down.

Of the newer varieties I have fruited, the Etta is the most
promising. It has not the fault of its parent, the Elvira, of bursting
when it ripens. I set out three vines in 1886 and this season picked
sixty-six pounds from them. The largest bunches weighing seven
ounces, and every berry perfect.

52 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

All of Rogers' Hybrids I have tried have been a failure with me,
well as Lady, Lady Washington, Missouri Riesling, Vergennes, El
Dorado, Clevenor, Black Pearl, Empire State, Bacchus, Peter Wylie,
Oriental, Waverly and Jefferson. I have one Worden planted in the
old Concord vineyard that rotted as badly as the Concords, while one
in my experimental vineyard — probably twenty rods away from the
Concords — had perfect fruit; the former was seven years old, the
latter three years.

I have tried baggiug on a small scale, and it is a success if done
early enough, but it must be done as soon after blossoming as possi-
ble, and even then you will sometimes find a bunch entirely rotted.

The objection to bagging is the expense, and it retards ripening
a week or ten days and the skins are so thin 1 do not think they
could be shipped. There is no profit in shipping except for the
earliest market and we are almost too far north to get much from
that source. The prices in the city markets at the present time for
native grapes are from two to three cents per pound.

Since the railroads have made such cheap rates on California
wines it has nearly ruined our home market. I don't think there
are more than two-thirds as many vines in our county as there were
fifteen years ago, and there are being but few planted.

H. G. McPike — Is there any substitute for the Concord grape,
for money value, or dessert use ? Can it be excelled ? No ! I have
tried Worden, Delaware, Virginia Seedling, Cunningham, Niagara,
Pocklington, Lady Washington, and a score of others for a quarter
of a century. I do not want to disparage anybody, or anybody's
grape, and would like to beat the Concord, but while I have thought
it possible, I have never as yet, been able to do so. In size, color,
productiveness and quality, it is nearer right than any one grape I
know of.

Mr. Mann — I move that a committee of three, from each hor-
ticultural district, be appointed to recommend lists of apples suitable
for planting in their respective districts.

Motion adopted, and the following committees appointed:

Northern Illinois — S. G. Minkler, H. Mortimer, L. R. Bryant.
Central Illinois — C. N. Dennis, Frank Cad well, C. B. Rockwell,
Southern Illinois — W. R. Crain, J. Webster, Jacob Auer.

Adjourned.

STATE HOBTICULTUEAL SOCIETY. 63

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON.

The first thing ou the program being music, Miss Pearl Hewitt
responded to the call and favored the audience with a charming solo,
after which the President called the

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON STRAWBERRIES.

BY T>. H. GRAY, ELMWOOD.

Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen:

Perhaps we are not behind any State in the Union in the amount
and quality of strawberries grown. The season is a long one, last-
ing from twelve to fourteen weeks. It begins at 'Cairo and closes up
in Lake County. Sometimes the harvest moves gradually from
Southern Illinois to Central and then to Northern. This is the rule,
but by some climatic change, 1885 and 1886 crow^ded our harvest
into about half the usual time, the Central and the Southern coming
almost together. This year gave us the usual order of ripening and
the usual length of harvest time for the state. To this fact in part
we are indebted for the increased price of the fruit over the past two
years.

Throughout the northwestern part of Central Illinois the crop
was lighter than usual by at least twenty-five per cent. This was
occasioned by the drouth of last year during July, August and the
first half of September. The drouth prevented the early growth of
runners. The young plants were too late in setting to bear much
fruit this season. On some plantations where plowing was repeated
every week throughout the summer, the effect of the drouth was not
so marked on the young plants.

I saw two plots of Bubach's No. 5, started early in the spring,
both were on very rich deep mellow soil, the owner of one plot com-
menced cultivating his plants three days after planting them and
followed it up once a week at least, until the rains of September fell.
The second after two weeks commenced cultivating his plants and
repeated it between showers during the season. The first, set runners
throughout the month of August, making a close row of plants early
in the season. The second, established his rows in September or four
weeks later than the first. The first yielded at the rate of four
thousand quarts per acre. The second did not reach the yield of one
thousand per acre. Yet to an inexperienced grower the plots looked
equally well a few weeks before flowering time. There may have
been other causes for the difference in yield, but they were not appar-
ent.

54 TRANSACnONS OF THE ILLINOIS

VARIETIES THAT DID WELL THE PAST SEASON IN THE NOETHWESTERN"

PART OF CENTRAL ILLINOIS.

It is very plain to you all why I shut this report up to so small
a territory. Last year our committee in his abler paper placed
Miner first and said o£ the Crescent, he had no farther use for it.
Mr. Jackson gave results from his own farm, and immediate vicinity.
Unless your committee can visit different parts of the State during
the fruiting season, is it not better that he should speak only of
what he can verify.

The Crescent, which is of no comparative value on Mr. Jackson's
farm, is entitled to first place in the locality given. In number of
quarts per acre it is about twenty per cent, ahead of any variety
grown this year. A black, deep, rich soil, that, under good tillage
produces from sixty to one hundred bushels of corn per acre, seems to
be the place for the Crescent plant.

Bubach No. 5 took the second place, not in productiveness, but
in money value. This berry, the very perfection of color and form,
captures the buyer. The yield was third, not second, but second in
money value. I am inclined to think that this berry will take first
place next season in money value, and second place in quantity.

Mt. Vernon took third place in money value and second in
quantity.

Sharpless did better than usual this year, getting fourth place
by right. It is one of our very best fertilizers.

Manchester did better than usual. Champion did well.

Downing, as a fertilizer, is valuable, but in fruitfulness and
value takes the lowest place this year ever given it. Downing always
moves a little nearer the front following a moist season. I have but
to mention Jessie and Jersey Queen to complete a short valuable
list. It is barely possible that we will have no use for Jersey Queen.
No. 5 may be Queen in the northern half of Central and all of
Northern Illinois, and it is barely possible that Jessie will prove her
royal prince; but the fruiting of all Jessie plants this year placed
the Jessie in a far lower grade. The plant is slow in taking hold of
the soil, sets its runners rather late for fruiting, and in a backward
season may fail altogether on first crop; but the second year of
fruiting may be the surer one for this variety. The berry is large,
but not so showy as Bubach's No. 5.

New beds of this variety look well this fall and promise a far
larger yield than at this same time last year. While the Jessie did
not make as many plants as last year they are stronger and older, having
set earlier in the season. I am not ready to condemn the Jessie; it
has had a big advertisement to struggle under the newspaper. Mulch-
ing was put on a little too thick for the native modesty of a western

STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 55

plant, but I think it will come up and take a place somewhere abou t
where the Sharpless sometimes stands when all things are favorable
for that plant.

Prospect for the crop of 1889 is good, but the average is a little
short.

Insects. — The Thrip was abundant this season. He was found
climbing the pistils at every strawberry blossom and of every other
flower that bloomed during his season. A strong, healthy flower on
a strong plant suffers less from this insect than the flowers on a
feeble plant.

The White Grub was at work as usual, but when showers are
plentiful, his depredations are not so great. Other insects, enemies
of the strawberry, are not in sufficient number to make a show of
injury.

I have made mention of but few varieties, and only showed
which are profitably grown in the locality named. A great many
older varieties need not be mentioned, as* their place is being occu-
pied by later ones. A number of new varieties that I have not
grown, nor have not seen in fruiting, but have heard good reports
from, demand mention, — the Warfield and others of some notori-
ety,— I prefer that those who have tested them speak for them.

I have made a selection of plants for field crop, consisting of
Crescent with Mt. Vernon, Bubach N o. 5 with Jessie and Sharpless,

Mr. Riehl — I have had considerable experience with Captain
Jack and think it one of the best. Crescent is good for home use
and is the farmer's berry, but unfit for long shipment. Bubach
does well on my grounds and I shall plant it largely.

Mr. Hay — Is the Sharpless a good fertilizer for the Crescent ?

Mr. Gray — Yes ; one of the best.

Mr. Jackson — I do not think it wise to recommend any variety
for general cultivation, as the strawberry is so greatly influenced by
circumstances. This season some were badly injured by drouth,
while others passed through safely. If we mulch our strawberries
and give them proper care, drouth will not be so injurious.

Mr. Warfield — Some seasons Miner and Sharpless do no good.
I would therefore advise caution in planting. Wilson is one of the
best fertilizers for Crescent.

Mr. Vanderburg — We find that in every locality berry-growers
have to learn by actual experiment what is suited to their peculiar
soil. Miner and Sharpless did well with me, one year, and then

56 TRANSACTIONS OP THE ILLINOIS

failed. Manchester went the same way. Crescent will not do to
ship, but is the best for local market and home use.

Mr. Mortimer — In my locality Itasca and Haverland to well;
we consider them best in quality. The objection to Downing is that
.it burns out in our hot, dry seasons.

Mr. Gray — Plenty of moisture is necessary to successful straw-
berry growing. Some seasons one town or county will have an
average rainfall, while an adjoining town may be parched with
drouth. I vainly tried to grow Sharpless for- three years, but finally
planted it on a northern slope where it did well. Mt. Vernon is the
best fertilizer I am acquainted with. It is a wonderful grower, with
long fruit stems, and every flower is full of pollen. The only objec-
tion is, it blooms a little late.

Mr. Davis — In April, 1887, I planted a field of strawberries
and cultivated until the drouth set in, when many plants died.
About the first of August I covered them with straw ; in three
weeks we had a heavy rain, which thoroughly wet the ground, after
which I raked the straw oif the plants, leaving it between the rows ;
they grew finely, and I had a magnificent crop of berries, fully one
hundred and seventy-five bushels to the acre.

Mr. Warfield — In 1887 I planted four acres of my seedlings
and cultivated until the middle of July ; this season I gathered two
hundred and fifty twenty-four-quart crates per acre.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE 0:N STONE FRUITS.

BY IRA COE, QUIl^CY.

As one of the Committee on Stone Fruits, my report will be, of
necessity, very short. The peach in our section, i. e., th*^ Central
part of Illinois, has been a complete failure so long that it required
no little effort to find out when we did have our last crop. I think
in the summer of 1882 we had our last crop ; since this time the old
trees have nearly all died from the extreme cold winters. I know of
orchards being planted since which have grown up and died without
bearing a crop.

There are a few fruit growers near Quincy who still have an idea
that somehow the character of the seasons will be more favorable in
the future for the peach ; that there may be a series of open winters
such as we used to have, and hence they keep right on setting out —

STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 57

not in large numbers, — but in a small way, liopiug at some future
time to reap a large harvest from a small area.

The Quincy market is now supplied with this fruit in its fresh
state, the same as other northern cities, from Arkansas, Southern
Illinois and Michigan.

So far as I have observed, the peach trees of this section have
made a fine growth this season.

The plum, as compared with the peach, has been more profitable.
Having some experience with the plum, especially the Wild Goose
and what is called the Chickasaw, I can say that the trees and fruit
buds are perfectly hardy, having stood twenty-five and thirty degrees
below zero without injury, coming out bright, and blooming nicely
in the spring.

I think in the year 1882 we had a very fine crop of the Wild
Goose plums. Then the next crop was in 1886. This year, 1888, we
have had a very fine crop of all kinds — especially of the late kinds,
— such as Chickasaw; only a few of the Damson, or blue varieties,
were noticed in the market. The season of 1888 was remarkably
favorable for the plum, moisture enough to grow and mature a large
crop — cool and just right at gathering time. The cause of the failure
of the plum crop is, by some, supposed to be the want of proper fer-
tilizing of the bloom: hence the idea of mixing up varieties in the
same orchard, in hopes that one variety would fertilize the other; and
it has been said^ too, that the plum must be set near the cherry or
peach, so that they can help to fertilize.

The summer of 1888 has demonstrated, to my mind, that the
above theories are all wrong. The fruit in question blooms very
early, and when in full bloom is very sensitive to cold. The bloom,
all will admit, is perfect. A frosty night right in the time of full
bloom has spoiled the plum crop every time with me. We always
want nearly a week of fine, warm, growing weather when the plum
trees are in bloom to insure a crop.

This year, in blooming time, we had nice warm weather for one
week, the next week was cold and frosty, but the little plum was
formed and in his cap out of the way of Jack Frost.

In this section I notice that soil and location will make a great
difference. On a farm, only a few miles away, is a plum orchard
located on rather cold prairie soil. The crop was a failure. Why?
Because the blooms were more backward and didn't come out in
time to get the benefit of the warm week above mentioned. I
noticed this particularly with the Wild Goose variety.

The late varieties were more plenty in the Quincy market. All
looked like Chickasaw. If there were any Miner's or Weaver's, or
any other of the new varieties, I could not tell them from the
Chickasaw, all looked alike.

The Quincy market used a great many plums this year. In

58 TEANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

Wild Goose time one dollar and fifty cents per case o£ twenty-four
quarts was the price grocers paid. In the time of the Chickasaws
the market was overstocked by large quantites being shipped in from
Missouri and other points, grocers paid seventy-five to one hun-
dred cents per bushel; Damsons, three dollars per bushel. There are
two peculiarities about the red plums to mention : First, if the sum-
mer heat in ripening time gets over ninety degrees in the shade, the
plums will sun-burn. Second, too much moist or rainy weather in
ripening time causes them to burst.

The Wild Goose is the best for all purposes, I think, especially
for eating out of hand. The late varieties are sour and harder flesh,
but keep longer, perhaps because it is cooler. The bright, lively tart
or sour of our red plums seems to be relished by most people after
the season of strawberries and raspberries, but it is certainly quite
expensive. The sugar bill gets larger right away. Just why the
little Damson should command a better price in the market J can't
tell, unless on account of color and scarcity.

I have just set out a variety imported from Canada, called
" Sugar Plum," — or, perhaps, the proper name is Sweet Damson, —
said to be less sour than the ordinary Damson. The tree is a better
grower than the Damson, indeed grows almost as lively as the Wild
Goose; what it will amount to I don't know, of course.

But the fact is that the man who succeeds in getting a large,
blue plum adapted to this section will be one good big one ahead.
In my experience I find that the plum should have plenty of room.
You can't get plums where each way trees are full size, sixteen feet
apart. A plum patch near the timber will not do, too many insects,
too much shade ; plums small, scabby and specked.

To set plum trees along a road fence, or other stationary fence,
in good soil, cultivating on one side, and keeping weeds and grass
mowed, is just as good a plan as any ; and always bear in mind that
the roots of the plum tree grow close to the surface. I have plum
trees which have not been cultivated that bore good crops this year.

The cherry, canned or dried, is certainly one of the most palat-
able of fruits to a good, healthy person, and yet, for profit or
market, it is almost entirely discarded in our part uf the country.
The great trouble seems to be that the birds love cherries too. A
few cherry trees will not do, because the birds take them away even
before they get ripe.

To plant largely for market, there are so many failures, and,
when a crop is obtained, the cost of picking and boxing, etc., and
selling for about four to five cents per quart, leaves for the grower
little profit, Indeed, with us, it is hard work to get boys and girls
that will climb the ladders so high to pick the fruit.

To add to my report a little, I stepped into Flaiz Bros, grocery

STATE HOETICULTURAL SOCIETY. 59

store, Quincy, Illinois, to inspect the dried fruit for sale. I found a
nice assortment, mostly California, some Eastern.

The following is a list of stone fruits, dried or evaporated, prices
added: Golden Drop Prune, evaporated or raisin cured very fine, look
like very large raisins, California fruit, sells at twenty cents per
pound; California Silver Prune, very fine and large, evaporated,
twenty cents per pound; German Prune, California, large evaporated,
twelve and one-half cents per pound; small California German Prune,
ten cents; unpeeled California Peaches, evaporated, seventeen and
one-half cents per pound; unpeeled California Peaches, , sun dried,
fifteen cents per pound; peeled California Peaches, large, halves,
evaporated, twenty-five cents per per pound; California Apricots,
evaporated, twenty cents per pound; Pitted Cherries, evaporated,
twenty-five cents per pound; peeled Eastern Peaches, large, halv^es,
evaporated, twenty-five cents per pound.

The French or German Prunes, imported, are now superseded
to a great extent by the California Prunes.

The Turkish Prune, imported in large hogsheads, is the cheapest
dried fruit on the market. The Turkish Prune is not very good eat-
ing. The sugar recjuired to make the Wild Goose or Chickasaw
plums good sauce would more than pay for the same quantity of
prunes. This Turkish Prune is usually retailed, in Quincy, at five cents
per pound, sometimes as low as four cents. The wholesale price laid
down in New York is three to three and one-fourth cents, and
delivered here, in Quincy, is about four cents. Large quantities of
this fruit are no doubt consumed in the United States. I did not
take time to look up the Mills' Tariff Bill to see if it is imported free
of duty. It looks as though these fruit growers over the water must
surely work for nothing and board themselves, tarifE or no tariff.

Mr. Riehl — We have this year gathered a crop of peaches for
the first time in seven years. Some have failed, even this year, on
account of unproductive varieties. I have discarded the Crawford's
and all varieties of that grade of hardiness. Amelia, Smock and the
Chinese family are large and showy, and hardy in tree and bud. I
had specimens of Wilkin's which measured twelve and a half inches
in circumference. I did considerable thinning from many of ray
trees, taking from half to two-thirds of their fruit.

Mr. Hay — Can anyone explain why the Damson plum is in
such demand and sells at such high prices, when there are so many
better plums in the market ?

Mr. Pearson — The Damson has a character of its own and

60 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

when preserved is very fine. It is too sour for eating, but for cook-
ing, is just what we need. I don't think it worth while to waste
time and sugar on such fruit as Chickasaw and Miner.

EEPORT OF AD-INTERIM COMMITTEE FOR CENTRAL

ILLINOIS.
BY C. X. DENNIS, HAMILTON.

Left Hamilton in the afternoon of May 22d, in response to a
telegram from (jrriggsville, in company with A. C. Hammond.
Crops were promising along our route. We were met at the depot by
Mr. Richard Perry and conducted to an excellent stopping-place
previously provided by him. On the morning of the 23d, Mr Gid-
son Cadwell provided a team in which himself, Mr. Frank Cadwell,
Mr. Richard Perry, Mr. William Hovey, Secretary A, C. Hammond
and myself started on a trip of inspection of some of the many
orchards of the neighborhood, first visiting the fruithouse of Mr.
William Hovey, a large brick structure, eighty or one hundred feet
long by twenty-five ur thirty wide, divided into two stories, with a
filled space overhead and hollow walls, — should presume a good
place to temporarily store apples, but not sufficiently provided for
protection from heat or cold. Next, passing through his orchard, we
found the mistake frequently seen of too close planting. Irees
twenty-eight feet apart, with low heads and only a portion of which
had been trimmed, in the other portions it was necessary to raise
limbs and turn from side to side to walk through. There was but
very little fruit, and canker worms devastating the foliage. That the
orchard, which was on good ground, will prove an entire failure,
unless thinned, viz: cutting out part and trimming, is my prediction.

Passing on by several smaller orchards, all looking fairly healthy
as also does a smaller one of Mr. Hovey's, we came to the 160-acre
orchard of Frank Cadwell. Here is a curiosity, every degree of incli-
nation from perfectly flat to so steep that a team cannot get up or
down, sloping to every point of the compass, with very many kinds
of apples. But Ben Davis and Willow Twig in excess of others.
Mr. Cadwell says, if replanting it, he would set Ben Davis, Willow
Twig and Rome Beauty entirely.

In the afternoon of the 23d we met with some of the horticul-
turally inclined and they re-organized the Griggsville Horticultural
Society, with Richard JPerry, for President; Frank Cadwell, Vice-
President; Robert Allen, Secretary and James Morrison. Treasurer.
And I noticed that in the report of their last meeting, 1877,
apples were reported from one-fourth to one-eighth crop. This
Society was formed, February 16th, 1867 and called Horticultural
Society of Pike County.

STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 61

From all I could see the orchards of Pike County were in far
more than average condition. But with the canker worm so well
established they will have to wage an energetic war or retrograde.
Saw from the cars on the Illinois river bottom, apple trees twelve to
fifteen inches through, appearing perfectly healthy and think from
the shape of the trees that they were Rome Beauty. This was sandy
second bottom.

Returning to Bluffs we passed to Jacksonville, in Morgan
County, and called on A.. L. Hay. From him we learned that canker
worm had completely defoliated some orchards, and it is a question
if a person ought to be allowed to let them remain and multiply,
even in their own orchards. Morning of 24th called on our friend
J. Heinl, and learned that plums had been partially destroyed by
frost, but otherwise a flattering prospect for a good fruit crop.

Wheat was looking very promising within the whole valley of the
Illinois river, as far as we could see from the cars as we traversed it
going to and fro, but have since learned that the crop was not as
then seemed probable.

This was the only trip taken by me during the season as a purely
horticultural one. But on a trip in June, to Rock Island, passing up
the Mississippi bottoms, most of the way (viz., just under the bluffs),
I noticed a marked difference from the condition of the trees on Illi-
nois bottom, apparently similarly situated, scarcely a healthy tree to
be seen. And on the return through Rock Island, Henry, and a
small portion of Mercer and Knox counties, scarcely a healthy tree
was to be seen. In Warren county the condition began to improve,
and it and McDonough showed some trees looking fairly well,
although not strictly healthy.

During several trips through Adams, Brown and Hancock coun-
ties, I have observed abundant crops of apples. But many of the
trees exhausted all their vitality to mature the crop and the apples
not as large as usual, while trees that were unable to mature their
crop was not an unusual thing. Pears and Plums gave a good crop
where the fruit was uninjured in the spring. Small fruits (except
cherries) were generally as good as could have been expected consid-
ering the feeble and scattered condition of the vines, etc., from the
excessive drouth of the previous season.

Young orchards where well cared for are looking reasonably well
and in all of my observations I have scarcely seen a case of blight on
either apple or pear, and in our own planting in orchards of about a
hundred pear trees in the last two years, I do not know that we have
lost a tree. Peach trees have not suffered as much as formerly.

Small fruit suffered much by drouth during 1887.

62 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

SPRAYING FRUIT TREES.
BY A. C. HAMMOND, WAESAW,

Years ago orchardists felt that something must be done to keep
in check the three great pests of the fruit grower, the codling moth,
canker worm and curculio, or they would be driven from the field;
therefore, our entomologists and practical orchardists went to work
with a will, to find some* means of combating them, and the result
has been so gratifying that the orchardist now feels assured that
these troublesome insects can be so far controlled that they will do
but slight injury.

Last season the apple crop was so light that nearly every speci-
men, where no efforts were made to destroy them, contained one
or more worms, but, where the trees were carefully sprayed a very
small per cent, contained a larva. The experiments therefore made
at that time were ver}" conclusive and showed that a large per cent,
of our apples can be saved, even in an unfavorable year.

This season the conditions were reversed, as the short crop, and
in many places entire failure, of last year, furnished but little fruit
for them to breed in and the work of the few moths that infested
our orchards was scarcely perceptible.

Now, when the moth has been reduced by natural causes, is the
time for orchardists to spray their trees, for if this is done annually,
they can be so kept in check that we can grow sound, perfect fruit,
instead of finding a disgusting worm in every specimen.

In speaking of this question a vear ago, I said I was quite posi-
tive the poisonous application diminished the curculio in my orchard,
and the result of this year's experiment confirms me in the opinion
that it can be in a great measure controlled, and that most-dreaded
of all orchard insects, the canker worm, can be kept within safe
bounds, if not entirely exterminated.

As this method of destroying orchard insects is destined to come
into general use, it ma}' be well to call attention to the danger of
injury to the trees.

Last season I used a small force pump, which throws a light
spray, and with a pound of London Purple to eighty gallons of
water, scorched the leaves but slightly. This season, desiring to
reach the top of some large trees, 1 procured a Field Force Pump,
which throvvs a larger stream and drives it in among the leaves with
considerable force and, although, I reduced the strength to one
pound to one hundred and twenty gallons of water, I found the
leaves more injured than the previous year, caused, no doubt, by
using a larger quantity of the solution. I think there is nothing
superior to the Field spraying outfit for this purpose. The nozzle is
adjustable and can be made to throw a very fine spray. When the
trees are small or where it is desired to reach the top of larger trees,

STATE HOBTICULTUKAL SOCIETY. 63

a turn of the nozzle will properly adjust it for that purpose. The
finer the spray the better the work, and less the liability to injure
the leaves.

My attention was called to the danger of a too liberal appli-
cation by noticing several trees badly burned, and learning from the
operators that, as they were very fall of fruit, they turned the full force
of the coarse spray on them to make sure that every worm was killed.
We may, therefore, conclude that it requires considerable judgment
to decide just how much of the solution to apply to produce the best
results.

I would advise those who use the Field Force Pump to further
reduce the strength of the mixture, as it is evident that the quantity
of spray from this pump, being larger and thrown with more force
than the smaller ones, should be of less strength.

About the 20th of May, with Mr. C. N. Dennis, I visited the
large commercial orchard of Mr. Frank Cadwell, near Griggsville,
Pike county, and found him spraying for both codling moth and
canker worm. Last year his orchard was literally alive with canker
worms, and, as an experimennt, he sprayed a portion of it; where
the first spraying was done very few could be found this year, but
where done a few days later but little good was accomplished, the
insects having probably passed the leaf-eating period.

We carefully examined a number of trees sprayed a few days
previous and found that the poison had done its work. I noticed
that the men having the work in charge had, as in my own orchard,
determined to do thorough work where the canker worms were very
numerous, and had taken pfE the spray nozzle and broke the stream
into a coarse'spray by placing their thumb on the nozzle. Mr.
Cadwell has since informed me that the leaves were badly scorched,
but as the insects were thoroughly destroyed he does not regret it.

In Clay county, which is one of the principal apple-growing
regions of the State, considerable of this work has been done, and
Mr. Thos. Lowry, communicates a very singular instance of injury.
Last season he sprayed one side of a row of apple trees from the bot-
tom of a tank in which the poison had carelessly been allowed to
settle (he used Paris Green), the other side not being sprayed at
all. This season the side that was not sprayed was very full of
fruit, while the sprayed side bore none.

Mr. Lowry advances no theory for this singular freak, nor can I
conceive of a reasonable one. The fruit buds were not formed at the
time the spraying was done, and could not, therefore, have been in-
jured, and as the foliage is healthy, it is scarcely possible th9,t the
leaf-buds were affected by the poison. This, of course, is an excep-
tional case, but shows the necessity of caution in making the appli-
cation.

Mr. Lowry closes his interesting ^communication by saying that

I

64 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

the use of arsenical poisons has become a necessity to the orchardist,
but they should be used with extreme caution. Next season he will
use a weaker mixture, about one ounce of Paris Green to fifteen gal-
lons of water.

Mr. J. M. Cunningham, of the same county, speaking of the
crop of winter apples, says "they are affected by a rust and other-
wise not as smooth as usual. The cause of this defect would re-
quire a close investigation, but my opinion is that it is caused by the
extreme drouth of last season ; also, I think, aided by the free use of
arsenical poisons. I will state why I make this assertion. May 11th,
12th and 13th I sprayed my orchard, using one and one-eighth of
an ounce of Paris Green to ten gallons of water, spraying the trees
till the leaves were thoroughly wet, and am sure that the trees were
damaged by the effect of it. One-half of the leaves dropped in
from two to four weeks. Other orchards were badly injured by the
use of London Purple. In all these orchards many of the apples
dropped with the leaves, and the trees grew but little during the sea-
son. While I believe these poisons are great insect destroyers,I would
advise caution in their use ; for if used as strong as is generally
recommended, I believe the trees will be damaged. But what shall
we do? Shall we allow tbe insects to destroy our trees and fruit,
or shall we fight them with the poison as recommended?"

Fight them, by all means, even though some danger at+ends the
application. I am very sure that ninety per cent, of our fruit can be
saved from the codling moth ; that the canker worm can be entirely
exterminated, and the curculio kept in check by these poisonous appli-
cations. I am also sure that if used tqo strong, or in too large
quantities, the leaves will be injured, and with the leaves, the trees
and fruit. It has occurred to me that if a strong application,
especially of Paris Green, is used it may be an exciting cause of scab,
but further experiments will be required to settle this point.

After a number of careful experiments and considerable obser-
vation, I have come to the conclusion that London Purple is less
liable to injure leaves and fruit than Paris Green, and that a weaker
solution — about one pound to one hundred and fifty gallons of
water is sufficiently strong.

Knowing that Dr. Douglass, of Calhoun county — who is one of
the largest and most successful orchardists in the State — had
been experimenting with London Purple, I wrote to him, asking for
the results of his experiments, intending to incorporate it in the
above paper; but, as it came too late to use in that way, I give it
entire.as it contains just the information that many orchardists are
seeking for.

STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 65

Batchtowx, III.
Mr. a. C. Hammond, Sec. Horticultural Society, Warsaw, III.

Dear Sir: — lu compliance with your request for an account ol: my ex-
perience in spraying apple trees to protect the fruit against the ravages of
orchard pests, I submit the following:

After having read the published account of your experiment in the
spring of 1887. and the good results claimed by you, I last spring bought a
P. G. Lewis Force Pump and a quantity of London Purple. 1 put a forty-
five gallon barrel on a wagon — tilled the barrel nearly full of water, then
thoroughly stirred 5 oz. of the poison into a bucket of water and poured
that into the barrel, stirring it well in the barrel, hooked the pump in the
staple in the bottom of the bucket, filled the bucket with the poisoned water
in barrel and commenced spraying by driving the wagon close along one
side of the row of trees and back tlie other side; but 1 soon found thtit too
slow a process. So I ordered a Field's Improved Force Pump, manufac-
tured by The Field Force Pump Co., of Lockport, N. Y.— cost fourteen
dollars. The suction pipe of this pump passes down through a hole in the
head of the barrel, the pipe reaching iieaWy to the bottom of the barrel, the
pump being held in position on the head of the barrel by screwing it fast to
Jiead of the barrel.

The poison for use by this pump is prepared the same as for the Lewis
Pump, but, as both heads are in the barrel, it has to be poured in through a
funnel. The hole in which the funnel is used serves to introduce a stick,
reaching to the bottom of the barrel, with which to stir the contents, so as
to keep the poison well mixed in the barrel.

I found the Field Force Pump a great deal more expeditious than the
Lewis Pump. With the Field Pump we drove midway between two rows
of trees, and sprayed the proximate sides of the two rows at one trip
through. With it we could easily reach the tops of the tallest trees on both
sides of the wagon.

We sprayed about 2/X)0 of our trees, and are well pleased with the
result, — the fruit on the sprayed trees being very much smoother than that
on the unsprayed, and almost entirely free from worms.

The best case for comparison I got from two separate blocks of AVillow
Twig trees that stand about two liundred yards apart,— both blocks the
sime age, being ten years old last spring. From the sprayed block of trees,
eighty-five in number, we gathered ninety-three barrels of the Irir^iest and
smoothest Willow Twigs that I ever saw, and I do not believe that there
were eight barrels of waste apples, or culls, left on the ground from the
whole block of eighty-five trees ; while from the other, or unsprayed, block
of seventy-five trees, we got only thirteen barrels, leaving the ground liter-
ally paved with wormy and specked apples.

I am so thoroughly convinced of the immense beneiits resulting from
spraying that I shall use it more largely next spring.

In justice to "The Lewis Puoip" I would say that it is all that is
required for an orchard of 300 or 4(X) trees, and for use against the potato
bug, and for garden purposes ; but for large orchards I would prefer " The
Field's Force Pump " with a double hose. One man can hold and direct
both hose, while another works the pump, thus doing twice as much work
in the same length of time. *

As to the time for spraying, 1 would begin as soon as the trees are in
full bloom and continue the work as long as the apple stands erect on the
stem. I think it would be dangerous to use the spray after the apple gets
heavy enough to hang downward from the stem, as then the poison would
lodge in the cavity around the stem and remain there, in spite of the wash-
ing of subsequent rainfalls.

6

66 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

London Purple not only destroys the progeny of the codling moth, but
it seems to be a death dealing agent to all insects that prey upon the fruit
and foliage of the apple tree. In one portion of my orchard last spring, the
measuring worms were getting quite numerous, and were rapidly stripping
the trees of their leaves. We gave them a dose of London Purple, and two
days afterward a live worm could hardly be found in that part of the orch-
ard ; but there were plenty of dead ones swinging by their webs from the
leaves that were left on the trees So taking it all in all I think that we
have in London Purple, rightly applied, a safe and efficient remedy against
most of the fruit and leaf eating insect enemies of the orchardist.

Respectfully submitted,

J. R. DOUGLASS.

Mr. Vaughan — I have had some experience with poisons in the
orchard and prefer arsenic, as a solution can be made by boiling, that
will not readily precipitate. It is generally used too strong. One
pound to four hundred gallons of water, I think, is strong enough.

Dr. Hall — Mr. Dixon, of Iowa, first experimented with arseni-
cal poisons. He used one pound to one hundred and fifty gallons of
water, but I find that half that strength will often scorch the leaves.
I like the Nixon pump and nozzle better than any other I have seen
in operation.

Mr. Coe — The agent of the Nixoii pump came to Quincy and
tried to sell this pump for §35.00. This is much too high. I there-
fore procured a cheap pump and went to work with a solution of one
pound of London Purple to one hundred and twenty gallons of
water. Where I sprayed I had nice, smooth fruit.

Mr. Mortimer — This is a question every horticulturist is inter-
ested in, and much good will result from the discussion. There is,
of course, some danger connected with the operation. Stock should
not be allowed in the orchard until a rain has washed the poison
from the grass.

Mr. ij. R. Bryant — I take a large cask and rig a Field Force
Pump on it, put in the water and poison at the house, and before I
get to the orchard it is thoroughly mixed.

Mr. C. N. Dennis — I used a Field Force Pump and one pound
of London Purple to one hundred and fifty gallons of water, and did
not notice any injury to the leaves. We threw away the spraying
nozzle and made a coarse spray by using the thumb.

STATE HORTICULTUEAL SOCIETY. 67

Mr. Cad well — I have an orchard of 170 acres, and found it
necessary to spray, this season, for both canker worms and codling
moths. When the wind was blowing, the tops of the trees
could not be reached with the spray nozzle. The operator therefore
took it off and broke the stream into a coarse spray by placing his
thumb on the nozzle. By this means the tops of the highest trees
can be reached, and the water will drip down through the leaves,
wetting them thoroughly. I use two tanks such as steam threshers
use for hauling water, and in driving to the orchard the London
Purple is well mixed with the water. In 1887, I tried spraying on a
small scale and was so well pleased with the result, that this season I
sprayed my entire orchard, and had an immense crop of fruit, which
I sold considerably above the the market price. There are places
in my orchard where there was not one per cent, of waste, and
scarcely two per cent, of second grade fruit. T consider the danger
to animal life very small. While we were spraying, a dog drank from
a leakage of the tank and received no harm.

Mr. Dunlap — As we had no fruit, and consequently few worms
last season, I concluded that we should have few this year and,
therefore, did not spray my orchards and had good fruit.

Mr. Beeby — I sprayed my orchard and had fine fruit. My
neighbors, who did not spray, also had good fruit. All orchards
were remarkably exempt from codling moth this year.

Mr. Pearson — I wish to ask Mr. Hammond how many gallons
of the solution are required for an ordinary-sized tree?

Ansiver — One gallon, if properly applied; but more may be used
with safety.

Mr. Pearson — Is the early dropping of apples arrested by spray-
ing?

Mr. Hammond — As far as it is caused by codling moth — and
much if it is caused by their work — yes.

The President appointed the following gentlemen as a commit-
tee to award the special premiums offered by the Alton Southern
Horticultural Society: C. N. Dennis, Arthur Bryant and Frank Cad-
well. ^

68 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

REPORT OF COMMITTEE TO RECOMMEND LIST OF
VEGETABLES FOR FARMERS' GARDENS.

Mr. President and Members of the State Horticultural Society:

We only propose to recommend such work for a Farmer's Kitchen
Garden as anyone can have, and do without hot-beds, or any of the
appliances of the market gardener.

Presuming that the ground is in good tilth, next spring select
a spot well drained and with a southern exposure and plant, as soon
as the ground can be worked, radishes and lettuce and follow the
radishes at intervals of ten days. At the same time plant the earli-
est pea. It is probably best to plant, for earliest, one of the small,
smooth peas, say Landuth's Extra Early, and follow it in a few days
with American Wonder, and these again with one of the later
wrinkled peas, although two plantings of American Wonder are good
with us. If now a bed of asparagus has been started before, one is
pretty well fixed until June. Beets (Early Egyptian) and onion
sets and salsify can go into the ground as soon as the ground will
work easily. Cabbage and tomato plants can be had in the market
of the professional gardener, better and cheaper than the farmer can
raise them. The former must be planted early and the latter need
not go into the ground until about May 10. Do not plant too much
of any one kind, as it is far better to have a regular succession, than
a superabundance for a short time, and then nothing. Bush beans
and sweetcorn come on later, — little is gained by very early planting
of these, as a slight frost will set them back sadly. Lima beans, we
cannot do without, and are among the last things to be planted.
Do not allow more than three plants to grow in one hill, otherwise
you will have more vines than beans.

As fast as a crop of any kind is harvested, clear the ground and
put in a late crop, — turnips can be grown after peas and require but
little attention. In spite of all our improvements, a good deal of
the work must be done by hand. The amount to be done is so
small that it will not pay to use a horse. A good deal of the work
can be done at odd times, with no damage to the main work, if one
will only watch and improve the spare moments. Cucumbers and
melons can be started two weeks earlier than usual, by making a
miniature hot-bed, without frame or glass, thus: dig a hole one foot
square, eighteen inches deep, and fill with fresh stable manure, and
sift over it three inches of soil, and then form a little pit with a six-
inch pot banking the earth around it, remove the pot and plant
seeds in the bottom of the pit and cover with a thin board, a piece
of tin, or better yet, with a piece of window-glass.

Cultivation, will do wonders, and must be frequent; while the
planlfc are small, do not let weeds show themselves at all. Rhubarb

MILO BARNARD

Late President of the Iliiiwis State Hortieultitral Soeicty.

STATE HORTICULTUEAL SOCIETY. 69

and horse-radish should be set where they can remain for several
years and be well fed with manure. This does not give best results
but will answer for home use and save time at the busy time.

We believe the above will furnish an ordinary family with
an abundance of healthy vegetables and fill a gap on the bill of fare
so frequent on the farmer's table.

Varieties of these different things could be named, but it would
extend this report to, too great a length. Let each one talk with his
neighbors and swap items and seeds; but as a rule, good seeds can be
as well bought as saved. The cost is small and with us the results
are better.

J]!^^o. M. Pearson,
H. L. DoAN,
G. W. McCleur,

Committee.

Mr. Hay — The success of gardening depends largely on manure.
A rich, well-cultivated soil will push vegetables forward rapidly, but
without manure it is useless to expect an early garden.

WEDNESDAY EVENING.
The meeting was called to order at 7:30. The first paper for the

evening was

OUR LATE PRESIDENT.
BY HENRY MORTIMER, MANTENO.

At the annual meeting of the Illinois State Horticultural
Society, held in Princeton last December, Milo Barnard was elected
president for the ensuing year. ■ That meeting was a very pleasant
and instructive one. The many able pa])ers read and the valuable
discussions following encouraged horticulturists, and many have
looked forward with interest to our present meeting for a con-
tinuance of the good work. There is, however, a feeling of sadness
when we realize that he whom we honored with the presidency of
this Society, only one year ago, has been called from the field of his
labors here to the Great Eternal beyond the "shores of time."

Milo Barnard was born July 20th, 1831, in Economy, Wayne
county, Indiana. In 1835 his parents located in LaPorte county,
of the same State, where the subject of this sketch resided until 1857,

70 TEANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

when he came to Manteno, Illinois, near which place he lived until
his death, which occurred on the 7th of May of the present year.

When fifteen years of age he took charge of a nursery, and was
connected with that business the greater part of his life. He was of
Quaker parentage, and his educational advantages were limited to a
good district school.

On August 13, 1852, he married Miss Jane Williams, a most
estimable lady. Three children, Alice, Park and Lee, blessed this
union, of whom only Lee, who is twenty-six years old, and the
youngest, is living. Although without the advantages of a collegiate
course of studies, Mr. Barnard was an educated man. Throughout
his life he was a very close student, not only of the art he loved, but
of every subject that has a tendency to elevate the human race. His
various contributions to the Pra/rie Farmer and other papers show
an extensive range of thought and a felicitous expression, which
command the respect of his fellow-men.

In all questions concerning horticulture, agriculture and their
kindred subjects, he was extremely well informed. As an educator
on these lines of thought and work, his town and county has abund-
ant testimony. To his judgment, intelligence and industry the Kan-
kakee Valley Horticultural Society is largely indebted for its incep-
tion and continuance. Since its commencement in 1877, with the
exception of two years up to the time of his death, Mr. Barnard
was its chief officer, and no business of his own, however pressing,
ever prevented him from attending its meetings.

Some years ago when he was elected President of the Agricul-
tural Fair Association, of Kankakee County, he found this institu-
tion heavily encumbered with debt, and its friends and working
members more or less discouraged. With the aid of the Executive
Committee, he succeeded in passing a resolution, authorizing the sale
of life membership tickets at fifteen dollars each. By appeals in the
local press, and visits through the county, he secured all the members
needed to pay off the debt. Since that time several improvements
have been made, and the Association is in a prospering condition.

Year after year he was elected Supervisor of the Town of Man-
teno, and in the Board, whether as- a member or President of that
body, his opinions always commanded respect, and received careful
consideration.

At the meeting qi the Horticultural Society of Northern Illinois,
held in Chicago, in January 1886, Mr. Barnard was elected President
for the ensuing year. During the succeeding autumn he personally
visited Prof. Budd and other prominent horticulturists; he also cor-
responded with fruit growers in different parts of our State, and the
result was a grand success for the meeting held in Kankakee in Jan-
uary, 1887. His power of adaptation to different persons and circum-
stances was very large. The child clearly understood the simple and

STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 71

pleasant words addressed to him. The farmer and fruit grower
could always command his time and attention and rely on him for
sound advice.

The statesman found in him an interesting companion, and one
who was thoroughly informed on all the political issues of the day.
His faculty of observation was sharp and comprehensive. The object
and motives of men he carefully analyzed, and seldom failed to reach
correct conclusions. He had an almost sacred regard for the rights
of others, and was extremely careful to avoid giving offence to any
one. He was universally esteemed in the community where he lived.
Although his funeral was early in May, at a time when the farmers
were most busily engaged, it was one of the most largely attended
that the writer has ever seen in Manteno. The Board of Supervisors
attended in a body to pay their last tribute of respect to their honored
comrade.

During many of the later years of his life he spent a great deal
of his time in experimenting with tree and small fruits, not for any
profit that he expected to reap from such work, but for the good of
others. None knew better than he that such labor is unprofitable.
But he loved it, and he worked, not ceasing on account of the
weather, and often regardless of his own physical comfort, trying
and hoping to find the apple, the pear, the cherry, and other fruits
that would be desirable and successful in Northern Illinois.
Although from boyhood Mr. Barnard was looking for fruits that
would flourish in his part of our country, at no time in life was he
more busily engaged or more hopeful of success than during the last
two or three months preceding his death.

He had trees of different kinds and varieties from Prof. Budd, of
Iowa, and Peter M. Gideon, of Minnesota, besides numerous specimens
from other localities. He had also collected a great many varieties
of the strawberry and other small fruits, and he looked forward
anxiously and hopefully to the time of their fruiting. But in the
very height of his work, he was suddenly called from the scene of
his earthly labors at a time when his numerous friends might reason-
ably hope that many more years of his useful life would be spared
to him. We all know that life is always uncertain, but when asked
why this is so we cannot fully answer. We can only say that the
finite cannot comprehend the infinite. We bow in humble submis-
sion to the will of the Omnipotent Ruler of the Universe, "who
doeth all things well.''

Mr. Barnard was a kind husband, an affectionate father, a stead-
fast friend, an obliging neighbor. He leaves a void in the commun-
ity where he lived that cannot be filled. But his memory will live
in his labors and his teachings. Wherever trees are planted for
shade or fruit, and wherever flowers bloom, they will remind us of
our friend who cared for them and advocated their culture. He was

72 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

one of nature's noblemen of whom it can be truthfully said that '' the
world is better for his having lived in it."

The following resolutions, relative to the death of President
Milo Barnard and D. Wilraot Scott, were read by Mr. Mortimer and
approved by the Society: -

Whereas, Milo Barnard, who was'elected President of this Society one
year ago, has, by the hand of death, been removed from the scene of his
earthly labors and the field of his great usefulness; therefore be it

Resolved, That the members of this Society have heard with feelings
of profound sorrow and regret of the decease of their friend, who departed
this life on the seventh of May, of the present year.

Resolved, That as a friend and an intelligent laborer in that art "which
doth mend Nature," this Society has sustained a grievous loss, and the com-
munity has lost an upright and honorable citizen.

Resolved, That while we express our heartfelt sorrow for this affliction,
we tender to his bereaved family the assurance of our kindest sympathy,
and bow in humble deference to the will of an All- Wise Providence.

Resolved, That these resolutions be recorded in our Transactions, and a
copy thereof sent to the family of our departed friend.

Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God to remove our brother and
friend in horticulture, T). Wilmot Scott, of Galena, Illinois,

Resolved, That in the death of our brother, we have sustained the loss
of a genial friend, a zealous horticulturist and a tireless worker in all that
pertained to horticultural advancement. As secretary for many years, and
finally as president of the Northern Horticultural Society of Illinois, as
secretary of the American Nurserymen's Association, from its organization,
and in numerous other capacities, he was known to the horticulturists all
over the United States. VVe hereby tender our sincere sympathies to his
bereaved family.

Respectfully submitted,

S. G. MiNKLER,

Henry Mortimer,
Committee.

The Committee on Fruit Lists for Southern Illinois submitted
the following, which was adopted :

LIST OF APPLES RECOMMENDED FOR SOUTHERN ILLINOIS.

We, your Committee on Apple Lists for Southern Illinois, recom-
mend the following :

EARLY SUMMER.

Benoni, Red June, Early Harvest.

LATE SUMMER.

Chenango Strawberry, Lowell, Maiden's Blush.

STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 73

FALL.

Jonathan, Mother, Grimes' Golden.

WINTER.

Ben Davis, Wine Sap, Minkler, Rome Beauty.

RECOMMENDED FOR TRIAL.

Yellow Transparent, Fink, Neil's Keeper, Picket, Grain Spice, Indian,

Black Twi^.

W. R. Grain,
J. Webster,
Jacob Auer,

Committee.

The Gommittee for Gentral Illinois recommended the following
list, which drew out a spirited discussion, but was finally adopted
with the addition of Duchesse.

LIST OF APPLES FOR CENTRAL ILLIXOIS.

SUMMER.

Red Astrachan — Family and market.
Benoni — Family and market.

FALL.

Maiden's Blush — Family and market.
Wealthy — Family and market.
RamsdelVs Sweet — Family.

EARLY WINTER.

Jonathan — Family and market.
Grimes' Golden — Family and market.

LATE WIJTTER.

Ben Davis — Market.
Willow Twig — Market.
Minkler — Family.

G. N. Dennis,

F. Gadwell,

G. B. Rockwell,

Committee.

74 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

Dr. Hall — Why does the committee say Red Astrachan instead
of Duchesse. We get three times as much fruit from the Duchesse.
Duchesse, Maiden's Blush and Willow are the three apples for profit
in Central Illinois. Jonathan is one of the best everywhere.

Mr. Hay — Years ago I had Red Astrachan trees that grew vig-
orously but did not bear. Dr. Hall said root prune them, which I
did, and they bore enormously.

Mr. Augustine — The committee have overlooked the Fameuse.
I think it should be in every collection, I think the Red Astrachan
does well on some soils, but never in rich prairie soil.

Mr. Johnson — We have a splendid fruit show down stairs
comprising many valuable varieties, but we can't grow them all in
the family orchard. The committee has given us a good list that I
am willing to accept.

President Dunlap — Red Astrachan is a valuable apple, but if I
could have but one I should prefer Duchesse. For family use I
would plant Fameuse. Stanard is a fine looking apple ihat I think
well of. If I was confined to four varieties, they would be Ducliesse,
Maiden's Blush, Ben Davis and Willow.

On motion of Mr. Augustine, the Duchesse was added to the list
for Central Dlinois.

The committee made the following recommendations for North-
ern niinois, which \^ere adopted : /

SUMMER.

Benoni, Duchesse.

FALL.

Maiden's Blush, Cayuga Red Streak, Fameuse, Wealthy.

WINTER.

Jonathau, Ben Davis, Willow Twig, Roman Stem, Minkler.

S. G. Minkler,
Henry Mortimer,
L. R. Bryant,

Committee.

STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 75

NEW FRUITS.
BY A. L. HAY, JACKSONVILLE.

" There is divinity that shapes our ends, rough hew them as we
raa}'." "Or, in the language of one who got his punctuation a little
mixed: " There is a divinity that shapes our ends rough, hew them
as we may."

Certainly, there was a president, secretary, or a somebody who
shaped the upper (or title end) of this, what ought to be a report on
new fruits, to be read before this Societ}-, and left the herculean task
of adding the bottom and sides to one who knows as little about new
fruits as Horace Greeley knew about theology, or as Henry Ward
Beecher knew about farming.

Upon receiving notice from your Secretary, that I would be ex-
pected to make a report upon the above subject at this time, my
thoughts at once reverted (I believe that is the Latin phrase for turn-
ing back) some three thousand years to the time of King Solomon,
who is supposed to have had more wisdom and more experience in
managing a family and paying millinery bills than any other man who
had lived up to the time of our own illustrious and lamented Brigham
Young, and after giving his heart to seek and search out by wisdom
concerning* all things that are done under heaven, he was led to ex-
claim: "There is no new thing under the sun," and added, "Is
there anything whereof it may be said: See, this is new, it hath
been already of old time which was before us."

Now, taking Solomon's view of this subject, and certainly his
conclusions are worthy of consideration, may we not be justified in
the belief that at that very early period in the world's history, this
noted ancient monarch had barrels of Wythe, Pewaukee and
Wealthy apples stored in his refrigerator, or that his gardens were
profusely supplied with the Wild-Goose Crab or Russian Mulberry
Plum; or who can doubt that barrel after barrel of Russian crab
cider or Niagara grape wine lined his cellar from the beginning of
his reign until the ending thereof, or that much of his time was
devoted to the study of his Maiden's Blush or his Ladies' Favorite
apples, while in his vineyards and orchards might have been found, in
luxuriant bearing, our newest and choicest varieties of grapes,
peaches, plums, etc., without end. But if we were to strictly adopt
this Solomonic view of things, I fear that we should make no perma-
nent progress in horticulture, for all investigations and experiments
would cease and everybody would be content to eat sour grapes and
other inferior fruits and depend upon plowing up new varieties, or
to have them showered upon us by a Divine Providence, just as we
are provided with rain and snow. Therefore, whatever may have been
Solomon's experience in horticulture, although he spent millions iu

76 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

planting vineyards and orchards and filling them with the choicest of
fruits, I cannot believe that the Egyptian or Israelite of 4,000 or
5,000 years ago, who is to-day being dug out of his long resting
place and ground up and used as a fertilizer upon the hills and in
the valleys of more advanced and civilized nations, ever feasted upon
the choicest horticultural products of to-day. Surely the genius,
investigation and forethought, the science and progress of the
present age must develop something unknown to the ancients of
Solomon's time. We certainly have new ways of committing mur-
der; we have new methods of robbing banks and plundering houses;
we have new schemes by the hundreds for swindling the honest and
unsuspecting horticulturist out of his scant profits; we have new
combinations of liquids and potions for stealing away the senses of
men and making them roaring drunk, and while the devil has been
so active, aggressive and evidently so successful in his warfare
against the pocket-books aud souls of mankind, is it possible that
the labors of such men as Worder, Downing, Dunlap, Turner, Hall
and others shall have been in vain ?

Nay, verily it cannot be ! their efforts have certainly met with a
great measure of success, which we to-day enjoy aud generations to
follow will rise up and call them blessed. But in the great struggle
for something new is it not possible that we may have been led to
neglect the cultivation of some of the old but better varieties. May
not this feverish anxiety to swell our bank accounts have led us to
plant early and abundant bearing trees or plants at the expense of
quality. For instance may not the greed for filthy lucre have
induced some and perhaps many of us to plant the Ben Davis instead
of the Jonathan apple. I mention these two varieties for the reason
that to my mind they represent the two extremes of quality and
usefulness, I never think of the Ben Davis, without a cold chill run-
ning up my back, and as an article of diet, I would consider a sponge
equally as desirable; while the Jonathan seems a foretaste of the
angel- food which we all exjject to enjoy when we cross that river
over which there shall be no returning.

During the past few years this apple, has to me, been a great
source of comfort and delight. When financial reverses have over-
taken me, and ruin stared me in the face, 1 have eaten a few Jona-
thans and ray troubles seemed but a dream. If our children were
exposed to the mumps, measles, small-pox or whooping cough a few
Jonathan apples always served to drive the disease away or tide
them lightly over it. During the late political campaign when the
fortunes of my adopted party seemed on the wane, I resorted to the
same remedy, and the clouds immediately lifted and the rainbow of
promise appeared in unusual brightness.

If the bread fails to rise, the stove smokes, or the fire is back-
ward in going forward, my wife sits quietly down and eats a Jonathan

STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 77

apple, and all trouble and doubt disappears, and the future looks like
a rosy-tinted dream.

In fact, it has become the panacea for all the ills our family is
heir to. It has superseded pills and paregoric, and doctors have long
since ceased to regard us with any degree of favor. The origin of
this apple is somewhat obscured by the mists of the past, but it is
supposed to have sprung directly from the spot of earth where the
first arrow of Jonathan rested from the bow which he drew to warn
David to flee from the wrath of his father. And from these ancient
days it has been handed down to us as the very best of its kind, and
Worder, in his ''American Pomology," classes it as the best winter
apples for either dessert or cooking. Its season with us, when prop-
erly handled, is from October to April. A friend of mine, who has
fruited it alongside of Ben Davis, says that it came into bearing
earlier than Ben Davis, and has since given hira more uniform and
regular crops of superior fruit. I do not expect to live long enough
to see it superseded by anything better, and those who have lived to
a green old age without having made its acquaintance have the sin-
cere sympathy of myself and family.

But, returning to the subject of '' New Fruits," as I said before,
my experience with new varieties has been very limited, and that is
the reason, I suppose, that I have been selected to write up such an
important subject; but for two years I have fruited Moore's Early
grape with, -what I consider, the most eminent success. It appears
to be perfectly hardy, ripens ten days or two weeks before the
Concord, bears a very heavy, compact bunch of large, fine grapes of
good quality. So far, it has not been attacked by rot.

At the same time' I planted Brighton, Worden's Seedling and
Pocklington, but, like many of my great undertakings in life, their
cultivation has resulted mostly in disaster. In fact, from the very
start, the omens in this enterprise appeared to be against me. I had
scarcel}" given my order to a smiling and persuasive tree agent, for
plants, when it began to rain. They arrived in dew time (or rather,
rain time) and as often as I thought of consigning them to their
future resting place, the thunders would roar, the lightnings flash,
and the rain come tumbling down kersplash. Finally, as the season
was rapidly passing away, 1 determined to hazard everything in an
attempt to put the dear little things where they would do the most
good. One afternoon, late in April, a ray of sunshine came dancing
gladly across my garden, and a sparkling thought danced playfully
across ray mind. I seized a spade in one hand and the bundle of
plants in the other and started out upon an almost bottomless sea of
mud, to locate a vineyard for the benefit of a long line of posterity
in general, and myself and«nimediate family in particular; but, alas!
alas! the " best laid plans of mice and men gang aft aglee."

( N. B. — The latter thought is not original with me. It is taken

78 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

from Horace Greeley's address to the Indians, in 1685, when Wm.
Penn made such a solemn treaty with the red men under the now
famous old Charter Oak in South Park, Chicago. )

Just after adopting a line of operations and losing one boot in
the mud, the clouds returned to their usual occupation, that (5f weep-
ing like a spoiled child. Then wrapping myself in a rubber coat and
a solemn determination to end the matter at once, I rammed the
vines down in the mud without regard to labels, varieties or family
distinctions, and up to the present time I have not had intimate
acquaintance enough with these different varieties to enable me to
distinguish one from another, but the one I have supposed to be the
Pocklington has been a complete failure. The other varieties have
produced fair crops of very ordinary grapes, but have proved so very
unsatisfactory that I have since planted nothing but the Concord.

A few years ago I was fortunate in securing a new variety of
early summer pear from one of our nurserymen. The name of which,
like most other things of minor importance, has passed beyond my
jurisdiction, but the tree, alas, has not. It stands as a monument to
the folly of one who is ever seeking after something which Solomon
declares does not exist. That is, something new. That the tree is
properly named, and that it belongs to the the pear familv, there can
be no doubt, for it bore one single specimen of fruit last year, and
another this, which according to Ray's mental arithmetic would
make it a pear tree.

Liist year a little child was passing bigh,
8he saw the pear a hanging high,
And viewed it with an evil eigh;
She ate and hove a painful sigh,
And sought her little bed to digh.

With pills and squills the doctor came.
And made her raise that fruit again.
This year the pear she did not take.
But left it there for me to shake,
I caught it ere it reached the ground,
And found it ripe, but firm and sound.
A pretty golden russet thinsr.
And hard enough to keep till spring.
I layed it by with greatest care.
Where sun and wind would not impair.

The virtues that I dreamed were there,

And when in time I took it down.

And quartered it and passed it round.

I heard but one sad solemn sound,

Cut down the tree, why cumberetli it the ground ?

If you will dissect this poem careful^ you will see that it is
divided into Cantos. Canto first, includes the temptation; Canto
second, the yielding to temptation; Canto third, the punishment for

STATE HORTICULTUEAL SOCIETY. ' 79

yielding with a glimpse at the general result with a number of states
yet to hear from. Now as this happened shortly after having
feasted for a week or more upon the very choicest Bartletts, a variety
which has been so well and favorably known for a century or more,
I thought I could forcibly realize the folly of turning away from
an old and familiar friend, and seeking after something of which we
know nothing, yet I believe with St. Paul, that we should try all
things that are new and hold fast that which is good, and while it is
impossible for each one of us to experiment with all new varieties of
fruits brought to our notice, we may profit by the experience of
others.

I have recently received from the Department of Agriculture at
Washington a report upon the adaptation of Russian and other
fruits to the extreme northern portion of the United States, and as
it catalogues over 400 varieties of Russian apples, which have been
introduced in this country, it would appear that Russian fruits were
rushing over here with a rush that must cost somebody something,
but so long as their actual value is to be determined by experiment
at our agricultural colleges, it is all well enough; but from the re-
ports of those who have given them a test, I conclude that private
parties will do well to give them a wide berth. Besides the certain
worthlessness of most varieties so far as tested, it would be certain
death to any one who would attempt to call one of them by its
original Russian name. Just imagine one of our common every-day
horticulturists asking one of his evening callers if he would indulge
in another Naslerdniknikolaiallksandwitchostrokasdrakayayanovdas-
koesteklranka apple. Then think of the dead and dying that would
be scattered over such a battle field of nameless names and let us be
exceedingly careful how we introduce such things into a free and
enlightened country. I have only to add, that to write upon a sub-
ject of such vast importance with so little knowledge to bring to bear
upon it is a task of no mean proportions and I fear that the founda-
tion of my constitution will be forever shattered by battling with it,
and the only consolation to be gained from this committee at this
time is the fact that our friend Webster, who is neither a small or a
new thing, either as a specimen of nature's handiwork, or in experi-
ence in the cultivation of new fruits, will give the Society something
in the line of information upon this subject which will redeem
the reputation of this committee from everlasting disgrace.

The Awarding Committee, Class ITT., presented the following

REPORT.

Your Committee on Class III. — Plates — beg leave to make the
following report : In passing upon the various entries made, we have
endeavored to follow the instructions laid down in your printed rules.

80 TEANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

The competitioQ has been so sharp that we found the work more dif-
ficult than was anticipated. We cannot give our reason for the
decision we have made in every instance, but, for illustration, we
will give the following case :

We found from Central Illinois, for family use, the Northern
Spy, Minkler, Rome Beauty, Jonathan, and Wythe. We awarded
the first premium to the Jonathan, for the reason that the fruit is
higher in quality, and the tree is better adapted to the various
localities than the other varieties. We did not deem the Northern
Spy worthy of even a third premium, for the reason that in this
short life and fast age it is too slow in coming into bearing.

I am glad to be able to report that of all the varieties passed on,
I found but two incorrectly named.

I can not close this report without saying that the collection of
fruit which is here on exhibition is a magnificent one, and it seems
to me that if those chronic grumblers, who have been making such
doleful lamentations over the failure of fruit for the past few years,
could see these tables groaning under their load of as fine fruit as
ever grew, they would cease their grumbling, and take new courage
to go on with their horticultural work.
Respectfully submitted,

Gr. B. Brackett, Committee.

On motion President Dunlap named the following gentlemen as
a special committee to examine and report on the fine exhibit of the
Illinois Experiment Station : W. M. Samuels, of Clinton, Ky.; R.
B. Leeper, of Paducah, Ky., and James Freze of Coatsburg, Illinois.

Adjourned.

THURSDAY MORNING.

The session was opened with prayer by the Rev. Dr. Abbott, of
the Baptist Church.

REPORT OF STANDING COMMITTEE ON NEW FRUITS.

BY J. WEBSTER, CENTRALIA.

Mr. President., Ladies and Gentlemen

of the Illinois State Horticultural Society :

The experience of the past year, like many that have preceded
it, has taught us some valuable lessons which are gentle reminders
of how little we really know about the art of Horticulture. I fear
what I may be able to say upon the subject assigned me, will not

STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 81

prove new or interesting. New fruits ! How many horticulturists
have gone down into the bottonj of their pockets the past season,
after hearing some college-trained gentlemen, sent out by Eastern
firms, tell the bright side of his piece in regard to something new he
is offering, — to find in a few years hence, he is a victim of misplaced
confidence.

In the wide range of pleasure, labor and cares connected with
pomology, nothing is more truly fascinating and highly interesting
to the lover of horticultural pursuits, than the production of new
varieties. It is a lottery with very many blanks and occasionally a
prize. In the anticipation of this prize, the one pomologist pushes
his experiments with an enobling pleasurable pride, finding lots of
disappointments and a vast field of unexhausted pleasure, not to be
found in other pursuits. Our long list of varieties which are so
bewildering to the beginner, were all new varieties once, new from
Nature's great store-house. They are not altogether natural forms,
but the artificial productions of culture, assisted by man's deter-
mined effort to improve; and, for all this tendency to improve, there
are apparently stronger tendencies to return to a natural or wild
state. There are more or less of popular errors prevailing in regard
to varieties, — one is, that when a good variety has originated from
seed and been introduced to the public, it may be continued forever.

Judging from my own standpoint of experience and observation,
this can not be so. I think the facts will bear us out that all varie-
ties of fruits are of limited duration, depending on favorable or un-
favorable conditions of climate, soil, modes of propagating, and
innumerable other conditions of cultivation, plant food and sur-
roundings.

New Fruits — To commence at the beginning, strawberries, the
first fruit to ripen in the early spring, and, to very many of us,
second to none in commercial importance. Of recent introductions,
fruited the second time, Bubach does not meet our expectation in
our end of the State. A large berry of medium quality, very soft,
poor shipper. Plants do not stand our midsummer sun, the yield is
light when compared with the kinds we grow. The same may be
said of the Jessie, except that it is a more vigorous grower and plant-
maker, in our soil, than the former. The Hoffman, from South Caro-
lina, a staminate variety, good fertilizer for Crescent and Warfield,
is a good, vigorous grower, makes lots of fruit of medium size and
fair shii)ping quality, is a good plant maker and promises well for
our latitude. The Burt Seedling, Itasca, Logan, Pearl and Cloud
Seedling we have not fruited enough to pass judgment. The Pearl,
however, is large and firm and promises well on one year's trial as a
shipping berry. Warfield No. 2 holds its position as the best market
strawberry in Southern Illinois, old or new, of good average size all

82 TEANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

through the season, firm shipper, of good quality aud fine appearance
in box. It has astonished all that have seen it : from every place that
it has appeared in market comes unsolicited plaudits of its beautiful,
solid appearance and fine selling qualities, after being shipped
hundreds of miles. The yield per acre, under ordinary matted row-
culture, is immense, second to nothing grown here, but a long way
in the lead. It is destined to give strawberry growing a great impe-
tus in Egypt.

Raspberries — Of recent introductions we have nothing to report.
Red Cuthbert and Brandywine are considered the best with us. Of
black caps, Tyler, Souhegan, Ohio Black and Gregg. Shaffer's Col-
lossal takes the lead as a very large berry for home use and home
market, but is a very poor shipper,

Gooseberries — The Downing, Mt. Seedling and Houghton are
grown, and for market in order named. Triumph, a new American
gooseberry, from Pennsylvania, is a promising rival of the Downing,
much larger. This year they bore a nice crop of large, handsome
berries, free from mildew. The Industry has, wifh us, not proved
profitable, like all English varieties, it has fallen a victim to mildew.

Grapes — Niagara has proven hardy and bids fair to be a rival
of Concord, it was not entirely free from rot this year. We only
know of three kinds that are, viz: Perkins, Norton's Virginia Seed-
ling and Cynthiana. Empire State has been fruited by some ama-
tuers, and is highly esteemed. Brighton, Noah, Liudley and Worden
are successfully grown in Clinton county by a few Germans, who
bag them early.

Blackberries — Early Harvest stands first as an early berry, ripen-
ing before the Black Raspberries are done ; of medium size and of
fair quality. Western Triumph and Stone's Hardy fruited by us
two years, we like them better than Snyder for this far south. We
can see no difference in the Erie and Lawton, one year's fruiting.

Currants — The Victoria and Red Dutch take the lead here as
red currants. The Fays, like the Cherry, will never be profitably
grown this far south, with us being almost the southern limit of
currant growing.

Pears — Keiffer and LaConte produced heavy crops this year on
four and five-year old trees. The LaConte is an enormous bearer ;
quality third rate. Jefferson and Early Harvest are one and same
pear to me ; early and of third quality. Lanson we have not fruited.

Quinces — Meches' Prolific is a vigorous, good grower. Tree
hardier than Reas' Mammoth or Orange quince ; bore fruit this year
very similar in size and quality to the Orange quince.

Plums — We fruited several new American kinds, — the Decari-
duc, a very fine, large round plum, pretty as a Nectarine, dark
mottled and marbled, small round stone, quality good : ripens July
20th. Parson plum, from St. Louis County, Mo., a valuable, hand-

STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 83

some plum, of good size and quality ; ripens fifteen days later than
Wild Goose, enormous bearer. Mornian, ripens late in August, a
very pretty round plum, long stem, size of a large cherry, small
stone, for domestic purposes valuable ; quality. No. 1. Golden
Beauty, ripens September 1st to 10th, it is an enormous bearer, fruit
actually hiding foliage, beautiful golden yellow, clear skin, of good
medium size and quality. The Round plum was sent me by Mr.
Spears, of Cedar Kapids, Iowa ; it is a very fine native plum, second
to none of its class when canned, valuable for domestic purposes.

Cherries — The Montmorency takes the lead for a valuable
cherry of the Morrello class, for the last few weeks of June, either
for a home or market cherry. We discovered a valuable late cherry
growing in Union and Pulaski counties ; large, long stem, with a
prominent suture on one side, black when ripe, dark flesh, of fine
appearance, sour and very astringent, hangs on until middle of July ;
is probably the Elkhorn of eastern catalogues.

A'pples — We fruited Grand Sultan and Tetofsky again this
year. The Grand Sultan is an enormous bearer, ripens July 15th ;
of medium to large size, beautiful clear skin, almost white, very
smooth and handsome, very much like Yellow Transparent in size
and quality. Black Twig, from Tennessee, promises to be good for
Southern Illinois. We have in the south end of the state a number
of apples, not generally known, that bid fair to be successful rivals
of some of the older varieties. Among them may be named John-
son County Red, Red Winter Pippin, Sparks, Terril, Picket, Ingram,
Shackleford, York Imperial. Indian is a fine growing orchard tree.
The present season has been a very difficult one to save specimens of
new apples, the excessive rains of August caused a great amount of
rot in fruit, so that our promising supply of specimens of new
varieties disappeared before time for ripening.

Peaches — Of new varieties coming under my own observation,
the Thurber is hardy, very large free stone of fine appearance ;
A No. 1 market peach. Elberta, a large oblong peach, with a rich
yellowish cast of skin, blush on sunny side, of good quality; a very
fine valuable market peach. The Ede originated with Captain Ede,
of Cobden, Illinois ; large free stone of delicious quality, a valuable
August market peach ; this is one of the most delicious peaches I
have ever tasted. Freeman's Late originated with H. C. Freeman,
of Alto Pass ; is a fine, valuable market peach for last week in
August, a good shipper of the Smock type, but b}' no means a Smock ;
it is of fine appearance and quality and very satisfactory.

Mr. Coe — We have a collection of seedlings and new varieties
of fruit on exhibition from our own and neighboring states, and
some of them are very promising. It seems to me that it is the

84 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

duty of our Experiment Station to test these promising fruits, not
only at the Station, but to procure scions and have them tested by
practical men in different portions of the State.

The Awarding Committee to whom was referred Class II, New
Fruits, made the the following

REPORT :

Your committee to whom was referred Class II, New Fruits,
beg leave to report :

In No. 7, Best Plate Seedling, Good Enough to he Eecommended ,
There were seventeen entries from Central and Southern Illinois,
Kentucky, Arkansas and Missouri, three plates of which, under the
rules, were withdrawn. It was with care that I tested all of this fruit;
I took in consideration size, color, smoothness, quality, etc.; with
scarcely an exception all of this fruit was good enough to be recom-
mended.

I have awarded the premiums as follows :

First premium to J. F. Babcock, Little Rock, Ark.: variety,
Coffelt. The report accompanying this entry says, seedlings from
Ben Davis, upright grower, good bearer and hardy; the quality. No.
1, mild, sub-acid. The second premium was awarded to Mr. Samuels,
Clinton, Ky.; variety, Glendale; quality, good, mild, sub-acid; tree,
good grower, heavy foliage, hardy. The third premium was awarded
to J. T. Johnson, Warsaw, 111; apple medium in size; color, red;
quality, good, sub-acid; originated in Hancock county. 111.

There are many other entries which are worthy of further trial,
and I recommend that the descriptions which accompany them be
published in the proceedings.

In No. 8, Best Plate New Variety, Good Enough to he Recom-
mended.— There are fifteen entries.

I awarded the premiums as follows:

First premium to E. A. Riehl, Alton, III.; variety, Nero The
apple is of good size; color, red; quality, good. Second premium to
Frank Harlan, Canton, Mo.: variety, Shackleford; specimen, large,
smooth, good color; quality. No. 2; probably originated from seed of
Ben Davis. Third premium to W. R. Craiu; variety, Pickett; size,
large, dull red in color; quality. No. 2.

Nearly every other plate is worthy of recommendation for fur-
ther trial.

I would recommend to this Society that they devise some means
by which these fruits can be tried in Illinois. There are apples on

STATE HOKTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 8-3

exhibition from Kentucky, Arkansas and Missouri that are the ecjiial,
if not superior, to the varieties grown in Illinois.

I also recommend that the description which accompany the en-
tries in this class be published, and the owners of this fruit be re-
quested to continue their growth for further trial.
Respectfully submitted,

C. B. Rockwell, Committee.

Mr. Pearson — I think it would be a good plan for committees,
in describing quality of fruit, to confine themselves to the rules of
the American Pomological Society. I think they use the terms,
good, very good, best.

Mr, Patterson — I am not quite satisfied with the Shackleford, as
think it may be a little tender. It is not much better in quality
than the Ben Davis of which it is probably a seedling.

REPORT OF AWARDING COMMITTEE CLASS V— VEGETABLES

Best Half-Feck Early Potatoes — First premium, J. S. Browne,
Alton; second, F. W. Poscharsky, Princeton.

Best Half-Peck Potatoes Jor Whiter and Spring — First pre-
mium, J. S. Browne, j!^ton; second, J. Webster, Centralia.

Best Half-Peck Onions, from Seed — First premium, F. W. Pos-
charsky, Princeton; second, C. B. Rockwell, Hamilton.

Best Half Peck Onions Grown from Sets — First premium, C. B.
Rockwell, Hamilton.

Best Three Heads of Celery — First premium, F. W. Poscharsky,
Princeton; second, John Kramer, Brighton.

Best Half Peck Sweet Potatoes — First premium, J. S. Browne,
Alton; second, E. A. Riehl, Alton.

Best Half Peck Turnips — First premium, E. A. Riehl, Alton;
second, J. S. Browne, Alton.

Best Half Peck Beets — First premium, Edward Sims, Alton.

Best Half Peck Parsnips — First premium, E. A. Riehl, Alton;
second, Edward Sims, Alton.

Best Half Peck Carrots — First premium, J. Webster, Centralia;
second, J. S. Browne, Alton.

Best Winter Squash — First premium, J. S. Browne, Alton.

Best Head Cabbage First premium, E. A. Riehl, Alton.

Best Sample Salsify — First premium, E. A. Riehl, Alton;
second, J. S. Browne, Alton.

Best Sample Winter Radish — First premium, J. Webster, Cen-
tralia; second, Edward Sims, Alton.

The undersigned committee to report upon vegetables now on
exhibition, respectfully submits that samples of watermelons, two

86 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

varieties, and a sample of " Upland Cress '' were kindly sent by Mr.
Hu^o Beyer, of New London, Iowa, for examination and exhibition.
The melons appear to be substantially as set forth in his statement,
— very solid, very small seeds, very thin rind. The defects are mani-
fest : they are small, and would, m our market, be neglected on this
account. They may be valuable for growers in more northern dis-
tricts. They have kept well, and are claimed to be very hardy.

The ''Upland Cress" appears to have the good cjualities of the
old-established water cress, with the advantage of growing in dry
places. To those who, in our dry climate, have sighed for their old
friend, this promises to be a grateful substitute. We also wish to
call attention to the fine display of celer} , grown by Mr Kramer, of
Brighton, comprising more varieties than we have ever had on ex-
hibition before, and very well grown and well bleached.

John M. Pearson, Committee.

Your committee appointed to award premiums on collections
of fall and winter apples from • Northern Illinois, would report as
follows:

Best Five Varieties Winter Apples from Northern Illinois —
First premium, S. G. Minkler, Oswego — varieties: Minkler, Jonathan,
Willow, Grriraes' Golden, Ben Davis; Second premium, L. R. Bryant,
Princeton — varieties: Willow, Stark, Jonathan, Wagoner and Ben
Davis.

Best Three Varieties Fall Apples from Northern Illinois — First
premium, L. R. Bryant, Princeton — varieties: Wealthy, Fameuse,
Fulton; Second premium, S. G. Minkler, Oswego — varieties:
Maiden's Blush, Fameuse, Cayuga Red Streak.

Henry Mortimer,

Committee.

The committee for Central Illinois reported the following
awards:

Best Five Varieties Winter Apples from Central Illinois — First
premium, James T. Johnson, Warsaw — varieties: Ben Davis, Wil-
low, Jonathan, Wine Sap, Grimes' Golden; Second premium, A. C.
Hammond, Warsaw — varieties: Ben Davis, Willow, Wythe, Red
Canada, Hubbardston's Nonesuch: Third premium, C. B. Rockwell,
Hamilton — varieties: Ben Davis, Smith's Cider, Rome Beauty, Red
Canada, Cayuga Red Streak.

Best Three Varieties of Fall Apples from Central Illinois — First
premium, James T. Johnson, Warsaw — varieties: Maiden's Blush,
Fulton, Bailey Sweet; Second premium, A. C. Hammond, Warsaw —
varieties: Maiden's Blush, Fameuse, Porter; Third premium, C. B.
Rockwell, Hamilton — varieties: Fameuse, Jonathan, Domine.

Benj. Buckman, Committee.

STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 87

The committee from Southern Illinois made the following
awards :

Best Five Varieties Winter Ajjples from Southern Illinois —
First premium, J. Webster & Son, Centralia — varieties: Minkler,
Ben Davis, Rome Beauty, Wine Sap, Rhenish May; Second premium,
W. R. Grain, Villa Ridge — varieties: Ben Davis, Rome Beauty,
Wine Sap, Pryor's Red. Fink; Third premium, E. A. Riehl, Alton —
varieties: Ben Davis, Wine Sap, Smith's Cider, Willow and Pennoek.

Best Three Varieties Fall Apples from Southern Illinois — First
premium, Jacob Auer, Deer Plains — varieties: Jonathan, Rome
Beauty, Stark; Second premium, E. A. Riehl, Alton — varieties:
Rome Beauty, Hubbardston's Nonesuch, Rambo; Third premium, J,
Webster & Son, Centralia — varieties: Jonathan, Grimes' Golden,
Yellow Bellflower.

Your committee, in making the awards, took in consideration
the desirableness of the fruit for market, rather than the appearance
of the specimens.

A. Cope, Committee.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON CLASS VI — CANNED FRUITS.

In the exhibition of canned fruits I find eight entries to which
premiums were awarded as follows :

Best Jar Strawberries: — First premium, C. B. Rockwell, Ham-
ilton.

Best Jar Bed Raspberries: — First premium, C. B. Rockwell,
Hamilton; second premium, C. B. Rockwell, Hamilton.

Best Jar Black Raspberries: — First premium, C, B. Rockwell,
Hamilton.

Best Jar Cherries. i — First premium, Mrs. C. E. Collins, Alton.

Best Jar Plums: — First premium, Mrs. C. E. Collins, Alton;
second premium, C. B. Rockwell, Hamilton.

Best Jar Blackberries : — First premium, C. B. Rockwell, Ham-
ilton.

Best Jar Gooseberries: — First premium, Mrs. C. E. Collins,
Alton.

Lyman Hall, Committee.

REPORT OF AWARDING COMMITTEE.— CLASS IV.
MISCELLANEOUS.

Best Plate of Any and All Valuable Varieties of Pears — First
premium. Winter Nellis, H. G. McPike, Alton; Second premium,
Howell, A. C. Hammond, Warsaw; Third premium, Easter Beurre,
S. F. Conner, Alton.

Best Display of Horticultural Products — First premium, J. S.*
Browne, Alton.

Best Display of Evaporated or Dried Fruit — First premium, C.
B. Rockwell, Hamilton ; second premium, J. S, Browne, Alton.

88 TEANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

REPORT or AWARDING COMMITTEE ON SPECIAL PREMIUMS.

Best Display of Apples Grown in Missouri^ Arkansas^ KentucJii/,
or Tennessee — First premium, W. M. Samuels & Co. Clinton, Ken-
tucky ; second premium, E. F. Babcock, Little Rock, Arkansas.

Best Display of New Apples (competition open to the world) —
First premium, E. F. Babcock, Little Rock, Arkansas ; second
premium, W, M. Samuels, Clinton, Kentucky.

Best Display of Apples Grown in Southern Illinois — First
premium, W, R. Grain, Villa Ridge.

C. N. Dennis,
Arthue Bryant,
Frank. Cadwell,

Committee.

PRUNING PEACH TREES.
BY E. A. RIEHL, ALTON.

Training and Pruning the Peach — Before entering upon the
subject of pruning, I wish to say something about the training of the
peach tree, — a subject of very great importance and one almost
entirely overlooked. Whether the heads should be high or low every
one must determine for himself. I prefer a moderately high head,
and like to start the first limbs at a height of about four and a half
to five feet from the ground. I want the heads high enough to be
able to run a Hull curculio catcher. I want not over four limbs to
start from the main stem, and they should be started at different
heights, and trained so as to branch ofE from the stem nearly square.
The reason for this is, that the peach vrood does not unite in a fork
like other trees, and this is one great cause of peach trees breaking-
down when loaded with fruit.

To get the limbs to branch off at an obtuse angle, it is necessary
to train them when quite young. This I do by pruning where pos-
sible, by bending the limb down, and putting a stick, weed, or corn
stalk between the limb and stem above, so as to hold the limb in the
desired position for a month or more during the growing season, or
by tying the limb down to the body with a string tied to the limb,
from one to several feel from the stem, according to circumstances,
and to a four-penny nail driven into the tree near the base. The
reason for starting the limbs at different heights is, that if started
together they form acute angles between, and not uniting, cause a
dead and weak spot in the tree. The main limbs are allowed to
branch, some at a distance from the stem, but never so much as to
•cause the small twigs in the centre of the tree to be killed out by
the shade.

STATE HOHTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 89

Pruning — The peach does not fruit on spurs like most other fruit
trees, but on wood of the previous years' growth, therefore needs dif-
ferent treatment in pruning, and a great deal more of it than any other
fruit that we grow, but usually gets very much less. Fruiting only
on the previous years' growth, it becomes necessary to so prune as
to retain the small twigs in the center of the tree, which, by the or-
dinary methods of training and pruning, or non-pruniug, are smoth-
ered out by the excessive growth at the extremities of the limbs, and
the fruit is all borne on the ends of the limbs where the leverage is
so great as to break down the trees, and is hard to get at to be
picked. There should be no more limbs allowed to grow than will
permit the light of the sun to reach all the fruit on the tree.

The essential point in the management of peach trees is to re-
tain the small twigs all along the limbs clear back to the stems.
This is accomplished by leaving the head open as above indicated,
and by cutting back at least a^ part of the previous season's growth
to start stubs of an inch in length, so as to induce a new growth of
twigs. If the first buds are all killed, it is best to cut all of the
previous season's growth off in this manner. If the trees fruit, only
a part need be cut back in this manner, always cutting out the
largest and leaving the smaller ones to fruit. These fruiting twigs
should not be nearer together than ten inches.

By pruning in this manner the tree is able to bear a heavier
crop of fruit without breaking down and the fruit will be larger and
better colored than it is usually grown. Each peach, having plenty
room, sunlight and leaves to nourish it, will be like the ones found in
the tops as ordinarily treated.

The following varieties proved hardy and bore good crops for
me in 1888: Amelia, L. E. York, Family Favorite, Gen. Lee, Thur-
ber, Chinese Cling, Vangant Cling, Shiple's Late Red, Great Western,
Park's Late, Sack's Cling and Smock.

Tender varieties: Mountain Rose, Reeve's Favorite, Brandy wine,
Natnicoke, Crawford's Early and Late, Wheatland.

Mr. Goodrich — Have you a certain system that you follow up
year after year in pruning ?

Mr. Riehl — Yes; if you neglect to trim annually, you will have
long rambling shoots without any laterals to bear fruit.

Mr. Webster — I find that my northern customers think they
could run a peach orchard much better than we do, but I think one
or two year's experience would cure them of that notion. The tree
is liable to split all to pieces under the load of fruit. It is impossi-
ble to get hands with enough intelligence to properly gather the

90 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

fruit, and if the weather is warm and wet they will spoil before they
can be put on the market. Our customers send us word to-day that
they are too hard and to-morrow that they are too soft, and again
that they are too small.

Mr. Pearson — Prior to 1882 we had seven crops in twenty
l!| years, but the past seven years has broken the record. When we

get one crop in three years we are doing well. If we had annual
crops everybody would go to raising peaches and the markets would
be glutted. I find that it is about impossible to get a good peach
two hundred miles from its home. I once saw some Alton peaches
in Chicago and thought they would certainly be good, but was sadly
disappointed.

Mr. Riehl — Peach trees make no spurs but bear on the twigs.
Cutting back increases the bearing wood, and those who keep their
trees in proper shape will find it very profitable to thin the fruit.
The expense is much less than is generally supposed.

EEPORT OF COMMITTEE ON EASPBERRIES AND
BLACKBERRIES.

BY H. K. VICKKOT, NORMAL.

Raspberries and blackberries, the past season, have generally
produced fair crops, for which we have received medium prices. In
our immediate vicinity, the season has been very favorable, having
frequent rains at the righ't time, for ripening a good crop of berries,
and making and maturing a fine lot of canes for another season's
fruiting.

The varieties of raspberries for profitable marketing can be
counted on the fingers of one hand. For early, Tyler and Souhe-
gan, and Ohio for late, and in well-sheltered locations, I might add
Gregg. There is but but little difference between the Tyler and
Souhegau; if any, it is in favor of the Tyler. The Ohio is a very
strong grower and very hardy; fruit not so large as Gregg, but of
better quality. "The Turner and Cuthbert are the leading red varie-
ties. The Shaffer's Colossal is growing in favor with the con-
sumer. When the Shaffer was first put, upon the market, it was
nearly impossible to sell it on account of its color; since people
have become acquainted with it, there is quite a demand for it.
It is a splendid berry to can.

I have fruited five varieties of blackberries this season: Snyder,
Stone's Hardy, Barnard, Taylor and Agawam. They stand in value
in the order named. The Snyder and Stone's Hardy are more hardy

STATE HORTICULTUEAL SOCIETY. 91

than the others. In quality, some prefer Barnard and Taylor, but
for profit, Snyder and Stone's Hardy heads the list. In the northern
half of our State there are one hundred acres of Snyder's grown for
every acre of all other varieties.

The growing of raspberries aud blackberries for market is not
as remunerative as formerly, still they give a fair profit, if properly
taken care of. The growing shoots should be tipped when two feet
high; the laterals should not be tipped unless very strong, and then
only about eight inches from the main shoot. Remember this tip-
ping should be simply cutting or pinching off an inch or less of the
top; don't let the shoot grow three or four feet and then cut it back
to two feet. All the weak shoots should be cut out; if left to
grow, they should not be tipped.

The whole secret of success, if there is any — is to have good,
well-matured plants to begin with, of the approved varieties, well
planted on thoroughly prepared land, liberal feeding with good
barnyard manure, frequent cultivation through the entire growing
season, being careful to not cultivate, after the first season, over two
inches deep, and always as soon after a rain as the ground will do to
work, to prevent a crust forming, careful gathering and packing
the fruit in neat and well-made packages and properly distributed
to the best markets.

Mr. Jackson — I think three feet, as recommended in the re-
port, too high to trim ; I think two feet preferable,

Mr. Vanderburg — Do you trim all blackberries alike?

Answer — I do not grow anything but Snyder to any extent,
and have not, therefore, had much experience with other varieties.

Mr. Bryant — We often get our plants so high that the sun
cannot reach the centre of them, and as a consequence we get but
little good fruit.

DISTEIBUTION OF FRUIT.
BY T. E. GOODRICH, COBDEN.

The price of fruit iu the Chicago market is sometimes very low.
Fifty car loads of strawberries in a single day ; twenty-seven of
tomatoes, or 65,000 packages of Michigan peaches in an equal length
of time, was enough to gratify the heart of a philanthroiiist by
bringing the price of fruit within the reach of the worthy poor.
But what of the worthy men who grew it? Where are the rewards
of their labor when tomatoes, that cost fourteen cents a box, sell for
ten? or apples, after picking and barreling, sell for one dollar?

92 TEANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

These are not the prices that make plethoric pocket books, or buy
the necessaries of life. It is sometimes said that good fruit always
finds ready sale and a good price, but there are times when this oft-
repeated statement is far from correct. Times when fruit, mainly
of good quality, comes pouring on the market in such overwhelming
quantities as to paralyze trade. Times when the supply each day so
far exceeds the demand, as to make an impossibility sales at any price.
You say over-production.

But is it always over-production ? Is it a settled fact that there
is more fruit grown in Illinois than consumers for it in the Stat*?
If not, then this State does not over-produce. Is it not probable that
there are homes where it would all be made very welcome and paid
for at fair price, if it could be taken to them?

The story of the priest, who found a boy crying because a new
comer at home would reduce the per capita distribution of rations,
perhaps illustrates the situation. " They hadn't food enough be-
fore," he said, '' and what would they do, now, with another mouth
to fill? " The priestly injunction was to rejoice; that the Lord didn't
send any more mouths in the world than He did bread to fill. ''But,"
retorted the boy, "He has sent all mouths to our house and all the
bread to yours."

The boy w^as making a plea for a better distribution. Now the
mouths are not all in Chicago; they are scattered all over the State,
and when we glut the Chicago market, are we not sending the bread
to the wrong house?

There are towns in Illinois where a peach or a pear is a rare
sight. If these towns should order even a very moderate supply of
fruit, how long would the glut in Chicago be likely to last?

Traveling by rail in the central and northern part of the State,
one seldom sees a peach tree for hours at a time, and often not a
fruit tree uf any kind. There is not a town in the State not amply
supplied with pipes and tobacco, and surely fruit is not less
healthful.

It is true fruit is perishable and hard to transport without injury,
but so is a sack of flour, and a box of peaches or barrel of apples can
follow a flour sack. It would not be more difficult for these towns
to place themselves in communication with the sources of supply
and secure a regular and suflicient quantity than of tea, coffee or
coal oil.

Distribution of fruit cannot he accomplished, unless done
cheaply. The cheapest is by car lots; car lots can not be sent to small
towns without greatly exceeding the demand. Small cities must
receive the cars and divide them among the adjacent towns. Here
comes another difiiculty. A mouth and digestive organs are not of
necessity a good fruit market. They must be accompanied by a
purse long enough to pay a fair price. Fruit cannot be grown and

STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 93

shipped to a distant market with much profit, if sold within the
reach of poor men.

I cannot grow a choice quality of peaches without a choice
price; a price that can only be paid by a rich man, and that class of
rich men are only found in large cities. If the small places would
take a lower grade of fruit at a medium })rice it would greatly sim-
plify matters.

Trade is secured in dry goods and groceries by traveling men
and the goods follow. But dry goods can be sold all the year round,
strawberries can not ; yet, if we could adopt some modification
of the system, it would greatly relieve our crowded markets, and
place the fruit in the hands of consumers quicker and in better con-
dition.

Large brewing firms load their kegs of beer in their own
refrigerator cars, the envoy in charge travels over a certain route,
meeting his customers at the depots, who buy as many kegs as their
business requires. Possibly fruit can be shipped in the same way.
Quite as satisfactory fruit distribution as we have in Southern Illi-
nois, is when carloads of apples are sent to Iowa and Minnesota, and
carloads of Irish potatoes received in return. At Cobden we
have discussed many plans, and tried many experiments, both collec-
tively and individually, but none have been entirely satisfactory.

By the aid of fast and slow freight, fruit trains, express and
refrigerator cars, we reach Omaha, St. Paul, Chicago, Detroit, Buffalo,
and sometimes Boston and New York. We scatter a large amount
of fruit, but have not reached all the towns in the State. Many
buyers come to us from other points, and deal very satisfactorily
with our growers, but enough do not come to entirely relieve us.

The subject is one of vast importance. Not more than two-
thirds of the fruit markets of Illinois are adequately supplied; and
we will obtain better prices and more satisfactory results when we
have a more complete system of fruit distribution.

REPORT OF AD-INTERIM COMMITTEE FOR SOUTHERN

ILLINOIS.

BY J. S. BKOWNE, ALTON.

Mr. President : Owing to the rainy weather and bad roads at
the time I went on the ad-interim trip through Southern Illinois,
which was the week following November 17th, I was not able to get
over as much ground as I should have liked to, and, therefore, will
have to make this report a short one. The past season's grape crop
at Villa Ridge was very fine, almost entirely free from rot and mil-
dew. One of the largest growers said that he could have carried all
the rotten grapes on his place in his hat. Varieties that have never
done anything before were perfect this year. Something over four

94 TBANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

hundred tons were shipped from this point last season, the bulk of
which went to Minneapolis, at the very low rate of two and a-half
cents per ten-pound basket, freight, and sold for satisfactory prices.
Large crops and good prices have encouraged growers to increase
their vineyards, and at least one hundred acres will be planted in the
coming season.

The peach crop in the spring promised to be exceptionally large,
but owing to the very wet weather after the earlier varieties were
picked, the medium and later kinds were almost an entire failure,
fully three-quarters rotted on the trees. This will apply to the
whole of Southern Illinois as well as Villa Ridge.

Mr. Geo. W. Endicott claims the Elberta and Ede to be the best
of the newer varieties of peaches. The Elberta did not crack with
wet weather and is very productive, very hardy, and yellow in color,
ripens with or just before Old Mixon. The only fault so far devel-
oped is that it is a slow, ragged grower. Of the Ede he says that it
is the very best in quality, is hardy, but requires thinning to make it
large in size. He has tried a large number of plums, among them
has found the Shoulding one of the best, it partakes more of the
nature of the European plum than any of the natives. The Botan
is the only one of the Japanese varieties that have proved of any
value, it is hardy, good grower and early bearer of fine quality and
large size.

He has tried spraying and is well pleased with it. When he
began spraying, his orchard was full of canker worms, tent cater-
pillers and any quantity of codling moth. In twelve hours after
the first spraying the ground was covered with worms, cater-
pillars and moths : could find none on the trees. He sprayed
a second time eight days after and has gathered the most per-
fect fruit this year his orchard has ever produced. He also tried
spraying his peach trees for the curculio, used two ounces of Paris
Green to a fifty gallon barrel of water, but this burnt the foliage so
badly that a large number of leaves dropped. He afterwards reduced
the poison to one and one-half ounces to fifty gallons of water but
this was not altogether satisfactory and was afraid to follow it up.
During the earlier part of the season, and for a time after spraying,
he found no circulio's nor any signs of them, but later they became
so numerous that he found it neccessary to run his circulio catcher
as usual. He thinks they came in from his neighbors that did not
spray.

Of the newer varieties of grapes, he is so well pleased with
Brighton and Empire State that he is propagating and planting
them as fast as he can get the wood. The Villa Ridge Shipping
Association is proving itself to be of great benefit to its members.
Next season it will ship the berry crop exclusively in refrigerator
cars. The Illinois Central Railroad will build 100 cars of a pattern

STATE HOBTICULTUEAL SOCIETY. 95

to be selected by the ^rowers, this winter for their use. By usiug
these ears and shipping by freight instead of frnit train, the freight
to Minneapolis will be less than ten cents per twenty-four quart
crates. This includes cost of ice. Berries are cooled down to 50
degrees, before putting into cars, in a cooler owned by the Associa-
tion which has a capacity of two cars, and is so arranged that in
loading or receiving a car load the temperature will not rise more
than two degrees.

While peaches, grapes and strawberries take the lead at Villa
Ridge, vegetables seem to be the principal crop at Cobden, the
quantity of tomatoes, sweet potatoes, pieplant and other vegetables
grown here is enormous, and when you take into consideration the
difficulty of getting manure, which all comes from St. Louis and
Chicago, you are still more surprised; but when you are told that
they are content to pay 812 per car, freight, on bulky barnyard
manure, then haul from one to four miles over the worst kind of
roads, instead of using artificial fertilizers, you will have another
surprise. The sweet potato crop is the largest ever gathered, the
acreage was double any previous year, and the yield per acre as
large or larger. Over 200,000 bushels are stored at this point await-
ing shipment. Thirteen additional storage houses were built the
past season, making forty in all, besides a number of cellars that
have been fitted for this purpose.

The strawberry crop for Southern Illinois for the season of '89
promises to be about 60 per cent, of what it was in '86, the last and
full crop. The acreage planted last spring was small, but the
plantations, owing to the wet fall, never were in finer condition.
The good prices obtained for berries for the last two years have so
encouraged growers that the planting next spring will be so exces-
sive that the prices obtained for them, in '90, is bound to be below
the cost of production.

In the neighborhood of Centralia, the Warfield will largely
take the place of the Crescent,— it is a better grower, better shipper
and far superior in quality.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON EXPERIMENT STATIONS.

Your committee beg leave to report as follows:
We are well pleased with the establishment and present manage-
ment of the station at Champaign, so far as we have become acqainted
with the same.

There is much work in the matter of experiments that can be
done at Champaign, that will benefit the whole State, and to such
work it should confine itself at present. But there are other lines of
experiment that are of more local application, and if undertaken at
Champaign, will be of benefit for that locality or section only.

96 TEANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

We would, therefore, recommend the establishment of sub-
stations in other parts of the State, at as early a date as practicable,
for the carrying on of such experiments as are of more local appli-
cation, as the testing of varieties of plants and trees, etc.
All of which is respectfully submitted.

Henkt Moktimee,
C. N. Dennis,

E. A. RiEHL,

Committee.

Mr. Mortimer — I am glad that at la«t we have an experiment
station, and believe that they are doing a good work. While we
need this central station, we none the less need a number of sub-
stations in different parts of the State to test the adaption of varie-
ties to localities.

Mr. Pearson — I think the sub-stations, if ever established, will
be of more value than the central station, but we have not the means
to establish them, unless the legislature comes to our aid. I think
the trustees are doing the best they can, but a corporation with only
one dollar cannot be expected to appropriate two.

Mr. Dunlap — If this Society could commence in a small way,
and get these sub-stations fairly under way, they could be enlarged
as opportunity offered. I don't think this Society could do better
than to appropriate one hundred dollars to each of the three horti-
cultural districts, to aid in establishing stations of this kind.

Mr. Cope — I am convinced that the establishment of these sub-
stations would greatly advance the interest of horticulture. I there-
fore move that this Society appropriate one hundred dollars for this
purpose.

Referred to the Executive Board.

Mr. Pearson — I am sorry to see this motion prevail, as nothing
can be accomplished by a spasmodic effort like this. To profit by this
work we must have a well-defined plan, to be followed up year
after year. Years ago Mr. Flagg inaugurated a work at the State
University that promised to be of great value, but by his death
it was all lost. They have undertaken a big job there now,
and 1 think will find it difficult to test all the new varieties of grain,
plants and fruits. I do not want it to go out that I am opposed to

STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 97

Experiment Stations, for I long talked and labored for their estab-
lishment, but do not want to see them spend their energies on little
things. Every man that has something new, that appears to be
promising, can test it himself.

Mr. Dennis — That is just the trouble, these men often stumble
upon something valuable, but are pretty sure to keep it to them-
selves; but if it was discovered at the Experiment Station, it would
at once be made public.

Mr. Periam — The Station can experiment only in a general
way and for the general good. The discussions here show that
orchardists do not fully agree as to the time and method of applying
arsenical poisons to fruit trees, or the proper strength of the solu-
tion. Such questions as this can and should be decided there.

Adjourned.

THURSDAY AFTERNOON.

At 1:30 p. M. the President called the house to order, and said
the first business would be the

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON NEEDED LEGISLATION.

BY C. X. DENNIS, HAMILTON.

Needed legislation is a large subject, as there are many wrongs
to right before the millennium. Supposing that the object intended
was horticultural legislation, I will say, first, we need a larger ap-
propriation for the use of our Society, that we may publish more
volumes of the " Transactions; " for it is a mortifying fact that we
are probably not represented in this meeting by over forty counties
out of the hundred in the State, neither do our publications prac-
tically reach a greater number. Next, in view of the rapid increase
of insects, it is a very serious question, in my mind, if some legis-
lation is not advisable in regard to their destruction. To illustrate :
The State takes and destroys diseased auimals afliicted with certain
contagious diseases to prevent the spread among their healthy
neighbors. Is it any more necessary among auimals than trees and
plants? Have I a right to propagate canker worms and codling
moths to devastate my neighbor's orchards?

8

98 TEANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

Another dread of the fruit grower is rambling stock, which is
generally vicious or breechy, and constantly breaking into the en-
closures of fruit growers and door yards, and in a few minutes
destroying or marring the work of years. I would favor the enact-
ment of a law prohibiting stock from running at large within the
State. As the question of damages is entirely inadequate, — for
who can estimate the value of a nice ornamental tree (evergreen or
deciduous) standing upon the lawn, especially if it is a tree planted
by, and, perhaps, the only legacy of, a departed friend.

Since coming here I have been told that one dealer in Chicago
has brought five thousand five hundred barrels of apples from
Canada without duty while potatoes pay fifteen cents per bushel.

Without making this a political subject, I will say I am in favor
of protection for home products.

Mr. James T. Johnson read the following:
THE CATALPA AS A TIMBER TREE ON THE PRAIRIE.

HY L, C. FKANCIB, SPEIJSTGFIELD.

My experience with the Catalpa Speciosa as a timber tree, is still
very limited. In a former report 1 gave an account of my planting
several groves with it. The first one was planted in an adjoining
county (Macon) early in the spring of 1881. The trees came from
Robt. Douglass, Waukegan. The spring was very wet and the
trees did not get the cultivation they should have had. A majority
of the trees have started once or twice from the ground, in conse-
quence of the severe barking given by the rabbits; but few of these
trees are large enough for posts.

A grove planted later in the season on my home farm has done
better. I have, as yet, made no cuttings from this grove, though
there are a great many trees large enough for posts. The next spring
two more groves were planted. One of these has done finely, the
other has been injured by fire from the railroad which runs by all
the groves. The trees planted at home were from Danreith, Indiana.

This fall I cut from the grove that had done so finely, some two
hundred posts and about the same number of poles for spiking on a
barbed wire fence. They take the place of a wire and make the fence
conspicuous to stock. I have been somewhat disappointed in the
growth of the catalpa. These trees had the same cultivation as my
corn for three years, and yet there were none large enough for posts,
till this fall, the sixth season's growth in the grove, and seventh from
the seed. A grove planted near Atlanta, Logan county, by another
person the same season as my last planting, and from the same order-
ing of trees, has done wonderfully; two years ago the trees appeared
as large as those in my best grove this fall, with two years more of
growth. These trees had no better cultivation, the soil is prairie,

STATE HOKTICULTUKAL SOCIETY. 99

with, I think more cla}' than my own. As to the durability of the
wood I have but little experience. I have used it for bean poles for
the last three years with no sign of decaying. Cuttings from the
trees remain sound after having lain on the ground for three years.

The catalpa is remarkably free from insects. For the first two
years there was an insect that ate the leaves, and some of the trees
were checked in their growth; since then, nothing of the kiud has
troubled them. While in Southern Kansas last fall, ray attention
was called to the fact that while the soft maple and newly planted
or unthrifty trees were much infested with the buprestus, the
catalpa, of which a great many had been planted, was entirely free
from them. I find it so with my own trees.

It takes patience to raise a grove of trees, but the farmer can
not do a better thing for his farm than to raise a three or four acre
grove of catalpas; once raised, the problem of cheap fencing is solved.
With three barbed wires, a pole at the top and one or two at the
bottom, if it is intended to turn hogs, and he will have a good last-
ing fence, with but little outlay of money and not a great deal of
labor. As the trees get large enough for posts for sheds and other
out-buildings, their lasting nature will make them invaluable for the
purpose, as no framing or foundation will be needed.

Mr. McPike — I do not understand why a tree of this kind
should be recommended when we have so many better ones. It is a
poor grower and in ray opinion worthless. Osage orange, maple,
walnut and black locust are superior to it.

Mr. Hammond — I should regret to have it go out from this
Society that we condemn the Catalpa Speciosa as a timber tree,
when it is proving such a success wherever planted. It is a rapid
grower, outstripping even the soft maple, and as a shade or orna-
mental tree, is excelled by few. Mr. McPike doubtless has in mind
the tender catalpa which is comparatively a worthless tree.

Mr. Crain — In Southern Illinois, the catalpa is indigenous to
the forests, and is a large and fine timber tree of the most durable
quality.

Mr. Gillhara — I know a pair of posts now forty years in the
ground of this valuable wood, and, although very sraall in size, the}^
are still sound. This tree is indorsed heartily by the best authorities
in the land; plant them, and the sooner, the better.

100 ; TEANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

Col. G. B. Brackett, Iowa — I have four distinct varieties of
catalpa on my own grounds. In them all, there is a manifest differ-
ence. You have all heard of Mr. Suel Foster, of Muscatine, Iowa.
When the Iowa State Agricultural rooms were being fitted up at Des
Moines, he cut a very large Catalpa Speciosa, which he had grown
on his own grounds, and sent it to Des Moines and had it sawed
into boards and worked into the finish of the State Agricultural
rooms, as a memento of State product; as a finishing lumber, it is
remarkably handsome.

The Hon. J. M. Pearson now addressed the Society on " Orna-
amental Planting for Farmers," but as the copy has not been
furnished the Secretary, only the following brief synopsis can be
published :

Ornamental planting for farmers, means that kind of planting
that will not make you one cent, and yet I hope to make it appear
that often it is better for us to do this sort of work, that ornamental
planting gives us that which dollars and cents can not buy, and the
value of which can not be computed on a money basis. Then, for
ornamental planting, what shall we begin with? Why, most cer-
tainlv, in something which will give us quickest returns, in that
which is of rapid growth and of early development. This, of course,
will lead us to plant the very best selection in the line of annual
flowers and plants. From this start we should elaborate in all
known directions, culminating only when we have reached from the
most tiny and delicate plant and flower to the most majestic trees of
the forest.

Children should be taught the importance and methods of orna-
mental planting. Before I was eight years old I was interested in
gardening and tree planting. The cost need not deter any one,
as there is scarcely a community in Illinois where trees and plants
and flowers can not be procured for digging.

An old gentleman who had handsomely ornamented his grounds,
sold for a high price and built a modest house near by. When asked
if he did not regret the change, he replied that he did not, for he
could enjoy the trees he had planted fifty years ago and nurtured
for almost a lifetime, just as well as before.

Mr. Hay — Tree planting is a hobby with me, and wherever 1
have room I plant another tree, and have sometimes been the victim
of a slick-tongued tree agent. I once paid one of these fellows three
dollars for a little switch about the size of my pencil, which, in the
course of time, bloomed. It proved to be the "Magnolia Conspicua,"

STATE HOBTICULTUEAL SOCIETY. 101

and one of the most beautiful plants I ever saw. I think it much more
handsome and desirable than the " Magnolia Accumenta." In front of
my house is a magnificent elm that we all admire by the hour when we
should be asleep. Insects seems to be injuring it, and I fear we
shall lose it. How many tender memories cluster around that grand
old tree! how many have extolled its beauty and rested beneath its
shade, and if we lose it, how we shall feel a sense of personal loss as
if a friend had been taken from us.

Mr. Pearson — On the grounds of the Monticello Seminary are
a number of fine elms planted fifty years ago. They now seem to
be failing, and if they die it will be an irreparable loss.

Mr. Hay — The Black Spruce has been largely planted in our
country and makes a beautiful tree. It seems to endure our climate
better than other evergreens.

Col. Brackett — It should not go on the record that the Black
Spruce is a desirable tree, as it is generally a failure in the West.
The Norway is often sold under this name, and is probably what
Mr. Hay refers to.

Mr. Vanderburg — The Norway has longer cones than Black
Spruce, which will readily distinguished them, yet they are often
confounded.

Mr. Leeper, of the committee appointed to examine the fruit
and other exhibits from the Illinois Experiment Station, in charge
of G. W. McCleur, presented the following

REPORT

We, your committee appointed to examine the display of fruits
on exhibition by the Experiment Station, at Champaign, beg leave
to submit the following:

We find an attractive display of about one hundred and twenty-
five varieties of apples, the trees having been secured from all parts
of the United States where the apple is grown. The display indi-
cates care, energy and industry on the part of those in charge of the
station, and merits the encouragement of the fruit growers of the
State and the considerate and fostering care of the legishiture.

As the several varieties have been planted and cultivated under
the names accompanying them when sent to the station, we often
found the same apple passing under different names, and some mis-
named. This we endeavored to correct, as far as we felt ourselves

102 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

competent. Many of the varieties, however, are entirely new to your
committee, and must necessarily await further test of the station, or
their culture be abandoned, as may be thought best.

We have decided to recommend, as worthy of trial by fruit
growers, the following list: Winter Peach, Blue Pearmain, Gray
Vanderver, Indiana Favorite, Higby's Sweet, Wright's Janet, Ken-
tucky Cream, Utter's Red, Coon's Red.

We find several varieties so well known that we deem it
unnecessary to mention them in this experimental list.

The display of corn and beans is large, and, from their appear-
ance, we would judge many of them to be worthy a trial, but would
not now venture to recommend any certain varieties.

W. M. Samuels, Clinton, Ky.
J. Byed Leeper, Paducah. Ky.
J. Frieze, Coatsburg,

Committee.

The committee appointed to award premiums on grapes sub-
mitted the following

REPORT:

First premium, Benj. Buckman, Farmingdale — varieti/, Goethe;
Second premium, H. G. McPike, Alton — variety, Virginia Seedling;
Third premium, F. W. Poscharsky, Princeton — variety, Concord.

F. I. Manx, Committee.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON FINAL RESOLUTIONS.

Resolved, That the thanks of this Society are cordially tendered to the
citizens of Alton for the hearty welcome they have given us, as well as
their hospitality and kind attention. To the various railroads who have
granted us the iisual reduced rates. To the Hotel Madison for reduced
rates and kind attention. And the Alton Southern Horticultural Society
for the use of the commodious opera-house and the unusual effort they
have made to insure us a pleasant visit and profitable meeting. To the
press of Alton, for the favorable notices they have given us and the reports
they have made of our proceedings. And last, but not least, to J. B.
Leeper, of Massac county, for the barrel of magnificent Wine Sap apples
which he presented to the Society.

Henry Augustine,
E. W. Graves,
Allen Cope.

Committee.

STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 103

DEFERRED PAPERS.

The following papers were read by title and referred to the
Secretary :

REPORT OF COMMITTEE OX FORESTRY.

BY G. W. MIN"IER, MINIER.

I dare not promise myself the pleasure of being at the meeting
of the Illinois Horticultural Society, in Alton, on the llth-13th
instant, and therefore send you a few crude thoughts on Forestry.
You know that my contemplated trip to Atlanta, Georgia, may pre-
vent my being with you at Alton.

I attend many public meetings where men of thought, of phil-
anthropy and self-sacrifice meet to take council, but none give me
more pleasure than the Illinois State Horticultural Society. May I
suggest to such a body of men a thought or two? Would it not be
a step in the right direction to include in our work the idea of the
conservation of our forests, and urging our people to plant parks and
roadside trees?

Our railways should be invited and urged to plant forest trees
along their tracks. These great commercial thoroughfares may thus
be made both more useful and beautiful. By judicious planting and
proper culture, these companies may materially aid in that indis-
pensable article — the ties for their roads. These trees would like-
wise be a protection from winter storms and summer suns and a
quietus to dust.

To every land owner a park will be a gem of beauty. Every
farmer, however large or small his possessions, should know that a
certain percentage of his land in timber will increase the value and
usefulness of the rest of his farm. Not the adornment only, but
the pleasure of the park, joy to his family, a resort for friends, and,
in winter, a protection to domestic animals. His family physician
will tell him that the sanitary effects of forest trees and foliage is
most wholesome and invigorating.

I conclude by hoping that the Hlinois State Horticultural
Society, which has stood foremost in usefulness, will add another
charm to her name by including among her other industries that of
Forestry.

104 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

IMPRESSIOXS OF SOUTHERX HORTICULTURE.
BY E. HOLLISTER, TAMPA, FLORIDA.

There is a charm in this section of the extreme South, which has
and will always possess the horticulturist, let his habitat be what it
may. The ever-green pine forests, the orange, the lemon and all the
Citrus family tend to make this the perpetual summer land of
America.

With all the new surroundings of the new world, what can pre-
vent the staid and industrious horticulturist of the North becoming
an enthusiast here ? Surely he were less than human. There is a
fellow-feeling in this question of horticulture which makes the world
akin, a free-masonry patent to all, yet more to my knowledge a&
exacting a fee for the right.

My experience in Southern Horticulture is too brief to be thor-
ough, yet at your request 1 give my impressions derived from such
and observation. Why should not the peaches we many of us so
well know, flourish and bear fruit here ? Many and persistent efforts
to bring them into bearing has uniformly resulted in failure, yet
there are peaches here and I have plucked them from the tree in per-
fection. I know of no more beautiful sight than a Peento peach
tree, laden with its peculiar shaped and highly colored fruit, which,
when allowed to ripen on the tree is of delicious flavor; another
peach, the Honey is also adapted to this climate, and as indicated
by its name, is of unsurpassed excellence;

These two varieties seem almost indigenous, so well do they suit
the soil and climate. Many seedlings and hybrids of these are being
brought to notice and trial. What is known as the Chinese type of
peaches, bring the best result, and with these a special treatment is
necessary to bring fruit. The peach and plum has a tendency at the
ending of the rainy season, say September, to cease its growth and
shed its leaves by -the first of November, then putting on a new
growth and coming into blossom in that month and December,
This habft should be broken, first by summer pruning of at least
half the new growth, and also fertilizing the soil in time to prevent
the tree going to rest so soon, and which would then bring the period
of rest to nearly, or quite, December first. This is being tried, and in
some instances my observation has confirmed it. The Persian
strain of peaches have done nothing in this part of the state.

The Kelsey plum and some of the Japan persimmons have been
tested here to a limited extent, with partial success. The fig grows
with but little care and is being more thoroughly tested and planted;
it promises well and no doubt will become a leading feature in South-
ern horticulture. The grape is more extensively planted and culti-
vated in the central and northern portions of the state. Among the

STATE HOKTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 105

northern varieties best suited for this climate are Delaware, Ives,
Cynthiana, Nortons and Niagara; the Scuppernong flourishes here
to perfection. Apples are not at home here, yet T have to-day seen
a tree in a yard in Tampa with green apples and with blossoms too.
Watermelons grow to perfection if you will let them. I have seen
vines two years old in blossom and fruiting. To succeed with musk
melons is the exception, yet I have grown very fine ones.

As to pears, nothing but the LeConte has been tried to any
extent, and good, fairly-grown trees are to be found. As yet I have
seen no fruit so far south.

The strawberry is extensively planted, and more so in the
northern part of the State, where easy access to the northern
markets is to be had. The Neunan is the berry mostly planted;
the Wilson and Sharpless do well. The Hoffman Seedling may be
the coming berry for the south. The planting should be done iu
August and September if for the northern market; as late as
December, if for local trade, may do. The hill, or stool, system is
in vogue ; have never seen the matted row so far south.

Raspberries are a failure. You may raise a few to look at, but
it does not pay, while blackberries are indigenous, and have been
cultivated to some extent, and bid fair to bring some reward to the
laborer. I am trying some of the northern varieties, but have no
report to make. I am planting some natives from the woods, of
which there appear to be varieties.

Trucking or gardening is being made quite an industry. Where
good hummock land is used, and reasonable and favorable tran-
sportation available, it is fairly remunerative.

Cabbages, cauliflower, peas, onions, etc., are now growing and
looking well, and some have set out tomatoes and egg plant for the
spring crop, which the owners will harvest if Jack Frost doesn't.

The matter of transportation is the vital one among the horticul-
turists. When from one hundred and fifty to three hundred dollars
is charged for a car-load of oranges, containing three hundred boxes,
to the northern markets, the producer is ground exceedingly fine by
the process ; yet he lives and moves and raises another crop. From
New York to England and Germany, from thirty to forty cents per
box ; from New York to Paris, eighty cents per box. Now, if such
rates can be had and for such a distance, there is some hope for the
orange grower, especially as the foreign markets are said to be
reliable at paying prices. This transportation (juestion assumes a
magnitude beyond control. The railroad ''trusts'' are wise in their
generation, who shall say them nay? The power to produce the
golden fruit is literally being crushed out.

ii

106 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS

A PEN SKETCH OF CYRUS THOMAS, THIRD STATE

ENTOMOLOGIST.

BY F. W. GODING, M. D., RUTLAifD.

" Poets are born, not made," may be true as far as poets are con-
cerned; but scientists are made, not born, as is well shown in the
following sketch.

This well-known entomologist and Maya-linguist was born, July
27, 1825, in Kingsport, Sullivan county, Tennessee, of Pennsylvania-
German parents, whose home had formerly been in Maryland.

During his youth, he attended the village schools, later spending
some time at the academies in that vicinity, though he never enjoyed
the advantage of a college course of study. He, however, obtained
a knowledge of the more advanced branches of science and mathe-
matics by individual effort, without the aid of a teacher. It appears
that his mother had intended for him to enter the medical profession
after a thorough course of study; but his tastes led him in an opposite
direction, and he began the study of law in 1849, in Jackson county,
Illinois, where he had recently located, at the same time being
engaged in teaching school. Two years afterward he was admitted
to the bar, about the same time being elected county clerk.

In 1850 Mr. Thomas married a sister of the late Gen. John A.
Logan, who died in 1864. About this time he dropped the practice
of law, entering the Lutheran ministry, in which he became widely
known.

Early in his career Mr. Thomas sought for some branch of
science in which he might carve a round in the ladder of fame. As
a consequence the study of entomology was takeu up, in 1856,
deliberately, as being least expensive and with the materials closest
at hand. After gaining a clear insight, by careful study and obser-
vation, into the intricacies of entomology in general, he made a
specialty of the Orthoptera, eventually becoming our greatest Ameri-
can authority thereon. His views early took a practical turn, and
his greatest delight was in contributing articles of economic import-
ance to the agricultural press. His writings on economic entomology
are to be found in files of the Prairie Farmer^ Rural New Yorker,
American Ayriculfurist, Farmers' Review, and the Transactions of
the Illinois Agricultural Society and those of this Society; while
those of a technical nature appeared in the Canadian Entomologist^
Proceedings Academy Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, Davenport
(la.) Academy Sciences, Chicago Academy Natural Sciences and State
and United States Government Reports.

In 1869 Dr. Thomas was attached to Dr. Hayden's Geological
Survey, his attention being devoted to the agricultural resources and
entomology of the localities visited, remaining with the survey until

STATE HOETICULTUKAL SOCIETY.

107

1874. During this time he contributed entomological reports which
appeared in the publications of Wheeler's Geological and Geographi-
cal Survey, in those of Northwestern Boundary Survey and Lieut.
RufEner's Report, besides his contributions as an officer of the survey
and writing his chief scientific work " Synopsis Acrididffi of North
America," one of the most valuable of the quarto series of Hayden's
report, and considered the most exhaustive work on the family
extant.

While connected with the Survey he was married (1870) to
Miss Dawes, of Pennsylvania, who daily assisted him in his scientific
work.

Having been elected to the professorship of Natural Sciences
in the Southern Normal University, at Carbondale, Illinois, in 1874,
he severed his connection with the survey, the next year being ap-
pointed State Entomologist by Gov. Oglesby. His six reports, which
were issued during the time he held the latter position, are of espe-
cial value, as a portion of each forms part of a manual of economic
entomology. The first is devoted to Coleoptera; the second to Lepi-
doptera (by Prof. G. H. French); the third to the Aphididae; the
fourth to cabbage insects and Acrididse of the State; the fifth to the
larvae of some of the Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera; the sixth to
injurious insects of the year. Each volume also gives a large
amount of entomological information made up from notes of the
year, and twomonographs — the chinch bug and the Hessian fly — ^(by
Dr. A. S. Packard). In his entomological work the doctor was
assisted bv Mrs. Thomas, Prof. G. H. French, Miss Emma J. Smith,
Mr. John'Marten, Mr. D. W. Coquillet and Miss Nettie Middleton as
regular assistants, each of whom contributed articles for his reports,
which adds much to their value.

Upon the organization of the United States Entomological
Commission, Prof. Thomas was appointed one of the three members —
Drs. Riley and Packard being his associates — and served until the
labors of the commission were complete. He furnished several chap-
ters to the first report and materials for the others, besides writing
Bulletin No. 5, on the Chinch Bug, the only complete paper on the
subject, until the recent appearance of Mr. Howard's cyclopedic
essay.

In July, 1882, Dr. Thomas resigned his professorship at the
University and the office of State Entomologist, accepting a place
in the Bureau of Ethnology, Smithsonian Institution, Washington,
D. C, and has since devoted his attention to archeology. In his new
field of labor he has added greatly to our knowledge of mound build-
ers of the Mississippi Valley and Gulf States, and is one of the most
successful students of the Maya manuscripts.

As a writer he always communicated his thoughts in the clearest
English and in a methodical manner, his papers being arranged ac-

108 TBANSACTIONS OP THE ILLINOIS

cording to a well-defined plan. Dr. Thomas was a hard student, a
thorough teacher and, to some extent, an original investigator.

His review of Darwin's works from an orthodox standpoint,
published in the Gettysburg Bevieu\ were considered of such value
that the Gettysburg College immediately conferred upon him the
degree of Ph. D. At present Dr. Thomas resides with his family in
Washington,City, where he lives the life of a retired philosopher,
reaping rich rewards for his half century of arduous labor in assist-
ing to educate the masses in scientific knowledge.

OUR FEATHERED FRIENDS.

BY FRED GEUNDT, MORRISOKVILLE.

Every fruit-grower and farmer is well aware that the most
active and pernicious foes we have to deal with are the many species
of noxious insects which infest our fields, orchards and gardens.
To check their ravages, we resort to expensive poisons, traps, nettings
and other appliances, and yet, despite our utmost efforts, they seem
to be steadily increasing in numbers and becoming more destructive
each succeeding year. Whether this is owing to the increased area of
fruit plantations, or to the destruction of their natural enemies, is
an unsettled question. Certain it is, however, we must wage an
incessant war upon them with every means at our command, or
cease trying to grow fruit. In this warfare, we must be vigilant
and aggressive to be even partially successful, and we must call to
our assistance every natural ally that walks, flies, crawls or swims.
Furthermore, we must take energetic steps to protect, with stringent
laws, these natural allies from destruction by people who are ignor-
ant of their good services.

We must, especially, protect our insectiverous birds, the most
efficient allies we have. We must protect them from the bad boy
with the rusty musket, who shoots them simply because he can;
from the nobby-nob sportsman, with the hundred-dollar dog and
silver-plated fowling-piece, who delights in a full game-bag that he
may have something to boast of when he returns to his club, and
from the heartless devotee of senseless fashion, who hankers after
their wings and tails, wherewith to bedeck her headgear !

Not only must we protect our small birds, but the larger ones
also. Under an act of the Legislature, prairie chickens have not
been shot in this State for two years, and their numbers have
increased to quite an extent. This beneficient law has but one year
more to run, and then, unless fruit-growers and farmers combine and
take active measures to prevent it, hordes of pot-hunters and nob-
nobs will invade our fields and destoy them by the thousands.

STATE HORTICULTUKAL SOCIETY. 109

Let us take this matter in hand now and intercept these
maurauders. Let us petition our legislature to enact laws that will
secure these birds from the certain destruction that is impending.
Let these petitions be signed by every fruit-grower and farmer in the
State, and our law makers will not dare to disregard them. Unless
we are vigilant and active in this matter our feathered allies will be
exterminated before our eyes b}^ irresponsible pot hunters and super-
cillious nabobs, who will enter our fields, trample down our crops,
recklessly shoot among our stock, disturb the quiet of the Sabbath,
and insolently scoff at our futile protests. Prairie chickens, quails
and meadow larks are regarded as legitimate spoil by these free-
booters, and these are among the best allies of the fruit grower and
farmer. The number of grasshoppers, crickets, cut- worms and other
noxious insects that they annually destroy is beyond computation.
We need them, therefore let us preserve them. Let this Society
earnestly take this matter in hand at this meeting, and protect these
birds from the disreputable shot-gun tramps, who are preparing to
destroy them by wholesale as soon as the present law expires. Let
it pass emphatic resolutions to that effect, and appeal to every fruit
grower and farmer in the State to lend their aid in defeating the
rapacious designs of the aristocratic and insolent sportsmen's clubs
of our cities.

i

Transactions of the

FIFTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING

OF THE

Horticultural Society

OF Central Illinois.

HELD IN

Champaign, August 1st and 2nd, 1888.

Reported by A. C. Hammond, Secretary,

1L2 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL

CONSTITUTION.

AijTiCLE 1. This Association sliall be known as the Horticultural
Society of Central Illinois, and shall embrace the counties of Adams,
Brown, Cass, Champaign, Christian, Coles, De Witt, Douglas, Edgar, Fulton,
Ford, Iroquois, Hancock, Henderson, Knox, Logan, Livingston, McLean,
McDonough, Mason, Marshall, Mercer, Menard, Morgan, Macon, Moultrie,
Peoria, Pike, Piatt, Sangamon, Shelby, Schuyler, Scott, Stark, Tazewell,
Vemilion, Warren and Woodford.

Art. 2. Its object shall be the advancement of the Science of Pomology
and the Art of Horticulture.

Art. 3. The membership of the Society shall consist of members of all
local Horticultural Societies in the district who have paid their annual fee,
and of all other persons interested in horticulture, on the payment of an
annual fee of one dollar, the wives and daughters of the members, who shall
be members without fee, and such honorary members as the Society may
elect.

Art. 4. Its officers shall consist of a President, three Vice-Presidents,
a Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer and Executive Committee,
which shall consist of the President, Vice-Presidents and Secretary, and
shall hold their offices for one year, or until their successors are elected.

Art. 5. The Vice-President first elected shall be a member of the
Executive Board of the State Horticultural Society.

Art. 6. This constitution may be amended at any regular meeting by
a two-thirds vote of the members present.

BY-LAWS.

1. The President shall preside at all meetings of the Society, call meet-
ings of the Executive Committee, and, under its direction, have a general
superintendence of the affairs of the Society and direction of the expendi-
ture of its money; he shall deliver an annual address upon some subject
connected with horticulture, and shall appoint all committees, unless other-
wise ordered.

2. The Vice-Presidents, in the order of their appointment, shall act in
case of the absence or disability of the President, and shall, by correspond-
ence and personal intercourse with the horticulturists of their several local-
ities, endeavor to organize local societies, obtain accurate information of
the condition and progress of horticulture therein, and report annually, in
writing, to the Society.

3. The Secretary shall record the proceedings of the Society, attend to
its correspondence and prepare its reports for publication.

4. The Assistant Secretary shall assist the Secretary to record and
prepare for publication the proceedings, and in his absence to discharge the
duties of 'his office.

5. 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 and Secretary, which he shall retain and file as
vouchers ; he shall make an annual report to the Society of the receipts and
disbursements, which, with the vouchers, shall be referred to the Executive
Committee for settlement. Before entering upon his duties he shall give a
bond in the sum of two hundred dollars for their faithful performance,
such bond to be approved by the Executive Committee.

6. The Executive Committee shall, subject to the direction of the
Society, manage all its affairs.

7. The By-Laws may be altered at any meeting by a majoritv vote of
the members present.

SOCIETY OF CENTRAL ILLINOIS. 113

OFFICERS FOR 1889.

President — C. N. Dennis, Hamilton.
First Vice-President — F. I. Mann, Gilman,
Second Vice-President — H. M. Morris, Rantoul.
Third Vice-President — Frank Cadwell, Glriggsville.
Secretary — A. C. Hamnond, Warsaw.
Assistant Secretarij — Bessie M. Nash, Warsaw.

Treasurer — Frank J. Heinl, Jacksonville.

Next Annual Meeting at Normal in May

LIST OF MEMBERS FOR 1888-9.

Beisser, F. A Champaign.

13urt, H. O Brimfield.

Cadwell, Frank Griggsville

Chester, E. E Champaign,

Dennis, C.N Hamilton .

Doan, H. L Jacksonville.

Dunlap, A . L Savoy.

Danlap, H. J Champaign.

Dunlap, H M Savoy.

Franks, Thomas Champaign.

Hammond, A. C Warsaw.

Heinl, F. J Jacksonville.

Mann, F. 1 Gilman.

McCleur, G. W Champaign.

Morrow, Prof. G. E Champaign.

Morris, H. M Rantoul.

Pillsburg, W. L Champaign.

Thompson, J. G Urbana.

9

114 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HOETICULTURAL

Proceedings of the

FIFTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING

OF THE

Horticultural Society of Central Illinois.

WEDNESDAY A. M, AUGUST 1.'

The Fifteenth Annual Meeting of the Horticultural Society of
Central Illinois, met m the Opera House in the City of Champaign.

President C. N. Dennis called the meeting to order and called
on the Rev. Wolf to offer prayer.

The President stated that at the suggestion of the local mem-
bers the address of welcome would be left until afternoon and we
would now listen to the various reports.

SECRETARY'S REPORT.
BY A. C. HAMMOND, WARSAW.

We deem it a pleasure to meet in the goodly city of Champaign
to commemorate the fifteenth anniversary of the organization of the
Horticultural Society of Central Illinois.

Why have we left our homes, our varied duties in the field,
berry plantation or orchard to attend this meeting. We are some-
times asked, why do we have so many societies and meetings of this
kind, as they require a considerable sacrifice of time, money and
energy on the part of those who sustain them. Do they pay ? If
we estimate their value in dollars and cents that are to jingle in our
pockets at once, we must answer, no ! but if we take into considera-
tion the great number of rural homes that are coarse and unattrac-
tive, not to say repulsive, whose tables are supplied with only the
necessaries of life, where the children are restless and unhappy and
the father and mother live a weary, unreal life, with no noble aspir-
ations, no desire to make their homes bright and joyous for their own
and children's good, we can understand the importance of the inter-
ests involved.

SOCIETY OF CENTEAL ILLINOIS. 115

Such is the work that organizations of this kind are called upon
to do. Have we not then a mission? Is it not a high and noble one?
Shall we refuse to lend our bumble aid, though it may require some
personal sacrifice, to press forward the car of rural progress? Nay,
verily, let us patiently teach the beautiful gospel of horticulture
till every farmer's home is made pleasant and home-like, surrounded
with trees, shrubs and flowers, till every farmer's table is constantly
supplied with delicious, health-giving fruit and vegetables, till the
young people of the farm are made to appreciate their advantages,
and to realize that their opportunities for health, long life, honor
and usefulness are superior to those of their city cousins, and the old
people are made to see the error of their ways and turn aside from
the treadmill round of labor they have so long pursued, and spend
their declining years in the pleasant home they have created, which
should be but the vestibule to that fair home that lies but just
across the river, which, through the gates ajar, the Revelator gives
us a transporting glimpse.

Some one has well said that "horticulture cooperates with
religion, education and moral culture." That this is true, I think na
one will question. Can not every lady and gentleman present point-
to communities where a tree, or shrub, or rose bush can scarcely be
seen about the house, where a flower never appears in the window
or a vine upon the wall, where the miserable excuse for a garden
is overgrown with weeds and the few apple trees in the last stages of
decay, and the delicious, refreshing fruits that grow so readily in our
climate are as rare as those of the tropics? Is it not true that in
a community of this kind the school-house is unshaded, unprotected
and uucared for, the church neglected and the moral status of the
people at a low ebb.

You have all seen the other side of the picture. Communities
where the homes were pleasant, the houses convenient and tastily
surrounded with a lawn, carefully planted with suitable trees,
while in the back-ground may be seen the orchard, fruit and veget-
able garden, and near the house the girls are provided with a dainty
little flower garden where they are encouraged to grow all manner
of hardy plants and flowers; where the table is supplied with the
delicious strawberry, the refreshing grape and melting pear and all
kinds of the more common fruits and all the garden vegetables in
their season. Where a vase of roses fills the house with fragrance,
and, even during the chill December days, the plants in the windows
shed beauty and fragrance all about them.

A community like this will ever cherish the school-house and
church as their richest heritage, and will make pleasant and comfort-
able the places where the seeker after knowledge and the humble
worshipper will delight to tarry. The dwellers in such a community
will stand on a higher moral and intellectual plane than where these

116 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL

conditions do not exist. We may, therefore, conclude that the
work we are doing is important, and that, notwithstanding the
discouragements that beset us, we must steadily press forward with
the assurance that the result will, in time, appear.

A word in relation to the practical working of the Society may
not be out of place. Our last two meetings have been held in the
hot and listless month of August, when professional men, and others
who can afford it, take their vacation, when farmers and horticul-
turists are wearied with the severe labor of the harvest season, and
all feel that if they are entitled to a few days' respite from labor,
they would prefer to lie in the hammock in the shade, than bother
their brains to write papers, or endure the heat and dust of a journey
of one or two hundred miles to attend a horticultural meeting. My
experience in securing ladies and gentlemen to take part in these
meetings is such that I feel constrained to suggest a change of date,
and know of no more favorable time than June. The objection to
this month is that strawberry men are too busy to attend, but it is
possible that it can be so arranged as to meet before the berry crop
ripens.

I also think we could accomplish the greater good by meeting
in new fields. There are many such in Central Illinois, some of them
having large commercial fruit interests, others only an amateur
interest in the work. I hope we shall receive invitations from one
or more localities of this kind.

Since the Secretary's last annual report the following orders
have been drawn on the Treasurer :

Phil Dallam, printing $13.25

A. C. Hammond, expenses of Secretary's Office 10.40

Bessie M. Nash, expense bill 10.00

C. C. Hoppe, expense bill 1 . 50

Phil Dalian, printing 8.25

Total $43.40

TREASURER'S REPORT.

BY. DR. LYMAN HALL, CHAMPAIGN.

To the President and Members of the

Horticultural Society of Central Illinois:

Gentlemen: Your Treasurer would herewith submit his annual
condition of the finances of said society.

SOCIETY OF CENTKAL ILLINOIS. 117

1887.

Aug. 4. By cash received from C. C. Hoppe, Treasurer .$21 . 10

Aug. 4. By ten membership fees 10.00

Aug. 4. By cash received from H. K. Vickroy 50.00

$81.10

CONTRA.

Aug. 4. To amount paid A. C Hammond $10 40—

Aug. 4. To amount paid Bessie Nash 10.00

Aug. 17. To amount paid C. C. Hoppe 1 .50

Aug. 17. To amount paid Phil. Dallam 13.25

1888.
Feb. 29. To amount paid Phil. Dallam 8.25—43.40

By balance $37 . 70

All of which is respectfully submitted.

H. M. Dunlap — I move that these reports be referred to a
committee of three. Motion carried.

President — I will appoint H. M. Dunlap, F. I. Mann and H. L.
Doan such committee.

Dr. Hall — As it is the intention of the Society to visit the Uni-
versity while in the city, I think the time should now be fixed upon.

H. M. Dunlap — I move that we leave here at 7:30 a. m. and
return to hold our session at 9:30. Motion carried.

The time for meeting was agreed upon as 9:30, 2:00 and 8:00.

Adjourned.

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON.

Music — Duet by Mrs. H. M. Dunlap and Miss Grace Beecher.

ADDRESS OF WELCOME.
KEY. J. B. WOLF.

The address was not furnished the Secretary and, therefore, will
have to be omitted.

PEESIDENT'S RESPONSE.

It will be impossible for me to reply in fitting terras to the
eloquent address of welcome to which we have just listened. But I
assure you that it is with pleasure we visit your beautiful city and

118 TEANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTUEAL

the uoble institution o£ learning located here. We claim this as our
institution and feel a pride in its success. We sometimes hear com-
plaints of its management, but they are always caused by ignorance
of its work and methods. Those of us who are familiar with it, know
that it is one of the best in the country. These fruits and flowers
are indications of your love for horticulture, and your interest in the
work.

We thank you for your cordial welcome and feel that it is from
the heart.

PRESIDENT'S ANNUAL ADDRESS.

BY C. N. DENNIS, HAMILTON.

As we greet each other in this, our fifteenth Annual Meeting,
renewing the old and forming new friendships, I trust and hope we
all come fully laden with observations and experiences that shall
make this meeting one of profit, as well as pleasure, to ourselves and
the interest of horticulture, always remembering that we are a fac-
tor very necessary in Illinois horticultural progress.

In our State Society we meet our friends from the extreme
northern as well as southern points, from Dixon to Cairo. And in
these meetings it may be said we generalize, and in the discussion
and papers we test the value of the ideas gathered in our homes. It
has been said that a man mast go away from home to learn how to
live at home, so it is well to go away from home to learn horticulture
for the home. And while the State Society is a noble one, the Cen-
tral is equally important in its line, and one of its important duties,
I think, is to get nearer to the masses of the people and awaken
more real practical interest in horticulture, and I presume the best way
to do this is to encourage the formation of local societies, as it is in
these that the real genuine experimenting is done, and it is from
these that the Central and State Societies draw their ideas, yes, their
existence; and just in proportion to the number and ability of the
local societies, does the tide of this and the State Society rise or fall.
We should, but, alas do not, have a live horticultural society in
each county of the central district, and how to accomplish this would
well be worthy the consideration of this Society at this meeting.

And were I to be allowed a membership in but one Society, to the
State Society, I would say, old friend, as much as I honor, respect
and esteem you, you present to me fields warmed by Southern suns,
and yet other fields of much colder clime so diversified, that with
my limited ability, I am not able to fully master your varied condi-
tions, therefore, noble old institution, the peer of any in the
sisterhood, I have other loves nearer and dearer to me, so must bid
you farewell, and the Central, while I feel much more akin, I find
in the northeastern portion of its extent, and about Champaign and
along the Illinois and Spoon rivers, so much diversity as to almost,

SOCIETY OF CENTEAL ILLINOIS. 119

if not quite, require the best efforts of the specialist, so from you
tob, I must be divorced. But when I come to our Local Society,
every member is a brother, every horticultural fact adduced and
every false theory exploded is a landmark for me, therefore, I feel
like saying, " Yea, thou art bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh,
and whithersoever thou goest, will I go, and verily I will remain
with you all the days of my life." But happily this is not so, you and
I are permitted to enjoy and drink from the fountain of all these,
and we are blind to our interest an(f negligent of our duties if we do
not do this.

But the whole question of successful fruit growing is not solved
by the use of London purple, for we find a little worm forcing its
way through and through the apple, and the scab upon the outside
and some of the croakers exclaim, '' what is the use of spraying to
kill the codling moth if these other pests are to prevail?" I know
of no way to ascend a long staircase, except step by step, and this
is but illustrative of fruit growing.

Cooperation is a necessity in successful fruit-growing, or, as our
Secretary expressed it some years ago, ''united systematic effort."
Prof. Forbes has solved the codling moth problem, and farmers are
availing themselves of the benefits of his experiments with much
success, and whether Prof. Burrill's experiments with bacteria is
frightening them, I do not know, but pear blight has been less for
the two past years than formerly.

It has been asserted that there is less hiorticultural interest in
Illinois now than formerly, but allowing this to be true ( and I am
by no means sure that it is true) what does it prove, only that it, like
everything else, has its rise and fall; extremes of heat and cold, of
wet and dry, have had their devastating and depressing effects, but
I am confident that the greatest depression has passed and the horti-
cultural skies will continue to brighten for a terra of years at least.
But in our eagerness to regain our losses let us be careful to make
no mistakes, don't let us draw to heavily upon our lands without
returning an equivalent in the way of fertilization, any more than
we would upon a bank account, or sooner or later our drafts v?ill be
dishonored. Failures are not confined to our State, New Jersey and
New York sends up the same doleful cry and within their borders
may be seen neglected orchards where many of the trees are dead or
dying.

The truth is, the great mass of the people are woefully ignorant
upon the subject of fruit growing. Looking for results without
labor, and expecting the earth to yield spontaneously everything val-
uable for human sustenance is a fallacy that should be abandoned.
Persistent labor intelligently directed would, and probably will make
our beautiful State abound in orchards, gardens and vineyards equal
o any on the continent. Last year we met at Elmwood in the midst

120 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL

of extreme drouth, this year we have a superabundance of rain. This
is as might be expected, as one extreme follows another, although
sometimes more plainly marked than at others, and how to profit by
these is what we need to know.

Arbor Day should receive more attention than it did last April,
and school yards should be beautified, and teacher and pupils become
interested in the good work ; and while I would leave landscape
gardening to the specialist, who should be thoroughly trained in his
vocation, yet the love of the beautiful will be inculcated and per-
meate the young, and they will be led to look from the beauties of
Nature up to Nature's God. And, in conclusion, let me say that
Illinois presents to the horticulturist as fair a page as any State in
the Sisterhood, sufficiently diversified to enable the most fastidious
to select from. And it rests with you to see well to it what is written
on your page, whether in aftertime it shall be said it is well, or ill, —
that you lived and took part in Central Illinois horticulture.

WHAT SHALL WE GROW FOR MARKET AND HOME USE V
BY H. M. MOKKIS, RANTOUL.

Beginning in the nursery and small fruit business, fifteen years
ago, I have had many disappointments and a few successes, — not
financially, for I do not consider this part of Illinois adapted to
growing fruit for profit, — but in the way of experience I have
gained a small fortune. This paper will mention such varieties of
fruit as I have grown and seen growing in this and adjoining
counties, which seem to be the hardiest and yield the best. Begin-
ning with the apple orchard, I find_ that the Willow Twig, English
Golden Russett (although the frui't drops badly), Minkler, Roman
Stem, Grimes' Golden Pippin, Ben Davis, Smith's Cider and Tall-
man's Sweet, for winter ; Maiden's Blush, Wealthy, Fameuse,
Bailey Sweet and Whitney's No. 20, for fall (the latter is a crab
apple, and though rather small for market, is good enough for any
body to eat, and the tree is very hardy): Tetofsky, Red Astrachan,
Sops of Wine, Keswick's Codlin and Duchess of Oldenburg, for
summer, are among the oldest trees and are in the healthiest con-
dition. To these I would add, for trial, Mann. Salome and Pewaukee,
for winter; Stumpf and Haas for fall, and Yellow Transparent for
summer. I have never fruited these varieties, but they make a fine
growth in the nursery, and the indications are that the trees are very
hardy, although the Yellow Transparent has shown some blight.
Of crab apples, I find but three varieties worthy of culture, —
Whitney's No. 20, already spoken of, for early, Transcendent and
Hyslop for medium and late. There is one thing of which I wish
to speak at this point, although it is foreign to the subject, for I
consider it a matter of great importance.

SOCIETY OF CENTRAL ILLINOIS. 121

Having visited nearly four hundred orchards in Champaign and
surrounding counties, I find the healthiest trees are those trimmed
with low heads — low enough to shade the body of the tree in the
winter, — and those grown on high ground and side hills. I know
of Maiden's Blush and some other sorts, grown on a hillside, which
have been standing thirty-five years and are still sound and robust.
Of the sorts mentioned, the Willow Twig is the hardiest and most
abundant bearer, the apple is a good keeper, sells well, and in Feb-
ruary and March is not bad to take. The Ben Davis is a short-lived
tree as you well know, and the apple is second-class in Cjuality, but
first-class to yield and sell. I have ten trees planted eight years ago
as grafts, which are in fair condition as to soundness, and will, [
think, make three bushels of apples to the tree this seaso!i. The
Minkler is a sturdy tree, an even bearer of a rich apple and will
thrive on low land. Sops of Wine, in summer apples, is also an
exceedingly hardy tree. The Maiden's Blush, where grown on high
ground, is a long-lived tree and a great bearer of a good marketable
apple. My experience with pear trees has been to set them out and
have them blight and die. Flemish Beauty and Clapp's Favorite
are the only sorts I have had in bearing and they are now dead. I
have twenty-five Kieffer's Hybrid grafted on their own roots that
promise fairly, but I have no great expectations. I have tried a
great many plums and have found nothing but the Miner, on its
own roots, that has ever borne fruit in any quantity.

Early Richmond, Euglish Morello and a cherry I call the Late
Dutch are the only sorts I have ever found to succeed. There is
some profit in growing the Early Richmond. The English Morello
is about ten days later, a good-sized, dark cherry, sour enough to
make one cross-eyed, but are excellent for pies, or to can, as the
juice is very rich. The Late Dutch cherry is a medium-sized, sour
cherry, light in color, and the tree reproduces itself from the roots.
The tree is hardy, a prolific bearer, about one week later than the
Early Richmond, and therefore profitable to sell to those parties who
waited for the price of early cherries to go down and got left, and
are ready to buy at any price.

I have succeeded reasonably well in growing quinces for home
use. I have the Orange Quince grown from cuttings, with the soil
around them covered to the depth of six inches with slacked lime, wood
ashes and salt. This year they are loaded with fruit. The best
grapes, in my opinion, for market, are Concord, Worden, Moore's
Early and Pocklington. They are good enough, too, for home
use; not but that there are many other good sorts, but these seem
to do the best with the least attention. The Worden grape with me is
taking the lead. I have never seen any signs of mildew on the vines
or fruit in four years' culture. Moore's Early is the most profitable,
because it ripens very early, and, and of course, sells for a higher

122 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL

price, although one year with another the Concord will net the most
money.

Of gooseberries, Smith's Improved takes the lead with me;
fruit very large, great yielder, bushes very hardy. The berry is
green when ripe, and, to my taste, very fine. There is some profit
in raising gooseberries for the market. La Versailles cherry and
white grape currants do the best for me. I have some Fay's Pro-
lific, but they have never fruited.

Currants pay very well for market from the fact that the bushes
Avill flower in the shade under trees, and in out-of-the-way places
where nothing else will grow. But do not try such a plan with
gooseberries, for the fruit will mildew.

The Snyder blackberry is the only variety in which there is any
profit for this section of the country. Farther south they are growing
the Early Harvest, but it winter-kills for me. The blackberry can
be grown on ground already occupied with trees. I have my cherry
and apple orchards set with the Snyder blackberry and the trees
seem to do better from the protection afforded by the vines, and, as
1 could not cultivate the ground in garden crops, strawberries or any-
thing else, I consider the blackberry crop clear gain. I would say
here, that my apple orchard has been in Snyder blackberries for
twelve years and the blackberry has never failed to yield well until
last year, when the berries dried up on the vines, and this year,
because last year's canes were killed by the drouth.

Of raspberries, Souhegan for the early black cap, and Gregg for
late, are my choice, and both are profitable to some extent. Marl-
boro, for red, does very well, but I dislike any variety that spreads
from the roots. Shaffer's Colossal is ihene j^lus ultra oS. raspberries.
It is a red black cap, purplish red in color, propagating from tips,
and is the largest and most prolific raspberry grown. Good for can-
ning, as it keeps its shape, is quite tart, more so than the black cap,
and is therefore fine for table use. In my estimation it is the best
raspberry grown, for all purposes. The vine is wonderfully rugged
and a rank grower. It has, with me, shown no signs of rust, and,
like the Crescent strawberry, it is the lazy man's berry, for it will
crowd out all weeds and grass and take complete possession of the
ground. Although the fruit is off in color, the size and quality make
it sell readily; this season it sold far quicker and brought more
money per quart.

Capt. Jack, Charles Downing, Crescent Seedling, Sharpless,
Glendale and Old Ironclad are my choice in strawberries. I have
grown so many varieties that I can't really say just which I prefer
above all others.

This year strawberries were not profitable, because there were none
to sell. Two years ago they were not profitable because there were
so many we could not sell them. ( There is no profit in strawberries

SOCIETY OF CENTEAL ILLINOIS. 123

at five cents a quart.) Last year they were not profitable because of
the drouth, that is for market. The Lucretia dewberry promises to
be worthy of culture for home use. The cultivation is simple and
what experience I have had with it leads me to believe they will be
very productive, and the berries are delicious. For home use I would
also grow a few of the upland huckleberries, and the June berry.
Both do well for me and almost never miss a crop.

Every fruit grower ought to keep a few colonies of bees in some
movable frame hive. Simplicity I think the best; by studying their
hal)its a little he can have all the delicious honey he wants to eat and
the bees help materially in fertilizing his fruit. I raised one year
a good crop of Crescent Seedling strawberries from a bed of pure
plants where there were no other kind in sixty rods, and I gave the
bees the credit. As for bees destroying grapes, I do not believe it.
I have raised grapes and kept bees for ten years; having as many as
150 colonies at a time and have never lost any grapes because of the
bees. From ten colonies of bees I have sold 1,000 pounds of honey
at fifteen cents, and that beats fruit culture all to pieces. There's
thousands in it gentlemen, of you don't believe it try a swarm. But
after all for profit, one-half acre in Folter's cabbage and one-half
acre in Yellow Danvers onions, will bring in more money than any
acre of strawberries, raspberries or blackberries, one year with
another and with less labor.

Dr. Hall — I look upon the Whitney No. 20 as worthless here.

H. M. Dunlap — 1 would class it as a summer apple. I would
strike out Smith's Cider, as it is not hardy with me, and would add
the Tyson pear. Bubach's No. 5 and Jessie strawberries are better,
I think, than those in his list.

THE PERENNIAL GARDEN.
BY FRANCIS J. HEINL.

It is surprising what an amount of indifference is shown among
lovers of Nature's beauties, in regard to our commoner wayside
flowers and our hardier plants. It is generally supposed that to have
a home beautified by flowers, etc., that it requires a considerable
purse. While it does require considerable funds to have a con-
servatory filled with tropical plants, we may have our homes sur-
rounded by the most beautiful plants at a small cost and with a little
labor. I suppose you think it strange for one who has plants and
flowers for sale to speak this way, but I am one of those who think
that the more taste we develop among the people for the commoner
plants, the greater the demand will be for the higher-priced ones.

At this time we cannot dwell on the management of a house-

124 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL

yard, lawn, or garden, but we will take it for granted that you have
a place to plant, and I will endeavor to give you a few hints in regard
to some of the best perennial plants.

We will first look in our fields for native or wild plants, remem-
bering, when we find one, to give it, as near as possible, a like
position in our garden ; and as there are so very many attractive
field and forest plants, we can only look at a few of them.

In the spring we find the wake-robin, claytoma, or spring beauty,
dog-tooth, violet, blue-bells and others; although these plants are not
so attractive as those which appear later, when we can find cone-
flowers, cardinal and blue lobelias, lady slippers, golden rod, asters,
daisies, petunias, and a great number of other plants, including ferns,
and several vines, which, although wild flowers, are considered in
good taste ; in fact, they are the more popular in cities, resorts and
at watering places in their seasons. Among the hardy plants which
may be obtained of any florist or nurseryman at a small cost, we
find many which rival our bedding plants for show.

The garden phlox (perennis) is a plant which withstands our
severest winters and our long summer drouths, and will furnish
quantities of bright bloom almost all summer and autumn. They
may be had in any shades from white to brightest scarlet, and make a
gorgeous show where a number are planted together. The planty-
cloden or wahlenbergia, which is a bulbous plant and perfectly
hardy, is covered with a profusion of white and sky-blue flowers
from June till autumn; it grows about two feet high and will do
well in a partially shaded place, but better in hot sunshine. The
day-lily, a plant which does well only in a rather dry place, furnishes
fragrant|lily-like flowers, which are blue or white, in August. Astille
Japanica, or the Japan Spirea, is one of the prettiest summer-bloom-
ing plants, with its mist-like white plumes, and flourishes well in
almost any sunshiny place. The Japan Animone, which requires a
partially shaded place, produces beautiful ivory-white flowers from
mid-summer until frost. For a bright, yellow flower, nothing sur-
passes the tuberous-rooted sunflower (helianthus multiflora) with
its bright flower, and it will do so well in the hot sun and blooms
all the season. The deep blue, dwarf plumbago larpentia, fur-
nishes a multitude of flowers of this scarcest color in flowers. The
carnation-flowered lynchness furnishes us with its double white
flowers, nearly all summer, and does best in a partially shaded place.
We must not forget pasonias, those old-fashioned flowers which are
always showy and which are now being made to flower in the
brightest scarlets, nor the hollyhocks for which souie corner should
be reserved.

These plants I have mentioned, all spread, and care should be
taken that they do not overgrow other plants.

Among the hardy imported bulbs which bloom in early spring,

SOCIETY OF CENTRAL ILLINOIS. 125

we have the iris, or flenr-de-lis, or, as some would say, flags.
If you have not seen the Japan varieties, you certainly would l3e
surprised at the wonderful combinations of bright colors and the
large flowers; they are perfectly hardy and may be depended upon
for a good show. The tulip is another bulbous plant which, though
common, is one of our most gorgeous spring flowers. Crocuses, the
earliest flowers that blossom, are ahvays showy on account of the
time they bloom and are very hardy.

The most popular flower that bloom in the spring are the nar-
cissus, the daffodils, jonquils, etc., with the curious flowers and
their great variety, and there are many other bulbous plants that
brighten up the early spring.

The lilies are among the showiest, most varied and most satis-
factory bulbous plants. These may be had to bloom at any season.
So great is the variety of lilies that most of us could fill -our yards
Avith them and then have but a few varieties. These bulbous plants
should be planted in the fall, and prefer partially shaded or sunny
places and rather dry, well drained sandy soils.

The hardy shrubs which attain some size always make a nice
show if trimmed and kept in shape. Among these we find great
panicated hydrangea, which in midsumer is covered with immense
panicles of white flowers, which will remain on the plants until the
next spring. This is one of the most desirable shrubs. The altheas,
sometimes called rose of Sharon, are desirable, as the bright colored,
showy double-flowers are in their prime at a season when flowers are
somewhat scarce.

The syringa is very desirable for an early summer flower, and espe-
cially so is the double-flowered one. One of the sweetest perfumed
flower is the clethra alnifolia, which bears its small plumes in mid-
summer.

Then we can have the weigelias, the deutzias, or the spireas,
which bloom in the spring, or the lilacs which we all know, and
which, with the sprieas, are the worst plants to spread and fill a
yard with underbrush that we know, and we should be cautious in
planting them.

For vines, we have the Virginia creeper, ampelopsis or the
trumpet vine, which cling to walls, trees, etc. Honey suckles, which
we all know, and the Chinese wistiria with its pendulous blue flowers
are good climbers which do not freeze in the winter. The passion
vine, which freezes down and should be protected, furnishes a pro-
fusion of white or blue flowers which are symbolic of the passion of
Christ on the day of the crucifixion. In the last few years the clem-
atis has become popular, and well it should, for it is one of the most
gorgeous of hardy plants. The great variety of color and form helps
the plant in its popularity.

In obtaining these hard}^ plants, care should be taken to obtain

126 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL

only good strong, healthy plants, for they have to pass through a
severe test the first winter, and especially with clematis, hydran-
geas and the bulbous plants. You should be cautious, for it is no use
to plant weak plants. When yoa get your plants, always spade the
ground deep where you plant, and cultivate around them after plant-
ing. Care should be exercised that they do not spread too much and
do not get ill-shapen. This is especially so of the shrubs, which
should be pruned from the day they are planted.

I have endeavored to give you in the foregoing list., plants
which are hardy and worthy of cultivation in every way; of course I
have named but a few of the more desirable. I have not mentioned
roses, because that alone is a topic sufficient for a paper. Neither
have I mentioned any ornamental trees, nor evergreens, some of
which are worthy of a place in every garden. If attention is paid
to these plants and the place of their nativity is known, one can .do
much better with them than if he goes according to any directions,
and if attention is paid to them he will be rewarded with a bountiful
supply of foliage and flowers. When buying do not invest in a
miscellaneous lot of plants of which you know little. If you have
succeeded with any particular variety, always cultivate them, each
year trying a few of the newer and better plants.

PRACTICAL FLORICULTURE— WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT?

BY THOS. FEANKS, CHAMPAIGN.

Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen:

The question involved in the above heading is one that presents
many sides, and to fully answer it would take too much of our time.
A person of an observing nature, traveling over this great country,
who has seen the gardens of England, France or Germany, can not
■ but be forced to admit that we are a long way behind them in the
general cultivation of flowers. We have some noble specimens of
the art in a few of our large cities; but that universal passion among
all classes, that is so strongly characteristic of people in the Old
World, is sadly lacking here.

How we can best create an interest in this matter, and encourage
all efforts in this direction, is for us to find out. We are a highly
privileged class of people, living in this central portion of Illinois,
where the conditions for plant growth are so favorable that we are
apt to lose sight of these advantages or fail to appreciate them until
we compare them with other sections of the country, less favored in
this particular. Here, we have a soil, practically inexhaustible if
properly cultivated, where all the elements of plant food lay at our
door, waiting to be converted into flower and fruit by all who will
but study the wants of our plants and apply them.

SOCIETY OF CENTEAL ILLINOIS. 127

With all these circumstances in our favor, why is it that we
manifest so little interest in the growing and care of flowers? With
a few rare exceptions, men do not care for their cultivation. Their
minds seem to be absorbed in the pursuits of business or pleasure of
another character, to the exclusion of all thoughts of the possibili-
ties and pleasures to be derived from their cultivation. I hope to
see the time when men will take more interest in their garden (or
yards as they generally call them, the very name of which is a deg-
redation), and not leave them entirely to the care of the ladies.

There is surely enough in it to engage their great intellects
and to satisfy their highest aspirations in this world. But how to
bring about this desirable condition of things is a difficult matter to
solve. I would suggest beginning with the home, and there teach
the children to love and cultivate flowers, and here I feel grateful
for the many examples set before the children by their mothers. I
would also introduce flower culture in our public schools, which, to
my mind, would be a good plan if taken in hand by teachers and
pupils with a will, and I have no doubt but it would succeed after
once getting into running order. The carrying out of this plan in
detail, however, would have to be left to the teachers in charge. I
will only suggest, in a general way, a few thoughts to lead up to
that end. First, set aside a plot of ground for the use of each
class. Second, devote, bay half an hour each day to the study, or
practice of plant growing. During the spring term seeds, cuttings
and bulbs may be raised in the windows, and cared for until warm
enough to remove them to the garden, when many other plants and
seeds may be procured, and the classes vie with each other in mak-
ing and keeping the neatest garden. Let all plants be correctly
named on conspicuous labels.

The minds of the young, being plastic and susceptible, are easily
impressed, and there is a natural love among children for flowers,
and lessons taught there would never be forgotten. Besides, what
could we suggest that would make the school and its surroundings
more pleasant and inviting than flowers? I know of nothing, and I
hope our school directors will take the hint, and provide suitable
grounds, tools, seeds, plajits, etc., and give it a trial : and I feel sure
the result would warrant them in continuing it, and the children
wQuld acquire a fund of floricultural knowledge that would be a
source of never-ending pleasure to them, and, having begun aright,
would continue to pursue, as a pastime, the culture of flowers intel-
ligently in after years. Tliis idea of introducing the practice and
study of floriculture in our schools can but be conducive of great
good in the future, and its effects would be apparent all over this
great country. In addition to this, it behooves us, as members of
this Society, to try and interest, by pref^ept and example, the masses
of the people in this branch of horticulture.

128 TKANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL

How many members present can demonstrate to their friends
that they have faith — not to say enthusiasm — in this most cap-
tivating of arts? I fear, aside from the work done by the lady
members, we should look in vain for any indications of it from the
majority of those present, and this, too, a professedly horticultural
body of men. Is it not a fact that your time is absorbed in looking
after your nurseries and your fruit farms, to the exclusion of all
thought in the direction indicated? Is it not a fact that your
members have so lost sight of this branch of horticulture that the
very name of your Society is a misnomer, and should be changed to
" Illinois Pomological Society," in order to properly represent the
interests of the members. Methinks I hear some one say '* What's
the use of men fooling with flowers. There's no money in it. It's
good enough for women and children, and I don't mind seeing them
around, providing I don't have to do any of the work or care for
them?" I am sure those are the sentiments of many present, for I
have heard them expressed many and many a time.

Do not suppose, for one moment, that I expect you to put in
lots of your time attending to flower when other work is pressing,
but do a little to help the ladies and children whenever you can
spare a few moments, and do not make them feel it is beneath your
dignity to help bring toil or some other heavy work that the women
often have to do themselves. Show them that you are interested in
the work and they will appreciate it.

I do not think it will pay every man in dollars and cents to cul-
tivate flowers, but it will reciprocate by cultivating his better nature
and leading his thoughts into higher and nobler channels. It will
make the home more attractive for the children, and will tend to
keep their minds more at ease and restrain them from many evils
and desires to wander from home. And I know the good lady of
the house will be delighted with the help and interest taken in the
garden by the men. For I take it for granted they are already in-
terested in this department. And as to adding a market value to the
property, this is a selfish way of looking at it, and not a worthy one,
but may have weight with some. It will materially enhance the
value of the whole, and would bring a good return on the invest-
ment in dollars and cents. But my impression is, if I can persuade
all men to plant flowers and make their homes beautiful and attrac-
tive, they will not want to sell out and go West, for we have here
everything that any reasonable man can ask for.

Now if you have expected in this paper to have me give you prac-
tical hints or instructions on plant culture, I am afraid you will be
disappointed. I take it that an intelligent body like this one, would
not thank me for trying to tell them how to grow a rose or geranium.
If you will only plant them and give them the same care and culti
vation you give your smali fruits I think there will be no trouble
about the results. Wont you try it ?

SOCIETY OF CENTRAL ILLINOIS. 129

Thos. Franks — I take issue with Mr. Heinl in regard to the
hyacinth, they are hardy here and I never heard of their not being
considered so before.

Francis Heinl — For the last five or six years, they seldom bloom
after the first year. They are not worth planting with us, it may be
on account of the damp weather.

H. M. Dunlap — At what depth should these bulbs be planted?

Thos. Franks — They want lots of sand, half sand would do, and
plant at a depth of three or four inches. We plant them after the
the frost has destroyed the other plants. Care should be taken not to
have water stand around them. They should be covered with some
sort of litter which should be kept on till the frost is nearly all out
of the ground. Hyacinths should not be left in the ground year
after year, as they will degenerate. They should be taken up every
spring and tulips every year or two years.

F. I. Mann — I think we are apt to make our flower beds too
small, they do not resist the drouth as well as larger tracts.

F. Heinl — In most cases the ground is spaded too shallow and
dries out sooner on that account.

Prof . Morrow — For years these Societies have been discussing
these topics, but these are among the best papers I have ever heard.
I know very little about flowers, Mr. Franks makes them his busi-
ness and, hence, understands the subject. We are not all constituted
alike, and while one may have a passion for flowers, another may for
corn and vegetables or horses. We should all follow our own business.
My observation about flower beds is that, unless we have a great love
for them, we should begin on a small scale, better a lawn with
nothing but grass and trees than flower beds neglected and over-
grown with weeds.

Mr. Chester — Would you advocate watering when as dry as
last year?

Mr. Franks — I am opposed to watering as it is usually done.
It is of no use to sprinkle the top of the ground. If the ground is
well stirred there is little n'eed of watering.

10

130 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTUEAL

Mr. McCleur — If watered to the depth of four or six inches,
it is a good plan to water. A good plan is to run the water in small
tile laid six or eight inches deep.

Song — "Consider the Lilies," by Mrs. H. M. Dunlap, Savoy.

BEAUTY.

MRS. EMMA SPENCE.

There is religion in a flower;

Its still, small voice, is as the voice of Conscience;

Mountains and oceans, plants, suns and systems

Bear not the impress of Almighty power

In characters more legible than those

AVhich He hath written on the tiniest flower

Whose light bell bends beneath the dewdrop's weight.

— Horace SmWi.

The voice of the flower is that within iti organization which
causes to arise in our souls a l(^ye for the beautiful. Its silent
appeal bids us for the moment to forget the unfortunate, the
depraved, the miserable of life, and to bend in admiration over the
unsullied, the innocent, the pure. Thus is fostered a never-dying
appreciation of the lovely and true in creation. Love for the beau-
tiful is innate. The child in its cradle grasps for the bright-colored
objects near it and clasps its tiny hands in glee over pretty trifles.

The ancient Greek regarded beauty of form and feature as an
evidence of goodness. In his mind, the two were always associated,
since his gods never conferred upon a favorite the one without the
other. Physical perfection in ancient Greece was a gift bestowed,
and not a development. He who was so unlucky as to be born ill-
favored must pass his days under the shadow of the curse; no matter
how noble the heart that beat within the imperfectly formed
physique.

Spartan valor did something toward the mollification of this
baneful idea, but never wholly eradicated it. Modern philosophy
reverses the doctrine, and makes homeliness, or rather plainess, the
handmaiden of uprightness. At this age of the superabundance of
ornamental embellishments, perhaps the modern device is more
nearly correct, since " beauty unadorned is adorned the most," and
anything that bears touches of the Omnipotent Hand possesses
some characteristics worthy of admiration. All beauty is divided
into two classes — natural and artificial. Devotees to each have
claimed the superiority of the one over the other. Art has reached
a height undreamed of by the masters of antiquity; but as all art is
but an imitation of nature, we may logically infer that the copy can
never equal the real in point of excellence. In the absence of the

SOCIETY OF CENTKAL ILLINOIS. 131

real, the substitute may answer as well or better than the reality,
but it is of the intrinsic value of each that we speak.

Where the natural in beauty is lacking, it has become an uni-
versal obligation to supply by artificial means the deficiency, for, at
no period earlier than now, has the beautiful become more of a
necessity to our existence. Without that which is pleasing to the
higher senses, we would become barbarous and degenerated, reduced
to the level of our primitive ancestors in their uncultivated state.

Rob us of the apparently needless song of birds, the kaleido-
scopic sky. the gaily-decked clothing of field and woodland, the
music of the spheres, the panorama of the universe, as it sweeps in
lines of beauty to the song of the morning stars ; rob us, I repeat,
of all in nature and humanity that is entrancing to the sense of
admiration, and life, as far as its pi-esent enjoyment is concerned,
would not be worth living. But let us see in everything a trace of
the Infinite, the symmetr}^ and grace of every object fashioned by
the hand that moulded the most minute of His creations, and life
will become to us a wonderland and a museum, inviting us ever to
new fields of exploration, and leading us onv/ard and upward, beyond
the seen and temporal, toward the spiritual and supernal.

Natural beauty subdivides itself into beauty of Nature and
physical beauty. We shall speak first of the endowments of Nature,
— not physical. Nature is boldly suggestive. The earth need not,
have been made picturesque as she is. The useful only in vegetable
and mineral creations need to have been formed.

" God might have made the earth bring forth
Enough for great and small,
Without a flower at all."

Mankind might have flourished as well on level plains as on ter-
raced woodland. The ever-changing variety of natural scenery is
not necessary to either comfort or life, i. e., man could have lived
without the majestic ocean, the towering mountain, or the trellised
windows of heaven.

But not so the Creator's design. He cradled the mighty deep
in the loving arms of Mother Earth. He pinioned the rock-bound
continents to their places with the Rockies, the Alps and the Hima-
layas; He swept his beneticient hand over hill and dale and the
carpeted, ornamented and lovely home of man sprang into existence.
The fields blossomed in multiform hues, animal life attired itself in
holiday colors and the tinted bow of promise spanned heaven's dome.
All Nature smiled her sweetest smile and the Almighty saw that it
was good. God intended the world to be beautiful, but he did not
intend to leave man the progressive creature that he is, without an
opportunity to exert his God-given powers.

132 TKANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTUBAL

The first man was given Eden to keep it and to dress it. Even
before the fall, man was given something to do. The hand of Na-
ture was lavish but not universally so. All landscapes were not
equally favored and each could be improved by cultivation. Seed
bearing vegetation made it possible for man to follow Nature's sug-
gestion. Adam, after the expulsion, had memories of Paradise to
.draw upon when fitting up his later home, and we may infer, he imi-
tated largely the scenes he left behind him. It becomes the duty of
every possessor of a home to make his place of residence attractive —
to copy the first Eden if Nature has not done so for him. Home
decoration is a subject that we cannot lightly pass over. It is a
great moral principle that should be inculcated by the head of every
household and should rank next in importance to the health and
comfort of the family. It is the foundation stone of order, ambition
and gesthetics in the body politic and is a branch of education not
to be neglected.

In the department of horticulture, there is a broad field for the
exercise of our decorative tastes and no branch of ornamental re-
sources admits of more economic development. The poorest home can
afford a pot of graceful ivy to twine across the cornice or around a
picture. On the window ledge may bloom continually some little
flowering plant, that will awaken in the minds of the growing young
inmates of that family a reverence for the beautiful.

Upon the premises of every country homestead there may be the
well-kept lawn, small, perhaps, but inviting, and a little nook re-
served for the flower-garden. The trees and shrubbery should be
kept trimmed, the buildings neat and in good repair. It is astonish-
ing what a change in appearance a little trouble and pains will
accomplish.

In our cities there are equal opportunities for cheerful home-
making. Cut off from much that by nature tends towards making
an attractive home, the city resident has to resort more to ingenu-
ity than does his rural neighbor. Order, cleanliness and taste,
however, will go as far in city or town toward beautifying the
exterior and interior of the home as in more secluded spots. Chil-
dren will take an interest in home decoration that will astonish any
parent who will take the pains to develop such a taste in the house-
hold, and these same children will assume much of the care and
work necessary to the maintenance of decorative objects in the
home, if they be properly trained.

Such rearing will tend to bind the hearts of the family to the
hearthstone, and no gilded or decorated place of amusement will ever
equal in attraction the palace of childhood.

What in early life do we love to dwell on most? Not the long
day's confinement indoors, at school or at home tasks, not the slight
drudgery nor any of the unpleasantnesses of childhood; but the

SOCIETY OP CENTRAL ILLINOIS. 133

happy hours in field and dale where all nature smiled and glad earth
echoed in return.

How clearly we remember the honeysuckle that grew at mother's
window and the climbing rose vine that smothered in its embrace
the old supports of the piazza. ''The orchard, the meadow, the
deep tangled wildwood " are all dear in the recollections of childhood.
Pity those who have no sweet and tender remembrances of an attrac-
tive, though it may have been an humble, home.

May we not then seek to cultivate within our own domicile that
uplifting, ennobling spirit of aesthetics, not the modern idea of tha
art, but the broader term that when assimilated, invigorates the
soul and leads our thoughts and minds upward toward the Author of
all things beautiful. Then may our husbands and children rise up
and call us blessed because of the purity and gentleness with which
we sanctified our households and caused to pervade their atmosphere
that breath of paradise which makes heaven below indeed the
'' retreat of the heart."

Where our love for the beautiful leads to extravagance or prodi-
gality, is a point that can be decided only by the. means of the
individual concerned. Certain it is more latitude is allowed us in
this direction than in many other so-called dispensable expenditures.

"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament
showeth forth his handiwork." The mountains breathe forth from
their lofty turrets his praise, and the brooklet bathes the feet of the
little hills to the gentle music of adoration. All ^Jature sings con-
tinually of love and beauty, and decks herself in vernal, autumnal
and ermine robes, consecutively, that she may appear never in
monotonous costume to the Author of her being. If Nature, un-
tutored and irresponsible Nature, thus exists as a living example of
Divine appreciation, what shall we say of humanity, endowed as it
is with all the grace of mind, character and physical perfection?

The human being naturally adores the beautiful in exterior, but
does it seek to express its admiration of divinely-bestowed gifts, by
cultivating within itself characteristics worthy of approval ? Within
every human creature lies that power.

The human countenance, no matter how plain or unprepossess-
ing it may be in repose, when animated by a pure, lofty and lovely
spirit within, is beautiful. There is something so awe-inspiring in
the fact that man is created in the image of his Maker that the
human form, no matter how contorted by deformitj" or disease, when
considered as bearing the impress of the Almighty, is robbed of all
repulsiveness.

Good health is the monitor of physical comeliness. Only in the
individual, whose system is in the full vigor of activity, do we find
real personal attractiveness. Imitations of a healthy physique or
"make up," are always detected, yet it is the duty of each to stay as

134 TKANSACTIONS OP THE HORTICULTUEAL

far as possible, the ravages of Time. Care of the health, tidiness
and cheerfulness go far toward the preservation of yoathfal appear-
ances. Assumption of characteristics, belonging to the tender age,
however, is revolting in the extreme, yet adaptation of one's self to
society of varying age, prevents an over-deep impression of the
stamp of years. Genuine prepossessing qualities, however, center
not so much in grace of form and feature, as in the symmetry of
the soul.

It has been said " the eyes are the windows of the soul." The
time is coming wherein the physiognomy shall be the true exponent
of character. Not that humanity now does not stamp upon the face
the real self, but, in the future, men shall have studied each other
and self more, so that without word or warning, we may read our
fellow man.

"Would'st thou know thyself,
In others' self, discern ;
Would'st thou others know,
Read thyself and learn."

Self knowledge is by far the highest type of knowledge, because
self examination is inter-woven with destiny. When Ave consider
the mysterious human mechanism, we are lost in admiration. Man
never tires of studying self. It is the fascination of the work that
will ever keep pushing the investigation and thus enlarge the range
of self-acquaintance.

Love of knowledge is fostered by love for the beautiful. The
scientist would never undergo the toils and sacrifices of his calling,
were it not for the satisfaction of feasting his curious appetite upon
the hidden of creation. The musician adores music, the artist is
devoted to art, the professional is charmed by his profession. Suc-
cess is the reward of the devotee. But in no department of the
unrevealed do we find so entrancing a study as that of mind and
spirit — the animating forces of creation. AH our powers of admir-
ation are drawn out upon the inexplicable ungovernable ego. It
has been written: " What is man that thou art mindful of him."
What is a grain of sand that it should exist? Nothing, except that
in the aggregate it becometh a mighty planet wherein God dwells.
What is man? An atom in the sea of humanity, but God in his
essence. If there is anything for which humanity can continually
thank its author, it is for life — for all that life makes possible.
Instead of being a mere machine of organic matter, we are the
thoughtful, the intelligent beings; we are with all the possibilities
and privileges of an immortal existence. Behold what a wonder is
man? Nothing lower than God and the celestial beings calls forth
such adoiiration as does man.

Before him Nature yields her loveliest gifts and acknowledges
his dominion upon land and upon sea. The windows of heaven pour

SOCIETY OF CENTRAL ILLINOIS. 1B5

out upon him their choicest blessings and to him is granted the
friendship and brotherhood of the King of kings. Man is God's
noblest work. In him is centered all that can awaken within us the
reverent.

But the question arises. What is it in man that so absorbs and
transfixes us? Not his comliness of person, — though that were
enough — but that deeper, nobler attraction, his cultivated mind,
towards a pure, refined soul, an admiring world gravitates. As
remarked previously, spirit study is the theme of the age. It is the
magnet of present thought. The secret of soul nobility is receiving
the latest scientific investigation. It is the problem of the nine-
teenth century.

The perishability of the beautiful, creates a pang with every
admiring emotion. When we contemplate beauty that is born to
fade, a sigh of regret escapes with every exhalation of silent applause.
Music however intoxicating, must cease; scenes however entrancing,
must vanish; physical charms however pleasing, must yield to change.
But beauty of character is enduring.

" You may break, you may shatter the vase if you will,
But the scent of the roses will hang round it still."

True beauty belongs to man and is within. It is a development
and not a gift. Its accession lies within the reach of every rational
being.

WESTERN HORTICULTURE AND HORTICULTURISTS —

A REMINISCENCE.

BY THOS, GREGG, HAMILTON.

An octogenarian, who has resided for more than half a century
in the State of Illinois, should have a far greater knowledge of
horticulture and horticulturists of the west than the writer of these
lines claims to have. In his early days, in a mid-western state,
horticulture was in its infancy, and, like most farmer boys, he knew
little more of the art than to plow and hoe corn.

Apple orchards were common even at a much earlier day in Ohio
and other Western States — many of them consisting mostly of seed-
ling trees; yet, grafted apples were not uncommon. Seedling
peaches grew well in Central Ohio, and the tree was much longer
lived than now. Of budded sorts, he remembers none in those early
days, and of grafted apples, he calls to mind most conspicuously the
Bellflower and Pennock — both of which grew and bore well and
were favorites in the orchards of his neighborhood. There were
doubtless other kinds, not now recollected. Of insect depredators,
he knew nothing. He remembers seeing an occasional worm in
peaches, presumably the offspring of the curculio; though of the life

136 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL

history of the "Little Turk," he was as ignorant as he was of King
Solomon's mines, or the the whereabouts of the Lost Pleiade. And
his knowledge of the life, character and busy labors of the codling
moth, and all the other tribes of creeping things, that make a fruit-
grower's life miserable, was equally extensive.

The growing and production of small fruits, by transplanting
and cultivation, had not yet begun. Blackberries and raspberries
were known to grow in the woods and neglected fence rows, and he
who had most of them was regarded as the laziest man and producer
of the poorest farm crops. Strawberries, too, grew in the meadows,
but no one — so far as now remembered — thought of cultivating
them, much less of originating new varieties of these or, indeed, of
any of the small fruits. The first man he ever knew to grow straw-
berries in his garden, and to cultivate and care for them, was an
Englishman who resided near the village, about the years 1828 or
1830, and who had a patch of about two square rods in extent. The
fruit was rather superior in size to those usually found wild; but
whether they had been transplanted from the meadows or produced
from seed, he never learned. The young people would go out there
and eat of these strawberries, regarding the man as a crank for
transplanting them to his garden, when he could have them in the
meadows free of cost and labor. Possibly others at that early day,
unknown to the writer, were similarly engaged. At what period
Nicholas Longworth, of Cincinnati, first began the cultivation and
propagation of this and other small fruits, I am unable to say. I
had spent several years of early manhood about my native place, and
had emigrated west in 1836, before I heard of Longworth's straw-
berries.

It would be interesting to inquire in what year and by whom the
small fruits were first grown, cultivated and propagated in the State
of Illinois, — certainly, I think, in the State, for I doubt if such a
thing had beeu practiced anywhere within its limits as a territory.
Probably, gentlemen present at this meeting can enlighten us on
this point ; or, perhaps, the files of the old American Fanner, the
Genesee Farmer, Albany Cultivator, or the earliest journals in the
West could inform us. There are, unfortunately, few of these to be
found. Apples and pears were grown in Illinois perhaps about as
early as anywhere else in America, having been brought by the early
French settlers. Rev. John M. Peck declared, more than half a
century ago, that he had, thirty years previously, eaten luscious fruit
from the second generation of those " glorious old trees " planted
about Kaskaskia and Cahokia in " Egypt." Unfortunately, all those
early writers use the term '' fruits " in mentioning these things.
They also use the term " trees," which leads us to conclude that they .
wrote of orchard fruits alone,— mostly apples and pears. Dr. John
A. Kennicott, also, in referring to the early fruits of Illinois (as

SOCIETY OF CENTRAL ILLINOIS. 137

quoted by Elliott), says nothing about small fruits, leaving us to
infer that our early settlers were beholden to the wild grapes, straw-
berries, raspberries and blackberries, — for all of these they were
permitted to enjoy.

Kirtland, Longworth, Ernst, Worder, in Ohio, and Kennicott
and a host of other later laborers in Illinois, may be regarded as the
pioneers of horticulture in this State, to whose labors and zeal we
of the present generation owe most of our knowledge.

What was the earliest of the horticultural journals in that vast
empire, once known as the Northwest Territory, I cannot now deter-
mine, or where, or in what years issued : but our own Prairie
Farmer, at Chicago, is certainly one of the pioneers of the class west
of the Wabash and the Lakes. The fact is well remembered when
John S. Wright and J. Ambrose Wight (both of whose names are
often spelled as Wright), pioneer editors in Illinois, first ushered
their journal to the public in the village of Chicago, — the short-
lived predecessor of the Prairie Farmer, about fifty years ago. Since
that day scores and scores of practical horticulturists have con-
tributed of their labors and experiences to its pages, thus greatly
aiding in the growth and beauty and grandeur of this great State.

I would be glad, had I the means immediately at hand, to run
over those pages and cite the names of the most prominent of these.
Many of them have rested from their labors and gone to their reward.
Their memories and works still remain to cheer and urge us on to
greater effort. Illinois, the Great West, the whole country, can not
too often gratefully honor the names of Worder, Kennicott, Hull,
Flagg, Harkness, Bryant, Overman, Dunlap and many others who
have gone before, making clearer, better and brighter the path for
us to follow.

A committee, consisting of Messrs. F. I. Mann, F. Cadwell, F.
J. Heinl, were appointed on Final Resolutions.

EVENING SESSION.
Music — "Don't Leave the Farm."

RURAL ADORNMENTS.
BY MARY H. WILLIAMSON, CHAMPAIGN".

Everything must have a use for the man on his eighty, hun-
dred and sixty, or two hundred and forty acres. Too often the use-
ful kitchen garden is neglected, because there are no visible dollars
and cents realized from it, and useful things are narrowed down to

138 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL

necessary things. The man who does this is the one who cries
down the country and is saving on every corner, as he thinks, to
make enough to shortly rent the farm and move to town. This
tendency is the bane of our country.

Ride over our beautiful prairies and you find a large per cent, of
unimproved, bare-looking farms, with a small house, wretched barn,
tumbled-down yard fences, land worth thirty or forty dollars an acre;
the verdict comes at once, a rented farm, or a farmer tired of the
country. Or another condition may prevail. The boys are all grown
up and gone in business in the cities, and the old people can't operate
the farm alone, so are obliged to rent. These are stubborn facts,
and we, as patriotic citizens, deplore them as detrimental to our
free institutions, for we are preeminently an agricultural people.
When the art of agriculture languishes, our government is weak-
ened. Now, there is no sovereign balm for this tendency, but it
must be met by thinking people and counteracted by every possible
means.

Education, in its widest sense, covers the whole ground, but
the many branches of it shoi^ld be considered separately. The old-
time idea that any one can farm is fast losing ground. The farmer
is fitted for his work by a training no less careful and rigid than the
artisan or the mechanic.

But I have to speak of a very small, though oi ic
lected part of his education, the education of his aesthetic nature,
that he may have a desire and know how to decorate his home.
Why should his home be decorated? To enhance the value of the
property; this applies to any property, but is overlooked more in the
rural districts than in cities. Every mother's son before me will
readily concede that even as he rides along on the train, he is men-
tally forming an estimate of the worth of the property he sees by
its appearance, arid a neat lawn makes him conclude that the place
is desirable; should there be several pleasant, home-like looking
places, he decides that is the locality in which to invest. When
candidly asked the reason for his decision, he can give none of the
details of drainage, health or social qualities of the locality, but he
formed his estimate wholly from appearances. Adornments that
truly adorn, always raise the value of any article by making it desir-
able. Let " beauty unadorned " be not forgotten in our haste to
adorn.

Most of all, we should adorn to make the farm home attractive
for one and all. Children will not naturally leave home when there
is any attraction there for them whatever. Alas ! alas ! we mourn
the departure of our country boys to the dusty, hurrying, tempting
city, but sit with folded hands when asked to stem the tide.

Again, I say, make the rural home attractive. Why? for the
reason that any home should be attractive, that it may be loved and

SOCIETY OF CENTKAL ILLINOIS. 139

cherished as home, that the " cankering care " may be forgotten.
What we see has a great influence on our hearts and minds, more
by far than we realize. God's " book of nature " is none the less
His than His written revealed word. Its sweet soothing parts draw
us nearer Him as we study them. Its mighty and wonderful things
lead us to say, " What is man, that thou art mindful of him?" ''The
heavens declare the glory of God, the firmament showeth his handi-
work." " 0 Lord how excellent is Thy name in all the earth, how
manifold are thy works." " In wisdom hast Thou made them all ;
the earth is full of Thy wisdom." After all is not a realization of
God, His glor}" and strength the end of all human existence? With
so great and necessary an object before us, we ask how shall this be
accomplished

I will not describe a place like Mr. Dunham's, of Percheron
farm, with its forty acres devoted to ornamental grounds, with fish
ponds, little groves, drives, flower gardens, etc., and a regular gard-
ener. Nor should I go to the other extreme, of the frugal vine cov-
ered cottage that poets delight to tell us of, with the kitchen garden
about the front door. Nor is it well to begin suggesting until a few
general principles are laid down. There may be various reasons why
the details of an idea may not be carried out, yet the principle may
be entirely practicable.

The intensely practical man, and such most of our successful
men are, recognize a certain absurdity in things without a use, he
sees — "how beauty underlies, forever-more each form of use." Then
let the adornments be made as far as possible by useful things. This
principle goes into a great many more things than is generally sup-
posed. Let a certain symmetry and harmony mark the whole;
remembering that others' ideas as well as our own are to be consid-
ered. In this way no ones aesthetic taste will be displeased. As in
music touches of discord are introduced to make the harmony better
appreciated, so there must not be so much of a sameness even for
the sake of harmony, as to make the scene tiresome.

The location of buildings is a momentous question. On our
prairies there is little chance of much natural selection. A small
prominence here in preference to a slough there is the sum of it.
The trouble comes in the management of the building for con-
venience and economy of sheds and roofing. The substantial house
in the foreground, with the barns far enough away and out of range
of the house, that it may be saved from unpleasant consequences of
odor or health; the orchards and groves to the north and west for
wind-breaks for house and barns; the door-yard and barn-lots neatly
fenced. Do not understand me that the yard should be filled with
flower beds. On the contrary, a neatly-kept, shady lawn, is much to
be preferred to one ragged and filled with illy-kept flower beds.

Have the grand old annuals, by all means, to the side or in the

140 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTUEAL

back ground. A rose-hedge of hardy varieties, the rich velvet George
IV's, as we used to call them ; the sweet scented damask, the early
pink Junes, the Prairie Queen and hardy white across to hide the
back door and unsightly objects that are sure to be there. An old
tree covered with coral honeysuckle makes a delight all summer. A
sweet-scented honeysuckle on the south of the house will live in this
climate if the precaution is taken to have the trellis ^hinged, that it
may be laid down during winter. The wisteria or trumpet vine will
shade the well or the south porch. The red Japonica, snowball and
lilacs will form another pretty group on the other side from the
rose hedge.

Then trees — elms first, in the middle and last, sugar or hard
maples, box-elder, mulberry, white and black walnut, and tulip trees
where they are desired as permanent; but for quick shade, close to
the house, soft maples, cherries, and cotton-woods planted along the
drives, the walks to the gate and woodhouse save the weary house-wife
an aching head many a day by keeping her in the shade. Box-elders
around the water-tanks, keep the water cool, and the cattle stay
around them and drink more water than they otherwise would.
Above all things, or, perhaps, I should say beneath, have grass, a
turf; with very little trouble the corners can be filled with grass
instead of unsightly weeds. Our turf is certainly the crowning glory
of our grand valley.

I have aimed to suggest only things that may be done without
taking much attention during the busy season and yet will have the
desired effect. Pardon me, if I have spoken too much in detail, but
I have in my mind's eye, what to me is the most beautiful picture in
the world, and when you say farm home, I see it colored with all
the brightness and glory of childhood's pictures, the sweetest, dearest
place on earth. I am sure that ray love of farm life grew from my early
education on a well-arranged, prettily-adorned country home. My
theory is not one thought out in a city hammock, but one resulting
from practical experience in my own life.

The evening being very warm the meeting adjourned till
9:30 A. M.

SOCIETY OF CENTKAL ILLINOIS. 141

THURSDAY MORNING.

The meeting was called to order, aud Rev. John AUender
offered prayer.

The first on the programme was the election of officers for the
ensuing year, which resulted as follows :

President — C. N. Dennis, Hamilton.

First Vice President — F. I. Mann, Gilman.

Second Vice President — H. M. Morris, Rantoul.

Third Vice President — F. Cadwell, Griggsville.

Secretary — A. C. Hammond, Warsaw.

Assistant Secretary — Miss Bessie Nash, Warsaw.

Treasurer — Frank Heinl, Jacksonville.

A motion was carried to leave the location of the next meeting
in the hands of the Executive Board.

WHAT WE EAT.
BY DR. LYMAN HALL, CHAMPAIGN.

As we look over the diet of mankind in different ages and va-
rious races, we see some queer things that have been used as food:
things that appear revolting to our civilization, and we turn from
them with an allied feeling as if under the influence of ipecac. Yet,
if we compare these foods with some of our modern foods, we will
find they are far less baneful to health than much of the food that
is in daily use by us who boast of a civilization just a little more re-
fined than any other nation on this green earth.

The object of this paper is to show by comparison what we eat,
and how indulgent we are as a people to tolerate the vile impositions
that are practiced upon us as consumers of food, dealt out in the sham-
bles and markets through our land. Many of these vile concoctions
are sanctioned by the patent office granting patents on their manu-
facture, so they have the sanction of law enforced by 6ur tribunals
as being a legitimate business.

Vegetables, from the earliest history of our race, have been
raised and cultivated for food. They would not grow to perfection
in a wild, uncultivated state. Man soon learned, when driven from
his beautiful Garden of Eden, he must gain his food by the sweat
of his face. Most all creeping things on the earth, fish in the
streams aud seas were his for food. The birds of the air and beasts

\

142 TEANSACTIONS OF THE HOBTICULTUEAL

of the fields were subject to supply his wants. When he captured
them for food, he knew just what he had to form into a toothsome
dish, flavored with herbs and vegetables from his garden.

He, man, soon became a cultivator of fruits, but many kinds,
until very recent date, were gathered where they grew as a spon-
taneous gift of nature. As man became civilized his wants increased.
The Esquimaux, who live along the ice-bound seas of the Arctic
land, have no fruit, agriculture, horticulture, or grazing laud to
enjoy. The very climate in which they live forbids a fruit and vege-
table diet. The rigor of their climate demands a food of almost pure
carbon, as found in the blubber of the whale, and he eats a tallow
candle with as keen a relish as one of us would a dish of strawberries
well covered with sugar and cream.

As we go toward the ecpator man requires a less oily food, and
lives on a vegetable and fruit diet. Nature seems to have made all
things to contribute to our good, as Vegetables and fruits grow to
perfection where the skilled horticulturist applies his hand. Then
may not man rejoice, and exclaim with the great law-giver : " And
God saw that all was good."

This paper is intended to show the adulteration and frauds that
are practiced by those who work up the raw material for the con-
sumer to use as food. As fruit and vegetable growers we cannot
adulterate, our fruit has got to be just what it represents itself to be.
True the railroads bill our tomatoes as fruit, yet they are a vegetable
all the same. The railroads make more money for transportation by
listing them as fruit in place of a vegetable, and the public is so far
swindled. Whatever vegetables or fruits we raise and put on the
market it shows for itself that we are compelled to be honest. We
may scrimp a little in measure, but have to do it so everybody knows
it, and the public only pay for what they buy.

There is an ancient Laten proverb which means, if a thing is
false in one particular it is false in every way and to be treated with
entire distrust. This applies most justly and deservedly to the false
and fraudulent substitute for butter, which go partly under the
names of oleomargarine, butterine, suine, olioine, and other trade
names, but which really appear in consumption as butter, and also in
the guise of butter fat, or cream in cheese. This primary fraud is
backed up by a variety of others; just as it is the usual way with
adulteration, that they themselves become adulterated, so these spur-
ious butters are made up of a great variety of vile stuffs which ren-
ders them not only unwholesome, but positively poisonous.

When these butter substitutes are made from leaf lard of the
hog or the suet of beef, and these animals healthy when slaughtered,
there is no objection to their being used as food. They are just as
wholesome a food as any other part of the flesh, but they should be
sold for just what they are, suet and lard butter. The dairy interest

SOCIETY OF CENTEAL ILLINOIS. 143

should recognize them as legitimate competition, and should not look
upon these butterine foods that may be received and looked upon by
the public with favor as any special cause of complaint. The dairy-
men should like men true to their calling pursued their legitimate
business without dabbling in swine or oleomargarine.

Let us look a little into the history of this nefarious business.
When Paris was beleagured by the German army in 1870, the inhab-
itants were put to great straits for some necessary articles of food,
butter was one of the most important. A French chemist then
invented oleomargarine as a substitute, and this animal grease was
gladly accepted as a makeshift for the absent butter and supplied the
craving of nature for a fatty matter to carry on the function of
nature. Very quickly the new manufacture appeared on this side of
the water, and was exhibited as a novelty at the annual exhibition of
the American Institute at New York in the winter of 1873. By
some it was denounced at that time as a vile stuff and would be a
dangerous enemy to the dairy interests, and it was foreseen and it
was predicted exactly what has since occured, viz: being a simulated
article, appearing under false pretenses, it would soon be degraded by
cheaperadulterations and substitutes into articles of food which would
be injurious to the public interest and health. A short time only
elapsed before butter and cheese were so extensively made from tal-
low, that the price of good beef fat and suet advanced so much as to
prohibit the manufacture.

Perhaps the poet Gray realized how much real pain was covered
up in ignorance when he sung —

To each his suffering; all are men

Condemned alike to groan,
The tender for another's pain,

Th' unfeeling for his own.
Yet ah ; why should they know their fate,
Since sorrow never comes too late.

And happiness to swiftly Hies?
Thought would destroy their paradise

Xo more; where ignorane is bliss
'Tis folly to be wise.

It is to be hoped the present agitation of food adulteration may
go on, until there is not only a radical stop put to food adulteration,
but also a stop put to making mixed wines, brandies, beers, etc. The
Prohibitionists are engaged in a noble cause. They should not stop
at the fabrication of intoxicants, but should attack the man of sin
wherever wrong is done. The strong hook of steel should be
broken in food adulteration as well as dram-drinking.

To the horticulturist, it is a pleasing thought to know his dish
of strawberries or raspberries, and cream from his pet Jersey are not

144 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL

adulterated. But ignorance is bliss when he knows not that his
granulated sugar is mixed with gluco, made from old cotton shirts,
his butter and cheese are not made from cholera hogs and rancid oils,
full of vegetable and mineral poisons. It may be folly to be wise,
when it might cause hunger.

AFTERNOON SESSION.

Song — By Miss Grace Beecher. '

RESOLUTION
BY H. J. DUNLAP.

Whereas, Death has removed from his sphere of usef uhiess in this
life, Mile Barnard, President of the Illinois State Horticultural Society, and
feeling that his work in the line of horticulture is worthy of more than a
mere passing notice, and being desirous of testifying to his worth, therefore,

Resolved, That in his death the cause of horticulture has sustained a
great loss and one not easy to repair; that his enthusiasm in the cause is
is worthy of imitation and his industry in examinmg thoroughly every
subject connected with horticulture an example which all horticulturists
would do well to follow.

Resolved, Further that we tender to the family of our deceased friend
and brother in horticulture, our heartfelt sympathy in their bereavment.

The resolution was adopted.

OUK GIRLS.

BY MES. H. M. DUNLAP, OF SAVOY.

To us, of rural life and pursuits, what subject is of more impor-
tance or interest than the training and rearing of our girls. It
should employ our thoughts and time as much as any of the per-
plexing topics of horticulture.

Are we each and everyone doing all we can to help make true,
pure lives of the young surrounding us, and within our homes ? It
requires a forgetfulness of one's self, patience, and withal a love for
them, for our influence to be of permanent and lasting effect. We
become to much absorbed with our own special round of duties (or
supposed ones), to think we have time to spend in that direction.
We leave them too much to seek and find their own amusements,
their companions, and books to be read. When from one illy-chosen
friend or playmate, the influence of which nmy be felt through life,
or the reading of one book of a trashy nature, tastes may be formed
that will require many efforts to overcome.

SOCIETY OF CENTRAL ILLINOIS. 145

No place has so many advantages for forming correct, useful
characters as the country, if under proper influences. Many of the
best and most influential women of to-day spent the early years of
their lives as rural lasses, subject to all the environments and influ-
ences wh'ich such a life means.

But still much more could be done than now is, but how are we
to do it? A question that many times perplexes the brains of the
father and mother that wishes to do all in their power for home and
children.

First, make a home in every sense of the word. It is not neces-
sary to ha^e an abundance of this woi'ld's goods to do that, for some
of our largest houses are entirely void of the home feeling. Love to
God and man, contented, cheerful, willing hearts, together with
neatness, order and cleanliness, are a few of the requisites to make
a home, whether of great or small dimensions.

Now to acquire a happy medium in the government and manage-
ment of our girls. If there were more home pleasures and not so
much seeking abroad for that which is not allowed or tolerated at
home, would it not be better? Don't forget that we were once
children. Provide good, healthy amusements, or else those of
objectionable character will be sought. It seems to me it is more
essential, or equally as much so, for rural fathers and mothers to
have a 'deep interest in, and personal supervision of, that part of
their children's early years, which conduces so much to their
happiness.

I once heard a young girl say: "If papa would only provide me
with a horse and buggy, so that I could sometimes go without
bothering some one to take me, or having to wait until it was con-
venient for them to do so, I would just as soon live in the country as
in town." That father is abundantly able to provide the family
horse, and is he careless or thoughtless about it, or is it because he
thinks she has enough pleasure already that she is denied this?

I do wish the husband and father would stop and think. Would
he like to always be obliged to wait until the good woman of the
house could find time, or wait her convenience, to take him some
place, before he could go? Women enjoy an occasional feeling of
independence (speaking from personal experience) very much, and
now, dear, good man, whenever it is in your power to contribute
such pleasure to the members of your household, provide the good
family horse among your horses, and I don't believe you will regret it.

Early teach the girls the care, management and use, not abuse,
of the horse. 0, the importance of early training in regard to kind-
ness to animals. More depends on that than, perhaps, we realize.
Don't give a child even a cat or dog, or pet of any kind to amuse

11

146 TEANSACTIONS OF THE HOETICULTUEAL

itself by abusing the animal, for when doing so you are fostering a
propensity for cruelty to a greater or less degree.

I find when children request certain pleasures and means of
amusement, it is best to stop and weigh the subject well Ijefore we
give the final yes or no. Never deny them pleasures when there is
no reason why they should not have them. "Amusements are the
means of rest, the power to recreate the mind and body, to refresh
the weary," and as all will have them, furnish those as near as pos-
sible that will instruct and elevate as well as amuse.

In providing amusements we will find no easy task. The selfish-
ness that all of us possess to do only those things which please us
most, should not enter into it at all, because our own wishes, desires
and plans will have to be thwarted many times if good results are
obtained from the amusements granted. We must feel the necessity
and act upon it, of making our rural homes pleasant and attractive,
and the life of our rural girl not a burden, but a pleasure, if we ex-
pect them to love it, and not constantly be striving to find a means
of escaping from the acquired dislike of such a life.

" Learn to live, and live to learn,
Ignorance like a tire doth burn;
Little tasks make large return.

" Toil when willing, groweth less.
'Always play ' may seem to bless,
Yet the end is weariness."

How true the words of the poet : " We must early begin to
impress them with the thought that 'always play' does bring weari-
ness, lost opportunities for good, habits acquired of objectionable
character in making a true girl or woman."

The words of Dr. Vincent in his lecture on " The Boy," ring in
my ears many times when 1 wish to defer some needed training of
the little ones under my care. The question was asked him when
the training of a child should begin ? His answer, he always said,
was "the day they are born," meaning, we could not commence too
young. Such seems, especially, to be the case, if we wish to train
them in habits of industry and usefulness We can not leave them
until ten or twelve years of age and then think the good habits will
come to them spontaneously and without effort.

It is a recognized fact that there are few cases known to the
world where a man has become prominent in any calling who
had not a superior woman for his mother. The importance, then, of
proper training and education of our girls. Education ! How many
different ideas of what that word means. In its broadest and fullest
sense it implies the cultivation and development of all the faculties,
mental and physical, which will make a perfect man or woman. It
is not always those that can speak in the greatest number of

SOCIETY OF CENTRAL ILLINOIS. 147

languages, write the best, detect the greatest number of grammatical
errors, that have the truest education and the one most needed.

True education is that which will fit any one to occupy their
allotted place in the world, and accomplish the most good to their
fellow-men.

It is our self-made men and women of good home education that
make their mark and fame in this world ; not those reared to have
every wish gratified and that to labor is a disgrace.

Our rural girls, many times, do not have the college advantages
and opportunities for accomplishments that our city girls have ; but
the home education should be such as to make truly good and useful
girls, to instill within them a desire for knowledge, so that all oppor-
tunities presented may be grasped and improved.

Now, while we educate the intellectual, moral and spiritual
faculties, one other thing of great importance must not be neglected,
that is, the physical education. Of comparatively little value are all
others unless we possess the latter. Teach them that good health is
to be valued above all things, that a sickly, complaining girl can not
accomplish the good, or be of as much use and pleasure in the home,
as the healthy, robust, happy one.

One. careless act may ruin health — then early imbue them with
the necessity of special care and attention to it. It is not necessary
to adopt the extremes in common sense dress, but I do contend that
more common sense must be used in dress before we will have
healthier, happier, better wives and mothers.

Healthy, useful employments and amusements should be
encouraged, and think no time wasted that is spent in gaining or
keeping health. " The soul of childhood is pure white, and will take
any color that touches it, or be stained by any impure thing." Oh,
how my heart fills to overflowing as I feel the responsibility and the
need of a good, pure life to train and rear the little ones God has
placed in our home. May we fathers and mothers look to a higher
power for help and guidance in this great work of education and
training our girls to a life of usefulness, and a developing of the
powers within for good.

PROGRESS IN HORTICULTURE.

Mr. Jonathan Periam, of the Prairie I^armer, spoke extempor-
aneously. A synopsis is as follows :

Who among the masses of civilized communities appreciate' the
importance of horticulture, or its true relation to agriculture ?
Who among all these understand how short a time it is since agri-
culture was first taught to "speak English ?" Who among us
appreciate the grand work that Evelyn did, in the reign of Charles

148 TEANSACTIONS OF THE HOETICULTUKAL

I, of England, to raise science from mere barbarian art toward the
realm of science ? Evelyn may be called the father of horticulture.
A man of the highest culture, the friend of his sovereign, differing
from him as he did in politics, but nevertheless upheld by the sover-
eign as against his enemies, he founded what constitutes the horti-
culture of to-day, as well as landscape art in the gardens that yet
exist in England.

From England horticulture came to the United States. The
first great mind was Andrew J. Downing, and his work was of trees
and tree-planting, as well as landscape art. He, it was, who first
taught Americans the true idea of making art correspond with
nature. That was a great step in advance. It is not necessary to
elaborate; enough that I state certain salient points.

Let us take the cultivation of fruits. Fifty years ago there were
comparatively few first-rate fruits known, as against the large
number of varieties that we have to-day. This fact alone may be used
to show the progress of horticulture within this comparatively short
time. Horticulture has really made progress, keeping the art fully
abreast of other inventions in civilized art and science. Curiously
enough we are coming back to the old-fashioned idea that we left
years ago, and are double-working certain fruits, realizing,-as we do
(and which is now borne out by scientific investigations), that
whether or not the graft influences the stock, the stock certainly
does influence the graft.

We have the evidence of this all around us, notably in the fact
that our best pomologists cannot always identify a fruit with cer-
tainty, either by its color or its texture. They can come pretty
nearly to it by the stem, its indentation and the calyx end of the
fruit, and measurably so by the general contour of the fruit. Who
shall then say that horticulture has not made as much progress
within the last fifty years — nay, as much progress within the last
ten years — as has been made in other departments of human
industry.

Agriculture, in its broad sense, includes all that comes within
the province of the tiller of the soil — the raising of grain, the breed-
ing, feeding and fattening of animals, pomology, aboriculture, vege-
table and flower gardening, and landscape gardening. Horticulture,
nevertheless, is what may be called the fine art of agriculture, and,
so far as money is concerned, or, rather, the profits on the inves^fc-
ment, it has always been ahead of the man who has been engaged
in mere husbandry. As my good old friend Minier would say : " It
is probably the religion of agriculture." And this probably accounts
for the fact that the average horticulturist is a very religious man ;
and, I am happy to say, that I stand in the same category, although
I may not be so Christian a man as I ought.

Fifty years ago a good many honest and really intelligent men

SOCIETY OF CENTBAL ILLINOIS. 149

believed in planting in the '' moon." They believed in signs, but,
nevertheless, the fellows that went by the signB generally ran off at
a tangent, although they did not connect signs with tangents. We
have learned to plant in the earth, and the earth has never yet been
known to refuse to make a fair compensation for honest and intelli-
gent labor bestowed.

Now I guess I had better tell you a little story. I recollect,
some years ago, receiving, in my editorial capacity, a letter from a
farmer's wife, living not a thousand miles from Dwight, 111. I will
not give her name, for it might make her husband feel badly. He
has experienced a change of heart in his later days. Now this wife
wrote that she rose at 4:30 a.m., skimmed the milk, fed the chickens,
had thirty-three young ones — not children, but chickens — and one
hundred and fifty eggs nearly ready to hatch, in addition to getting
breakfast, which was eaten at six. Her sister had to drop corn from
the planter. She worked for her board, poor thing ; and it was also
arranged that the wife should go to the field at ten. So the baby
was dressed, the dishes washed, the beds made, the floor mopped, the
sitting-hens fed, chickens killed and prepared for dinner (when the
good man would allow "sich "), cookies baked, the baby put to sleep,
and the dinner arranged read}" for twelve o'clock. She then took the
lunch and went to the field to relieve her sister.

After dinner there was the usual routine work to do. The good
wife had a loving for flowers. She watered the plants, and did a lot
of garden work to keep the household in vegetables (and this is
strictly horticulture). This, perhaps, occupied her time until three
o'clock, and then she went into the field again and dropped corn un-
til night. After supper she milked, fed the chickens, baked bread,
ironed, sewed buttons on her husband's shirts, crimped the ruflles on
baby's Sunday frock, and what lace she could afford on her best
dress, besides other things innumerable. If she happened to have
forgotten anything, even to the patching of a garment, there was a
time.

Now times have changed since forty years ago, but the applica-
tion is, that if the average husband had had the average energy of
the wife, the children of such couples would now be well on the way
to become bloated millionaires. Some of them have. Now i)erhaps
you may think this is a departure from horticulture; but it is not.
For did I not get in all about the watering of the plants, which the
poor wife had to undertake? Now here is one thing that some to-
day have improved upon.

Another ''lord of creation " whom I know had allowed his over-
worked wife to drudge herself to death; at the last moment he bent
over her, kissed her and said: "Wait for me, Jenny, on the other
shore." "■ Yes John," she faintly whispered, " but I hope I shall get
a good, long, rest waiting — I am so tired."

150 TEANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTUEAL

We as horticulturists, have found out that, as in feeding of ani-
mals, we must give plants not merely a single food, but a diversity
of food. The finer fruits that we get to-day are the result of not
only high fertilization, but of high cultivation, and it is the special
province of the progressive horticulturist that he not only feed well,
and prune well but to get the best results, he must thin well and
thin early. We have learned that in our clitnate^we must not prune
to the old-fashioned umbrella shape. Unlike the old idea in England
to let in the sun — which now in England they have much modified
— we simply seek to prune so that each leaf surface may get a fair
modicum of light, but at the same time protect not only the fruits
from the glare of the sun, but the body and branches as well. Let
this suffice for this phase of the subject. It is too broad to under-
take in a single lecture, or a series of them, let alone a simple talk.

We know a great deal more now about the effect of the climate
on plants than we used to know. We are now pretty well convinced
that it is not the absolute cold of winter that kills, so much as the
drying out of the substance of trees and plants by our arid and
sweeping winter winds; that the effect of a winter's sun under cer-
tain conditions of plant life is inimical. I must let these two illus-
trations suffice in this direction.

We are coming to understand that in the application of manure
to promote the best possible growth, the soil must have more food
than the plants can consume. As we know that in the feeding of
animals there must be apparent large waste where animals are to be
made very fat, in the case of manure the earth holds the excess, if
of clay or loam. We have come to understand pretty thoroughly
the value of mulch as a conservator of moisture, and more than all
the fact that there is no better summer mulch than the tilth held on
the surface of the soil by cultivation, as soon as the earth is in work-
ing condition after the rain. It forms a most perfect cushion to
prevent evaporation at the surface. We have learned that we need
not wait for rain in transplanting delicate plants, but leaving a
slight depression to be filled with water, when settled away and then
drawing the dry earth over, the plants will grow right along without
suffering.

We now understand fairly well the true economy of nature in
the matter of birds and insects in connection with horticulture; that
nature works not for one thing alone; that nature is most conserva-
tive in her prodigality.

Thus, what is apparently lost in one way is consumed in another.
For instance, plants consume carbonic acid; animals give it off. We
now know that horticulture must be a painstaking process; that we
must study all science, if we be successful in our business. Thus, a
knowledge of chemistry, geology, ornithology, entomology and the
other sciences clustering around agriculture, are a great help to the

SOCIETY OF CENTBAL ILLINOIS. 151

horticulturist if he would reach the highest plane in the profession;
and to reach the highest plane, from a practical standpoint, is to
reap the the most money.

SCHOOL- YARD DECORATION.

BY MISS MAEY VAKNET, CHAMPAIGN.

Passing our public school edifice a few weeks since, I noticed
what a marked contrast its bare surroundings presented in compa-
rison with the adjoining premises. How dreary it looked, towering
above an expanse of cinders, straggling evergreens and maples, grass
sparsely growing, but the soil very prolific of weeds and plantain.
While on either side, in the space enclosed by the walk (on account
of their nearness to the door), grew with a sort of sickly life
shrubs and bushes, raised chiefly for their branches with which to
chastise the unwary urchin who dares disobedience. Though we be-
lieve in the sparing-the-rod-spoiling-the-child discipline, we should
rather the instruments of torment should be gathered from a differ-
ent source.

We are not unmindful of the labor and expense devoted to our
welfare, yet we should prefer some adornment of the grounds which
would add infinitely more to our enjoyment than money expended to
to improve our intellects, and we would, perhaps, derive as much
benefit from it in the end.

God meant we should enjoy his handiwork, else why was Eden,
that beautiful garden where grew and throve every tree good and
pleasant to the sight and good for food, " given into man's posses-
sion to dress and to keep it? "

From that time till now horticulture has been observed to a
considerable extent in every civilized country of the world, and it
will always be one of the great factors of our existence, for without
it there could scarcely be life.

When Nebuchadnezzar built the hanging gardens of Babylon —
one of the wonders of the world — to please his bride, Amytis, who
longed for the hills and dales of her native land, little did he think
how his name should be sounded down the ages ; for plainly he
thought while the beautiful is cultivated the lovely ought not to be
done away. Even the carving on the golden vessels of the taber-
nacle was after the pattern of flowers, and the fancy work of the
ancient Oriental buiklings was in their image.

And He who is called the " Lily of the Valley " and the " Rose
of Sharon, fair," admired flowers and often spoke of them in His
teachings, and He it was who said : '' Consider the lilies how they
grow, they toil not, neither do they spin, yet Solomon in all his glory
was not arrayed like one of these."

152 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HOETICULTURAL

In studying Nature, it, indeed, leads us to Nature's God, who is
reflected in His work, which bespeaks His wisdom and power.

Children and youth, spending so much of their time within the
school-room walls, need a pleasant play-ground to recreate in. and
will amply repay the trouble in decorating it by their more willing
diligence in study. The school boy, far from home, views the vines
on the school building with a glad expression, as he sees they are the
same as clung to his father's house ; and the trees, they, too, seem to
welcome him, and look so like the landmarks at the dear old home.

A school-yard should be attractive at least; the structure may
be grand and stately, teachers logical and learned, the methods
classical, yet with unkept grounds, it will be uninviting to the
student. There should be plenty of trees and shrubs in the yard for
health, comfort and happiness. For health, because the leaves
absorb the atmospheric poison and in its stead, produce oxygen, so
necessary for freedom from disease; for comfort, to avert the winds
and shield from the rays of the sun; for happiness, how it vigorates
us to come from a hard morning's study and sit beneath the shelter-
ing limbs of a tree and we gather inspiration from the waving grass-
blades, the swaying boughs and the rustling leaves, and the peaceful
tranquility soothes our ruffled tempers and recovers our scattered
senses, and their calm shade will bring a kindred calm to us. We
study botany in our schools and all know a fair knowledge of the
science is required before receiving a diploma, but where will we
find the object of our study ? Not in the school yard, but why not ?
Children should not grow up blind to nature's beaut}^ but should
learn to watch the buds unfold their hidden secrets day by day. In
order that they may appreciate plant life, they should be surrounded
by it. If they are iuclined to ignore or destroy it, the}' should be
taught otherwise. They should cultivate a love for flowers, they
are so pure and innocent they elevate our minds from the turbulent
cares of the world; they have a great refining influence over man-
kind, they appeal to the best sympathies and passions. Poets have
written some of their most afEecting poems on nature, and to a
poetic temperament no theme is more welcome than "The Beauties
of Nature." Flowers are used to decorate churches and public
buildings, in the bridal chamber, the banqueting hall, to cheer the
sick and dying on their restless pillows, and, at last, when done with
earth, to lay them among the flowers. What could be more fitting ?

" Jn the cold moist earth we laid her when the forest cast the leaf,
And we wept that one so lovely should have a life so brief;
Yet not unmeet it was that one like that young friend of ours.
So gentle and so beautiful, should perish with the flowers."

Dr. Watts was a great lovei' of flowers and used to write his
hymns under a spreading tree. Bismarck has a passionate fondness

SOCIETY OF CENTEAL ILLINOIS. 153

for them. It has been said, those who love flowers are more apt to
live upright lives than others. What children are taught in their
youth will mould all their future lives, and when plants have such a
decided influence for good over their after lives, why not strive to
cultivate them about the pupils.

Ornamental trees and flowering shrubs make the best decoration
for a school yard as they are not as liable to be injured by the rough
games of children, and in the winter they relieve the monotony of
the landscape with their bare arms stretching up toward the sky.
Have nice turf for them ; what if they do trample and wear off .the
carpet of green, it was made for use. If possible have one or more
beds of hardy flowers and some vines, if not afforded for yard let the
scholars contribute to the windows, and in the midst of some puzzl-
ing primer lesson or torturous geometry the}^ look into the flower
faces and imperceptibly take courage. If we would that they apprec-
iate their value more, give them a more prominent place in their
daily lives, for tree-planting is so little trouble, estimated with the
rich reward it brings, and a few plants will cost but little labor. Let
them value nature's true worth, for already, —

" Full many a flower is born to blush unseen,
And waste its sweetness on the desert air.
Full many a gem of purest ray serene.
The dark uafathomed caves of ocean bear."

ROAD AND STREET HORTICULTURE.
BY PKOF. T. J. BURRILL, CHAMPAIGN.

In the early .settlement of a country the sole thought given to
roads is, and must be, in regard to the requisites and facilities of pas-
sage. The needs of the traveler, as such and such only, must be first
attended to. Bridges and turnpikes must be made, an escape pro-
vided for water, the rough places made smooth and the road-bed
itself, where necessary, improved. These things usually cost a good
deal of labor, and wise servants of the public will see to it that the
prime requisites, and these only of traffic, shall be given first atten-
tion. No country can be prosperous without good roads, and other
things being equal, the better the roads for wagons the earlier will
civilization and society become established in the land, the more pro-
fitable and enjoyable the farm and the more thriving the town.

In our part of the country, while the initial cost of road-mak-
ing is less than common elsewhere, so that, for certain seasons of
the year, the passage is easy and pleasant; still there is much room
for skilled direction of labor, and abundant use for money in making
permanently good our thoroughfares for teaming only. Doubtless
there are many who still say nothing else should be considered until

154 TBANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTUBAL

these essentials are fully attained, until brain and brawn are no
longer needed for the road as such, that anything like decoration,
appealing to the eye, instead of to the foot and' the wheel, must be,
from necessity, postponed, or even abandoned entirely.

But woe to the country whose people are completely governed
by bare material necessity ; whose hunger is only that of the stomach ;
whose taste is limited to that of the tongue ; whose ideas are
measured solely by dollars, and whose aspirations rise not higher
than their physical needs. As a matter of fact there are no such
people in our enlightened land, though there certainly is too great a
tendency to pooh ! pooh ! things which appeal mainly to our higher
natures, — to the very things which distinguish us from savages and
other uncivilized beings. I believe every man and woman, possessed
of a fair amount of good sense, resident in Illinois, would enjoy
whatever might be added to beautify the homes, the towns and the
country landscapes of our fertile commonwealth ; but by no means
is every one ready, or even artistically able, to directly help in the
accomplishment. The cry is : " Oh, yes ! that is all right for those
who can afford it, for those who have no other use for their time
and their money. I have something else to look after." That is,
usually, " I " am permitting the material needs and wants to crowd
out my contribution to anything higher. Shame on us that we
appreciate the hunger of the eye and of our inner sense of beauty,
but are too lazy or too much absorbed otherwise to put forth our
hand towards satisfying this beuificent demand. It is high time we
should be aroused to action in this respect, that we should begin to
acknowledge the shamefulness of laziness here as we now do in the
affairs coupled with buttered bread, and to appreciate the value of
art education as we now do that connected with money-getting and
political power.

Here, as elsewhere, example is stronger than precept. If one
wants to get his neighbors interested in beautifying their own
grounds, the surest way to do it is to properly arrange and care for
his own. If A wants B to cut the grass in his (B's) door yard, let
A see that his own lawn is cleaned and made green and velvety.
Often one such example is more contagious than measles. Preach-
ing like this accomplishes little. It is only ventured upon in the
hope of stirring to renewed efforts those already alive to the
things herein urged. We may provoke one another to good deeds
in our horticultural meetings, if we are already harnessed for the
work. But we can, one and all, do much more at our homes, if we
will lead off in the things desired.

After so long an introduction, the simple precepts I have to
offer for the artistic improvements of our streets and roads, may
seem meagre and very elementary. But it is easier in such work to
overdo upon paper than to keep within the limits of rational accom-

SOCIETY OF CENTRAL ILLINOIS. 155

plishment. Leaving out of the account the matters affecting traffic
alone, I will speak of but three things connected with the adorn-
ment of the highways, viz: grading, grass, trees.

1. Our roads are usually sixty-six feet wide. The streets in towns
are commonly not less than sixty feet; except in the main business
thoroughfares o^ cities, no such width is needed for teaming.
Commonly twelve to twenty feet for the latter purpose is abundant;
of course, provided the road-bed over their space is good.

To secure this last, it is much better, commonly, to expend a
given amount of labor upon the narrower space, than to spread this
amount over wider stretches. With this narrower publically grav-
elled space, much more can be done in ornamental improvement.
Where grading is necessary, it is already usual to so narrow the road-
bed; but it is, also, too common to cut ditches each side, into which one
is needfully alert to keep from plumping into a filthy mess of weeds
or stagnant water. With the facilities now at hand for tile drain-
ing, there is much less excuse for open ditches of any kind, but from
the standpoint of appearance, at least, these narrow, deep ditches,
so liable to choking close to the turnpike, are an abomination.
Earth sufficient for the grade had better be taken from a wide space,
gently sloped from top to bottom, and this shallow scooping is often
quite sufficient for the purposes of surface drainage. To the eye, it
is infinitely superior. Where a deep cut is necessary to take off the
water, permanence requires broadly flaring sides. If the earth is
not needed for this, then tiling is most economical. For the
artistic effects, gentle slopes should be everywhere insisted upon in
transverse grading, and no grading all lengthwise is to be counte-
nanced. It may be that there are a few hills within one territory
that the practical facilities of travel will require cutting like rail-
road leveling; but all such work is in Central Illinois, a decided
injury to good appearance. It has often seemed to me that practice
of this kind must have been in the main imported from other
regions where sufficient excuse for the barbarity really existed; from
the traffic side itself, it may well be doubted whether it is wise
where often indulged in. The exposed clay during wet weather is
certainly a poor substitute for the surface soil. A little up-and-down
wheeling is no disadvantage to teams, while as a matter of liveliness
and variety in appearance, it is an absolute necessity. We may, at
the same time, save work and beautiful effect by sparing such
grading.

2. With soil so fertile as that we possess, vegetation of some
sort is sure to grow upon the unused portions of our thoroughfares^
and that luxuriently. Certain weeds, varying somewhat with the
character of the soil and moisture, are exceedingly likely to appear
wherever permitted to grow. Some of these are almost confined to
the roadside, while others are noxious pests also in the fields. All are

156 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL

unsightly to the eye of the thrifty farmer as well as to the horticul-
tural expert. The deep, narrow ditches which we have discounten-
anced and the corners of the old rail fences are very difficult to keep
cleaned out, but with the board and wire fences now so commoLly
used, or better with no fences at all, this work is comparatively slight.
Fortunately for us blue grass is an efficient and acceptable aid in the
extermination of bad weeds. Over most of our territory all that is
necessary to destroy the rank weedy vegetatiou of the roadsides and
replace it by this beautiful lawn-grass, is to keep the former properly
cut. If the grading has been as herein proposed, this may usually be
entirely accomplished with the meadow mower, making the expendi-
ture of labor very slight. Running the machine two or three times
a year over the unobstructed road surface is a small matter for each
land owner, or if preferred for the public officers in charge. But
what a difference in result ! the smooth, grassy borders are a delight
to all eyes and a welcome relief from the unkept coarseness too often
presented to the traveler as an indication of the careless inattention
of the inhabitants. Except in city streets it is not necessary that
the grass be always short as upon lawns. Indeed, so far as the grass
itself is concerned, once mowing for the season will suffice. Other-
wise it is only essential to keep down other growths. Of course the
time and frequency of cutting must depend on the things to cut,
always taking care that seed is not allowed to mature. In special
cases other means would have to be employed to totally eradicate
noxious weeds, but simple mowing at proper times will ordinarily
suffice. The borders of the streets in towns ought to be better
graded and cared for. Nothing can add more to the general appear-
ance of a residence street than for each lot owner to extend his lawn
ten or twelve feet beyond the sidewalk, and bestow the same care on
his outer strip that is or should be given to the lawn next the house.
In this connection it must be said the public highway is no place for
stock of any kind running at large, neither in the country nor in the
villages.

3. Trees must receive the main attention in the horticulture of
roads and streets. Objects so prominent as these must be observed
by the most listless. Even the peculiarities of the different kinds
forcibly strike the eye of the observer. The wonder as that better
selections are not generally made, and that greater care is not
bestowed upon them. The fact is, however, that the original cost,
the ease of transplanting, and the rapidity of growth are usually
allowed to count more in the choice than the final fitness of the tree
for the purpose. People plant wayside trees as though most import-
ance was attached to the appearance the first few years, or as though
the planting really concerned a brief period of time. And then, when
once started, young trees are too often no more appreciated than
annual plants. Men hitch horses to trees with no more heed than

SOCIETY OF CENTRAL ILLINOIS. 157

though they were able to heal wounds as speedily as they are made.
Pruning is often practiced with as little study as in splitting stove-
wood. In spite, therefore, of the necessary prominence and useful-
ness of trees for highways it is very rare to find them, either in town
or country, even fairly well selected and managed — a shameful
acknowledgement. Is it not time that the horticulturists of the
country should vigorously bestir themselves upon a subject so general
in interest and so important in public esteem? Missionaries are
needed, — home missionaries in every township and school district,
where line upon line and precept upon precept must be largely relied
upon, for example, alas, is too slow. The beauty of an avenue of
trees comes only after decades or centuries. He who waits for the
stimulus of the results of his neighbor's recent planting most likely
waits for ever. Older planting must be studied. What lessons ai'e
daily taught by the magnificent avenue of elms on Boston's
" common,'' planted before the Declaration of Independence was
signed ! In our fertile soil less time is required for splendid results,
but in all cases prominence in thought ought to be given to the
distant future in tree planting on streets.

This is no place for detailed directions which must necessarily
trespass upon the time, if not upon the patience of the society, but
some general considerations are offered. Let us first note some of
the qualifications of good road and street trees. These may be dis-
cussed under the heads of (1) appearance; (2), size; (3), hai'diness
and healthfulness.

1. It is uot saying too much that an ornamental tree must be
ornamental, and valuable in the degree of the latter quality. The
manner of growth, the shape of the head, the peculiarity of the
branches, the quality and color of the foliage, the time of the ap-
pearance of the leaves in spring and their fall in autumn, the flowers
and the fruit, all enter into the complex whole, making a beautiful
and appropriate tree. It would lead us too far to attempt specifica-
tions here, but an inference ma}^ be had from the selected kinds
named below. Usually the head should be naturally round — neither
spire-like nor drooping; the foliage should be abundant with consid-
erable play of light and shadow, and length of season, earliness ana
lateness combined, is desirable. Flowers give additional charm, but
ought never to be counted against good foliage.

2. As to size, a mistaken idea seems prevalent that the largest
growing trees are the best. A fine tree of great size is, indeed,
a magnificent object — one of natures grandest productions; but we
especially admire this as a single specimen standing in an open park
or field. For rows along the highways less size is better for the
practical, if not for the artistic, results. The road-bed itself should
not be shaded, neither should a continuous wall of foliage be per-
mitted, shutting out the breeze and the view from the traveled-way.

158 TRANSACTIONS OP THE HORTICULTURAL

The beautiful effects come quite as much from the uniformity and
neatness of the line as a whole, as from the trees as individuals.
Individual size is not, therefore, so much considered.

3. As trees develop slowly and require many years to become
most effective, it is exceedingly important that they should be per-
manently healthy in the given situation. They must be secure
against the chills of winter and the fervor of summer; against the
inroads of insects and the blights of fungi, adapted to the soil, proof
against the winds and the gaseous contaminations of the air, not
liable to injuries to the trunk, and capable of withstanding the
inevitable tramping of the earth. When we come to carefully select
our trees with these things all in mind, we shall find our list of really
good kinds much smaller than most people think.

A very common fault in street tree planting is placing them too
near each other. As an average distance fifty feet is near enough
whether in the country or the town. It would often be better to
doable this distance. To be sure, trees when planted make but little
show thus separated and it is an easy matter to cut down alternate
ones at any time. But as already said the future rather than the
present must rule in this work, and the ax is invariably spared and
the tree spoiled. As a general rule it is best to plant only where
large trees are wanted in the years to come.

In the matter of trimming, no untrained heart and hand should
be permitted to practice butchery on trees. Remarks on this subject
gain special emphasis frcm the barbarous work lately done in Cham-
paign and Urbana upon the pretext of clearing the way for electric
light, as if twenty-year-old trees were not more valuable than the
facilities for a special method of lighting the streets during the
moonless evenings of summer time, for the lights are extinguished
at midnight and in winter the trees are not in the way. In some
instances trees were cut away entirely. Savage as this may be it is
.better than leaving a perpetual exhibition of depraved mutilation.
The only proper excuse for a village street tree is for ornament. If
by ill considered pruning it is rendered an eye-sore instead of a thing
of beauty, by far better take it away. For the special purpose men-
tioned it was not necessary to saw and chop the trees into snags and
shanghai abominations. The end could have been accomplished and
the trees improved at the same time, by properly shortening in the
spreading tops. But when this was suggested to the officer in charge
of the work, he replied. " Yes, yes, that's what others have said, but
it would take all summer." What economy was there! Twenty
years' accomplishment sacrificed for twenty cents! Fortunately citi-
zens resisted the merciless ax and saved some trees.

Such pruning requires educated skill as well as thorough going
conscience. Street trees should be continuously looked after instead
of periodically slashed. They require and merit annual examination

SOCIETY OF CENTRAL ILLINOIS. 159

and the necessary, but always slight trimming. To do this properly
requires a thorough study of the tree as a species as well as an indi-
vidual, that not only the present needs may be met, but that the
future development shall be as wished. It would be an excellent
thing for the street trees if in every corporation there was a village
improvement society, in which the matter was fully and intelligently
discussed and then a committee appointed to care for the trees as a
specialty.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OX FINAL RESOLUTIONS.

Would recommend thanks to the various railroads and hotels that
have granted concessions to our members ; to those who have furnished
the hall for our use ; to those who have made a display of fruits and vege-
tables ; to the decorators of the hall ; to the ladies for the excellent music,
and to all those who have furnished papers for our discussion.

F. I. Mann,
F. Cadwell,
F. J. Heinl,

Committee,

Society adjourned sine die.

ADDITIONAL PAPERS.

CAN WE RAISE PEACHES IN CENTRAL ILLINOIS?

BY G. W. MINIER, MINIER.

For the last three years T have experimented on the raising of
peaches in Central Illinois, and have succeeded in spite of our severe
winters. Being satisfied with my plan, I now wish to present it to
the Central Illinois Horticultural Society ; permitting said Society to
use my plan to its entire satisfaction, and to obtain a patent if it
choose to do so.

Late in autumn, some time in November, with a sharp spade cut
the roots of the tree on two parallel sides, some six or eight inches
from the tree ; throw out the severed roots and soil to the depth of
the spade, and some two feet in length. The tree must then be bent
carefully to the ground, and fastened down. I used forked sticks for
this. Lay over the prostrate tree some limbs of trees or corn-stalks,
throw on a few spades' full of soil, then carefully fill the cavities at
the root of the tree with earth, or well-pulverized manure. In this
situation the tree rests till about the first of April. Remove the

160 TKANSACTIONS OP THE HORTICULTURAL

covering, with care, and the loose earth about the roots. Lift the
tree to nearly an upright position, and with a cord fasten to a stake
driven firmly in the ground. Put a paper padding around the tree,
under the cord, to prevent corrosion.

A good workman in this way will secure twenty trees in a day, —
enough for the use of a family. Last fall I laid down six, two of
them were too young to produce fruit, four are bearing, and these
are heavily loaded. 1 have passed my seventy-fifth winter, and can
still secure ten trees in a day.

■I^The peach is one of our best, most delicious and health-giving
fruits. The tree, aside from its bloom and fruit, is not a desirable one.

APPLE AXD STRAWBERRY-GROWING OX THE SAME LAND.

BY A. H. GASTON, LACON.

\3The apple and strawberry, at this time, have the greatest com-
mercial value of ativ two fruits grown in Illinois. Their extended
production should demand our special attention.

We will commence with one acre, then it can be multiplied by
ten, fifty, or one hundred acres, to suit the planters. The land
snould be dry and rich enough to raise corn or vegetables, and well
fenced with lath and wire fence, in order that fowls, stock of all
kinds and rabbits may be kept out. Plow the land deep, and harrow
well; select a northern or western exposure, if possible.

Plant the land first to strawberries, putting the rows four feet
apart; then, set the plants from two to three feet apart in the rows.
Then set every eighth row to apple trees, putting the trees sixteen
feet apart in the rows. This will put about eighty trees to the acre.
When the apple trees are three or four years planted, take one ring
of bark, one inch wide, from the stem of every other apple tree,
some time in the month of June. This operation will check its growth
and bring it into early bearing. Serve in the same way each year,
and in the course of ten or fifteen years it will have exhausted its
strength, and should be cut away when the other half of the trees
will require all of the ground, making them thirty-two feet apart
each way.

To make apple and strawberry growing a success, very much
depends on the varieties planted. From the experience and observa-
tions that we have had in strawberry growing, we would recommend
planters to plant of the old varieties. Crescent Seedling, poUenized
with Cumberland Triumph, Sharpless, Glendale, Lacon or Wilson's
Albany. Among the more modern or later introduced varieties, we
would recommend Bubach's No. 5, pollenized with Buhach's No. 132,
for family use or the home market. For shipping, Warfield's No. 2
is now very promising. There are two new seedling strawberries
that originated at Lacon, Illinois, which were exhibited at the last

I
I

SOCIETY OF CENTRAL ILLINOIS. 161

June meeting of the Marshall County Horticultural ^ocietj that are
very promising. They both seem to be especially adapted to canning,
an enterprise that the strawberry growers of Lacon and vicinity are
greatly interested in at this time.

There are several valuable varieties of apples, for the commer-
cial orchard, sucli as Red Astrachan, for summer, Maiden's Blush,
for autumn, and Solome, Roman Stem and Willow Twig, for winter.
However, the three best varieties for the commercial orchard, are the
Duchess of Oldenburg, for summer, — its time is July and August --
of RussiaD origin. The Fameuse or Snow, for fall, — its time is
September, October and November — of Canadian origin. The Hen-
nepin is the coming apple for winter. It is a seedling of the Yellow
Bellflower, supposed to have been pollenized with Ben Davis. It
combines the following points, viz: — size, style, quality, long keep-
ing, great bearer, hardy tree, and a very rapid grower, both in the
nursery and orchard — more leading points combined in the same
appl^ than any other that has yet come before the Americaa people.
The Hennepin is a native of Northern Illinois. Its time is from
December to June. The above named three varieties for the com-
mercial orchard, will carry us around the entire year in Northern or
Central Illinois, or throughout the entire great Northwest.

Plant thirty per cent, of the orchard to summer; ten per coat,
to fall and sixty per cent, to winter, is the best advice your humble
servant can give to the apple growers of this great and growing
country, which is seemingly but in its infancy yet.

Wishing the Illinois Central Society a good meeting, and hop-
ing that you in your wisdom, will think best to accept of the invi-
tation that our local society sends by our worthy City Mayor, Gr. W.
E. Cook, to meet with us one year hence. Then you can see our
canning factory in operation, and many other things of interest.

0R(:HAKDS in CENTRAL ILLINOIS.
BT W. H. GREENE, BUSHNELL.

A tree of beauty is a* joy forever, and especially one laden with
bloom or luscious fruit. I have stood in the orange grftves of the
South, and from the golden trees picked the luscious fruit, and have
seen the fragrant orange blossom; but in no land or climate can
anything be found to equal the apple orchards of our Middle and
Northern States in beautiful bloom, when, in spring time the air,
laden w^ith the sweetest odors, sweeps over prairie and woodland,
sweeter than the spicy breezes of the famed East Indies.

There is nothing more beautiful than the bright and fragrant
bloom of an apple orchard. And what is more magnificent than the
crimson or golden fruit, so delicious and wholesome? We love a

12

162 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL

tree, and to ns«it is a great pleasure to watch its growth and devel-
opment, so elaborate in every part, its leaves corresponding to the
lungs in the animal kingdom, and breathing the carbonic acid por-
tion of the air thrown off by animal respiration which is poison to
animal life, so that a proper balance is maintained in the elements
of the atmosphere, by the animal retaining the oxygen and throwing
off the carbon, while the plant absorbs the carbonic ])ortion and
throws off the oxygen. How wise and beautiful are the harmonious
provisions of nature!

Casualties aside, with proper relations of life and health, men and
animals, trees, etc., would live to a good old age. But, alas ! when
the laws of life are unobserved, or when epidemics sweep over us,
how sad the change ; decay and death follow. Disease has entered
our orchards and nearly completed its work, and unless soon — yes,
very soon, — arrested, the once thrifty orchards of Central Illinois
will have become a thing of the past. We are, indeed, standing
upon the borders of an awful gulf that is swallowing up aU our
apple orchards, and we ask, is there nothing stable, nothing abiding,
on which poor, weak, helpless man can fasten to arrest this? Has
thp glory of our orchards departed forever? Is there no hope?

Can not man, with the aid of the mighty inventions and dis-
coveries God has given him, be able to investigate and ascertain, by
the help of the microscope, the cause of this disease? Man's power
seems almost unlimited, when we look at the marvelous progress of
science and art for the past fifty years. From the needle to the
elegant sewing machine, operated by hand, steam or electricity. The
progress from the scythe and cradle to the perfected steel mower and
self-binding harvester. From the oar and sail boat or vessel to the
majestic steamboats which cover our rivers and lakes, and steamships
bridging the Atlantic in six days, moving over the placid waters, or
riding the angry billows like a thing of life. The lightning is made
to do man's bidding, in carrying messages by telegraph and tele-
phone; even so we can, under favorable circumstances, recognize the
voice of a friend one thousand miles off ; in lighting our towns and
cities so brilliantly and beautifully ; the recently perfected electric
automatic phonograph, which grasps and puts on record the lecture,
sermon, speech, or conversation of the hour, and preserves it for the
future, repeating it when desired ; and, finally, man has chained the
lightning to his chariot, as now seen in many of our electric street
cars. This progress is seen in improved means of travel, from the
slow stage, canal and flat-boat, to our swift steam cars, running from
twenty to sixty miles per hour on 150,000 miles of railroad in the
United States ; enough to belt the earth six tiroes. How wonder-
ful ! And nearly all of this progress in the last fifty years, even
since my birthday, and during the lives of many of us assembled
here.

SOCIETY OF CENTEAL ILLINOIS. 16B

Man, whose power arrests disease and decay in the animal
organism, and who has recently learned that, in surgery, a wound
need never suppurate, or run matter, if, soon as the wound is pro-
duced, it is instantly enveloped in something which keeps it from
the air, so that bacteria from the air can find no lodgment, but will
heal healthfully and quickly from the power of the vital forces
within. Can it be, that man is not able, with proper study and
investigation, to cure the diseases of the vegetable kingdom, — like
our apple, pear, and other trees, — which, undoubtedly, are caused
by bacteria or micro-organisms?

Now you will bear in mind that to properly consider and under-
stand the cause and progress of this decay of our orchards, it will
bring us into scientific research, and we must of necessity describe
the micro-organisms which exist in the air, and which, we believe,
are causing such a terrible work of death among our apple trees.
Travel east or west, through the central portion of our State, and
you see plainly this decay, not a single orchard is exempt ; and
where, a few years since, these fine, thrifty orchards stood so grace-
fully, now but a few lone sentinels remain to tell of the sad epidemic
which has swept off from one-half to nine-tenths of most of our
apple orchards. The young orchards of three or four years are farc-
ing the same.

All manner of causes are assigned by different people. Some
say it is caused by the hard winters. Let us think a moment; can
this be the cause? Did we not have as cold winters previous to this
decay, which has all come upon us in the past six or eight years?
Some say it is caused by root grafting on pieces of root. If so, why
have they not died before, or why are such trees sound and healthy
in New York, Michigan, and other places?

Others consider it as being caused by atmospheric influence.
Probably the latter theory comes nearest the fact; for the atmos-
phere is the vehicle that brings these unseen living things in contact
with our trees. The freezing, or sun-scalding of trees, caused by late
growth so the wood does not sufficiently ripen or mature, some of the
sap is arrested in the wood cells before it returns to the roots; or,
over-bearing of fruit, or any other means that may weaken the
vitality of the trees, renders them an easy prey to the bacteria, which
effect a lodgement wherever the bark is broken or weakened, just as
these micro-organisms get into a wound in the animal organism, and
by rapid increase and action, like yeast or leaven, affect all the blood
of the body, and when thus poisoned, death is the result, so they
work in the sap of a tree, which may be called vegetable blood; and
if suffered to remain, if the affected branch or limb is not removed,
amputated early and before the sap goes down in the fall to mingle
with the good sap of the tree, then the bacterized sap leavens and
poison all the sap, so that the following spring when the sap rises and

164 TEANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL

is again carried to every cell, it being poisoned, of course the whole,
or most of the tree, dies. You all know, from experience, that this
is the way our trees are going, first, a braach or so, and the follow-
ing season, most of the tree. The Janets were the first to die; they
had borne very heavily the previous year, so as to weaken their vital-
ity, making them an easy prey to bacteria. Next, the little Roman-
ite, which was one of our hardiest varieties, then Wine Sap, Green-
ing, etc. Those varieties, like Roman Stem, which heretofore had
borne lightly, or not all, being strong and vigorous, have resisted
disease the best. Then I conclude, first, it is a disease; secondly, it
is a sap poison. It is a sap disease similar to blood poison in the
animal organism, caused by bacteria, or micro-organisms. These
bacteria are now known, by investigation with powerful micro-
scopes, to be the cause of malaria, typhoid fever, consumptiou, dip-
theria, croup, scarlet fever, measles, smallpox, hog and chicken
cholera, etc., by attaching themselves to the weakened inflamed mu-
cous membrane of the throat or sensitive surfaces by contact.

We believe we shall be able to show to every reasonable and
unprejudiced mind, that our apple trees are dying by a terrible dis-
ease, exactly like blood-poison in the animal and human being. And
as we see the body attacked when weakened, or in its weakest part,
with micro-organisms, as in the white and yellow patches and coat-
ing of the membrane of the throat in diptheria, which, if left alone
and not arrested, soon eats into the circulation — the blood — pro-
ducing blood-poison and usually death.

In like manner the bacteria, from the air, fastens upon the
weakest part of the vegetable organism, such as an abraded surface
or place where the bark is injured, perhaps by freezing, or some
other cause, and eats its way "as doth a canker," until it reaches
the circulation — blood, or sap of the tree — and poisons it all.

Now, in diptheria, if we would save life, we must at once pro-
ceed to remove these micro-orj?anisms. How shall we do this? We
reply that at the first appearance of this disease, before scientists
learned the cause, it was almost sure death, but the science and skill
of recent years has found several very effective remedies. By the
help of the microscope and the investigations of scientists we now
know the cause, and can remove it, saving the greater per cent, of
life, and probably nearly every case, if taken in time. Common
coal oil has proved very effective when applied to the surface. Car-
bolic acid, in weak solution, and the same combined with golden
seal and used as a gargle, or applied with a swab to the inner surface,
— the white or yellow patches of the throat; also the inhaling of
steam or vapor from water, or fresh slacked lime, or breathing the
smoke from burning tar and venus turpentine ; each and all are
effective in killing the bacteria, or disease germs we may call them.

Now, as we think we have found the cause of the disease of our

I

SOCIETY OF CENTEAL ILLINOIS. 165

fine and thrifty fruit trees, let us no longer be discouraged and fold
our hands idly, saying : " Oh, they must die ; we can't help it/' But,
rather, let us take the experience of the diptheric and other cases of
animal blood-poisoniug disease, and apply it to the horticultural
treatment of our precious fruit trees — Grod's best gift to man, — and
which have never seemed half so valuable to us as when attacked
with disease, their beautiful forms laid low in death by the invisible
and heretofore unknown micro-organisms that fill the air and the
stagnant waters of the earth.

Now, let us look at our app]e trees, and, as the medical man
would say, give a diagnosis of their condition. First, we see the limb
is affected, not like twig blight, but we see a small limb dying, the
leaves turning yellow ; the bark often blackening and always dead-
ening, etc., and extending down to the body or larger limbs, and if
left until the sap of the poisoned limb mingles with the good sap, and
returns to the root for winter rest, and again rising the following
spring, we find the sap so vitiated that other limbs soon die, and
seldom a tree so attacked survives a second season. We believe that
as soon as a limb is known to be dying it is best to amputate at once,
as the surgeon does the gangrenous, or blood-poisoned limb of the
animal, so that this bad sap shall never be allowed to go down and
mingle with the good ; for the bacteria is like leaven, that works
•' until all is leavened." In fact, leaven is composed of micro-
organisms, which multiply very rapidly by division, or throwing off
of their parts, each part forming a new and perfect organism. When
the limb is cut off, paint over the wound, and pour coal oil on or
about it.

Never trim an apple tree in the winter, but always in June, so
the wound will easily heal over. Better pay five dollars per day for
pruning in June than have it done free other times. Farmers
usually trim in February or early spring, when they have leisure ;
but wherever you take off a limb when its sap is down in the roots,
the sap, when returning in spring, will force a heavy growth of
sprouts, which are hard to remove. Trim as little as possible, and
nosv, when these invisible organisms are so abundant, don't leave the
wound exposed for their lodgment, but cover it well with paint. Our
active experience with this sap poison is confined to one tree, — a
Willow Twig. We noticed it had a large limb, fully one-third of
the tree, dying in the spring. The leaves were dead and bark
changing. We took a saw and cut it off, away below where affected
and close to the body, and poured part of a teacup of kerosene on the
stub and bark, about and below. It was so removed that no sap
from the poisoned limb ever reached the body of the tree, it healed
nicely, and has borne fruit well every season since, — perhaps six or
eight years.

The year following, and each year since, many trees began to

166 TEANSACTIONS OF THE HOETICULTUEAL

decay, the same as above, and so many that we became discouraged
and did not try to save them, being very busy with farm work in the
summer when it ought to have been done. So that to-day, out of
fifteen acres of fine orchard, once all bearing and of different ages,
nine-tenths is dead. Why should T picture this decay farther? as
I speak of these once beautiful orchards, loaded yearly with luscious
fruit, but now laying with broken limbs and trunks strewing the
ground, so that an annual clearing and gathering up still leaves it
covered, and makes the heart sad to think of the destruction of this
pestilence. But my experien^'e is but similar to most, or all, who
may hear me or read this paper.

The wood of these poisoned trees is so rotted and softened it is
not fit for fuel — very much of it, — just like an animal body or limb
that has died or been removed for blood-poisoning ; every cell and
tissue is affected, and it is easily accounted for, as it is a disease
affecting the circulation, and so permeating every part.

A word regarding the codling moth, which causes our wormy
fruit. By the experiments of Mr. Hammond, of Warsatv, Hon. B.
PuUen, of Centralia, and one other orchardist — whose name I have
forgotten, — last season, it is plainly shown that spraying the trees
when in bloom, and repeatins: it ten days after, with a solution of
London Purple, has proved effective and cheap, costing about ten
cents per tree. This spraying may be quite effectual in destroying
the bacteria also. Let us experiment and ascertain what will destroy
them.

This ought to be done at the expense of the State, which should
make an appropriation for this purpose. Still, let us do what we
can individually. We may find that the same or similar substances
as are used for these attacks on the animal organism will prove
effective, such as alkali, kerosene, caustic, or poisonous- washing, or
spraying with arsenic solutions, etc. I think these will, undoubtedly,
cure our trees, as sure as the former-mentioned remedies now cure
diseases of the animal organism.

In a former portion of this article we said it would be necessary
to give a description of bacteria, and we will now do so, in order that
we may know more about this most minute form of life as it affects
health and disease.

Pure well or spring water does not contaii:^them, all foul w^aters
do. These minute microscopic organisms exist in all filth in count-
less myriads, also in decomposing animal or vegetable matter —
whether ill-scented or not, — in all organic substances undergoing
apparently spontaneous changes, such as heating in bulk, becoming
sour, rancid, or putrid, and generally those changes known as fer-
mentation or decay. The water in ill-scented cisterns, and some
where no odor is perceived, in impure well water, the water of stag-
nant ponds, marshes and foul ditches teem with them. A drop seen

4

SOCIETY OF CENTEAL ILLINOIS. 167

under the microscope often shows a maze of living beings most
wonderful. The waters of running streams have them to some
extent, and peculiar kinds make the ocean their home. The air, like
water, is pure or impure, and is often filled with living, moving,
multiplying things. They are found in floating dust of organic
origin, in the atmosphere of close rooms, in thickly-crowded streets,
and particularly over decomposing filth. They are unavoidab y
inhaled with every breath. In the open country few of them are
found, and the same may be said of desert regions.

The cyclone is, no doubt, a purifier. The air, during damp,
close weather in summer and autumn, is freighted with myriads.
These micro-organisms are found in the slime on vessels wherein is
standing-water : on the surfaces of many articles of cold food when
set away for some time, for instance, boiled potatoes and cooked
meats ; some forms of yeast ; sour milk always has them in swarms,
and so do liquids from fruit, when forming into vinegar. They are
always present in pus, or matter from suppurating wounds, in dis-
charges from boils and tumors on the animal organism, in the matter
gatheriug on the teeth, which is full of them, and some kinds retain
tlieir activity in the stomach. In health the blood is free from them,
but in some diseases myriads of them are swept along the currents
of the blood vessels. It is easy to see how the blood gets out of
order. A few words regarding the color, shape and size of these
organisms may be interesting. As a rule, they are white, and when
numerous in water it looks milky ; but of different species each has
its peculiar color, — as red, blue, yellow or green. In shape they are
round, oval, cylindrical, or like a thread. In size, from one twenty-
five thousandth to one fifty thousandth of an inch in diameter. It
requires a magnifying power of ten thousand areas to see one of
ordinary size — 100 diameters, — and ten times as great power is
required to make out its shape.

If a man was magnified 1,000 times — which is the lowest power
by which one of the largest bacteria may be seen, — he would be one
mile high. From one hundred to two hundred and fifty of these
bacteria are required, when placed side by side, to be as wide as the
thickness of common writing paper. They are the smallest living
organisms known to man. They multiply very rapidly, even double
every hour under favorable conditions. Don't let us conclude that
bacteria are "always injurious, and only injurious in their effects."
This is far from the truth, "They are, primarily, the agents of
decay" ; still, in this sense, untold good results from their activities.
*■ It is, indeed, no more startling than true to say the organic world
is indebted to them for its existence," Were it not for the destroy-
ing, decomposing work of the bacteria, which changes animal and
vegetable organic bodies into new forms — liquid and gaseous, — so
as to form material for new structures. Then organic matter, animal

168 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HOETIGULTURAL

or vegetable, though dead, would never decay or decompose, — they
would endure for ever, unless buraed by fire ; and we should see the
iuimense accumulation of trunks of fallen trees in our forests and
vegetable production as obstructions, in place of forming vegetable
mold for future growths. The bodies of animals would remain like
mummies for all time. The processes of nature run in a circle,
without these, man could not live on the earth.

Directly are we indebted to bacteria in many ways, some of
which we will name : Yeast bread making, vinegar making, sour
krout, rotting of flax, bleaching of linen and cotton, etc. What
wonders the microscope reveal to man ! Without it, Pasteur, of
France, could never have discovered a vaccination for some of the
most fatal diseases of men and animals, practically subduing them.
Why not discover a vaccination for apple-trees ! Oh, what a pleas-
ure there is in the use of the microscope. Many a day have we
spent with our's examining the objects of nature, bringing to our
enraptured sight the wonders we had never conceived of before. Now,
in conclusion, we think we have given a practical and concise
account of the cause and probable cure for our deceased orchards,
but no doubt many will be startled with these facts as we believe
them to be and, it may be, some will believe nothing of it; it is, no
doubt, a new theory to many. It is original with us, as we do not
remember of ever hearing or reading of it before as applied to apple-
trees, but we believe scientific and thorough investigation of coming
years will prove it, and that if vve will faithfully go to work and
spray our trees with arsenical, carbolic, caustic, or any other solution
that will kill these bacteria or disease germs, we shall succeed.
Brother farmers and horticulturists, let us try it and experiment
until we do succeed !

We believe the time will come, yea, is close at hand, when we
shall again raise thrifty, beautiful and fruitful orchards in Central
Illinois and all along this diseased fruit-tree belt — when we be-
come sufficiently intelligent regarding the nature, culture and
disease of our fruit trees, so we can and will act intelligently,
and consequently successfully and effectually in rearing and saving
our orchards. How true that "an ounce of prevention is worth
a pound of cure." Again, we say, the best and proper way to
live so as to avoid disease, is to follow nature's laws, casualities and
pestilence aside, man, and fruit trees as well may live to a ripe old
age and die a natural death. Thanks for the growing intelligence
of this age, that by the aid of science and modern research, physical
suffering is becoming less and the causes of diseases and ills that
have heretofore baffled the skill of man, are now known and a cure
easily effected. As man brings the compound microscope to his aid
in bringing myriads of organism to view to study their life, habits

SOCIETY OF CENTRAL ILLINOIS. 169

and efEects upon life and health, in aiding or destroying the same,
may we not say with the psalmist :

" Surely He shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler and
the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with His feathers and
under His wings shalt thou trust; His truth shall be thy shield and
buckler."

"Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror of the night; nor for
the arrow that flieth by da^^; nor for the pestilence that walketh in
darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday."

MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

ALTON, DECEMBER 13, 1888.

The Executive Committee of the Horticultural Society of Cen-
tral Illinois met at Alton, December 13, 1888. Present, President
Dennis, Secretary Hammond, F. I. Mann and Frank Cadwell.

The President announced that the question of locating the next
annual meeting was the first business in order and invited invita-
tions from those who desired to have the Society meet with them.

Mr. Augustine presented an invitation from Normal, Mr. Cook
from Lacon, and Mr. Cadwell from Griggsville.

A ballot was ordered, which resulted in the selection of Normal,
as the place of the next meeting.

Mr. Dunlap moved that the meeting be held the first week in
September. Motion lost.

On motion, it was ordered that the meeting be held the middle
of May, with the understanding that the Executive Committee may
move it forward or backward one week as may be desirable.

C. N. Denjstis, President^
A. C. Hammond, Secretary.

i

Proceedings of the Monthly meetings

OF THE

ALTON-SOUTHERN ILLINOIS

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY,

Reported by F. C. RIEHL, Secretary.

OFFICERS FOR 1889.

President— Wta. Jackson, Godfrey.
First Vice-President— J. S. Browne, Alton.
Second Vice-President— 'E. A. Riehl, Alton.
Secretary— F. C. Eiehl, Alton.
Treasurer— S. F. Connor, Alton.
Librarian— K. G-. McPike, Alton.

PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

Alton-Southern Illinois Horticultural Society.

REPOKTED BY F. C RIEHL, SECRETARY.

MARCH MEETING.

The Alton-Southern Illinois Horticultural Society met at the
office of S. F. Connor, on Saturday, March 10th. Despite the bad
weather, a good many members were present. The Society was
called to order by President J. S. Browne.

ORCHARDS.

E. A. Riehl — There is not much to be said on orchards at this
time ; they are all in good condition, peaches included. I think I
have enough live buds on my place to give a fair crop of peaches in
most varieties. As this is the time for pruning, I will give my
method : The trees should not be allowed to grow as they please.
Keep the trees low, so that a man ou the top of an eight-foot ladder
can pick all the fruit. Cut out the top and centre branches, so that
the sun can get well into the centre of the tree. This will cause
young branches to grow out all along the body and main limbs of
the tree, and these, when they are not expected to fruit, should be
clipped off to within one inch of the stem. For every one of these
twigs cut off, from two to six more will grow out. Thus you will
have a fine lot of fruit-growing branches all along the inside of the
tree. A tree thus pruned can bear up all the fruit that will grow
on it, it will bear more, and the fruit will be of the first quality.
Herein, I believe, lies the secret of growing fine peaches.

H. G. McPike — Do you ever prune after the trees are in bloom?

174 TEANSACTIONS OF THE ALTON-SOUTHEEN

Mr, Riehl — It should be done before, as every leaf cut ofE is an
injury to the tree.

The President asked what the general prospect was for a crop
of peaches?

James Davis — I think I shall have about one-third of a crop.

F. I. Crowe — I do not expect any.

G. W. Hilliard — I don't think there will be many in the vicinity
of Brighton.

Dr. E. C. James — I do not expect any. There are some people
in Upper Alton who think they will have some.

Mr. McPike — I expect to have about one-third of a crop.

E. A. Riehl showed some twigs of Smock, Amsden, Parks' Cling,
Silver Medal and Family Favorite, which were examined by the
Society, and found to have quite enough live buds for a crop.

Mr. McPike — I find that old trees have not many live buds, it
is only thrifty young trees from which we can expect anything ; also
that trees on the summit have more than in the valley. Do you
think that our proximity to the Mississippi is any protection to us?

P. E. Vandenburg — i should think so ; for they grow peaches
in Michigan, and even in Canada, along the borders of Lake Ontario,
being protected by the warm breezes from the lakes.

E. A. Riehl — I do not think so, there is not enough water in
the river to produce any effect. The water of the Mississippi is as
the wine glass is to the wash tub, when compared with the great lakes.
And the lakes are open, while the river is always frozen over solid
when it is cold enough to kill peaches.

Mr. Browne — Do any of you know anything about the York
Imperial apple?

E. A. Riehl — It is considered good in Pennsylvania and what
is good there, usually does well here.

Wm. Jackson — Does the condition of the trees in the fall have
any effect.

Mr. Hilliard — Would not trees well cultivated be more sub-
ject to cold than others?

Mr. Riehl — I don't think so.

ILLINOIS HORTICULTUEAL SOCIETY. 175

VINEYARDS.

Wm. Jackson called attention to an article written by Prof
Standish, of Galesbur^, Illinois, and published in the Prairie Farmer^
in which the writer condemns the report on grapes made by J. S.
Browne at tl^e last meeting of the State Society, and strenuously
defends the Concord and Noah grapes. He charges our want of
success in growing, to lack of proper cultivation, citing as proof his
own success; saying that from a fourth of an acre he realized a net
profit of 8125. This would be $500 per acre, or $40,000 for eighty
acres.

E. A. Riehl — The Professor isn't posted. Being a professor as
well as a horticulturist, he ought to know that we are troubled with
the black rot, and farther north where he lives, they are not because
of the difference in the climate. The rot is caused by a fungus
which perishes from cold, whenever the thermometer falls below
sixty degrees Farenheit, even if but for an hour, which happens
often in the morning, farther north; hence, they are free from that
dread disease which so worries southern growers. Being on the Ad-
Interim Committee for the State Society some years ago, I went to
Galesburg on purpose to see Mr. Standish 's vineyard. I found his
vines looking finely, but the soil is made from stock-yard manure,
put on to the depth of two feet. If any of our members think they
can afford this, let them try.

Mr. McPike — I agree with Mr. Standish in one point only.
We should not give up the Concord. It has given better crops than
any other variety, and can be prevented from rotting by bagging.

Mr. Browne — The Concord, aside from its other faults, is too
late to be grown for profit here. It ripens at a time when the
markets are over-stocked with better grapes from other localities,
and then does not command a high enough price to pay for the
trouble in growing it. The kind that will pay us here are the early
ones; such as Moore's Early, for instance, something that will get to
market early and bring a fair price. Noah has proven itself utterly
worthless, and has been condemned even by those who sent it out.
And the idea of a man taking a quarter of an acre and bestowing
upon it all the work and care of an enthusiast, and then multiplying

176 TKANSACTIONS OF THE ALTON-SOUTHERN

the profits by acres to ascertain what would be made from a quarter
section, is simply preposterous. He mipjht as well go a little farther
and carry his calculations over the State of Illinois, in order to be
able, in a few years, to pay off the national debt.

Mr. McPike said this reminded him of his turkey story
which he could not refrain from repeating : " He had bought a
turkey hen for 11.25: this hen laid twelve eggs and in due time
hatched twelve young turkeys. These liv^ed and grew fat and he
sold them in the fall for $1 . 25 each. Hence, if he had started in
the spring with 1,000 hens — conclusion."

Mr. Riehl — Mr. Standish's success is to be attributed to his
climate, our failure to the same cause.

Mr. Jackson — Don't you think the Goethe will pay us?

Mr. Riehl — It has too many faults to pay for market.

S. F. Connor — Nine-tenths of the Goethe that come here to
market are not fit to eat. They will bring fair prices Avhere they are
good.

E. A. Riehl — Have any of you had experience with tarring
stakes. I tried it last year and have about come to the conclusion
that it does no good, though I have often heard that it does.

Mr. Browne — One who has had experience told me that it was
worse than useless. »

SMALL FEUITS.

Mr. Browne read the following:

Mr. President: — In looking over the strawberry department of
the numerous nursery men's catalogues, I find the usual crop of new
candidates for public favor, at the same old prices; $2.00 per dozen.
There is something very fascinating about a new variety to the aver-
age fruit grower, and the number bought and tried is usually ruled
by the weight of the purse, and not by the desire to purchase. Of
the very large number of new varieties which have been placed'before
the public with such glowing descriptions, particularly in the last
ten years, how many have survived the test of the field? I think
you can count them on your fingers, but still, I think it advisable to
try, in a small way, a few of the best recommended each year. For
among them we may find one that is just suited to our soil and method
of cultivation, for I do not think that any of us will say that we

ILLINOIS HORTICULTUKAL SOCIETY. 177

have a variety which we consider perfect. The outlook for straw-
berries the comijig season, in this locality, as far as I can learn,
is among professional fruit growers, fairly good; among those
who make berry growing a side issue, very poor. As for my own,
the prospect is the best I ever had. The causes to which I give the
credit for my success are; first, good land; second, proper csltivation.

My method of cultivation is to plant as early in the spring as
possible; by preparing the ground in the fall a gain of two weeks can
be made. I prefer to plant before any growth is made. I used to
plant in rows four feet apart and eighteen inches to two feet apart
in the rows, but have gradually made the rows narrower and lessened
the distance between the plants, until now I make the rows two feet
nine inches apart and the plants one foot in the row. I do not com-
mence to cultivate until the weeds begin to show themselves, for I
want the plants to get a good start before they are disturbed; keep
all runners cut ofl until the last of July, for the newly set plant is
no more able to make new plants before this time, than it is to bear
fruit. By doing this very few weeds will have to be pulled by hand,
for by the time you are ready to let the plant make runners you will
have the weeds nearly all killed. If the surface soil is loose and
there are no weeds do not cultivate during drouth. It is a mistake
to suppose that the ground absorbs moisture from the air during the
night in summer, for the temperature of the soil is always higher
than the air immediately above it at nights. The object in keeping
the ground loose and mellow, is not to allow the air to penetrate it
and thus deposit moisture, but by the diffusion of the particles of
the earth, capillary attraction is retarded and the moisture in the
soil is retained for the use of the plants growing in it. If the mat-
ted system is followed do not allow the plants to crowd each other,
for this not only reduces the quantity but also the quality of the
fruit. As to what varieties to plant, for myself I have found noth-
ing better than Capt. Jack for the main crop and Sharpless for fam-
ily, though I have tested some twenty varieties.

Blackberries are generally in good condition and promise a fair
crop; as to what variety to plant I must say that I do not know but
will be better able to tell you something in another year. But I
have made up my mind to this, that if I cannot grow anything bet-
ter than Snyder, I will not grow blackberries at all.

Mr. Riehl — How many years has the system of cutti»g off
the runners until July been pursued?

Mr. Browne — Three vears.

13

178 TEANSACTIONS OP THE ALTON-SOUTHEEN

Mr. Vandenburg — Would cultivate strawberries once a week
all through the season ; they grow better.

Mr..BrowQe — I don't approve of this, it is a waste of moisture.

Mr. Riehl — Wilson Jr. blackberry has been winter-killed
again, and will not do for us, it is too tender.

Mr. Browne — What varieties of strawberries would you recom-
mend?

Mr. Jackson — I don't like to make any statements, as there is
a great difference in locality, and what would do well with me might
not thrive with my neighbor. Will plant Ontario, Jerse}^ Queen,
Minor and Mt. Vernon.

Mr. Browne — Bubach is not a good market berry, it is too soft.
Jewell is good, but must be well cultivated.

Mr. Riehl — Shall plant Captain Jack. Consider it the best
for all purposes.

VEGETABLES.

Mr. Browne — I think Essex Hybrid squash should be recom-
mended, it is as good as Hubbard and much more easily grown.

Mr. F. J. Crowe — Are small potatoes as good for seed as large
ones?

Mr. Riehl — For a year or two they are just as good as large
ones.

Mr. Connor — ^ Isn't the best always the best?

Mr. Vandenburg — Yes ; but it is a mistake to suppose that the
largest potatoes are the best. A medium-sized potato is the best
for seed.

Mr. Riehl — We should like to receive bids for the summer
meetings. Would especially recommend basket picnics, for I think
that people take more interest in them, and would rather attend them
than private meetings. And we want everybody to join us and
attend our meetings. Truly we can say in the spirit of the Gospel :
" Whosoever will, may come."

This was the opinion of all.

ILLINOIS HOBTICULTUKAL SOCIETY, 179

Ou motion the sum of eight dollars on strawberries and cherries,
and four dolhirs on flowers, was appropriated to be awarded as
premiums at the next meeting of the Society, and the president
appointed a committee to make out a premium list.

Adjourned, to meet at the residence of E. Hollard, in the midst
of strawberry season.

JUNE MEETING.

The Alton-Southern Illinois Horticultural Society held a basket
picnic and fruit and flower show, at Melville, at the place of E.
Hollard, on Saturday, June 2d.

The weather was fine, though rather cool, and the attendance
large. The fruit and flower exhibit was especially fine. After an
hour or so spent by the younger horticulturists in wandering about
the pleasant grounds and in disburdening Mr. H.'s cherry trees of
some of their superfluous fruit, and by the elder ones arranging the
fruit and flower exhibits and informal discussion, the Society was
called to order at 11 a. m. by President Browne.

ORCHARD FRUITS.
BY E. A. RIEHL, ALTON.

It is my pleasure to report a fine prospect for a good crop of all
kinds of orchard fruits which, at this time, are more free from insect
injuries than at any time heretofore for years; caused, no doubt, by
the almost total failure of fruit last season.

Apples are full and looking well except the Janet, which is
bearing very little, although it did not bear last season. Pears show
a moderate crop, enough to give us a good crop of good fruit.
Peaches and cherries will be about half a full crop, and, so far, more
free from the marks of the little Turk than at any time for a great
many years, so that I will not run my curculio catcher at all. I
attribute the exemption from the curculio to the want of fruit last
season for it to breed in, especially to my cutting down my old sour
cherry orchard two years ago.

I procured a Nixon spraying pump and nozzles and went all
over my apple and pear trees with London purple. The machine
works nicely, and think we will have to use them hereafter if we
want good fruit, but I think the white arsenic will be better than

180 TEANSACTIONS OF THE ALTON-SOUTBEKN

either Paris green or Loudon purple; the former is too hard to keep
in suspension and the latter is not uniform in strength and is not
fine enough, and apt to clog the nozzles unless very great care is used
in preparing it. The white arsenic can be dissolved perfectly by
using a little soda or lye, and can be bought for about ten cents per
pound, and, being pure, a less quantity will have to be used; hence
is cheaper than either Paris green or London purple.

We are having plenty of rain now and everything is growing
finely, orchards included; but it may, and probably will, turn dry
later in the season and he who expects good fruit must cultivate his
orchards. Hay, wheat, oats and weeds cannot be grown on the
•same ground with a good crop of corn, nor apples, or other fruits.
If it pays to raise fruit at all it pays to grow it well. Many of our
troubles that we attribute to the cold winters are, no doubt, due
more to the drouths of summer, and improper cultivation, than win-
ter's cold. Canada, Nova Scotia and Northern Europe have much
colder winters than we, yet apples are hardy there that are not here;
why should this be if it is the winter's cold that kills them? I have
no doubt the trouble lies in our summer drouths. We cannot
make more rain fall on our orchards, nor can we irrigate, but we
can preserve what water does fall on our land by proper cultivation.

Mr. John M. Pearson — What proportion of poison do you use?

Mr. E. A. Riehl — I used what the authorities recommend, which
is one pound of London purple or Paris green to 200 gallons of
water, and of white arsenic one pound to 400 gallons of water.

Mr. Browne — Why will not an ordinary force pump answer the
purpose?

Mr. E. A. Riehl — Because it has not pressure enough, it must
be a pump especially manufactured for the purpose. I think the
Nixon nozzle the best I have yet seen and would advise anyone who
intends to spray to purchase the whole outfit. It costs about $35.
The work of spraying costs but very little. Three men and a team
are required to ran the outfit, and they can spray about 150 trees per
day, more or less, according to the size of the trees.

Mr. Pearson — How do you cultivate a full grown orchard?
My old trees are so close to the ground that it is impossible to get
under them with a team and plow,

Mr. E. A. Riehl — You should keep your orchard pruned up s»
high that a team can go through it in any direction.

ILLINOIS HORTICULTUEAL SOCIETY. 181

Mr. Vanderburg reported orchards in the vicinity of Jersey-
ville as being in fine condition with the exception of quinces which
were falling off badly.

VINEYARDS.

Mr. E. A. Riehl — Bagging should be done now as soon as pos-
sible to insure safety from rust.

Mr. Browne — Will try bagging before the vines bloom to test
the question of self-pollenization.

Mr. Pearson — In regard to our little difference with Prof.
Standish I may say that I also visited his vineyard two years ago. I
do not think that it contains quite one quarter of an acre, but the
vines were the finest that I ever saw. The Professor is an enthu-
siast, and bestows much care and labor upon it. He strongly advo-
cates close pinching, and has certainly succeeded remarkably well.

Mr. Vanderburg — Is it possible to over-manure a vineyard?

Mr. Pearson — Judging from the example of Prof. Standish, I
do not think that we need have any fear of this.

SMALL FRUIT.

Mr. Browne — My strawberries thus far are looking well. Of
the new varieties Monmouth is the earliest, and the berries are fine.
But I think most of the Lida. The berries are firm and all are large
and fine; the vines are strong and healthy and verv full of fruit.
Bubach is a fine berry, but is too soft for market. I do not think
much of the Jessie; Of the new varieties I would place Lida first,
Monmouth second and Jessie third.

Mr. Vanderburg — Capt. Jack does better with me than any-
thing else I can grow.

Mr. Davis — Of the old varieties Downing has given the best
satisfaction with me. I shall have a full crop of blackberries, Law-
ton included. Do not like the Snyder. Raspberries are all looking
finely except where they were winter-killed.

Mr. Riggs — My black raspberries are all right, but the red and
especially the Cuthbert were badly winter-killed.

At this stage the proceedings were interrupted, and the presi-

182 TEANSACTIONS OF THE ALTON-SOUTHERN

dent, as " Master Coroner," proceeded to empanel a jury, consisting
of all present, to hold an inquest on the contents of the dinner
baskets. After about half an hour's spirited discussion, the unani-
mous conclusion arrived at was, that they had passed away by the
most rapid stages of consumption.

A short recess was then taken, after which business was again
resumed, and the Awarding Committee made their report as follows :

REPORT OF FRUIT COMMITTEE.

Mr President: Your committee to whom was referred the col-
lection of small fruits for examination and award of premiums,
respectfully report that they have performed that duty, and submit
the following as the result : It was intended that the time of this
meeting should have been set when the best display of strawberries
could be had. but the unexpected cool weather delayed ripening so
much that many of our choice varieties could not be shown at their
best. We award :

For Best Collection of Strawberries — First premium, E. A.
Riehl, with fifteen varieties; second premium, Wm. Jackson with
nine varieties. Both these members could have shown many more
varieties had the meeting been held a few days later.

For Best Quart, Quality and Size Considered — First premium :
Golden Defiance, William Hyndman. Second premium : Monmouth,
.J. S. Browne.

For Best Quart for Market — First premium : Capt. Jack, J. S.
Browne. Second premium : Minor, John Riggs.

Best Family Berry — First premium : Downing, James Davis.
Second premium : Capt. Jack, P. E. Vanderburg.

For Best New Strawberry — Bubach : first premium, William
Jackson : second premium, J. S. Browne. It is strong commendation
to this berry that it should be entitled to both premiums in the
hands of two growers, and in very different locations. The other
new berries were the Monmouth, Warfield and Jewell. The former
took a premium in another class, and could not compete in this by
our rules.

For Best Seedling Strawberry, Good Enough to be Recommended
for Cultivation — First premium, James Davis. This plant was
shown in growing condition, and presented a fine appearance, strong
in leaf and stalk ; the berries are dark red, firm, and will carry well.
Quality good.

ILLINOIS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 183

JULY MEETING.

The Alton-Southern Illinois Horticultural Society held a basket
picnic at E. A. Riehl's Saturday, July 21. The weather was perfect
and the attendance probably as large as any ever attending a meet-
ing of the society.

ORCHARDS.

Mr. E. A. Riehl — The prospect for a crop of apples is not so
good as at the time of the last meeting; there is not so much fruit
on the trees, and much of it is scabby and the trees do not look
healthy. The -Janet bloomed very lightly but they set well and I
have a better crop than I expected. Pears are a very good crop and
the fruit is unusually fair. We have had some early peaches, but as
is usually the case they were not very good and brought a low price.
I would not recommend the planting of the early peaches. They are
all poor and unsatisfactory to everybody who has anything to do with
them, from the grower, dealer and commission man to the consumer.
Do not expect we will grow a good peach earlier than Early York.
There is so much fruit grown south of us that we cannot get the
benefit of the early market and we must look to a market that we
can command with goods of the best quality.

Mr. J. S. Browne — Tbe leaves of the apple trees are also affected
with scab and I think it was caused by the London purple with which
the trees were sprayed. I sprayed a peach tree with a very strong
solution of London purple and destroyed all the leaves.

r'-' Mr. Riehl — Do not think the scab on the apple is caused by
London purple, it is a fungus growing on the fruit and can be
scratched off, showing the green skin underneath. If caused by the
London purple the skin would be destroyed. But the London pur-
ple, if applied too strong, will burn the foliage and fruit too. Its
use is not satisfactory and I think the white arsenic applied, one
pound to 400 gallons of water, is cheaper and better in every way.

Mr. Pearson — I think the Janet crop, generally, is very light,
and as a large share of the trees in this vicinity are Janets, the result
is that our apple crop is a small one. My Wine Saps are also very
poor, and I intend to grub them out. They have not paid me for
the ground they stand on.

184 TEANSACTIONS OF THE ALTON-SOUTHERN

Mr. 0. A. Snedeker — On the 12th instant I ate some peaches
called Arkansas that were as good as Early York.

Mr. W. H. Fulkerson — From ray observation, I should judge
there would be about a half crop of apples in Jersey county this
year.

VINEYARDS.

Mr. Jackson — My grapes have about all rotted, except a few-
down in the bottom of a hollow ; and I know not how to account
for their escape, unless it be that during the cool nights of June the
temperature fell below sixty degrees, and destroyed the rot.

Mr. E. A. Riehl — My grapes are nearly all gone, except Jewell,
Cynthiana and Marsala, which have not rotted very much. This
has been the worst year for rot that I have ever known. Where the
bags were good, and were put on well and in time, the grapes are
all right, but it is very difficult to get bags that will stand the rough
usage of the weather. I do not think that bagging will pay, unless
one has but little other work, and can attend to it at just the right
time. I shall give up growing them on a large scale. I experi-
mented a little with putting on the bags before blooming, and found
that some varieties, such as Worden, Cynthiana, Niagara, Etta, Con-
cord, and all of the Labrusca family are self-pollenizing, and with
these it will work all right ; but Vergennes, Goethe and Wilder did
not pollenize well.

Mr. Browne — I will have about half a crop in the bottoms. I
think that it was one cool night which saved them.

Mr. Pearson — I have not been through my vineyard lately, but,
judging from the appearance of the grapes on the end, I should
think that I will have a fair crop.

SMALL FRUITS.

BY J. S. BROWNE, ALTON.

Mr. Pre f^i dent : In reporting the results in testing some of the
newer varieties of strawberries during the past season, it will, prob-
ably, be well to state that they were given no extra attention, but
were planted in the middle of the patch, and received neither more
nor less care than the balance. The soil had been enriched with
barn-yard manure, at the rate of about seventy-live loads per acre.

Monmouth — This was the first to ripen, the, first ripe berries

ILLINOIS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 185

■were picked May 28, five days earlier than Capt. Jack. For an early
berry for the home garden, or where an extra early berry is profitable
to raise for market, this variety deserves a trial. It is a strong-grown
fruit, of large size, of good quality, but is not productive enough for
the market grower.

Bubach — This berry is, all things taken into consideration, the
best in the list, of the largest size, ripens evenly, very productive,
more so than any large berry I have ever grown, holds out large to
the last and a very strong grower. The only faults it has &-hown are:
It is a little too soft for long carriage and is not of the best quality;
this latter fault does not amount to much, for consumers have not
yet come to the point where they are willing to pay for quality in a
strawberry; as for the former it can, in a great measure, be overcome
by careful handling.

Lida — This is the riiost productive of any variety tested, not as
large as Bubach, but a better yielder and firmer; of about the same
quality; vine not as strong a grower, but will make plants enough.

Mammoth — Nothing mammoth about it except the size of the
swindle perpetrated when this variety was disseminated. A few
good-sized berries, but precious few.

Copanzick — Worthless for any purpose.

Garibaldi — Of fine quality but makes such feeble growth that
it is worthless.

Gaudy's Prize — A. fine late berry for family or market; first ripe
berries June 12th, fifteen days later than Monmouth; of large size,
very strong grower; fairly productive and of good quality.

Great Ontario — So very little different from Sharpless that it
would require an expert to show it, both having the same faults and
virtues.

Garretson — Nothing to recommend it Hundreds of better
varieties have been discarded.

Jessie — This variety has been advertised more extensively than
any other on the list. The plant is a strong grower, only fairly pro-
ductive, large size, ripens evenly, best quality of any on the list, but
has too many small berries towards the last. The blossom is perfect
and will do first rate ty pollenize Bubach and Lida, as they all bloom
at the same time.

Mr. Jackson — The Snyder blackberry, when properly cultivated,
will sell as well as any. With me they have always marketed as well
as Kittatinny and Lawton, and they are a sure crop.

Mr. Davis — I can grow a crop of Lawton whenever Mr. Jack-
son can grow one of Snyder, and I am satisfied that I can sell them
at better prices.

186 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ALTON-SOUTHERN

Mr. Riehl — I think I am just learning how to prune blackber-
ries. I have noticed that the small canes are always loaded with
fruit, while the large ones bear but lightly, and I believe that if we
would prune closer we would get more berries. I began this year by
cutting down the young canes to eighteen inches, then I cut the lat-
erals off about a foot from the main stem, and if they grow again I
cut them off about six inches long. By so doing you secure light
young branches on a good strong stem, and I am satisfied that they
will produce more and better berries. Besides, this will induce a late
fall growth which, I think, will stand the winter better than wood
grown earlier in the season.

Mr. Davis — The crop of Lawton and Kittatinny this year is
mostly on second growth canes. It is a little late, but the berries
are fine and ought to bring fair prices.

Mr. Jackson — I cut down some Kittatinnys that were rusty,
instead of digging them out as we usually do, and the young canes
that came up from the roots are perfectly free from rust.

Mr. Riehl — I believe that if we will look about us a little when
in the woods we can find blackberries growing wild that will prove
better than any we now have.

CULINAEY VEGETABLES.

Mr. Pearson — This has been an excellent season for all kinds of
vegetables, and he who hasn't a good garden this year does not
deserve one. What is a fair per cent, of good heads on cauliflower?

Mr. Browne — About ninety-five per cent.

Mr. Riehl — I should like to have Mr. Browne tell us how he
grows egg plant.

Mr. Browne — The main requisite for growing it successfully is
lots of heat. We usually sow the seed in hot beds about the latter
part of February; then we transplant in hot beds twice before plant-
ing out, which is done about the time when strawberries begin to
ripen. Before removing from the hot beds we flood them with water;
then cut the plants out in squares with a sharp spade, and remove
them with the earth attached to the roots, to the field, where holes
are already prepared for them.

ILLINOIS HORTICULTUEAL SOCIETY. 187

At this point the society adjourned to meet at the call of Presi-
dent and Secretary.

Most of the old folks went home in the evening at the usual
hour, but the young people stayed for a moonlight picnic and general
merry making, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all until the
eleventh hour.

When all took up their homeward way

By the light of the waning moon,
Eegretful that so bright a day

Should have passed away so soon.

SEPTEMBER MEETING.

The Alton-Southern Illinois Horticultural Society held a basket
picnic at the residence of James Davis, near Godfrey, on Saturday,
September 8th.

It was one of those perfect days that usually smile upon the
meetings of our Society, and the attendance was large. The fruit
display was excellent, and — but we are anticipating the reports of
the Awarding Committees.

Mr. E. A. Riehl opened the discussion on Orchards with the
following paper :

REPORT ON ORCHARDS.

The year 1888 will long be remembered as one of great fruitful-
ness. The winter left the buds uninjured — the peach, partly, ex-
cepted,— and no frosts destroyed them in the spring, and abundant
rains through the summer carried the fruit to a size and perfection
seldom seen before. The scarcity of fruit last year and before, so
reduced the fruit-destroying insects that fruit of all kinds is more
free from insect injury than common.

The plum crop has been the largest and best I have ever known,
and the same can be said of the pear. Prices, of course, have been
lower than usual, but yet, where properly handled, the crops have
been profitable. Now is a good time to discuss varieties of plums.
I grow none, so will let otfters give their experience concerning this
fruit.

Of pears, I have found Howell, as in year^ past, the most profit-
able. It is larger and better than the Bartlett, and later, which is
an objection. The tree is a fine grower, very productive and with

1

188 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ALTON-SOUTHERN

me the least subject to blight o£ any that 1 cultivate. Mt. Vernon
gave me an immense crop of fine pears, of very good quality. Pears,
if properly grown, are profitable; the early varieties more so than
the later ones. We should plant something earlier than the Bartlett
that is of good size and quality. Most early pears are either too
small, or too poor in quality to be profitable for market.

Of peaches 1 have had about a half crop, which is about double
the average for this locality. The fruit has been large, well colored,
and quite free from insect injury, but in flavor not as good as usual,
owing to the abundant rains and cool weather at time of ripening.
The smallness of the crop is owing very much to the planting of
tender varieties like the Crawfords, which, being tender, usually set
a very light crop of fruit and on that account attain a large size,
hence, sell well in market and are therefore largely planted. 1 think
a better plan is to plant hardy varieties and thin the fruit. Most
varieties can be made large by proper thinning; even seedlings can
be made very respectable. As to the labor involved, it is but a trifle,
compared with the good resulting therefrom. Those who have never
done any thinning think it a far greater job than it really is. The
fact is it is less labor to thin the fruit while young than it is to pick
it when it is ripe. In the first case it is only necessary to pick the
fruit off and let it fall to the ground. In the second it is put into a
basket and taken to the packing shed, sorted, and a large share is
rejected as too small. And a share will go into the packages and be
sent to market that should not be. A moment's thought ought to
convince any sensible person that to thin fruit is less labor than not
to do so. It is a satisfaction to market fruit, that you know is good,
all through the package, and if you grow all good fruit, you won't
be tempted to put the poor in the bottom out of sight.

At the last meeting I saiji I did not expect to find any really good
peach earlier than Early York, but I will take it all back, there are
two that have proved earlier and in some respects better than the old
favorite. Amelia and St. John are both earlier, large and of the best
quality. They have no fault and should be largely planted wherever
it pays to grow peaches. The Chinese Cling and its seedlings,
Gen Lee, Family Favorite and Thurber, have been very satisfactory,
being hardy, productive, fine color, and of the largest size, but to my
taste not of the best quality. George the Fourth has been, like in
the past, one of the best, and no orchard should be without a good
share of it. The same of Old Mixon and Stump. Shippley's Late
Red proves to be a very desirable peach, large, hardy, productive, best
quality and ripens at a time when there are few good peaches. Great
Western, a white cling like Heath, but ripening earlier, shows great
hardiness and productiveness, and should be largely planted. Small
trees two years planted are loaded with fine fruit. Wilkins, a seed-
ling of Heath Cling and like in every way except double the size and

ILLINOIS HORTICULTUBAL SOCIETY. 189

a hardy tree, should entirely supercede that old favorite. The apple
crop is variable, good in some neighborhoods and orchards and not
in others. On the whole the crop promises much better than it did
at the last meeting.

Mr. J. M. Pearson — Some years ago I planted a few trees of
Olapp's Favorite pears. They are earlier and larger than the Bart-
lett, but do not sell as well. Think there is no pear that will pay
better than the Bartlett. 1 believe that the Howell is generally
smaller than the Bartlett. Am T right?

Mr. S. F. Connor — Generally the Howells that come to market
don't compare in size with the Bartlett, nor do they sell as well.
Clapp's Favorite is positively of no value whatever for market. When
ripe it is too soft to be handled, or even eaten.

Mr. Pearson — My Bellflower and Jonathan apples are dropping
badly. How soon may they be picked?

Mr. Riehl — Think they are ripe enough now. Any apple is
ripe enough to pick when the seeds are black.

Mr. Wm. Jackson — I did not pick my plums at all this year —
let them fall off. I have blue grass sod under the trees so they were
not hurt in falling, and I believe they were better and sold better
than if I had picked them. Mariana, is a new plum of which we
know little as yet, but from what I have seen of it, fear it will be a
light bearer. The Weaver is one of the best of red plums, but the
skin is too thick. I think it is best to graft plums on peach stock.
If this is done you will never be bothered with suckers.

Mr. Pearson — I cannot understand how anyone can plant Wild
Goose or Weaver, when Damson is so easily grown. They will grow
from slips and bear three years after setting, and are certainly far
superior to anything else. A full grown tree can bear several bush-
els of plums. The only objection to them is that they are hard to
pick. If plums are desired for cooking, Mr. Jackson's plan of letting
them drop from the trees, will not work, as they are too soft for cul-
inary purposes.

Mr. J. S. Browne — If a late plum is desired, Golden Beauty is
several weeks later than Damson, and of the finest quality. Damsons
are generally picked before they are ripe.

190 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ALTON-SOUTHERN

Mr. Conuor — Red plums are generally no good for market,
won't bring fair price. Damson nearly always will.

At this point the announcement of dinner was received with
general acclamation. While this interesting topic was under discus-
sion the Secretary overheard a visitor remark that there was more
good-natured bantering, more original wit and more thorough enjoy-
ment to be had at a horticultural meeting than any other place he
knew of. And who shall gainsay it?

VINEYARDS.

Mr. H. G. McPike — Our main object in growing grapes now is
to find a good variety that will resist the rot and combine the good
qualities of the Concord and Norton's Virginia. I am devoting my
vineyard entirely to this end. Last year I grafted most of my vines
over, and most of them have borne this year. But I do not think
that they have had a fair test yet, as most of the grafts grew so fast
that the wood did not develop well.

SMALL FRUITS.

Mr. Browne — There is no use mulching berries this summer as
they will keep damp enough without. Think the best thing that I
have yet found for cultivating strawberries is a one horse harrow.
It keeps the ground loose and throws no dirt on the rows. The pros-
pect for a crop of strawberries next year is very good.

Mr. John Riggs — From what,! have seen I think the prospect
for a good crop of berries next year could not be better.

Mr. Jackson — I have done some mulching this season as an
experiment and to keep the weeds down and prevent the runners root-
ing. Have used the Planet Jr. Horse Hoe for cultivating strawberries,
and am well pleased with it.

ILLINOIS HOBTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 191

JANUARY MEETING 1889.

The Alton-Southern Illinois Horticultural Society met at the
office of Mr. E. J. Hull, on Saturday, January 5th, with President
Browne in the chair. Minutes of last meeting read and approved.

ORCHARDS.

Mr. E. A. Riehl reported that all fruit trees had made a good,
growth, ripened their wood perfectly and so far this winter the
weather had been unusually favorable, and not a bud of any kind of
fruit was injured, and the prospect for a good crop of fruit never was
more favorable at this time of the year. So long as this open weather
continues all kinds of trees, vines and plants can be pruned.

Some persons are fearful that this mild weather will cause the
fruit buds to swell and that they will be killed by cold later in the
season. But such is not the case. While this is warm weather for
winter, yet the thermometer does not rise much above 60° Farenheit
by day and there is usually frost every night and so long as this is
the case there is no danger. It is only when the weather is moist
and the thermometer rises near the eighties by day and there is no
frost at night, that the buds swell and are then easily killed by sub-
sequent cold.

Mr. Jas. Davis — I think I never saw fruit trees of all kinds go
into the winter in better condition than they did last fall.

At this point Mr. Riehl opened a basket of seedling and new
apples from Mr.* E. F. Babcock, of Arkansas, which were duly exam-
ined and tasted by the members present. On motion Messrs. Riehl,
Hollard and Jackson were appointed a committee to report on these
apples at the next meeting, and recommend such for trial as in their
judgment were worthy. Mr. Riehl showed some apples that were
colored a deep solid red on one side and striped a lighter shade on the
other. Some claim this is caused by cross pollenization. But so long
as no better proof was brought forward than he had yet seen he
could not believe it, as such an explanation was contrary to his under-
standing of vegetable physiology. Considered such colorings simply
freaks of nature, known in horticulture as sports.

19^2 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ALTON-SOUTHERN

Mr. Pearson — What is the cause of sports?

Mr, Riehl — That I cannot say positively, sometimes it is caused
by disease, sometimes it is but a variation from the normal type.

SMALL FRUITS.

Mr. J. S. Browne, reported all small fruits in the very best con-
dition. Now when the ground is frozen is a good time to mulch
strawberries.

The society now proceeded to the election of ofi&cers for 1889,
and elected.

President — Wm. Jackson .
First Vice-President — J. S. Browne.
Second Vice-President — E. A. Riehl.
Secretary — F. C. Riehl.
Treasurer — S. F. Connor.
Librarian — H. G. McPike.

The Treasurer reported a balance of $72 on hand in the treasury.

TRANSACTIONS

OF THE

Twenty-first Annual Meeting

OF THF,

Horticultural Society

OF Northern Illinois.

Held at Galena, September 4th, 1888.

Reported by E. W. GRA VES, Secretary.

U

OFFICERS FOR 1888.

President— K. Bryant, Princeton.
First Vice-President— J . V. Cotta, Nursery.
Second Vice-President— H. C. Graves, Sandwich.
Third Vice-President— J). J. Piper, Forreston.

Secretary— 'E. W. Graves, Sandwich.
Treasurer — L. Woodard, Marens^o.

LIST OF MEMBERS.

Boone, Charles Warren.

Bryant, Arthur Princeton, Nurseryman.

Cotta, J. V Nursery.

Galusha, O. B Peoria.

Graves, E. W Sandwich, Nurseryman.

Graves, H. C '. Sandwich, Nurseryman.

Hallett, Timothy Galena.

Hansen, Henry Galena.

Hunt, George Port Byron.

Piper, D.J Forreston, Small Fruits.

AVhitney, A. R Franklin Grove, Cider and Vinegar.

Woodard, L Marengo.

HOIfORARY MEMBERS.

Bryant, Mrs, Arthur Princeton.

Burnes, Mrs. T. W Galena.

Glower, Mrs. S. H Galena.

Crummer, Mrs. W. T Galena.

Godfrey, Mrs. H. T Galena.

Woodberry, Mrs G«o. E Galena.

PROCEEDINGS.

OF THE

Horticultural Society of Northern Illinois.

The Horticultural Society of Northern Illinois held its Twenty-
first Annual Meeting in Turner Hall, Galena, commencing at 10
o'clock, Tuesday morning, September 4, 1888.

Third Vice-President, J. V. Cotta, called the meeting to order,
that duty having fallen to him, owing to the death of D. W. Scott,
President, and the absence of the first and second Vice-Presidents.

Mr. Bryant moved that a committee be appointed on order of
business, also a committee to draw resolutions on the death of Pres-
ident Scott. Motion prevailed, and the following committees were
named :

On Resohitions: A. Bryant, J. S. Rogers, Mrs. W. F. Crummer.

On Order of Business: E. W. Graves, A. R. Whitney, D. J.
Piper.

It was suggested that while the Committee on Order of Business
were making up their report, the Society take a short recess, and the
Chairman so ordered.

The committee signifying their readiness to report, the Presi-
dent called the meeting to order again and the following Order of
Business was recommended :

First — As the attendance was small, and the probabilities were
that more would be in for the afternoon session, the committee pro-
posed an adjournment until two o'clock, and that the following pro-
gramme be taken up at that hour.

196 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL

Treasurer's report.

Secretary's report.

Report of committee on resolutions.

Election of officers for the ensuing year, and place of next
meeting.

Discussion of the topics named in the printed programme, to be
taken up in their order.

On motion the report was adopted and adjournment was taken
until two o'clock.

TUESDAY AFTERNOON.

Mr. Gotta called the meeting to order, and prayer was offered
by the Rev. Hutchison, following which Mr Gotta begged to be
excused from acting as Chairman of the meeting, on account of his
being in poor health; he having left home against his better judg-
ment, as he was just recovering from an illness of a week or more,
and did not feel able to assume the duties of President. He called
on Mr. A. Bryant to take the chair and act in his place, whereupon
Mr. Bryant assumed the duties of President and called for the order
of business as laid down by the committee. The Treasurer's report
being the first thing on the program it was read by the Secretary,
Treasurer Woodard being absent.

TREASUEER'S REPORT.

L. Woodard Treasurer, in account with

Horticultural Society of Northern Illinois.

1887. DB..

Jan. 11. By cash balance on hand $123.94

Jan. 12. By twenty-five memberships -25.00

Jan. 12. By three memberships by letter 3.00

1888.

March 9. By State Horticultural Society ' 50.00

March 9. By nine memberships by letter 9 . 00

$210.94

•

SOCIETY OF NOETHEEN ILLINOIS. 197

1888. CE.

Jan. 12. To J. L. Eudd's bill S 27.23

Jan. 12. To M. Barnard 3.00

Jan. 12. To G. J. Kellogg's bill 1 .7.5

Jan. 12. To £. W. Graves postage 1 .00

Jan. 12. To E. W. Graves for filing report 25.00

Jan. 21. To Cummings & Scott printing 13.50

Jan. 21. To Kankakee Horticultural Society 6.00

Jan. 21. To J. B. Babcock 1.50

Jan. 21. To postage for year 1 .00

Jan. 21. To exchange .25

Jan. 21. To balance on hand 130.71

S210.94

The Secretary moved that the report be referred to a committee,
to act on, in the usual way.

Motion prevailed, and the chairman appointed the following
committee: A. R. Whitney, J. V. Cotta, D. J. Piper.

Mr. Hallett — 1 am sorry that I am unable to express my feel-
ings of sorrow and regret at the death of our venerable and beloved
friend and co-laborer, Mr. Scott, who has been one of our most
active members, and one who always took a lively interest in all
horticultural gatherings. He was always ready to do all the work
and assume all the responsibility of arranging the meeting in our
local society at Galena. The arrangements preparatory for the
present meeting had all been left to him, as he was willing at all
times to carry the load. But, alas! he has been taken away in the
midst of his labors, and the arrangements have never been completed
as they would have been had he lived. The consequence is, nothing
is prepared, as those interested in horticulture, about Galena, have
been so paralyzed by the sudden death of Mr. Scott, that they have
not fully come to realize the necessity of their taking hold of the
work where he had left it, and completing the arrangements for the
meeting. No one regrets more than I that such is the condition of
affairs.

Mr. Wh'itney — The committee on the treasurer's report is ready.
Chairman — It will come in as well now as any time.

198 TEANSACTIONS OF THE HOETICULTURAL

Mr. Whitney — Your committee has compared the vouchers
with the report, and find that the figures agree, and everything is
correct.

Mr. Hallett — I move that the report be accepted and the com-
mittee discharged.

Motion prevailed.

At this point the Chair suggested that a little deviation be made
from the general order of business prescribed, and some of the topics
mentioned in the printed programme be taken up for discussion,
deferring the election of ofiicers for the following year, until later
in the day, which was agreed to, and the subject of the decline of
apple orchards was taken up.

Mr. Hallett — I think the apple orchards of this vicinity are
declining rapidly, and there is little encouragement for us to plant
more.

Mr. Bryant — Orchards in our vicinity, you might say, are

declining some; still there are a good many trees bearing full this

year, but they have not done well in the last five years. We still
have hopes that they will do better from this on.

Mr. Boone — I am sorry to hear Mr. Hallett say that apple
orchards are declining, as I think they have reached the turning
point and the orchards are going to do better than they have for
the last few years, and I think we should continue to plant. I would
like to have some of the nurserymen say what are the best kinds for
us to plant. I want half a dozen of the very best, those that are
ironclad or as nearly so as they are to be had. I have noticed, in my
orchard, that the trees that were top-grafted withstand the winter
better than the root-grafted trees, and are longer lived.

Mr. Hallett — £ would not plant anything but the Duchesse,
Willow Twig and Red Astrachan.' The latter is not so good a
bearer as the others, but is comparatively hardy with me.

Mr. Whitney — With us the Snow apple is hardy and bears well.
The Roman Stem is our best and hardiest apple.

Mr. Bryant — There is a good deal of call for the Roman Stem
trees at the present time, and the trees are standing very well over

SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS. 199

the country. I don't know why it is, but the trees that we used to
consider were not hardy, are now standing the winters the best, and
those we used to consider were perfectly hardy, are now going back
on us. In some orchards the Willow Twigs are looking fine and
doing well; in others, they are all dead. Trees in the nursery have
done much better for the past few years and I feel considerably
encouraged. I hardly know what you would call ironclads, as
some kinds do well in some localities and poorly in others.

Mr. Cotta — I have none of our native kinds that I could
recommend as ironclads; am of the opinion that hardiness is only
a matter of locality. I think the Duchesse might be called an iron-
clad, but when it grows very late in the fall, it is liable to be hurt
with the winter. Under ordinary circumstances, it ripens very
early and goes into winter in very good shape. I had five Willow
Twigs that bore one bushel of apples per tree and sold them for
$1.00 per bushel; that would be a good variety for profit, if they
would bear that way every year, or every other year.

Mr. Boone — Is it necessary to renew our orchards with manure,
and if so, what is the best to use ?

Mr. Bryant — There is no question but that we must renew our
orchard ground with some kind of manure, and that from the barn-
yard I consider best. You can't expect to grow a succession of crops
on the same land without using some kind of a fertilizer.

DISCUSSION ON STRAWBERRIES.

Mrs. Crummer — The Crescent Seedling strawberry has proven
to be the greatest success of any we have ever tried, and we have
experimented with a good many kinds. It seems to be the best
adapted to onr clay soil of anything.

Mr. Boone — The Crescent has been our most successful berry.
Wo aid like to ask Mrs. Crummer how they plant and grow their
berries.

Mrs. Crummer — We plant in rows, making every third row of
a good fertilizer, such as the Captain Jack, think that is the best.
Miner's Prolific is a good one, and blooms about the same time as
the Crescent.

200 TKANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL

Mr. Boone — I was much disappointed in the Jessie. I saw
some of them growing this summer, and found the leaves looking
rusty. They had made a poor growth and did not look at all healthy
or prolific. Saw other varieties, alongside of them, looking vigorous
and healthy, and bearing full fruit, a far better crop than the Jessie.

J. V. Cotta spoke in glowing terms of a strawberry that origin-
ated with Mr. Piper which was not yet on the market, called the
'' Great Pacific." It is a vigorous grower and a great bearer.

Mr. Piper — In regard to the Great Pacific, I must say that it
promises the best of anything I have ever tried or had on my
grounds, and is the heaviest bearer I ever saw. Bubach No. 5 does
not yield well with me. Have fruited it for three years.

Mr. Bryant — Strawberries do so differently on different soils,
that the kinds which do well with some do nothing with others, and
it is hard to get a variety that is a success everywhere.

At this point the discussion was closed and the committee on
resolutions being ready, their report was called for and the following
resolutions were adopted by a rising vote:

Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God to remove from our midst our
respected president, D. Wilmot Scott, therefore be it

Resolved, That the Society has sustained the loss of a faithful officer
and- an earnest friend of every good work, and that we feel that his place
cannot be filled.

Resolved, That we deeply sympathize with his afflicted family in this,
their hour of grief and, with them, bow to the will of our Heavenly Father.

Resolved, That the Secretary be instructed to place these resolutions on
the records, a copy to be sent to the family of our departed and, also, a copy
to the local papers; also, be it

Resolved, That in the death of Milo Barnard, President of the Illinois
State Society, we have lost one of our most energetic and enthusiastic horti-
culturists, who, if he had lived, promised to be one of the most efficient
workers in the State.

Resolved, That we extend to his family and numerous friends, our
warmest sympathies in their great affliction.

The Chair announced that the next thing in order was the elec-
tion of officers for the ensuing year.

Mr. Rogers, of Marengo, moved that a committee of two be
appointed by the chair to select a list of names for the officers, and
present same to the society for approval, which motion prevailed and
the chair appointed Mr. Rogers and Mr. Cotta on that committee.

SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS. 201

After some discussion it was decided uot to hold another session
but to adjourn sine die at the close of the present session.

The committee on the election of officers for the ensuing year
reported as follows:

President — A. Bryant.
Jfirst Vice-President — J. V. Cotta.
Second Vice-President — ^H. C. Graves.
Third Vice-President — D. J. Piper.
Secretary — E. W. Graves.
Treasurer — L. Woodard.

Mr. Hallett moved that the Secretary be instructed to cast a
vote for each of the parties named to fill the several offices as men-
tioned, for the ensuing year, which motion prevailed.

Mr. Hallett offered the following resolution, which, on motion
was adopted.

Whereas, Our Illinois State Agricultural Department, under the super-
vision of John S. Cassidy, of Springfield, has done valuable service for farm-
ers of the state, by sending out blanks calling for the weekly reports con-
cerning the condition of various products, such as corn, wheat, oats, etc., but
only calling for fruit statistics under the general term fruit, and

Whereas, We believe a great amount of useful information could be
imparted not only to fruit growers throughout the state, but also all classes
of intelligent people, if similar weekly blanks should be furnished to those
especially and exclusively engaged in the fruit culture, calling for reports of
the condition of the various fruits, such as currents, gooseberries, strawber-
ries, blackberries, raspberries, apples, plums, cherries, etc., therefore

Resolved, That we, the members in attendance of the Northern Illinois
Horticultural Society, do hereby authorize and request our Secretary to lay
the matter before the proper authorities, and request them to send out such
blanks to the various fruit growers throughout the state of Illinois for next
year's use.

Mr. Rogers moved that the time and place for the next meeting
be left with the Executive Board, which motion prevailed.

The following resolutions were adopted and on motion of Mr.
Rogers, the meeting adjourned, sine die.

FINAL EESOLUTIONS.

Resolved, That the thanks of this society are hereby extended to the
ladies for their decorations in the hall, and especially for the memento of
our late president.

Resolved, That we assume all the expense for the hall and janitor work

A. Bryant.
Mrs. Crummer.
J. S. Rogers.

Committee.

THANSACTIONS OF THE

TWENTY -SECOND ANNUAL MEETING

OP THE

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS.

HELD IN

Franklin Grove, January 9 and 10, 1889.

Reported by E. W. Gra ves. Secretary.

»

i

OFFICERS FOR 1889.

President — A. Bryant, Princeton.
First Vice-President — A. Duistning, Dunning.
Second Vice-President — J. V. Cotta, Nursery.
Third Vice-President — N. A. Whitney, Franklin Grove.
Secretary — E. W. Graves, Sandwich.
Treasurer — L. Woodard, Marengo.

LIST OF MEMBERS FOR 1889.

Abbott, F. B Bandow.

Austin, A. B .Downer's Grove.

Bryant, A Princeton.

Bryant, L. K Princeton.

Bryant, H. G Princeton-

Cotta, J. V Nursery.

Cotta, H. E Preeport.

Dunning, A Dunning.

Dysart, B. J ^Franklin Grove.

Gall, J Franklin Grove.

GraveSjIE. W Sandwich.

Graves, H. C Sandwich.

Hansen, W. H Franklin Grove.

Huber, T Illinois City.

Johnson, F. C Kishwaukee.

Lahman; D. J Franklin Grove.

Minkler, S. G Oswego.

Parlin, C. E Franklin Grove.

Pennington, L. S Sterling.

Periam, Jonathan Chicago.

Piper, D. J •. Forreston.

Prescott, C. W Marengo.

Bice, A Davis Junction.

Sanders, Edgar Chicago.

Scott, T. "VV Franklin Grove.

Shlmer, Mrs. F. W Mt. Carroll.

Vaughan, J. C 146 and 148 Washington St., Chicago.

Whitney, J. II Carroll, Iowa.

Whitney, A. R Franklin Grove.

Whitney, N. A Franklin Grove.

Wicks. W Mt. Carroll.

Woodard, L ". Marengo.

PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

Jwenty-geQond Annual Meeting

OF THE

Horticultural Society of Northern Illinois.

The Horticultural Society of Northern Illinois, convened for
its Twenty-Second Annual Session, in Masonic Hall, Franklin Grove,
January 9th, at 11 o'clock. President Bryant officiating.

The meeting was opened by prayer, offered by the Rev.
Anthony, after which the President introduced Mr. W. C. Scott, of
Franklin Grove, who read the following :

ADDEESS OF WELCOME.

BY W. C. SCOTT, FRANKLIN GROVE,

Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the

Northern Illinois Horticultural Society :

The pleasure of extending to you the good wishes and kind hos-
pitalities of our people is one that, although unexpected, is very
sincerely appreciated by me; and whether the honor comes from an
over-estimate of my ability by some member of your Committee of
Arrangements, or from that oft-time attributed source of many
things, unexpected good luck, it is very gratifying in this home of
the Pioneer Nurseryman of Northern Illinois, Father Nathan
Whitney, to welcome and bid God speed to a society which has done
so much to develop the beauty of our Garden State, and to whom
our people owe so much for many of those comforts of life and
embellishments of homes that make the people of Illinois the hap-
piest, and their homes, the best adorned, of any in our fair land.

The pioneer settlers of Illinois naturally selected their homes
near the groves and timber-bordered streams, both for the advantage
of wood for fuel and for material to fence their farms. The wide
prairies were then shunned, except in locations that became camping

206 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL

places for the caravans of* settlers going to and coming from the
nearest towns, in which they could touch civilization and find a
market for their farm products.

The first settlers found a sorry substitute for the fruit of their
eastern homes, in the native crab and thorn apples, and in wild
plums which grew in the groves and along the streams. Their " cup
of joy " was not filled until, in addition to the abundant harvest
from their fields, they could pluck the sadly-longed-for apple, peach
and pear of their former homes from trees of their own planting,
and could see their children reveling in such fruit feasts as had
gladdened the homes of their own childhood. By the enterprise of
the pioneer horticulturists, this happy change was attained, and,
though their efforts in cultivating suitable hedge stock for fencing
the almost limitless open prairies, the settlement of these prairies
was made possible, and not only that, but the adornment of those
prairie homes was made complete, in shady comfort, by quick grow-
ing trees, to cool the surrounding grounds in the summer's sultry
days, and every variety of evergreens to add beauty by their dark-
green foliage, and to afford generous wind-breaks to winter's cold
blasts. The horticulturists did all this in developing the comforts
and beauties of our early Illinois homes, and '" grew not weary in
well doing," bat found new fields for usefulness continually opening;
selecting the most suitable and best adapted fruit varieties, devising
the best plan for cultivation, combating ail the drawbacks of early
decaying orchards, whether from the rapid growth, unduly stimu-
lated by our rich Illinois soil, or from the vexing invasions of ravag-
ing insects or vermin.

Not only has it come within the province of your researches to
study the chemistry of the soil, the life and characteristics of the
various insects and vermin foes, but the comparative good qualities
of the feathery tribes that lend their aid to the toiler man in destroy-
ing the various insects that ravage his industries, and add vexation
to his inherited curse. '" In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat
bread."

The labors of the Horticultural Society have not been confined
to the the development and direction of forest, fruit and garden
culture, nor to the adornment of homes, with the rarest and most
pleasing plants and flowers: and I think the older members of your
honored Society will sustain me in giving to it the honor of found-
incr that kindred Society, that has done so much toward placing the
State of Illinois in the "front rank of the agricultural States of our
country, ''The Agricultural Society of the State of Illinois." Some
of your members have been and are now in the advance in intro-
ducing and propagating the best breeds of farm stock, and share
largely in the honor of placing the product of Illinois first among
that of the stock raising States of our land. In this, and in all

SOCIETY OF NOETHERN ILLINOIS. 207

branches of products of the farm, the garden, and the orchard, the
fruits of your earnest endeavors are shown. The labors performed
in your conventions, comparing notes, not theorizing, but weighing
reports of practical experience, embracing in your contemplations
the best development of a scientific knowledge of all the facts bear-
ing upon the interests and happiness of your fellowmen, have
brought your work to that point of indispensible utility, that should
command the admiration and gratitude of all benefitted by your
labors. Hoping your sessions may be pleasant and profitable, I
again welcome you in the name of Franklin Grove's hospitable
homes.

As many of you are successors of the Pioneer Horticulturists
of Northern Illinois, and hold in treasured remembrance the names
of many departed co-laborers, keeping alive theii* zeal in this good
work, so may we hope that those who follow you will emulate your
example and never suffer the Horticultural Society of Northern
Illinois to lapse into "inocuous disuetude."

President Bryant responded as follows:

Your well chosen, and kindly spoken words of greeting, will
certainly help to renew our zeal in this work, and make us feel that
we are in a community that is interested in our labors, and one that
will appreciate the work that we do.

Again, allow me to thank you for you pleasant greeting, and to
close with the hope that our deliberations may be harmless and profit-
able to all. In the name of, and for the members of this society, I
return you Sir, very many thanks for the cordial welcome, kindly
greeting, that you have given us in behalf of the citizens of your
pleasant town. As a society we have met with you three times before,
and have always been royally entertained. In agricultural and horti-
cultural pursuits your citizens have always been successful, and seem
ever ready to further any plan to develop these interests.

There being no committees to appoint, and the business as laid
down in the programme for the forenoon session, having been dis-
posed of, the President read two letters, one from 0. W. Barnard and
one from Samuel Edwards, after which the society adjourned until
2 o'clock p. M.

To the Memhers of the Horiicidtural Society of Northern Illinois.

Gentlemen: — Regretting my inability to be with you on the occasion
of this meeting, I submit the following questions for consideration.

1. Does any member of this Society know what the Experiment Sta-
tion at Champaign is doing with reference to the development of a winter
apple, equal to the Duchesse in bearing and staying qualities adapted to the
wants of the Northwest?

208 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL

2. Is the "seed question" now being discussed by the Horticulturists
of the State, one of vital interest to the development of such an apple V

3. Does any member know what the results of the experiments con-
ducted by Peter M. Gideon at Excelsior, Minn., where the Duchesse winter-
kills, are with reference to finding the desired specimen?

4. Is it not a fact that the experiments now being prosecuted by J. L .
Budd with the Russian varieties at Ames, Iowa, are the only source to
which we can look with any hope of success ?

All of which is respectfully submitted, O. W. Barnard,

Manteno, 111.

E. W. Graves, Esq., Sandwich, III.,

Secretary T^orthern Illinois Horticultural Society.

Dear Sir:— This brief paper for your Society is sent with the view of
meeting emergencies, when for good reason it may be desired to put its
lesson into practice. To meet with you all at what may be at least appro-
priately styled one of your headquarters, to greet once more the veterans
and to welcome the new recruits, to learn the valuable lessons to be gath-
ered from the years' experience of so many careful practical men, are in-
ducements for attending your meeting, which it would require more than
ordinary reasons for absence. We are to be at the time moving into our
new home.

You will all miss one beloved by all whose presence, ever radiant with
cheerfulness, added far more than an average share of interest to your
gatherings.

It wag my good fortune to first make his acquaintance at the initial
meeting of your Society at^Mount Carroll, and in my pilgrimage of three
score and ten years ( save one ) no kinder, truer friend has been found by
me than the late D. Wilmot Scott. His departure is to me, to all of you,
fellow members, an irreparable loss as a brother. His active faithful con-
tinous services as Secretary of your Society, and to promote horticultural
progress entitles him to grateful remembrance.

The late Milo Barnard, as a true man and as an excellent horticulturist
was in the front rank. Few would be missed more than he.

Wishing you all a pleasant and profitable meetins with many returns,

Yours very cordially,

Samuel Edwards.
Peoria, III.

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON.

Persuant to adjournment, President Bryant called the meeting
to order promptly at 2 o'clock and the regular order of business, as
prescribed in the printed programme, was taken up. First in order
was the

PRESIDENT'S ANNUAL ADDRESS.

BY ARTHUR BRYANT, PRINCETON.

It is with feelings of sadness that I arise to address you at this
time, knowing that, but for the intervening hand of Providence, it
would have been the duty of another to have spoken to you at this

SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS. 209

time; one who coald, and would have done it in a much more pleas-
ant and effective manner. Our society has lost in the last year two
of its most active and efficient members. They were both enthusi-
astic and energetic horticulturists, just such men as are needed in
our society. Mr. D. W. Scott had been an active member of this
society ever since its first organization and nearly all that time had
held the office of Secretary. Milo Barnard had not been connected
with the society so long, but was an energetic, persistent worker,
whose influence was felt wherever he was placed. We feel their loss
keenly. As a society we seemed to need them much at the present
time to help tide us over the present horticultural crisis. But this
was not to be. They are gone, and let us devoutly hope that what
is our loss will be their eternal gain.

Over twenty years ago this society was organized " for the
advancement of Pomology and the Science of Horticulture," more
especially in the northern district of our State. The members were
very active and zealous in their work, the meetings were largely
attended, and characterized by the energy and enthusiasm, not often
found in such gatherings. The planting of orchards, gardens and
groves was rapidly on the increase, and very many expected to reap
large rewards from their investments in this direction. Some who
were fortunate enough to plant early in the season of this boom, of
fruit growing, gathered large harvests from their ventures, greater
than they can ever expect to realize from that source again. Many
causes combined to prevent the desired or expected success in the
planting of these orchards. The severe winters and unfavorable
seasons for the growth of our trees, the immense increase in insect
enemies that prey on the foliage and fruit of the trees, the greatly
increased facilities for transportation of products from localities more
favorable to the production of fine fruit than ours, makes the busi-
ness of growing fruit for market, in this portion of the country, of
much less importance than it was hoped that it would be.

The age we live in is a wonderful one — noted for its rapid
changes and developments — and in no part of the country are these
changes more rapid than in this western world. Our modern rail-
roads, telegraphs, telephones, etc., make the business methods and
principles of twenty years ago, entirely out of date to-day. Then we
depended on our own particular County or State for our supply of
fruits and vegetables. Now the whole country, from Manitoba to
Florida contributes to our need.

The writers on forestry of twenty years ago, by their tables of
statistics proved that, within a short time, the supply of timber in
our great forests — at the present rate of consumption — would last
but a short time, that the forests in our own state were fast disap-
pearing; in fact, that if we did not plant timber at once and exten-
sively, we should within our own lifetime see a scarcity of wood for

15

210 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL

lumber and fuel. But what are the facts at the present time. We
find that though the increased facilities for cheap transportation,
the improvements in the manufacture and use of iron and steel for
fencing and building purposes, and not least, the great development
of our coal mines for a supply of fuel, that lumber and wood is
cheaper to-day than it was twenty years ago. But for all this, we,
in this portion of the State, should continue to plant trees. We need
groves of trees on all of our prairie farms, shelter-belts for the home,
garden and cattle yards, and orchards to supply our families with
the necessary health giving fruits of their season.

Without doubt, the majority of the commercial orchards and
gardens of our state, will be in the central and southern districts,
but we of the north, can and should grow our own home supply of
fruit to a large extent. Especially is this true of the farmer and
those who own small homesteads. Land, trees, shrubs, flowers and
pure fresh air, are the materials furnished, with which to make pleas-
ant homes. Surely it is a part of the duty of this society to aid the
people in making the best use of them.

Among the people in general, there is a great lack of informa-
tion on horticultural matters.

But few have much knowledge of varieties, or what to expect of
the trees and shrubs that the}^ have bought, or how best to plant
and care for them.

This want of knowledge, coupled with what seems to be a na-
tural propensity in all to desire to have some thing new or far-
fetched and perhaps dearly bought, is the cause of much of the
complaint among our people, that they have been unfairly dealt
with by those who sell them trees.

I know of no better means of protection from imposition in this
direction than for the people to post themselves on horticultural
matters. How best to impart this much needed information is a
subject that should receive careful consideration by our society.
Some method should be devised to create a greater interest in our
meetings, to secure a much larger attendance, and of course by that
means increase the distribution of our reports. Let them become
members of our society, carefully read the essays and discussions of
our meetings and then use good common sense in making their pur-
chases. The experimental stations provided for in every state,
should and undoubtedly will be of great advantage to us as a society
and as horticulturists. Let each member consider himself a com-
mittee of one to keep himself informed on what is being done at
these stations and be prepared to discuss the subject or make sug-
gestions in regard to the work to be done. Any suggestions or
proposals for experiment could be made through the society. This
would create a general interest in the work that might lead to great
results. Within the past few years the subject of destroying the

SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS. 211

insect pests on our fruit trees, by spraying with arsenical and other
poisons has received much attention, and the experiments in many
cases were attended with marked success. This seems to be the
rfiost effectual way to stop the ravages of the codling moth, canker-
worm, curculio and many other of our worst insect enemies. With
the great facilities for doing this work that are now at our command,
1 look for a considerable increase in the number that will apply these
insecticides. If each one who experiments in this way would make
note of any special or pecaliar features or effects of his work, and
report it, much valuable information might thus be derived.

Another extended field of work for our own and kindred socie-
ties, may be found in the eradication of troublesome and noxious
weeds from our farms and also from the country and village road-
sides. Good, well-cared for public highways are a sure indication
of a thrifty people. During the last decade this western country
has made very rapid progress in the improvement of its public roads.
Very many of the larger towns and villages have graveled or macad-
amized their streets, and where material was easily procured, in
many cases the roadways are graveled far into the country. But
we need a change in public sentiment in regard to allowing so many
vile weeds to grow and seed in our roadways and fence rows.
Some townships have begun the work by instructing their Road
Commissioners to carry out the law in regard to cutting out the
weeds in the highways. If this was done, very soon we would find
the farmers along the lines of these roads seconding their efforts,
and taking care of the weeds on their farms ; so that it would not
be long before this evil would, to a great extent, be corrected.

Here is a fine opportunity for our society and its members to
do missionar}' work, and one that may be productive of much good.
There are many other subjects that I might mention, as worthy of
your consideration. We have the promise of a well-attended and
interesting meeting.- The program is a good one, that if fully car-
ried out, will give opportunity for much thought and discussion.
I will not consume more of your valuable time, but close with the
hope that each one will consider it his duty to do all in his power to
make our sessions instructive and profitable.

Hon. .Jonathan Periam said he thought there were some matters
referred to in the President's address which were of exceeding inter-
est to the Society, and would suggest that a committee of three be
appointed by the chair to consider such points as they deemed of
importance, and make a report of the same to the Society. A mo-
tion to this effect prevailed, and the chair appointed Jonathan
Periam, J. V. Cotta and S. G. Minkler to act in that capacity.

212 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HOETICGLTUEAL

TREASURER'S REPORT.

L. Woodard made the following report, after which, on motioA
of Mr. Minkler, it was referred to a committee in the usual way :

September 4, 1888. Cash balance on hand .^130. 71

" 4, " Memberships 2 . 00

" 4, " Memberships ree'd at Galena meeting 10.00

^September 4, 1888. By cash paid A. L. Cummings $ 3.50

4, " By cash paid for hall rent 6.50

4, " By balance on hand 1.32 .71

u

S142.71 $142.71
Respectfully submitted,

L. Woodard, Treasurer.

THE COMINCt apple TREE— HOW SHALL WE MAKE IT?

BY J. V. COTTA, NUESEEY.

Mr. President and Fellow Members: —

Upon reviewing the ups and downs, the anticipations and dis-
appointments, the successes and failures which mark the course of
apple culture in the great prairie states, west and northwest of
Lake Michigan during the past half century, we cannot help notic-
ing in all varieties of common apples, a lack of adaptation to our
climatic conditions, a want of power to resist the intense cold and
the sudden and violent changes of the temperature in most of our
winters, the great heat and severe drouths of our summers and the
occasional excessively wet seasons which this western country is
subject to.

Originated in the much milder climate of Western Europe where
it has been cultivated for many centuries, the common apple was
introduced into this country by the early immigrants from the Brit-
ish Tsles, from France, Holland and Grermany. Soon seedlings of these
began to be grown and the varieties thus produced multiplied almost
indefinitely. Many of these proved to be fruits of the highest qual-
ity and nearly all of them succeeded fairly well in our Eastern States.
But upon their migration westward into a drier atmosphere, into a
climate of more sudden changes of temperature, the trees soon
showed signs of premature decline from the start. Our early western
orchardists seeing this defect in their old favorites did not remain
passive, quietly submitting to defeat. They reasoned like this, if we
raise trees from western grown seed, such trees being "to the man-
or born " will prove themselves adapted to western conditions, and
thus the varieties originally introduced from the east gradually gave

SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS. 213

way to au assortment essentially western. But alas for human wis-
dom, the immutable law, that " like begets like " had been overlooked,
our western pets have gradually but surely fallen victims to the same
adverse conditions. The hope of growing hardy seedlings from
tender parent trees has not been realized. The arctic waves of the
memorable winters of 1882 to '83 and 1884 to '85 have so completely
upset our preconceived notions and theories by the wholesale dis-
truction of both orchard and nursery trees throughout the North-
west, that we are willing to admit the fact, however humiliating it
may be, that we did not know how to grow an apple tree, and today
we are willing to council with one another and inquire how the
coming apple tree shall be grown.

In order to form an adequate idea of the difference that exists
between our climate and that of Western Europe, the original home
of the predecessors of our American assortment, and where they had
flourished for many centuries, thoroughly acclimated to the condi-
tions surrounding them, let us trace the parallel of Chicago, latitude
42, across the Atlantic into Europe. This line crosses Spain near
Barcelona; it crosses Italy between Rome and Naples, and Turkey
just a trifle north of Constantinople. Now, if you will consult the
official meteorological records of both this country and Europe, you
will find that the maximum cold of a Chicago winter corresponds
very nearly with that of Moskow, Russia, in latitude 56, just an
even thousand miles north of Naples, which means simply this, and
nothing else, that our trees are at all times subjected to a powerful
sun heat, like that of Central Italy — a country possessing a semi-
tropical climate like our own Florida, and likewise thev are exposed
to the cold, dry atmosphere similar to that of Central Russia; or,
in other words, the same extremes of sun heat and cold, for which a
thousand miles of latitude are required in Europe, strike our western
country on the same spot. Nay, more; inasmuch as corresponding
latitudes of Western Europe have a milder climate than Central
Russia, this difference is all the more striking.

Taking these simple facts into consideration, we will at once
recognize good and sufficient reason for the unsatisfactory behav-
ior of our trees, and when we further consider how prone they are
for putting on a late second-growth in seasons favoring this trait,
we might even consider ourselves fortunate that we can grow apples
at all from this race. This tendency for a late growth is one of the
worst features we have to contend with, immature wood being par-
ticularly liable to injury by frost action.

Had we no other types of apples in cultivation, beside the one we
have thus far considered, the task of future improvement as to
increased hardiness would be well-nigh a hopeless one; but fortu-
nately we have in cultivation the Siberian Crab and the East Euro-
pean or so-called Russian apple, and these are destined to play a very

214 TEANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTUKAL

\

important part in the improvement of onr common apple. The
hardiness of the former cannot be questioned, and though it will
never displace the common apple where it can be successfully grown,
there are some varieties among them that make excellent stocks for
top-working certain kinds of the latter.

The advent of the Russian type into this country is of compara-
tively recent date. It was first imported in quantity eighteen years
ago, since which time frequent importations have been made, so the
entir-^ number of varieties on trial at present amount to about 500.
Much has been expected from these foreign sorts; as yet, compara-
tively little has been realized. Many western horticulturists had
hoped to soon displace our entire old assortment with these full-
blooded Russians, but here again disappointment falls to our lot.
While some quite valuable varieties have been found among them,
the vast majority has proved unworthy of cultivation. As to hardi-
ness the race stands far ahead of our old sorts; as to other qualifica-
tions it appears decidedly inferior. Many are shy, very shy bearers,
many others are badly pre-disposed to blight; others again of noto-
riously poor quality, and the vast majority only summer and fall
apples, no satisfactory winter apples having yet been found among
them. What good we may be able to get out of the more recent
importations from the interior steppe region of that country, and
which have not yet fruited here, time can only determine. Mean-
while we shall have to " possess our souls in patience,"

As to the propagation of the apple-tree there are several modes
practiced and, as might be expected, the advocates of each of these
claim superiority for their preferences. Unfortunately, some of
these have been run into a sort of " hobbies " by tree peddlers and
are used as baits for catching " suckers." The general practice has
been that of root-grafting, on sections of the root, by making about
two four-inch cuts from a first-class seedling of one year's growth,
the scion being cut the same length. If our trees could be depended
upon for hardiness, this mode of propagation would be entirely sat-
isfactory; as it is, it does not produce a reliable, long-lived tree of
our old sorts.

Another idea is the use of a short root, two inches only, and a
long, six-inch scion. For this, it is claimed, that the scion will emit
roots itself, which places the tree practically on its own roots and
increases its hardiness. As to plausibility, this idea seems correct
enough, but practically considered, it does not hold good to any
great extent. Some kinds do root readily from the scion, while
others do not; and even if they all did, where is the proof of superior
hardiness ? Do you suppose "old Boreas" cares the snap of your
finger whether your original root section was two, three or four
inches long ? When the arctic waves of our recent test winters
struck trees thus propagated, if of tender or half hardy sorts, they

SOCIETY OF NOETHEEN ILLINOIS. 215

made a "clean sweep of them;" all, notwithstanding, our northern
friends had laid great stress upon the value of a short root.

Two other hobbies have, of recent years, gone the ronnds, and
many thousand of dollars have been squeezed out of northern plan-
ters by interested peddlers "harping" upon the great hardiness and
value of budded trees and on trees grafted on whole roots. Even
the National Nurserymen's Association has been "soft-soaped" with
eloquent essays advocating this precious idea as the ne-pliis-ultra of
apple culture for the cold North, and, still we are not happy. Do
the perpetrators of these schemes not know that trees produced by
either of these modes are even less hardy than those grown by
piece-root grafting, inasmuch as the strong, sappy shoots that start
out from the collar of a whole root, require a longer season to per-
fect and mature its growth than is needed for the less robust grow-
ing shoot of the piece-root graft ? And does the public not know,
that in spite of the extravagant claims made, many thousands of
trees sold as budded, at exhorbitant prices, by those amiable fellows,
are simply common root-grafted ones, cut off at the ground at one
year old and started anew, which process makes them look for all
the world like budded trees ?

Let me tell you what I know about trees grafted on whole roots.
You remember the introduction of the famous Mann apple some
seven or eight years ago. It was claimed to be the coming apple —
just what we westerners had been looking for, lo, these many years.
As hardy as the Dochesse, an enormous bearer of large, delicious fruit,
and the best and latest keeper in existence, and last, but not least,
the trees all grafted on whole roots. I invested, the trees arrived
direct from headquarters, and such roots — long; slender tap roots, a
few of them forked but not a single one of them supplied with brace
roots to anchor, or hold the tree firmly in place and as a result of such
malformation the trees continually swayed about by the wind. I
should have staked them but didn't, we don't want to stake our trees
here, if they cannot stand up alone they may lie down to it. Well
I repeatedly banked them up and firmed them as well as I could and
they all made a good fair growth the first season. The following
spring one-half of them did not leave out and the second spring I
found that the balance had "given up the ghost." Now if you will ]

invest in that class of trees you may reasonably expect to be quite '

as successful.

We have so far looked mainly upon the shady side of the pic-
ture, but as the darkest hour is just before daylight, we can already
discern glimpses of the dawning of a brighter day. If you will turn
to the transactions of the Iowa State Horticultural Society for 1879,
you will there find the report of an investigation of the orchard of
Drury Overton, near Knoxville. This orchard contained about 2,000
trees and was divided between root and top-grafted trees, the latter

216 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL

on such hardy stock as were then available. In every instance the
top-worked trees had been far superior in all respects to root-grafted
trees of the same varieties: one William's Favorite, top-worked bear-
ing as much fruit as five ruot-grafted trees of the same kind and
age. In 1856 to '57, one hundred root-grafted Rambo were winter-
killed, while two top- worked trees of the same kind and planted the
same time escaped and were in 1879 still sound and vigorous, bearing
plentifully. If you will take the trouble to visit J. C. Plumb at
Milton, Wis., he will show you a top-worked tree of Ben Davis, on
a cherry crab stock, this tree is in excellent condition, bearing tine
annual crops as if no severe winter had ever existed. Not a single
root-grafted Ben Davis orchard tree is alive in all Wisconsin outside
of the Lake belt, and even as far south as Champaign, III., root-
grafted trees of this variety have nearly all been killed. There are
also quite a number of top-worked Ben Davis orchard trees in
Champaign, Ogle and Stephenson counties, all of which have escaped
our recent test winters and are in prime condition and very productive.

N. K. Fluke, of Davenport, Iowa, has for twenty years, experi-
mented with top-working upon Virginia Crab stock, and has been
very successful, even with such notoriously tender sorts as Stark and
Chenango Strawberry. But the experience of our own A. R. Whit-
ney, is perhaps the most valuable for the interests of apple culture
in Northern Illinois. His top-worked Willow Twig trees, over forty
years' old have been exceedingly productive. Their immense crops
of large, showy fruit have for many years given evidence of the pro-
fitableness of apple culture in this part of our State, if rightly man-
aged. Top-worked Red Astrachan trees have repeatedly yielded 830
worth of fruit in one season, while root-grafted Astrachans have not
yielded fruit enough to pay for the use of the ground occupied. Mr.
Whitney gives it as his experience that his top-worked trees have —
on an average produced ten times as much fruit as root-grafted trees
of the same varieties; and that he is making most excellent use of
his experience is proven by the extensive plantations of new orchards
he has made in recent years, largely of top-grafted trees.

During the recent test winters I lost by wintm*-killing not less
than 40,000 root-grafted nursery trees; while standing in the same
blocks, under the same general treatment and of the same varietes, I
had several thousand top-grafted trees by way of experiment, and of
these I did not lose a tree. Gentlemen, these things have made me
very radical in ray views. I would no more think of planting sweet
cherries or peaches as a commercial venture in Northern Illinois,
than to plant root-grafted or budded trees of any variety of apples
less hardy than the Duchesse.

That failures have occurred with top-grafted trees cannot be
denied, but these can invaribly be traced back either to a want of
hardiness in the stock used, or to a want of affinity between stock

SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS. 217

and scion, or to the use of stocks of too large a size, or to misman-
agement in the process of growing the tree, or to some other valid
cause, and not to the principle involved. It is claimed by some, that
top-working, to be successful, must be done in the branches. Well,
if any amateur or orchardist desires to do his own grafting, 1 have
not the slightest objection, but if this work is to be done in nurseries,
where it ought to be done, in order to benefit the public at large,
branch-grafting is entirely out of the question on account of its great
expense, and since the setting of one scion — standard-high — upon
the stem of the ''iron-clad" stock-tree answers every purpose, just
as well as the setting of a dozen scions into the branches neither Mr.
Whitney, Mr. Fluke, nor myself have any time to fritter away with
needless, superfluous work.

The selection of suitable varieties to be used as stock trees for
double or top working is of prime importance and the following
characteristics should be rigidly kept in view, to-wit : perfect hardi-
ness under all existing climatic conditions, congeniality to the
scion, sound foliage, not subject to mildew and rust, a free, upright,
vigorous habit, early maturity of the young growth, and persistency
of rest during warm weather in winter and until the opening of
spring. With the trunks of our trees thus constituted, we need
have no fears of the result. The varieties found to best combine
these desirable traits, as far as tested for this purpose, are Whitney's
No. 20, Milton, Virginia, Shields and several others of the Siberian
type, and Duchesse, Arabian, CharlamofF, Green Streaked, Silken
Leaf, Hibernal, and other free-growing iron-clads among the
Russians.

Top- worked upon such stocks, and with rational after-treatment
of trees in orchards, we can have healthy, long-lived trees bearing
an abundance of the finest and best apples in the world from such
varieties as Yellow Transparent, Trenton Early, Bailey Sweet, Gar-
field, Fameuse, St. Lawrence, Shiawassee Beauty, Maiden's Blush,
Plumb's Cider, Mitter's Red, Wolf River, Wealthy, Roman Stem,
Twenty-Ounce, Jonathan, Golden. Russet, Grimes' Golden, Tallman
Sweet, Ben Davis, Wythe, North-western Greening, Home's Winter
Wine, Willow Twig, and others, and if we add the Duchesse and a
few of the most desirable of the newer Russians, which may suc-
cessfully be grown by common root-grafting, we have an assort-
ment more than ample for all practical needs of the people of North-
ern Illinois.

With the production from seeds obtained by crossing the finest
flavored varieties and latest keepers of our old assortment, with the
most desirable and hardiest Russians, will result in the production
of a race of apples in which these traits shall be permanently united,
and which shall be thoroughly adapted to our peculiar climatic con-
ditions, is a problem which another half-century may, or may not

218 TEANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTUBAL

solve. Meanwhile, let us consider that the best varieties we now
have, and propagate to secure the greatest hardiness attainable,
must constitute the coming apple-tree for many years to come.

DISCUSSION.

Mr. Minkler — This apple question is a large one, and one that
interests us all. My advice is to go slow on Russian apples. Beware,
gentlemen; it is not cold alone that kills our apple trees. We have
plenty of hardy varieties suitable for top-working, that are tested
and not experiments. There are no better varieties than the Whit-
ney No. 20, and the Duchesse. The most abused thing on the farm
is the apple orchard. First they have got to be " horn pruned," then
two crops of hay are taken off the land, then pastured. The result
is the orchard is starved to death, yet a full crop of apples is expected.
I say, plant your orchard well and take care of it and the soil. The
trees should have the bodies protected from the rabbits, and be shaded
from the sun. This can be done with a wire screen. These hard
winters are calamities of only once in fifty years. We must not,
therefore, be discouraged.

Mr. J. V. Cotta — The farmers are not the only ones who abuse
their orchards. I refer to an orchard that was owned by a Michigan
college I know of, which had become matted with blue grass, the
trees diseased and in very bad condition. A new professor came in
charge of that department and concluded to try to put the orchard
in shape, if it were possible to do so. He commenced by first giving
the ground a thorough plowing, then he pruned the trees up, and
destroyed the insects that were preying upon them, as far as possible,
taking precaution to prevent their further depredations, putting the
orchard in first class condition. The result was his efforts were
rewarded, though the trees did not show much improvement the first
year, still looking sickly. The second spring after he commenced
operations the trees came out in full leaf, vigorous and healthy,
blooming full, and the orchard bore some eighteen hundred bushels
of apples. This example shows conclusively what results can be
obtained when an orchard is properly cared for and looked after.

Mr. S. G. Minkler — If trees have vitality they will bear and pay,
but how can anyone expect to raise apples if the trees are not prop-
erly fed and cared for. Right after a heavy rain I have examined

SOCIETY OP NORTHERN ILLINOIS. 219

the ground in an orchard which was seeded down to blue grass, and
found the water had not wet down at all, to do the trees a particle
of good. We cannot dry nor starve our orchard trees to death, and
then expect to get apples from them. Prune your trees and look
after the renewing of your ground. It will pay you for your trouble.
The first decline in our orchards dates back to 1878, wher^we had a
warm February and very cold March, which damaged the trees more
or less.

Mr. L. Woodard — I concur in Mr. Minkler's remarks, and
would recommend as a remedy to prevent an orchard from drying
out, to mulch it with straw and leave it on; it will assist in renewing
ihe land and keep it moist.

Mr. A. R. Whitney — T have been in the habit of hauling tne
manure from my place on to my orchard ground and find it of great
benefit; consider straw mulch a good thing also, have tried it as an
experiment, putting it around some trees and leaving the ground
bare upder others. The result was, I got a good crop of apples where
the trees were mulched, and none where they were not.

Mr. W. W. Wicks — Protect your trees from sun-scald and rab-
bits. Paper wrapped around the bodies will answer. A good wash
for nursery trees is night soil and sulphur.

Mr. A. R. Whitney — I wash my trees with a solution composed
of one-half bushel of stone lime, one pound of glue, and one pound
of copperas. This quantity will wash 200 orchard trees and will
keep ofE the rabbits and insects.

At this juncture the chair called attention to the questions
asked in the letter from 0. W. Barnard, and suggested taking them
up ip. their order, which was done.

1st Question. — Does any member of this society know what
the Experiment Station at Champaign is doing, with reference to the
development of a winter apple, equal to the Duchesse in bearing and
staying qualities, adapted to the wants of the northwest?

Answer — Mr. Bryant said he did not think anything had been
done in that direction.

iJ20 TBANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTUEAL

«

2nd. Is the "seed question " now being discussed by the horti-
culturists of the State, one o£ vital interest to the development of
such an apple ?

Answer — Mr. Periara — The idea seems to have become preva-
lent, that the stock upon which to graft, must be grown from
selected aeed taken from hardy varieties of apples. This is a mistake.
In the first place, there is no other way to get our seed for apple
seedlings, than from cider-mills where good, bad and indifferent
apples are ground up. Secondly, seed taken from cider apples are,
as a rule, as well developed as any. When it comes to the produc-
tion of new varieties, if you want to get some particular strain, you
must make your selection and then cross-fertilize in the blossom
with some other selected sort, picking varieties that appear to be
adapted to each other. Save the seed of the fruit obtained from
this cross, and you may get a variety which will contain the quali-
ties you are seeking.

Mr. Cotta — I do not consider that the apple seed imported from
France produce as hardy seedlings as seed obtained from our* native
trees, for the reason that the French seed is saved from seedling
trees grown in a more mild climate than our own.

Mr. L. Woodard — -I don't think the seed has anything to do
with the hardiness of our trees. The condition of the wood when
the tree goes into winter is what determines the result. One that
grows late, and the wood is green when cold weather sets in, will
surely winter-hurt, while another that has its wood well ripened
early in the fall will, in most instances, pull through the winter in
good shape.

Mr. Sanders — Is it not a fact that the varieties we have so
improved have parted with some of their original hardiness ? I
doubt very much, at best, if we have increased their hardiness in our
efforts to improve size and quality.

J. y. Cotta — I don't wish to have the impression go out that I
advocate top-grafting as a method of increasing the hardiness of
the stock. If we can improve the stem, that is what we are after,
as that is the part of the tree which most often gets damaged by
the winter. It is seldom that the root hurts.

SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS. 221

TRANSPLANTING EVERGREENS.
BY SAMUEL EDWAEDS, PEOEIA.

Where choice of seasons can be had for transplanting ever-
greens, all who are familiar with the work, give preference to spring,
from opening of the ground until bursting of the buds. Some
choose the latter as the very best time. A. damp cloudy day or in the
evening is preferred for their removal to be immediately planted, but
in packing for shipment no requisite is more essential than keeping
the tops dry, and to avoid crowding them too closely, as they are thus
liable to heat. The moss used in packing the roots, is to be only
very moderately moistened, care being taken to have the moisture
thoroughly distriliuted.

The old time idea that they are more liable to loss in removal
than deciduous trees has long since been exploded and it is now
generally known by all who take an interest in trees that the only
peculiar requisite of success is to avoid exposing the roots to drying,
as the resinous tap when hard is impervious to water. As to advisa-
bility of puddling the roots in a thin mortar of clay, there is a diver-
sity of opinion among those having had extensive experience.
Though it is a practice which has been heretofore advocated by rae, it
is now my opinion that with the judicious use of moss in moderately
moist condition for packing, there is no gain by puddling. In case
the roots of trees to be packed are puddled, the surface should be
partially dried before packing. In a dry time it does protect the
roots from drying for many weeks if a thick coat of it is applied at
the time of planting.

Fall transplanting, at the usual time for setting deciduous trees
in cold climates, generally results in failure, as the roots do not become
well established before freezing. They succeed admirably when
planted after the terminal bud is well formed in July and from then
until middle of September, and there are occasions when it is very
desirable to remove them at that season. It has not been customary
to ship them at that time, and with the view to test its practicability,
two shipments were made to rae in 1884 by J. N. McCutchan, of
Bailey's Harbor, Wis. The first lot were planted by a novice in my
absence from home, the second lot came rather late in the season— r
and from these causes the poor success attained was attributed,
though many of the plants lived. Two lots of a few thousand each
were sent to me the past season, carefully planted, were kept well
watered evenings ; they are now a fine stand. From results of these
four trials I am satisfied that with the care requisite for success in
spring, evergreens may be as safely shipped and planted at the season
alluded to., though farther experiment is needed to satisfy me that it
would be safe to let them remain packed longer than a week or ten
days.

222 , TEANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTUEAL

Little by little much has been learned in forty years by western
nurserymen as to the growing, planting, uses and care of evergreens,
each one should and will gladly contribute their mite to the common
fund. These lovely prairies must be made far more beautiful and com-
fortable by the liberal use of evergreens. Slowly but surely their value
is being appreciated by the masses. Let us hope that the day is not
far distant when no prairie home will be considered as finished until
properly sheltered. With this result accomplished the labors of those
who have led the way to its consummation will receive ample reward.

EVERGREENS FOR ORNAMENT, FOR WIND-BREAKS, AND *
HOW TO HANDLE THEM.
BY H. R. COTTA, FREEPORT.

In driving through the rich farming districts of Northern Illi-
nois, it is easy to see that the beauty and value of evergreens is not
generally appreciated, as it should be, by the tillers of the soil, or
that many over-estimate the cost of growing them. Nothing com-
pared with the investment of time and money can add so much to
the value and beauty of farm property as properly planted single
specimens, groups, hedges, screens and wind-breaks of evergreens;
especially at this season of the year, when all out-door flowers are
gone and all other ornamental trees are bleak and bare; when the
mercury registers below zero, and the wind whizzes and roars and
reaks and howls.

I will endeavor to give a few hints which I hope will be of
benefit to at least a few in adding beauty and comfort to their
homes and farms. The varieties adapted for general planting are
quite numerous, so one need not be confined to a few. On large
lawns plant groups and screens of Norway spruce, white spruce,
balsam fir, white pine or, American arbor vitse, surround it with
hedge of spruce, arbor vitse or hemlock. Plant a few trees of the
more rare varieties. One of the most beautiful of these is the Color-
ado blue spruce. A tree of this variety stands on Mr. Whitney's
ground in front of his " No. 20 " residence. Of this specimen, the
late Dr. John A. Warder once said : " It will pay a person to travel
one hundred miles on purpose to see it." Trees of this variety are
quite variable in color; the bluest are the most beautiful. The gol-
den arbor vitae is perfectly hardy; remains yellow the year round
and makes a good contrast with the blue spruce. Pyramidal and
Siberian are very beautiful arbor vitals and should be planted more
freely. Dwarf evergreens are more suited for small door yards than
large growing varieties.

If you have no wind-break to shelter your stock-yards, orchards
and buildings from the wind, by all means plant one, and the sooner

SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS. 223

you plant it, the sooner you will have the benefit of it. A wind-
break is cheaper than corn and makes more shelter than a solid
board wall of the same height. If you have no shelter for your
stock, it will require more feed to keep them in good condition.
Thousands of people have never seen an evergreen wind-break. It
is both useful and ornamental, and costs but little, and is one of
the best investments that can be made.

Never plant evergreens of any variety less than eighteen inches
in height or less than once transplanted in permanent plantations of
any kind. They grow slow while small, and it takes too much time
to cultivate them and by the time they are large they will be uneven
in size. When planting in wind-breaks or hedges, grade them, set-
ting the largest alone and the smallest alone so as to have an even
growth. If you must plant small trees, put them in rows three and
a half or four feet apart and from eight to fifteen inches apart in
the rows, in a convenient place to cultivate them. When they are
large enough, transplant them to permanent plantations. Never
allow the roots to dry while out of the ground. It will kill them.
Dig the holes large enough to admit the roots without bending and
plant but little deeper than they grew. If the ground is dry dip the
roots in a puddle made of surface soil and water, of the consistency
of thick paint. Set the tree thus coated with puddle in the hole;
cover the roots with mellow soil, tramp it as firmly as possible, fill
in ground till the hole is nearly full, then pour in from one-half to
a pail of water, according to the size of the tree and dryness of the
ground. After the water is settled fill up with soil an inch or two
above the level of the surface. If the ground is very moist use no
water, but be sure to tramp as firmly as possible.

Plant hedges in trenches instead of holes. It is sometimes more
convenient to plow them than to dig them all with a spade. Trees
for this purpose should be nearly even in size and branches close to
the ground. Plant them at equal distances, from eighteen to thirty
inches apart and as soon as they are planted, trim the tops of the
tallest off even with the smallest, to givie them an even start. Trim
them every year, never leaving the top branches longer than those at
the base of the hedge.

For wind-breaks plant the trees eight feet apart in the rows,
the rows eight feet apart and the trees in the second row oppo-
site the spaces in the first. The best varieties are Scotch and White
Pine, and Norway and White Spruce. Every orchard should have a
wind-break on the west and south side to keep the fruit from being
blown off. Cultivate two or three years and do not allow any sod to
grow within two feet of your evergreens, if you want them to do any
good. If stocky first-class trees from eighteen inches to four feet in
height are properly planted you need not lose one in a hundred.

224 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL

DISCUSSION.

Mr. Minkler — I want to congratulate the young man (referring
to Mr. H. R. Cotta) on his paper. It is a good one, though I differ
with him on some points. I would never plant trees for an ever-
green fence nearer than three and a half feet, and am of the opinion
that four feet wou4d be better. If you want to have a good healthy
fence, the trees must not be set too close, for when they get some
age, if kept closely sheared, they will not have foliage surface
enough to support the roots, and some of them will die out.

Mr, Rice — I am in love with the blue spruce of Colorado; it is
one of our most beautiful trees. I have some very nice specimens
and have found them to be hardy, and to stand transplanting as well
as any. The Douglas spruce is also a good tree.

Mr. Periam — I think the paper recommends the proper dis-
tance to set trees for fences. The hemlock makes a very beautiful
fence, but it is not quite hardy in this latitude.

Mr. Minkler — Keep your evergreen fences trimmed down to
start with, and look to getting a good base, that is the important
part; the top will take care of itself, if the base is properly made.

Mr. Rice — A few years ago I bought hemlock heavily and
planted them in fences. They have done well in every instance,
could not have been more healthy. All the trees I have had in the
nursery have stood as well as anyone could wish.

Mr. H. R. Cotta — I think four feet is as high as an evergreen
fence should be allowed, to grow, and that three and one-half or four
feet apart would not be thick enough for a fence four feet high.

Mr. Wicks — Evergreens are my hobby; I have planted quite a
number of hemlock fences of late years and put the trees four feet
apart, think that is a good distance. There is no need of losing one
tree in a hundred, if properly handled.

Mr. Lehman — Do we not plant all trees too close as a rule ?

I have evergreens on my place that are three feet apart, and the

lower limbs are dying back so the trees look scrubby. I think if

they were farther apart, this would not be the case. I have seen
wind-breaks that were planted too thick and the lower branches had

shed their leaves, thus, the utility was destroyed. My advice is not

to plant trees too thick.

SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS. 225

Mr. Minkler — An evergreen tree will never stand, planted
near the corner of a house; the wind will whip it to death. I would
not plant trees for a wind-break nearer than twelve feet. If you
plant them thicker, they will trim themselves up and you will soon
have no wind-break.

Mr. Bryant — I think a single row is the best for a wind-break,
as the trees hold their limbs and foliage down to the ground better.

Mr. Sanders — It is not the whipping of the wind that kills the
evergreen set at the corner of the house; I think it is the excessive
evaporation which takes place, that dries up the foliage, causing the
destruction.

Mr. L. Woodard — I have a hemlock fence that has stood per-
fectly, and has always been hardy. I don't think it transplants as
safely as other kinds; prefer October for transplanting evergreens
when the fall is not too dry.

*

Mr. Rice — I think if we want to enjoy a wind-break and get
the benefit of it ourselves, we should plant the trees six feet apart
and when they get to thick, cut out every other one.

J. V. Cotta — The Hemlock has greater evaporating surface
than other evergreens, and that I believe is the reason it does not
transplant with as much safety as the other kinds. If water can be
applied, you will in a measure keep them from dying.

Mr. Minkler — The point of packing the earth firmly around the
roots should not be lost sight of as it is very essential.

Mr. Periam — The Hemlock will not live planted out on the
prairie with no shelter, but will do all right if sheltered some. I
think the paper recommends the right distance to plant evergreens in
a fence. When a man puts out an ornamental fence he wants some-
thing that is pleasing to the eye, and he don't want to wait too long
for it, as he will be obliged to if they are set too far apart.

Mr. Bryant — We have been troubled some with sun-scald on
the Hemlock, have had them die some if handled too early in the
spring, but if moved about the time they were budding they come
out all right.

16

226 TEANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL

Mr. Periam — In setting trees after you have tramped the dirt
thorovighly about the roots, the application of water will help settle
the ground and make it more firm as well as to moisten the earth
which is of less importance.

Mr. Cotta asked how to plant wind-breaks for orchards?

Answer — Mr. Periam — If you are planting a belt do not make
it impervious. It should be just thick enough to break the wind
but not to stop the air from circulating through the orchard, if too
thick the wind will rise up and blow over the belt, coming down in
the orchard and where it strikes the trees it will damage them, be-
sides an orchard needs good ventilation.

Mr. Woodard — t think it is more essential that you have the
sap down in the roots of the orchard tree when the cold weather
comes on, than to have shelter belts to break the wind. See that
your trees are well ripened up and in good shape for the winter be-
fore it comes and they will go through all right.

Mr. Whitney — I am planting evergreens in rows around my new
orchard, and I would not put out an orchard any other way.

At this point Mr. A. R. Whitney extended a cordial invitation to
the members to visit his father, Nathan Whitney, the first thing in
the morning; said he would have sleighs ready to convey all who
would go. The invitation was accepted and an adjournment taken
until 7 o'clock. •

WEDNESDAY EVENING.

President Bryant called the meeting to order and the session was
opened by music, after which Mr. Edgar Sandets proceeded with his
address as follows:

THIRTY YEARS IN WESTERN HORTICULTURE.

BY EDGAK SANDERS, CHICAGO.

Mr President, Ladies and Gentlemen:

The subject "Thirty Years in Western Horticulture," that I
have been invited to address you on, is an extensive one, and one
that would take more time than I have been able to give the subject,

SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS. 227

and than you would care to listen to, could I give it the time; did 1
think myself capable of properly handling the whole question,
which I do not. Even the term, "West," is a relative one — one
which has changed materially in that time and, although possibly
thirty-two years ago, which is the time I prefer to speak of, Chicago
and the State of Uliuois might, perhaps, have been the West, or the
focus of the West, at that time; but, is it the West now ? except as
we have become accustomed to it from old-time memories ?

There is a vast stretch of country, now, toward the setting sun,
with immense interests, Avhich go to make a country great in reali-
ties, actually embracing vast interests, even horticulturally on the
shores of the Pacific, that laud, where, when we in our prairie
homes are battling — it may be with blizzards — they are enjoying
almost a summer temperature, where the vine, the fig, and the
orange find a congenial home. That is the West of to-day, and all
sprung up long since the period of time we have now under consid-
eration. It is within the memor^^ of many an old settler of Illinois,
many even, I doubt not pi'esent this evening, when our noble State
was still the haunt of the red man; the West of that time, or its
main central point, far east of this.

Why, Mr. Chairman, no longer ago than when I first set foot
in Illinois, the year 1857, Cincinnati was considered the Queen City
of the West, and for years jealous of every count of heads that
tended to take that proud position away from her. Back of her
period, farther east still, one had to look for the West, and it is not
so very long ago, that out West meant the wilds of Western New
York. Take the centers of population as found by the United States
census of 1800 near Baltimore; 1820, it had travelled west to Wood-
stock, Va., in 1840, Clarksburgh, W. Va., in 1860 it had got into Ohio
near Chillicothe, in 1880, near the once proud Queen of the West,
Cincinnati. While the chances are, in the coming census of 1890,
it will probably be somewhere in our own State, Illinois.

Let us see for a moment how we were situated thirty-two years
ago. This is truly "called the steam or railroad age, and yet it was
but about five years before that, the iron horse had reached Chicago,
and then took a westerly direction.

Prophetic of that trite saying, many years before, of " West-
ward the star of empire takes its way.'' Only four years before that
the first rail connection east had been made — 1854, — the Michigan
Central. Prior to that time, and even for some years after I came
west, was to be seen the old prairie schooner, as it was called, once
the only method of locomotion, slow, but sure; but not much chance
for a very v\^de distribution of fruits, flowers and vegetables, that
cut such an important figure in the present time and age.

Even the grain wagons from the surrounding country were
plenty enough for a few years, — a sort of forlorn remnant of a once

228 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL

great business ; but, like the old United States mail in this country,
and the four-in-hand coaches of older countries, finally had to suc-
cumb to the iron horse. One can, occasionally, see the ghost of one
even now, but they are sorry specimens of an almost extinct race ;
like the buffalo of the plains, — all but a memory. Why, even the
first florist to the then wild, wild west came by wagon. It was,
however, now a long time ago — 1833, I think. I am proud to say
I knew him well : a gentleman of the old school, but of the sterling
kind.

Early in this century he was a very successful florist in London.
I never meet his name, which I sometimes do, but its memory is
pleasant. Recently, in a London horticultural paper, it occurred, as
the importer, at that time, and by his own collector of new plants
from China, of one of the Azalea family. I think, also, the magnifi-
cent Norfolk Island pine was mentioned. Fancy a man, in 1833,
surrounded by the comforts of a successful business man in that
great city, London, pulling up stakes, as the saying is, almost load-
ing down a small vessel with family (he had nine children), and
horticultural supplies, and starting for the New World. His name
was Samuel Brooks, and to him is the honor of building the first
greenhouse in Chicago, if not in the West, It was located at the corner
of Clark and Adams, most of you know, now in the very heart of
the City of Chicago.

He pushed west from New York by the Hudson river and canal
to Canada, hearing such glowing accounts of the country ; but for
florists' purposes he did not find it answer to the rosy reports.
Chicago then, as later, made some noise in the world. It was
described to him as a glorious country, — peaches would grow out of
doors, land rich, cattle wintered without any sheds, and land (open
prairie), could be got for a dollar and a quarter per acre. These
statements decided him. He provided wagons and loaded them. It
took him two months to make the trip. Members of that family
have made it since in a day. But there was pleasure in the trip, the
young people enjoyed it, and our florist pioneer could botanize by
the way, which,' with the one-day trip now, cannot be done.

The glowing account of the country received a bitter check,
however, in October, when he arrived. The early winter weather of
the year being such that he found the ground frozen up tight with
an early frost, and the winter that followed proved to be a severe
one, and the only available house he could get was an unplastered
shanty. Chicago was then but a frontier town, and not a very favor-
able out-look for a London florist. Nevertheless, he, to use a common
phrase, hung on, and lived to see that frontier village grow to a
• magnificent city of several hundred thousand inhabitants, and was
followed to his long home by a concourse of friends, including the
florists of the city, of which he was, undoubtedly, the pioneer in that
line.

SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS. ' 229

I am probably however wandering greatly from my subject and
may prove tiresome. Let us, however, inquire for a moment, what is
horticulture? As generally accepted or at least acted upon in this-
country, horticultural societies treat more of fruits, with, as Col.
Sellers would say, flowers and vegetables as a side show. Occasionally
however some bold individual springs other cognate subjects before
the meeting, as how to lay out ground, the vegetable garden, trees
and shrubs, etc. The word horticulture, however, we are told is de-
rived from Hoiins, a garden, and Cultuni, culture, in other words
the culture of the garden. The garden then is the foundation of
the whole subject, and history informs us that from the earliest
times the great men of the world have been noted for their gardens.
The garden is supposed in reality to have had its origin in supplying
man's primitive wants. The oldest history known even locating
the first man in a beautiful garden — Eden. If then I take a rather
wide latitude for my subject, this is my excuse; horticulture is
founded on the garden, and gardening likely older even than agricul-
ture or field culture.

Condon, the great horticultural writer says, " gardening like
most other arts, had its origin in the supply of a primitive want, and
as wants grew into desires and desires increased, and became more
luxurious and refined, its objects and its province extended. " 'Till
from an enclosure of a few square yards, containing, as Horace Wal-
pole has said, ''a gooseberry bush and a cabbage," such as may be
seen before the door of a hut on the borders of a common, it has
expanded to a park of several miles in circuit, its bounderies lost in
forest scenery, plantations, pleasure grounds, lawns, flower gardens,
hot-houses, orchards and kitchen gardens, producing for the table of
the owner and his guests, the fruits, flowers and culinary vegetables
of every climate of the world. The Emperor Dioclesian, as Cowper
has it, is made to say: —

If 1 my friends 'said he' should to you show.
All tlie delights which in these gardens grow,
"Tis likelier far that you would with me stay,
Than 'tis that you should carry me away,
And trust me not, mv friends, if every day
I Wiilk not here with more delight,
Than ever after the most happy fight;
In triumph to the capital I rode,
To thank the gods ! !

Illinois, and with it Chicago, in the early part of the year 1857,
had passed through a few years of extraordinary growth. The iron
horse had reached it, and 3,953 miles of railroad had then a central
point in the now great city. But five years before — think how
short a time — the first rail, a strap one, had been laid west to Elgin,
forty miles. Is it any wonder there had been a tremendous boom.

230 ' TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL

*

as the saying now is. But those of my old compeers of business at
that time know what a fall there was of my countrymen. That was
the year I came west and made a start, hard times ard panic fol-
lowed but a fevv months after. 1857, eventful year, what had we
then horticulturally? In the transaction of the old North Western
Fruit Grower's Society, the forerunner of what was afterwards the
National Poraological or Horticultural Society ( now before me ),
there is a membership of 126 names. Where did they come from,
and who were they? Out of that number Illinois is credited with
sixty; Iowa, forty-four; (the meeting was in Burlington in 1856,)
Wisconsin, five; Michigan and Ohio, two each; New York state, I
think, half a dozen; one from Indiana and one from Kansas terri-
tory. Think of it, the great state of Kansas, then it only a territory,
with struggles a huodred fold more than Dakota now is having to
get into the sisterhood of states. Who were some of these repre-
sentative men? The New Yorkers, it is safe to say, were Rochester
Nurserymen. They had an eye to business, and the great growing
West at that time was a bonanza to theui. The long bundles, and
boxes of trees, mainly fruit, could be seen at every railroad depot in
season; spring and fall,

Arthur Bryant, Sr., of Princeton; M. L. Dunlap (Old Rural),
then of Lydon, iCook county; Louis Ellsworth, of Naperville; S. Fos-
ter, of Muscatine; 0. B. Galusha, of Kendall; Dr. Hull, of Alton;
Edson Harkness, of Peoria; Smiley Shepherd, of Putman county;
Tyler McWhorter, of Mercer; Jerry Aldrich, of Bureau; C. R. Over-
man, of Fulton, all men of note of the early West, were there, but,
who all have fought the good fight and we hope now rest well from
their labor. A few more names like Samuel Edwards, then of
Lamoile; S. G. Minkler, of Kendall; W. H. Mann (now of Florida),
F. K. Phoenix, now of Wisconsin, then of Bloomington, what does
not that name call up in bygone years in the Nurseryman's line.
A. R. and N. Whitney of this place, with possibly others that do
not now occur to me, are almost sure to be pi'esent at this meeting,
they are truly old wheel-horses, and have been at any time these
forty years past with a hand to the horticultural plow.

Fruit and fruit trees was in these early times the great thought
of these men. Forest and ornamental trees came later. What is at
this day a tremendous industry, the Florists with vast sums of money
interested, had scarcely its morning then. The speaker was the
third in point of time in the smallest of small ways, as would be
understood now in the great and growing City of Chicago, in 1857 —
with nearly a hundred thousand souls. There was not, all told, to
exceed a couple of thousand dollars invested in the City of Chicago
prior to that year, and I doubt very much if there was as much more
in the whole State of Illinois. I know of no one even then exclus-

SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS. 231

ively engaged in the business, in the State. Our Illinois State Hor-
ticultural Society had started in 1855.

Philadelphia, probabl}^ has the credit of one of the very first
nurserymen around there, a man by the name of Lehman ; must
have started somewhere about 1700. In our own State, I do not
know, for the moment, who might be the first. Friend Whitney
started in this place in 1813, a pretty early bird for this locality.
Ellsworth, of Naperville, started in 1848; Robert Douglas, that giant
in the tree line, one year before — 1847. In a list of the nursery-
men that I have of the United States for 1859, containing 355
names, out of these, what may be called the West for our purpose,
the State of Indiana had 13; Illinois, 56 ; Wisconsin, 12 ; Iowa, 19.

In a list of the past year, gotten up through florists' interests
mainly, for our State there are 1111 names : but out of this great
number there are but 73 with the nurserymen's initial — N. alone.
In other words, 1048 are florists in whole or part. Of these 106 are
for Chicago alone, with surely half as many more in the outlaying
suburbs, and hardly a nurseryman among them. There are two only
worthy the name in or near Chicago that I know of. My idea is
that the grand period for nurserymen in our State was, say from
1860 to the crisis of 1873, and that since, if the business has
not actually gone back, it has not advanced.

With the florists it is exactly the reverse. Their growth
throughout the whole country, village and city has been phenomenal,
I think even away ahead of the Old World ; at least, in cut flowers,
— notably in rose culture. One of the largest of New York men,
still in the harness, in 1844 had a S200 business, where now it would
foot up a cool $100,000. ' And all this for the fleeting moment ;
thousands of dollars for the eye for a night, — to-morrow for the
dust-bin.

A nurseryman will prepare you a young sapling that, rightly
taken care of, will be a joy to the owner from its planting to when
one hundred years are gone ; with a fruit tree that will bring forth
of its kind, that is health to the possessor and all who may partake ;
can furnish you with the good old-fashioned flowers of our grand-
mother's gardens, that will stand even the biting blasts of our prairie
winter; but the citizen of this good year. 1889, just commencing, pass
them all by, and for what? For a thing of beauty, certainly, for
every flower is that; but for the pleasures of a moment, for the
gaudy exotic, that the slightest breath of Jack Frost will destroy. I
do not murmur at this, save and except that with the florist's pros-
perity, I wish I could see our old stand-by, the nurseryman, come in
for a share ; one who could make our homes blossom with something
besides the tender denizen of the tropics ; gives us choice trees, ever-
greens and shrubs, but of a hardy, sturdy nature.

It would not be seemly in me, Mr. Chairman, to say one word

232 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL

against flowers. It has been, substantially, my life's business.
Quoting from the same poet :

"The spleen is seldom felt where Flora reigns ;
The lowering eye, the petulance, the frown.
And sullen sadness, that o'ershade, distort.
And mar the face of beauty, when no cause
For such immeasurable woe appears.
These Flora banishes, and gives the fair,
Sweet smile and bloom, less transient than her own."

A word about our fruit and vegetable supplies. They are cer-
tainly plenty of all kinds, at least in our great central markets, but
are they as general as they should be around the country homes?
Does not even the raising of fruit and vegetables take on a sort of
machine style? Twenty years or so ago a strawberry patch of good
dimensions, was no rarity, even around Chicago. I have actually
seen such crops that would glut the home market for a spell. Now
I don't believe an^-body grows them hereabouts. But the iron horse
will bring them. It has begun, strawberries quoted at Christmas,
only §4 per Cjuart, not many ear-loads, I opine. But from now on
they will keep coming. If the strawberries coming yet were placed
equidistant apart from where they came from, they would be some
miles apart: but every week one will fill in the space, however, until
long before they would be ripe here, thev will come in a thick stream
— by car-loads. Think of eight months of a strawberry season each
year, reported rather light strawberry crop, gave Chicago 755,000
cases, averaging, so goes the report, $2.25 per case. Here are a few
items of that insatiate maw, Chicago, in the fruit line the past year.
1,200 cars California fruit, against 800 in 1887, at estimated value of
$360,000. From Florida, that other extreme, 300,000 boxes of
oranges, out of a total output from that neck of land of 2,225,000
packages; common grapes, 7,500,000 pounds, average two cents, and a
million bananas — 250,000 bunches — from the topics, average 75
cents a bunch. Of vegetables, potatoes, 3,750,000 bushels, some of
these last year from Scotland; of cabbage to the number of 320 car-
loads, at a cost of $250,000, with the curious spectacle last year, of
cabbage, from Holland in the Water Street market.

The peach crop. What does not that term suggest during thirty-
two years? Why peaches used to grow, it would seem, almost any-
where. I saw myself, the last of a lot of stumps of a glorious old
peach orchard in 1857, at the farm of Wm. Kennicotts, of a thousand
trees. Whether these old settlers would still keep trying, if alive, I
know not. But I copy from an extract of the old Doctor's in 1858,
he says: "I have had three peach orchards killed within the past
eighteen years, the last one of 1,000 trees."

Memory here takes me back twenty years ago; it was 1868,
with the Ad -interim Committee of Illinois Horticultural Societv.

SOCIETY OF NOETHEEN ILLINOIS. 238

The trip was to St. Joe, Mich., aud afterward to a trip down the
Illinois Central to Cairo, with '' Rural," as a guide, who had influence
enough with that company to give horticulturists an excursion.
There were some choice spirits about, "not omitting representatives
of the Chicago press; Jonathan Periam was there of the Prairie
Fanner; Charlie Reitz, then a studious j^oung man in the way of
bugs, now famous the world over; Professor Walsh, C. R. Overman,
0. B. Galusha, H. D. Emery, Col. Pearson, of Onarga, Dr. Hull,
M. L. Dunlap and others. It was a royal time among the fruit
growers of the time. Latchstrings were all out as they used to be;
Centralia was then quite a point. Champaign and Urbana were not
forgotten, but the great place was South Pass; it was then in high
feathers with a boundless future. The great pear orchards were
then being put out; strawberries already a feature. It was a joyous
time and a red-letter day with, at least, one of the party, and he
rather a florist than a fruiterer or nurseryman. But we were all
birds of a feather.

Then, again, the memories of great baskets from old St. Joe,
Michigan, afterwards Centralia, and South Pass, in its prime
twenty years ago or so. There are yet peaches and peaches, but I am
fastidious in some things, and enjoy these things just ripe from the
bough. A vast cjuantity now sold as peaches are little better than
the knot of a tree. Why, even the once plentiful common red
cherry was everywhere around this part of the country ; worms came
along and despoiled them. Nobody seems to think of trying them
again. Everything seems to go by specialties. Take celery. One
time a patch of a few hundreds was a big thing, a few thousands,
wonderful ! Presently, say fifteen or twenty years ago, around where
I come from, north of Chicago, the land was found just suitable.
The Germans, mostly, kept increasing their patches, until there were
two or three hundred acres. Although the price dropped some,
extended markets were found : the prices were still remunerative.
Celery was up. In a little while a sort of wheezy cry came that
Kalamazoo was growing celery. " Ah !" the South Water street
men said, '' can't beat Lake View celery"; but it kept coming in,
and better and better. Prices drop. With the now thousands of
acres around that city. Lake View men hear something drop ; then,
as the old saying goes, " their nose is out of joint." The celery is
down high prices spoiled their appetite, not a few pulled up stakes
and hied to California; and now, after blocking the Chicago market
and the New York market, the growers there are in a bad way. The
next thing we will have to bear is a celery trust. They have tried it
in Ohio in cabbage, in Georgia in watermelons ; but, unlike trusts
in other walks of life, they do not seem to help much anything that
comes from the soil. Perhaps it is well it is so.

My point is that if fruit growing is not general outside of the

234 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL

great centre that supplies the market, one of the great props to a
successful nursery business is taken away. And to cap all, if the
country home generally is not in a successful condition, if the great
cities attract more than the country home, if as wealth accumulates
people want to spend it in the city, what should be the best customer
for a prosperous nurseryman, vanishes. That this state of things is
actually upon us, I infer from a recent statement of the Chicago
Tribune based on the school census for this year. According to this,
fifteen noble agricultural counties of this state had actually decreased
in male population since 1880 from 104,662 to 94,209 males. We
know as a whole the state is growing, but in what counties? It is
Aurora that has pulled Kane county through and not the farm
townships, Rockford has done the same for Winnebago, Joliet for
Will, and Chicago for Cook county.

Steam is ready to take us easily and quickly from point to point,
to bring food and raiment from the uttermost ends of the earth.
Distances are annihilated, cold and heat overcome. The conductor
takes his breakfast from mutton from the antipodes, and his dessert
from California. New York or Chicago feast upon the fruits of the
tropics months and months before winter has left. Why, as the boys
say, fruit or vegetables offered to a market in the place where it is
grown is an old chestnut, and yet when we first came west, that
grower who could gain a few days by ingenuity and skill with his
crops took the cake and the money too. What is a few daj^s now to
struggle for in his asparagus, rhubarb, lettuce, strawberries, peaches,
etc., when the markets mahap have been glutted months before ? The
stream will first start from the tropic and follow with the sun, and
as I said before, often the flavor is the only thing lacking, as when
fresh from the garden. But I must hurry on and leave the nursery-
men and home fruit grower for good and all. Just one word. If the
time ever does come when the country, on even urban or suburban
homes, become the fashion to plant, to decorate, if the garden is the
first thought, the building the second, then comes the hope of the
nurserymen. We leave him with pleasant memories, as the grand old
pioneer of the West.

Come we for a short time again to the florist, how fares he since
1857? Why it is positively magical, the transformation then and
now in this department. There were just three green houses at that
time of fifty feet each. Now a person is apt to say, so many acres in
glass when speaking of many great florists with steam engines of a
hundred and fifty horse power to heat them. Then only an old
fashioned flue was used. Tens of thousands of finer roses than the
Vale of Cashmere or California can produce; the result. If our city
is short, they are bundled up in ice if in summer, cotton-batten if
in winter and sent off thousands of miles to decorate my ladies'
chamber.

SOCIETT OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS. 235

Stopping for a iDoment's thought, again, with the nurserymen,
in 1876, they mostly, but with a sprinkling of florists and seedsmen,
started the National Association of Nurserymen and kindred pur-
suits. It was, and is to-day, a big thing. It started in Chicago and
the West that year, but came back to Chicago in 1884, 1 think. They
came again the next year : the nurserymen rather like that city. But
in the latter year the florists attending the meeting, a few of them,
met in the Sherman House, and organized a Florists' National
Society, and broke away from the old one. Why, it took like wild-
fire from the first. Its growth was phenomenal, like the trade it
fattens on. A thousand members attended at the New York meeting
last year. *

Every city of any importance is alive with florists. The big
cities could muster a regiment, the smaller ones a goodly number.
Even a village has its florist now-a-days. They turn out millions of
plants, to say nothing of cut flowers, to decorate the flower garden
for the summer months only. But they have driven out the old-
fashioned flowers. They give us something gay, but ephemeral ; our
good old friends — the sweet williams, lark spur, London pride,
southernwood, primroses, holyhocks and Canterbury bells, even hardy
roses and sweet briars, are getting lost in the shuffle.

" I like a shrubbery, too, it looks so fresh ;
And then there is some variety about it.
In spring, the lilac and the snowball flower.
And the laburnum, with its golden strings
Waving in the wind ; and, when autumn comes,
The bright red berries of the mountain ash.
With pines enough, in winter, to look green.
And shew that something lives."

Miss Muloch, after giving a description of one, says : " Oh ! the
dear old-fashioned garden, such as one sees rarely now-a-days. I
would give the finest modern pleasure-garden for the like of thee."
But a few years ago the florists and gardeners were all foreigners :
not enough in it for a native-born American. Then a few hundred
dollars was all that was invested, but now tens of thousands are
the rule. Even capitalists look to it for profit — to turn a penny.

In 1858 or 1859, I think, I made a philopean bouquet for some
bankers to present to Mrs. Stephen A. Douglas. I spread myself in
style and size and, I thought then, in price. I charged ten dollars.
It was the talk of the time. Somewhere along in that time the
Prince of Wales, then a stripling, was visiting this prairie country,
taking in some shooting at Dwight, a little south of Chicago, but
good hunting then. The late " Long .Tohn " was then mayor of
Chicago. He and others banqueted the young prince. I furnished
the table at the banquet, and daily at the shoot, a floral basket. It
was a big thing then, so would a fifty dollar bill be as a charge.

'■2SQ TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL

One other example. When the Board of Trade building, on the
corner of Washington and LaSalle, was opened in 1864 or 1865, I
made a hundred baskets, or stands, and a thousand button-hole
bouquets. Half the florists of the time then helped me. The cost
was $200. It was more of an event — or either of them would be —
than where thousands are spent now.

Another word and we will leave the florist. Thirty-two years
even in the whole country, but also in what we will call our West,
has seen his business grow, and you may take the contiguous states
west of this; Ah! you may take Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, and west
to the Pacific, now all dotted with florists, and for every dollar that
could be shown to have come into his hands then for floral goods, it
would be easy to show a thousand now, and very possibly double
that again. Such growth as this leaves no question, no cavil, as to
its overtopping anything that can be shown in the nurserymen's line.

Fruit growing now is, in even this state, a tremendous one in the
aggregate, although I doubt if as vigorous as ten or twenty years ago.
Our apple men seem to have lost heart with their losses. Our peach
men are not so lively with expectations and hopes as then. Yet
surely if we cannot all have such trees, we ought to be able to have
apples, and every village, hamlet, farm and home should gruvv at
least for home use, fresh vegetables and fruit in their season. Rightly
grown and the best sorts, picked fresh from the trees and vines will
surely go ahead of the best the big cities can send, and leave that
much money in circulation at home.

A few words as to the people's parks, and here we have virgin
ground in the whole country. All have sprung up since the time
named. New York had no Central; Brooklyn no Prospect; Phila-
delphia no Fairmount, one of the most charming spots in the world.
It is not likely then that Chicago had any parks in 1857. Now Chi-
cago has a vast chain of parks surrounding it, and, in the way of
floral decorations, second to none in the country, if in the world; all
within twenty years or so. It cost the property owners millions to
get them, and half a million a year to keep up these expensive adorn-
ments, but then they get it all back in attractions and visitors to the
city. Then they have them for their own recreation for nothing.
They are great educators. They help the florists, however, more
than the nurserymen.

One other horticultural feature new and striking, is the cities
of the dead, the cemeteries. Formerly, they were forlorn looking
places, with whitened tombstones, located on some hill; now, they
are charming spots, with winding walks and shaven lawns, here and
there fine breadths of trees, shrubs, hedges and stone curbs; iron
chains banished, and all, now, in one uniform lawn-like expanse.
The best examples in the country, possibly, are Forest Home, of
Milwaukee, Laurel Hill of Philadelphia, Spring Grove of Cincinnati,

SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS. 237

and Greenwood of New York. We have some fair bits of grounds
in Chicago, not like these, however. Ours were hardly started right;
that is, there are too much money speculation. This should not be
in God's acre; they pay no taxes, and every dollar over and above
costs of management should be expended in adornment of the
grounds.

Places of the character of public parks, and even the finer
examples of cemetery adornment, must, in this country,'take the
place of the grand old places of the Old World, where primo-geni-
ture and other customs keep homesteads for generations in the same
family, where successive generations, by addition after addition, add
to stately old places. We have nothing, or are likely to have rural
scenes of this character, as in the Old World, but our public parks
are a feature of the age, and years hence, will, I am sure, become
grand features of this country, belonging to the whole people, where
all may enjoy, as all own in their collective capacity. Every village
should start one of these health-giving, pleasurable places.

A few more words and I am done. Thirty-two years, in even
this part of the West, has been an eventful one, has seen many hor-
ticultural changes. The bright hopes of many an enthusiast has
received a rude check; some have succumbed and given up the fight,
numbers have struggled on, a few, perhaps, reached the goal they
set out for. For a few years of that period, nurserymen had great
hopes, with bright visions of the future. Fruit culture, generally, I
think, too, during that time, has made some progress. There are
many yet that have not given up the fight, but are struggling to
find the iron-clad kinds to fill the bill. But, what is wanted, is a
sort of progressive idea; to secure this, more care and attention in
detail, more labor and expense to obtain given results. The time is
gone by to expect that our virgin soil only requires to be tickled
with a hoe to bring forth its fruits. Thought and well-applied skill
must be added: but, with these, it cannot be, but that there is an
abundance that will well repay its application.

'■ Will it pay " is the great watchword of the times. With the
balance sheet on the right side of the ledger all is well. But I am
afraid with untoward seasons, sorts unsuited to the climate, the
whole business has received a set-back, a sort of black eye as it were,
that I hope will pass away in the good time coming.

One of the great difficulties undoubtedly in our prairie country,
and indeed of all new countries, is the lack of good roads. The rail-
roads precede the settlements, or before good roads could be provided.
Whereas, before the railroads era, the only salvation for a country
was good highways, these once built, remained, or were easily kept
in good condition. Without good highways from farm to village or
city, the country, except a short time in the summer, is an uninviting
place for a home. The young become restless, and seek the cities,

2^8 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL

whereas the country's pride should be the bold yeomanry. Speed the
time when this state of things will be the rule. There would then,
I am sure, be pleasant times for our nurserymen friends. With
homes dotted all over the country, all happy, all contented, all doing
well, what further would one want. It is his forte to seek out and
introduce everything the country will grow, to minister both pleas-
ure and profit to those he sells to. Not the least should be to replace
the youn^" trees that must soon be set to replace our fast disappear-
ing forests.

One does not need be told that much has been done in the way
of planting in thirty years, that then it was a rarity to see trees
around the early settler's home, except he selected one of nature's
planting. But there is abundant room for improvement. Every
farm of any size should have its timber belts. They are a wonder-
ful help to ameliorate winter.

The dwellings are warmer by their shelter, the stock delight to
winter in them, a good evergreen grove is better than a poor stable,
ask friend Whitney, who has a noble one. They are a cheerful sight
to the landscape. A great open prairie is probably a wonderful sight
with not a sign of vegetation above the grass of the plain, but a
better one yet is one dotted here and there with country homes, sur-
rounded by good buildings for man and beast, all protected by timber
and evergreen belts, an abundance of fruit trees of kinds suitable to
the location, not forgetting the good things for the eye, flowers.

Every tree, with fruit and flowers, will be a help,

To make success the stronger,
It will be all right one day,

Wait a little longer.

I feel, after all, that I have said little to the purpose on "Thirty
Years Horticulture in the West;" but if I have not exactly filled
the bill, my heart is as ever in the good work, and I can only say,
I know how I would like to see these things arranged and I am
sure men of your kind will have to help bring the good times and
places I speak of —

"Not a tree, *

A plant, a leaf, a blossom but contains,
A folio volume. We may read, and read.
Read again, and still find something new.
Something to please and something to instruct."

Mr. Minkler — That talk takes me back to a boy. I recollect
when the first railroad was built to Chicago, and when this country
here belonged to the Pottawatamies. Look at it now ! The best
country in the world ! What a marvel ! We have brought this
country up to its present state of perfection, and it is now ready to

SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS. 239

be beautified. Let us make it the most beautiful country in the
world, — there is nothing to prevent. We who have made it what it
is to-day have done our part, and we must soon leave it to the young
generation coming up to go on with the great work and complete it.
If I come back in a hundred years, I hope to see the work has been
well done and to see great improvement.

INTERESTS IN HORTICULTURE.
BY JONATHAN PEKIAM^ CHICAGO.

Speaking extemporaneously, he complimented the paper of Mr.
Sanders, just preceding him, as having presented the subjects most
exhaustively in relation to the status and the growth of horticulture
in the West. He was glad to say that Mr. Sanders had been con-
nected many years, editorially, in the garden and lawn of that good
old journal that for forty-nine years had been a constant visitor
to so many families over the country, and especially in the West.
He had not come with any written speech, and was glad he did not,
since Mr. Sanders had gone over some of the ground more carefully
than he could have done. In relation to needs in horticulture there
are many, "and they have been constantly growing in the western
field. The growth of horticultural necessities will 'necessarily grow
with the growth of the country. He saw a number of persons in
the assembly who could look back fifty years. Among these he saw
Father Minkler, who dated back in Illinois nearly fifty-seven years.
What changes since that time? when the red Indian roamed all over
the west. What changes since the speaker carae to Chicago fifty
years ago? when even Cook county was a wilderness of grass.
Among the needs of horticulture are school houses : they are neces-
sary to the progress of the art. The more school houses, the higher
the plane of horticultural art, and, in fact, all agriculture, — the
foundation of the prosperity of any nation. Interests in horticulture
have been gradually progressing since first the founder organized
the State Society, by which the Northern Fruit-Growers' Association
was merged therein. Among these, such men as the late Dr. E. S.
Hull, W. C. Flagg, Smiley Shepherd, the venerable Professor
Turner, Samuel Edwards and many other wheel-horses in horticul-
tural science and art, began, some of them, to make horticultural
history. So the interests in horticulture began to be diversified by
the acute minds in an early day, notwithstanding the assertions I
have seen lately, that horticultural taste was little known until
promulgated by eastern authority in the West within the last few
years. The art was practically and steadily growing, new methods
were being tried, and, when found good, adopted. The result is,

k

240 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL

Chicago, ten years ago, became a great distributiug point for fruits,
and the business has now assumed immense proportions.

Horticulture is now divided into three distinct lines, these are :
Pomology, Aboriculture and Gardening ; the last includes flori-
culture. The time is, probably, not distant when still further sub-
divisions will be made, — in fact, in some directions this has already
been begun. Floriculture is divided into distinct branches, th'e
florist who deals in plants and he who deals in cut flowers. Vege-
table gardening is sub-divided, so that now some only raise that class
requiring hot-beds for their growth. Immense fields of cabbages
and cauliflowers are now raised yearly near Chicago, and some
growers pay attention to cabbage. At Kalamazoo the cultivation
and bleaching of celery is practiced as a distinct branch of gardening.
The enumeration might be continued indefinitely, but this must suf-
fice. Interests in horticulture sometimes require radical changes in
certaiu localities. Years ago every gardgner was anxious to beat his
neighbor in getting early potatoes, green corn, tomatoes, egg plant,
etc. The Chicago gardener pays little attention to extra early vege-
tables, except lettuce, raised entirely under glass in the winter.
Why? The South comes into competition in everything that can
be transported, hence there is no money in such vegetables. But the
cultivation of plants too delicate to bear transportation, like lettuce,
has been largely extended.

Another interest in horticulture, only, however, in process of
developuient, is the putting of goods on the market only in the best
condition and of the first quality. There are men who will pay for
this class of fruits. The late Dr. Hull, of Albany, was the first man
who instituted this plan in Chicago. The consequence was, any
package of fruit l^^aring his mark, brought the top market price,
and that without inspection. Why ? He did not think he could
cheat the same purchaser twice. If the average fruit grower would
make up his mind to the same coui-se of procedure, it would not be
long before a man's name or trade-mark would be a guarantee of
the quality of the goods. . Cross-fertilization to produce new varie-
ties is attracting more and more attention from year to year, while
it may be imperative, that seeds washed from the pomace of the
cider-mill, must be used for the raising of stocks, it is imperative in
seeking to raise new varieties, that the seeds of the varieties operated
on be definitely known. The cross-fertilization of these varieties
should be accomplished in such a manner as to leave no doubt of
the accuracy of the operation. Another important industry is that
in relation to experimental horticulture. In this, the Experimental
Station of our several agricultural colleges, ma}- be of supreme
importance. The individual maj' be interested in a certain line of
work and accomplish great good, but he may die, perhaps, before
his experiments have been fully carried out. His heirs may not,

SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS. 241

probably, will not care to follow out the line of experiment. The
director of an experiment station undertakes a work; he may die at
any time, the work does not die with him; on the contrary, his
successor takes up the work precisely where his predecessor left off,
and, however many individuals may die during the course, the
experiment goes on to a finality; thus, we see that the interests in
horticulture are manifold and, like the winds, ever changing. The
earnest man, is be, who reads and reflects, keeps pace with the varied
needs as they come. The man who never reads, never progresses,
and this is as true in husbandry as in horticulture. We required a
Watt to connect the possibilities of the steam engine with the
hissing of steam from the spout of a tea-kettle. A Galileo to erect
a system of the earth's movement from the swinging of a chande-
lier, or a Newton, the theory of gravitation, with the dropping of
an acorn from the tree. Yes, the interests of horticulture, great as
they are, are ever increasing, ever changing, and he who grasps
the passing idea and applies his art to working from it a practical
finality, not only confers a benefit upon the community, but if he
is a business man, puts money in his pocket.

Mr. Minkler — The point of putting good fruit on the market
is a good one, never send any but the best to your market and put
your brand on it, sort it up and throw out the inferior. You will
get enough for the good to more than pay you for the trouble, jou
can throw away the culls and still have more for your crop than you
would have, had you sent good, bad and indifferent without sorting.
If you always do.this your fruit will bring a little better price than
any one else's, because people will soon learn that your fruit is always
good, I think the time will come when we will have regular in-
spectors to examine fruit that is sent to the market who will deter-
mine whether it shall be offered to the trade or not.

The President here announced the following committees: —

Committee on Fruits on Exhibition — J. V. Cotta, W. W. Wicks,
D. J. Piper.

Committee on Treasurer's Report — H. R. Cotta, L. R. Bryant,
Andrew Dunning.

A motion prevailed that the chair appoint a committee on final
resolutions.

17

•

242 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL

The committee on President's address being ready to report Mr.
Periam chairman, read the following:

The Committee on President's Message, beg leave respectfully
to repeat the sympathies with the feeling expressed by our worthy
President, relating to the death of our late and worthy President, D.
Wilmot Scott, and advise that a letter of condolence be forwarded to
his family.

We appreciate that portion of the address relating to the death
of the late worthy President of the State Horticultural Society, Hon.
Milo Barnard, and ex-President of the Northern Illinois Horticult-
ural Society.

We respectfully recommend that a letter be prepared expressing
our sympathy therein and that the same be forwarded to the family
of the late Mr, Barnard.

We most heartily agree with the President in his remarks relat-
ing to the cultivation of trees, shrubs and plants, and that the gen-
eral education of the people to horticulture as the best safeguard
against being cheated in the buying of trees and plants from unscru-
pulous imposters.

We fully appreciate the importance of the thoughts of President
Bryant relating to the early trials of the older orchardists of the
state and the perseverance that has been exhibited in fostering po-
mology and aboriculture.

We fully appreciate the importance of the recommendations re-
lating to experimental stations and the destruction of insect pests,
also those that relate to the eradication of weeds along our roadsides
and waste places, all of which is respectfully submitted.

Jonathan Periam, )
S. G. MiNKLER, > Committee.

J. V. COTTA, ' )

Mr. Sanders moved that the report be adopted and the same be
spread on the records. Carried.

After another song had been rendered, a motion prevailed to
adjourn until 10:30 Thursday morning, that hour being named to
give the members an opportunity to visit Father Whitney, before the
morning session convened.

Thursday morning the members all went out to call on Father
Nathan Whitney, now in his ninety-eighth year. We found the old
gentleman in good health and spirits, and glad to see so many of his
old acquaintances. After a pleasant chat with the family and a
stroll around the beautiful grounds of "Whitney's No. 20 residence"
the members visited the cellars, which were filled with casks of the
famous " Whitney's No. 20 Crab Cider," where they drank the health
of their host and returned to Masonic Hall.

SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS 248

THURSDAY MORNING.

• Meeting called to order by the President at 10:30, as per adjourn-
ment. Father Minkler offered prayer, after which the following let-
ter was read by the President, from L. S. Pennington.

Sterling, III., Jan. 9th, 1889.
Mr. a. R. Whitney,

Dear Sir : It had been my purpose to call on your venerable father and
spend a short time with .the old friends of the Northern "Horticultural
Society, on my way to Chicago, but the inclemency of this day prevents that
pleasure. Extend my kindest regards to your father, and to those that have
long labored with us in our cause. It is now a few months more than fifty
years since with others we comm*^nced the work of horticulture in North-
ern Illinois, but owing to old age that work in my own person is about fin-
ished. We leave to our younger men a work which we commenced, but for
those that come after us to complete. I shall hope and expect to see you in
Sterling with many of the friends at our coming Farmers' Institute. Please
find inclosed .fl to secure my membership in the Society for 1889.

I remain faithfully yours,

L. S. Pennington.

The chair announced as Committee on Final Resolutions, Messrs.
James Judd, E. W. Graves, Jonathan Periam.

The next thing on the programme was the election of officers
for the ensuing year and the chair announced that they would at
once proceed with that, the election was harmoniously conducted
with the following results:

President — A. Bryant.
First Vice-President — A. Dunning.
Second Vice-President — J. V. Cotta.
Third Vice-President — N. A. Whitney.
Secretary — E. W. Craves.
Treasurer — L. Woodard.

Mr. Cotta stated that owing to the death of President D. W. Scott,
we only had two members on the executive committee, and moved that
the First Vice-President act in that capacity for the ensuing year.
Motion prevailed.

244 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL

The Committee on Treasurer's Report, reported as follows,
through their chairman, Mr. H. R. Cotta.

Your Committee have compared the Treasurer's Report with the
vouchers and find it correct, we recommend its adoption.

Respectfully submitted,

H. R. Cotta,
L. R. Bryant,
A. Dunning,

Committee.

On motion the two reports were adopted.

Mr, L. Woodard extended an invitation to the society to hold
its next meeting at Marengo. After some discussion the matter was
referred to the Executive Committee.

COUNTRY HIGH WAYS — HOW SHALL WE IMPROVE THEM?

BY L. R. BRYANT, PRINCETON.

Aside from the successful growing of a crop, and the question
of the price, that can be obtained for it, there is no subject of more
practical interest to agriculturists than our country roads. That
they have been shamefully noglected does not alter the fact, but
only shows how blind some people are to their own interests. As
our country grows older and increases in wealth, the highways receive
more attention and will continue to do so. Roads over which one
can haul a load or speed a horse at any season of the year, are of
inestimable value. The worth of farm or orchard products, often
depends on the ability to get them to market at a certain time, but
too often when prices are highest a large share of the country is
under a mud embargo.

Without any doubt the coming highway in this part of the state
is to be a raised, hard roadway in the center of gravel, macadam or
similar material, with a side track, on one or both sides, for light
driving and travel in dry weather. This item of side tracks should
be insisted on, as no road is so good as a dirt road, when it is good,
and it is more pleasant to drive on, easier for horses, saves much wear
on the main road-bed and in case of a snow fall, often makes the
better track for sleighing. Good drainage, of course, is an essential
feature in road making, and all road-drains should be of sufficient
capacity to take the water from all land that naturally drains that
way. But I did not start out to discuss roadmaking and engineering,
as that can hardly be called a horticultural subject, but rather to sug-
gest some ways of caring for, and beautifying our roads after the
engineers have done their part. And why should not the roads we

SOCIETY OF NOBTHERN ILLINOIS. 245

ride over every day be made pleasing to the eye, and our children
learn lessons of order and neatness on the road too, as well as inside
the school house, and the strangers who visit us receive pleasant
impressions of the country they pass through?

The ideal roadway should be seeded to grass in such parts as are
not used for travel, kept free from weeds and brush, and to facilitate
the mowing of weeds and grass with a machine, the sides of pikes
and ditches should be made with as easy slopes as possible. All
holes should be filled up, and rough, uneven ground graded smooth,
where practicable, grass and weeds should be mowed, at least, twice a
year; the first time previous to the 1st of July, as if not done by
that time, it will be sure to be put off until after harvest. All nox-
ious weeds, such as thistles, dock, burdock, velvet-weed, etc., should
be cut out by the roots.

Shade- trees by the roadside are a luxury in the summer-time,
and could they be planted universally, would do much to break the
force of our heavy winds, both summer and winter. Street trees
should be planted near enough together to break the force of the
sun in the summer, but not so closely, nor headed so low as to kill
out the grass underneath them. With some protection while small,
the trees can be planted five or six feet in the road, thus leaving
room for a walk between the trees and the fence. It will be unnec-
essary to say that the highway is not the proper place to throw
brush and weeds, or to dump tin scraps and other refuse, or to scour
plows. One should as soon think of doing such things on his lawn
as in the road. But the question arises, how are we to have any
uniformity in this matter ? One man does his duty, but his slovenly
neighbor makes no effort to do his part, and his unkept piece, of
road spoils the looks of the rest, and his weeds seed the rest of the
highway and his neighbors farms as well. And this allowing of bad
weeds to go to seed in the roads is a serious matter. I have seen
persons carefully pick the ripe dock out of the grass they were
mowing on the roadside and throw it into the middle of the track
where the wagon wheels would carry the seed long distances, and
the water wash them into the ditches and sloughs to be carried even
greater distances. If I had a particularly choice article of an
extremely noxious weed, which 1 wished the whole country to get
the benefit of, I think I should seed the roads with it, and expect it
to be disseminated more quickly than by any other plan, unless
it could be made one of the ingredients of some of our seedmens'
packets.

To return to the subjed; of how this work is to be done, I think
it is as much the duty of the highway officers to see that the roads
are cleared of bad weeds and brush as it is to fill up a mud-hole.
The mowing of grass and general looking after the appearance of
the roads may be left to individuals, until public sentiment demands

246 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL

that it be done at the expense of all. Wherever the old system of
road districts and district overseers is still in vogue it should be abol-
ished, and the whole management of the roads in each township put
into the hands of the three road commissioners, one of whom should
have the necessary time and ability to personally supervise the woi-k.
Until this is done there is no chance for good roads, or any com-
mensurate return for the money expended.

Having the township system, attend your next annual town
meeting and bring up this subject. Offer a resolution that the high-
way commissioners be directed to destroy — not cut off, merely — all
noxious weeds in the highways before the seed ripens. You can add
to this, if thought proper, the grubbing out of brush and mowing
the roads; but better not attempt too much at first. Your com-
missioners may growl at the big job laid out for them, but never
mind that ; tell them that if the job is a big one the sooner it is
commenced the better.

To supplement their work, the idea of local highway improve-
ment societies seems to promise well. These should not be too large,
— neighborhood clubs, — and cover a certain definite amount of road-
way. Meetings should be held, say once a month, at some con-
venient place. At these meetings plans and arrangements can be
made for planting trees, improvement of fences, etc., and each month
a committee should be appointed to look after the general condition
of the road. This committee should request property owners to
destroy weeds, and brush and mow the grass when needed, and where
they fail to do this, the committee should be empowered to have it
done. It will be found that the mere fact that there is an organ-
ized effort will be an incentive for individuals to do their part, and,
in many cases, there will be a sort of rivalry between neighbors as
to who shall have the neatest roadside.

The scope of such a society can be extended as desired, even to
the encouragement of neatness and the destruction of weeds on
farms ; but whatever is attetnpted on the highway, no more should
be taken hold of than can be thoroughly done.

The pasturing of stock in the highway is not objectionable where
it is done by tethering, or close herding ; but the ranging of stock
to crop the grass short in places and leave it untouched in others
should not be allowed, any more than irresponsible persons should be
allowed to mar the choice bits of grass and leave all the weed
patches.

In most cases then, the important thing is for some one to make
a move in this direction. In many locaKties the roads have so long
been considered " no man's land," a place to scour plows, a place to
dump tin scraps and other refuse, a place to throw brush and bad
weeds, a place to dig out earth for grading, and sometimes even used
as a barn-yard and a storing place for farm implements, that a little

SOCIETY OF NORTHEEN ILLINOIS. 247

missionary work may be necessary. The advantage then of neat
highways, well grassed, free from weeds, lined by rows of shade trees
and bordered by neat fences, being so apparent, is it not worthy of
some exertion by us as individuals, and also as a society, to endeavor
to promote a concerted effort in our respective localities, to attain
these results?

SOME OF OUR WEEDS AND NOXIOUS PLANTS.
BY GUY A. BEYANT, PRINCETON.

To elaborate very extensively on this subject, would consume
more time than you can well spare me, so I will touch but lightly on
a few of the pests that infest nearly every agricultural district, and
if by so doing I can awaken an interest among you on this subject;
I shall consider my efforts not in vain. A weed is one of those
troublesome pests which are most aptly termed, "a plant out of
place." With the greater part of our weeds, this definition will
apply in more than one sense, as the majority of them are foreigners.
The morals of society are made up of good and evil, and where any
spot is neglected by the good, the evil is sure to creep in. It is the
same in Nature. She abhors a vacuum, and will do all in her power
to dispense with that state of things. It may be truly said that all
nature is at war with herself. Here, there is not always " a survival
of the fitted," but of the strongest. Idleness is ever the mother of
vice; and the farmer who is not energetic enough to fight these nox-
ious pests, which are the vice of Nature, will soon find that they have
possession of his farm and have come to stay. Possession is nine
points in law, and it counts fully as much in Nature.

It is surprising in how much greater numbers these pests are
gaining ground on our farmers here in Illinois. As our land has
grown older and the soil lost much of its former fertility, weeds have
multiplied very rapidly, and the time is not far distant when every
intelligent farmer will find that his land will deteriorate in value,
just as long as he does not use more vigorous measures to annihilate
the weeds that grow upon it. Many have already seen the necessity
of such action, but there are in every neighborhood slovenly farmers,
with calloused opinions on that subject, who raise enough weeds to
keep a good stock of seeds in that locality. Here it is concerted
action that is wanted, to accomplish the greatest good. In this, as in
every good work, there will be a few to hang back and laugh, but
persevere and it will not be long before they will see the wisdom of
your course and gladly join you in furthering the work.

A well-known writer on this subject, says: '' In some European
countries a man may sue his neighbor for neglecting to destroy the
weeds on his farm, or may employ help to do it at the farmer's
expense." I think it would be a great blessing to have some such

248 TEANSACTIONS OF THE HOKTICULTUEAL

law in our own State. He further remarks: "In England they
dry the pernicious weeds and burn them, not only destroying root
and branch, but seed, also. In weeds, evil should be, emphatically,
nipped in the bud. In this way, the farmers should act in the spirit
of the western savages, who killed the women and children of their
enemies, as a tolerably sure way of preventing the multiplication of
warriors." Don't let your weeds go until after seed is formed, but
attend to thera early in the season; don't let them breathe, for the
leaP^es are the lungs of plants, and without them, they cannot live
long. Don't throw weedy straw into the barnyard to be used as
manure afterward, for in that way you will seed down your land
and cause yourself much extra work. Cultivate often in a dry time,
and do it well. Keep your roadsides and fence corners well seeded
down with grass and the weeds will be choked out. These are a
few rules which are easily followed and will save much work in
years to come.

"There is a tide in the affairs of men which, taken at the flood,
leads on to fortune." Farmers of Illinois ! your flood tide is here.
There is a time when the weeds upon your farm can be eradicated
with comparative ease. Do not wait until the tide has begun to
ebb, and you have hosts to fight against which would never have
existed, if you had acted at an earlier date. I will now mention
some of our worst weeds, with a few observations on then/.

The ragweed {Ambrosia artemisicefolia) is so coitimon that it
needs little description. Its Latin name ambrosia, signifying " food
of the gods," is not very applicable. It is found almost everywhere :
in the stubble, in gardens, along the roadsides, and in our meadows
and pastures. The pollen from its blossoms aggravates hay fever,
and is injurious to the health of cattle and hogs. When this
weed is not attended to, it renders pasture land almost utterly worth-
less for grazing. The past season may have been an exceptional one
for plant growth, but along the Illinois bottoms I have seen large
tracts of pasture and cultivated land almost covered with ragweed,
in many cases the stocks being about ten feet high. I have been on
some country roads where it was so high that you could not see into
the adjoining fields. Of course, this is due to mere shiftlessness on
the part of the land owners and road commissioners, but such a state
of things should not be. Usually, this kind of weed may be killed
if cut just before, or while they are in flower. Sheep clear a pasture
of this pest.

The velvet leaf or Indian mallow {Abufilon avicennce) is another
familiar weed It grows from two to five feet high. The stem and
leaves — the latter usually of good size — are covered with short
hairs, giving them a velvety appearance, from which it derives its
name. The flowers are small and yellow. Like most of our trouble-
some weeds, this plant is a foreigner, being a native of India. It

SOCIETY OF NOETHEKN ILLINOIS. 249

was first introduced into this country as an ornamental plant, and
was long sold as such by florists. The surest way of ridding your
land of this pest is to pull it up by the roots. When this is done
before the seed-pod is formed, the plant may be left where pulled ;
but when the pod is formed, the plant must be burned.

The Canada thistle {Cirsii(m arvense) is one of the greatest
pests that bear that very expressive name of weed. It is not a native
of America, as its name would imply, but is a European, and 1 am
sure many a farmer wishes it had never left its native soil and come
to seek its fortune among us. It has been nicknamed "cursed
thistle " ; and but let it get a good hold on your land, if you do not
agree with whoever had the pleasure of originating that epithet, and
with him call it "cursed," you will, at least, cvrse it!

Like other thistles it only produces radical leaves the first year,
and aerial stems the second. These stems are from two to three feet
high, very leafy and branching. Linnaus, in one of his works ob-
serves, "of the thistle tribe the greatest part are annual and biennial
and hence easily destroyed. Some few are not only perennial but have
powerfully creeping roots, and none so much as the present. In
pulling this plant out of the ground we draw up a long slender root,
which many are apt to consider the whole of it, but if those em-
ployed in such business examine the roots so drawn up they will
find every one of them broken off at the ends, for the root passes
perpendicularly to a great depth and then branches out horizontally
under the ground.'' This pest has gained some ground in our state,
but not to any great extent in my immediate vicinity. I have only
heard of two cases in our county, although there may be many more.
In one of these cases the seed was brought in a lot of straw and
litter that was tossed into a field from a passing wagon. These were
killed by pouring about half a pint of salt around the crown of each
plant. In the other instance I do not know how the seed was
brought. The plants were killed by smothering with rotten straw
and litter. For large patches frequent plowing during the growing
season, or planting with some crop that requires frequent cultivation
is said to destroy them.

In some districts the sour dock {runex crispus) is very trouble-
some. It can usually be destroyed by pulling up or cutting just below
the crown of the plant early in June before the seed is formed and
may be left where it is cut, later on however it must be burned.

Pigweed {amarantns hyhridvs) in most localities is hard to
eradicate. It is found in most of the cultivated land in our part of
the state. Plowing will not always kill it as it is somewhat tena-
cious of life.

The ox-eye daisy {LencAinihenuim rulgare) is well known by
reputation, although but few know it by sight. It is not found very
extensively in this state, and where it is found it has usually escaped

250 TKANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL

from some garden or has been introduced in the grass seed. I am
not well enough acquainted with it to give a description.

Purslane ( Portulaca oleracea) is a great pest in old soil where
it has once established itself. It does not start to grow until late in
the season, but matures rapidly after it does start. When left
undisturbed, it usually grows to a large size and smothers out the
other weeds. It is very prolific, over 1,250,000 seed being counted
on a single plant. Frequent cultivation will usually keep it
down. It is very tenacious of life, often maturing a crop of seed
after it has been pulled up.

One of the worst weeds that can be found on our farms is the
common bind- weed (Convolvulus arvensis),hj some called wild morn-
ing-glory. The perennial roots sink deep into the earth and are cap-
able of growing from every joint, so that plowing usually aggravates,
rather than dispenses with the trouble. Among grain and in corn
fields, late in the season, it is especially obnoxious, twining among the
grass and grain and making a tangled mass. The only remedy I know
of is frequent hoeing during the growing season; I have one or two
instances in mind where it has proved effectural.

In some sections the toad-flax (Linaria 7' ?<?^ar/s^ is gaining a
foothold. This is the " butter and eggs " of the East and is there
considered a great nuisance. It is a native of Wales and was intro-
duced into our country as a garden flower.

Everybody is acquainted with the coarse, homelj' burdock
(Lappa Major), and in most sections this weed is not only found in
the country, but large numbers of them may be found in the back
streets and alleys of most small towns and cities. This weed is hard
to eradicate after the ground is once seeded, as the seed often lies in
the ground ten or twelve years before germinating. The burrs are
especially obnoxious in pasture land as they get into the wool and
hair of sheep and cattle. Cutting below the ground and burning
the plant is the most effectual remedy.

The above are but a few of our pests, of which there are many
hundreds. Many of them may be strangers to you, but you should
strive to make their acquaintance with the hoe and plow. When-
ever you see a strange plant on your place and you are not sure
whether it is a noxious weed or not; condemn it on suspicion and
destroy it.

DISCUSSION.

Mr. Minkler — Those are two excellent papers. The eradication
of these weeds and noxious plants seems to be no one's business and
does not get done. This sweet clover is getting to overrun our roads
and is a great nuisance. I think the Canada thistle commissioners
should include the burdock, as it is as bad as the thistle.

SOCIETY OF NORTHEKN ILLINOIS. 251

Mr. Dunning — I think the Canada thistle commissioners do not
cut the thistle soon enough. They have been cutting them for
years, in Cook county, but it has done no good, for the reason, they
are left too late.

Mr. Woodard — We have a farmer's club in our vicinity which
meets once a month. We appoint a committee to look after the
weeds and noxious plants, to see that they are cut and the public
highways properly cared for. The people should be compelled to
destroy the cockle-burr, burdock and Canada thistle, which are our
worst ones.

Mr. Rice — There are parties who are advertising all over the
country, and selling this sweet clover seed to the farmers, to sow in
the road for their bees.

Mr. Austin — I think the planting of trees along the highways
a good thing, if they are not set too thick. This should not be, as
excessive shade keeps the roads muddy all the time. Weeds are a
good thing in some rtespects. They make the lazy man cultivate his
crops, which he would not do if it were not for the weeds. You
never hear a good farmer or gardener complain of the weeds, he
works his crops to make them grow, and would do so if there were no
weeds at all.

Mr. L. R. Bryant — The weeds iu the fence corners are a bad
thing. They get into the pastures and do a great deal of damage to
the grass. Personal observation of pastures the past summer, have
demonstrated this fact. Weed seeds are widely dissemminated by
the running streams. There has been a great deal of good done in
our vicinity, through the efforts of the highway commissioners.
They have called on the people and told them they must cut the
weeds and noxious plants along the roads, thus making a general
thing of it, and it is fast becoming quite popular with the people, to
keep the roads free from weeds, and seeded down to grass.

UTILIZING NEW FRUITS.
BY D. H. GRAY, ELMWOOI).

Mr. President: The time has come to the western farmers and
horticulturists to "gather up the fragments, that nothing be lost."
W^estern, as well as eastern, papers are asking the question : "Does

252 TBANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL

farming pay?" Your committee asks : "What is to be done with
surplus fruit?"

The fruit-growers, who make a calling of the art of growing
fruits, have to compete with not only those of their own calling, but
with the amateur in the village lands, and the farmers throughout
the State. The men of this calling are of a generous mind, and give
freely of all they know about growing fruit, and insist that every
farmer should plant new orchards before the old ones decay, and that
every one owning a piece of ground should have the luxury of a good
strawberry bed.

The farmer should have a large plateau of strawberries, plant
raspberries around his fields, and blackberries should be grown in
what would be waste spots. He can take the surplus fruit, with his
eggs and butter, to the nearest market. A full market makes surplus
fruit.

It is no longer a debated question : " Can we grow fruits suf-
ficient for the demand of the State?" Our last exhibition, at Alton,
answered it for apples. A finer collection has rarely been seen any-
where.

The market of every town and village of the State is well sup-
plied with small fruits during their season. Fruits that are second
in grade may be marketed, but third and fourth grades are surplus.

1 do not think we have yet reached what might be called a sur-
plus of good fruits, but we are after it, and unless there be sotne
interposition of Providence, in the form of some new plant disease,
or insects that are proof against arsenic poison, we may reach it in a
few years. At present our surplus consists of wind-falls and large
quantities of fall apples in the orchards, and of small fruits ; the
middle picking, on the first Monday and Tuesday after the full pick-
ing, is reached. This would look like a surplus of good fruit. It is
a surplus resulting only from an imperfect distribution.

Between the demand for table use and the preserving of fruits,
there is often a day or two of stagnation in the market for berries.
The grower is apt to put as much on the market during those two
days as he does on any four days of the season. All small straw-
berries, half-dried, and imperfect blackberries are with the surplus.
The question is not a very serious one with us yet, but it is coming.

The question which underlies this one is, "■ How can we make
the business of growing fruits more profitable, or — looking toward
the future — how can we contrive the business so as to secure a
living?" The orchardist will think of cider, cider vinegar, and, per-
haps, of jelly and apple butter as commercial articles ; the grower of
small fruits thinks of jam, jellies, preserves and fruit juices. All
questions of economy are moving westward, but they find little of
interest, except on the subject of utilization of materials. How to

SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS. 253

live comfortably and cut down expenses is the main question, but
we will have none of it until we have exhausted our materials.

The New England States, with New Jersey, Delaware, Mary-
land and Western New York, have, at least, twentj^-five years start
of us. Old England, about one hundred years. This answers the
question boldly : cheap labor, economy of materials, small profits and
economical living. Our East has not got so far along but that she
has her foot in our markets, and there is nothing small about it
either, — the foot, I mean. Every grocery store has its dried fruits,
fruits in jars, in cans ; jams and jellies in pails and by the tub full.

1 was conversing with a dealer in fancy fruits at Kansas City,
and he said there were no goods that sold as well as our imported, he
pointed to a stock of jars containing raspberry and strawberry jam,
imported from England. The brand had a name for purity and first
quality, they were in pint jars and sold for twenty five cents each, I
examined the goods and believe the fruit and sugar were of first
quality. I stepped into a glass factory and learned that jars would
cost four and a half cents each if bought by the gross. A. quart of
raspberries eight cents, one pound of sugar eight cents, labels and
packing one cent, cartage and freight to jobbers one cent, discount
two per cent to jobber (four mills). The price figured thus is
twenty two cents to the jobber, he must have ten per cent, so he
sells to the dealer at twenty two and a half cents, the dealer to secure
himself and carry the goods must have twenty five per cent, so he
would be compelled to charge for mv jars of jam twenty eight cents;
therefore in order to compete with England [ must put my berries
in at five and a half cents and do the packing for nothing. This is
not a plea for protective tariff on English imports, for New England
with New Jersey, Delaware and Western New York have had at least
twenty years of a start in the art of cheap packing of fruits. Pro-
tective tariff indeed; what ! protect the West from the East, the
North from the South, Northern Illinois from Southern Illinois, one
country from another? Nonsense, is it not. Better let him whose
nose first comes to the grindstone lift it in the air occasionally than
to weigh him down until this useful member is ground out of
resemblance.

Jam in pails and washtubs I did not examine, but ten cents a
pint in this state means fruit from the commission house and glu-
cose with cheap sugar. A short time ago I visited a large packing
house that was engaged in putting up jelly and apple-butter in the
month of June, the manager very kindly showed me around the
factory, the fruit was taken out of yellow cans into which it had
been packed by the growers in eastern and southern states, some of
it they had received from commission men and packed themselves.
The packers furnish the cans and pay about what would be the cost
of gathering and packing the fruit if done in Northern Illinois, yet

2-54 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL

the manager said to me very seriously "there is nothing in jelly." I
very innocently asked if there was not a little glucose in it, with a
wave of his haud towards a huge stack of barrels he said, ''we are
using 30,000 pounds per day," and for all that*there is nothing in
jelly. Fruits packed in tin have but a limited sale, the price paid is
about equal to the low price of fruit if sold fresh.

Fruit juices are coming in demand, they will be used in flavoring
instead of extracts. Fruit juice if put up in pint or one half pint
jars will find a m-arket. There are other ways of putting up fruit
juices. I examined a recipe the other day but found it very expens-
ive. The simplest way to preserve the juice is to put it up in glass jars
as we do fruit and then it is pure. There is no other way to have
pure fruit juice. I have purposly said nothing about wines, for if
there be a devil his name is alcohol, and no member of this body
wishes his satanic majesty as a partner in business, even though he
promise to pay all the debts and claim none of the profits, we know
him to be a liar from " way back. "

On motion adjournment was taken until two o'cock.

THURSDAY AFTERNOON SESSION.

Meeting convened, as per adjournment, with President Bryant
in the chair.

Mr. F. C. Johnson presented the following resolution :

Resolved, That this Society request some member of the Legislature
to introduce a bill to prevent the adulteration of vinegar.

Mr. L. R. Bryant, speaking of the resolution, said : " What we
propose to do, is to require the makers of vinegars to put their pro-
ducts on the markets for what they really are, something as is
required by the New York law. I think it would be well for this
Society and other similar ones, to press this matter. There should
be some uniform strength adopted, and inspectors appointed to see
that the law is enforced. Such a law would be of much benefit to
the consumer as to the maker, for he would then know what he was
buying, as there would be but one strength of vinegar on the market.

On motion the resolution was adopted.

SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS. 255

FRUITS FOR THE :N0RTHWEST.
BY GEORGE PEFFER, PEWAUKEE, WIS.

Mr. President and Gentlemen :

On the invitation of your worthy Secretary, I have written the
following short paper, covering the main points as far as my knowl-
edge goes.

SMALL FRUITS.

Strawberries take the lead in the West, as they come first in the
season, and therefore I will mention a few varieties that are giving
the best satisfaction with us. Wilson, Crescent, Jessie, Manchester,
or any of the pistilate hardy varieties in alternate rows, planted with
either of two staminates.

Raspberries, Black — Gregg, Souhegan; Red — Cuthbert, Brandy-
wine, Turner, Marlboro.

Blackberries — Ancient Britons, Stone's Hardy, Snyder.

Grapes — Moore's Early, Worden, Brighton, Delaware, Concord,
Niagara. The last named is really a white Concord; quite as hardy,
and ripens about the same time, falls off the stem if we try to keep
it, same as Concord, the only difference is in color.

Plums — DeSoto, Forest Garden, Rolling Stone, and other varie-
ties. Miner and Wild Goose planted with these named, give good
satisfaction also.

Hybrid Crab-Apples — Whitney, Gibb, Strawberry, Orange,
Transcendent, and for a sweet one, Beaches' Sweet or Sweet Russet,
and others. Also Currants and Gooseberries or any other small fruit
that is hardy or that can be easily protected.

Cherries — Can only be^grown where there is some shelter or on
high elevations where the cold air is amileorated by a pond, or lake,
or large stream of water, and then only the hardiest varieties, such
as the Kentish, Valtimere, and in the some localities the Early Rich-
mond and Morello.

Apples — In the further Northwest only the hardiest varieties
can be planted, to give satisfaction. In the neighborhood of where
the orchard is to be planted, avoid localities where the land lays to
the south or southwest, or where it can't be sheltered from these
points. If good sized trees are planted, they must be protected from
the sun, for a few years on the south side, by a few lath or fence
pickets, or any other material; cornstalks, hay or a bunch of straw
tied around the south side on the body of the tree. If onl}- fruit is
wanted that is hardy (in the apple line), without regard to quality
or keeping, our selection would be, first, Tetofsky. This has stood
when fifty-two degrees below zero killed Hyslop and Transcendent
Crab. Next is the Duchesse. Other varieties of the imported Rus-

256 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL

sians are said to be as hardy as the Duchesse, and some more so, but
that has to be proven yet. None of our own plantings from 1874,
of the varieties sent out by Mr. Benrow, at Washington, to us, are
alive now, except the "Muscow'' a very nice looking apple, but very
poor in quality.

The appearance of part of the newer sorts, though lacking in the
leaf and new wood, is good, and some of them may prove hardy-
enough for this far south. We have fruited a dozen or fifteen vari-
eties, and the best ones are only tolerably good. " White and Yel-
low Transparent" and the ''long field" were passably so, and
would have been satisfactory to us if we did not have better varieties
that ripen at the same time. Longfield has killed where the Wealthy
did, and therefore, cannot put it on with the first named sorts.

Now I will name some varieties that are satisfactory in the west
part of our State. McMahans, White and Yellow Transparent,
Orange Winter (more east and south), Wealthy, Utter's Red, Tall-
man-Sweet, Fameuse, Fall Orange, Seek-no-further, Willow Twig,
Bed A.strachau and Alexander. Along the counties facing Lake
Michigan many Eastern sorts are doing well. Golden Russet, Yel-
low Bellflower, Plumb's Cider, Pewaukee, Walbridge, Clark's Orange,
Haas, and even Ben Davis and Northern Spy, are satisfactorj^ Jona-
than, Grimes' Golden, Rome Beauty and other varieties that are top-
grafted on hardy stocks that are also satisfactory. If these new Rus-
sians prove as hardy as the Duchesse, and some of our western new
seedlings and the fruit is not satisfactory, better sorts can be worked
on to them by either grafting or budding; they may prove valuable
in time. Only the Flemish Beauty and seedlings from it, such as P.
No. 3, and a few of the varieties imported by J. L. Budd from Rus-
sia, seem to stand well here, but nearer the lake, dozens of Eastern
varieties are satisfactorly grown as well as European plums and
prunes.

STRAWBERRIES AND GRAPES.
BY D. J. PIPER, OF FORRESTON.

STRAWBERRY CULTURE.

The bright little strawberry so modestly blushing in its lowly
bed, the lowliest of all Pomana's sweet gifts to mortals, is still an
object of admiration to all lovers of the beautiful in nature, and is a
most delicious morsel to the palates of the surfeited epicure and the
starving beggar alike. Its presence upon the table is welcomed by
all with delight and an appreciation of its important position, as an
article of diet, has been for many years and is still increasing.
Hence, there has arisen an almost universal desire among the
growers of fruit, unprecedented, perhaps, in the history of any other

SOCIETY OF NOKTHERN ILLINOIS. 257

species of fruit, for a knowledge of the best conditions for, and
modes of its culture, and of the varieties best to grow for distant
markets, and for the grower's own use.

All these subjects have been so thoroughly canvassed as to
leave little to be said. Before making a plantation of strawberries,
I would advise the novice to procure at least, twenty-five or fif^
plants of, at least, a dozen sorts to test upon his grounds. Grow
young plants from the half of each kind and fruit on the other
remaining half. Those that are to grow fruit should have all the
runners kept off. After two or three have set from each plant,
first set the plants twelve to fifteen inches apart, which are to be
kept for fruiting, and those for growing plants tnay be set apart in
the row and the rows may be three and a-half feet apart; the ground
should be prepared the fall previous to the setting of plants. Cover
the ground well with manure from the pig-pen before plowing.
Plow the ground from six to eight inches deep. A light sprinkling
of well-rotted manure, mixed with ashes, applied in early spring
before the ground is harrowed, and prepared by harrowing with a
sharp-tooth harrow and then rolled or planked, puts the soil in fine
condition for the plants to grow. Cultivate and keep all weeds and
grass down the first season after planting.

I have always insisted and must repeat, that success with any
variety depends more upon the preparation of the soil previous to
the planting than upon all others combined. Then if good cultiva-
tion is given, if the soil has been previously well prepared, almost
any variety will do well the next year after setting. I have had an
experimental lot for the last four seasons, and have had thirty-five
varieties in it and they all did well. My rows were only two feet
apart. I had pistillate and staminate varieties in alternate rows.
Strawberries planted in that way fail to produce buttons unless they
are hurt or partly killed by frost.

I think frost in time of flowering has much to do in producing
buttons. If we want the finest and best fruits, we must keep the
plants in hills and keep ofE all runners. Mulch well in the fall be-
fore hard freezing comes on. Tt is a good plan to keep the plants
in narrow rows and set every third row to stamen varieties, such as
Captain Jack, Cumberland Triumph, Bidwell, Miner, Kentucky, Mt.
Vernon or Night-Superb as fertilizers, when growing berries for
market. If I was to set only four varieties, I would take Great
Pacific. Bidwell, Manchester and Mt. Vernon. If six varieties were
to be planted I would choose Great-Pacific, Bidwell, Manchester,
Captain Jack, Mt. Vernon and Windsor-Chief. If I was going to
add any more to the list I would take Cumberland Triumph as
they are always large and perfect in form. The Cumberland does
not fruit as heavy as some others, but is always perfect in form.

18

258 TRANSACTIONS OP THE HORTICULTURAL ^

The above named sorts are all large berries and great yielders of
abundance of berries, and with me are always large and perfect
when not injured by frost. The Great-Pacific, mentioned in the list
I recommended, is a seedling grown by rae. I have fruited it for
five seasons past, and it has gone way ahead of anything else I ever
had on my grounds. If I tell you that 1 have seen the fruit lay in
one continuous pile around the Great-Pacific you would not credit
it The plants did not have any winter protection. It is a berry the
shape of the Wilson, but a much larger berry, and the plant a more
rampant one. It surpasses the Crescent in making runners and pro-
ducing young plants and fruit. It must be well fertilized and you
will get an abundance of nice large berries. I have chosen thirteen
good berries out of five hundred seedlings and the Great-Pacific is
one of them.

The grape is the oldest fruit we have any knowledge of, it being
almost the first fruit that was used in ancient times.

There is an almost innumerable variety, but very few kinds that
are sufficiently hardy, at the present day, to withstand our cold and
rigorous climate. First, we will take our natives ; they fail in many
cases, and are frozen back to the main vine, and some are killed
outright.

As we understand, the Concord has been grown from seed by
careful selection from the best wild grapes of the East, It is about
the third generation from our wild native Fox grape. There has
been great improvement since the Concord was first introduced.
Since that we have the Delaware, Hartford and Diana, and still later
on we have the Martha, a white and very sweet grape, and equally
as hardy as the Concord.

My vineyard was planted twenty-five years ago, when grape
blight, rust and grape rot were unknown in our part of the country.
But, alas ! to-day we are in the same boat with our brethren in other
parts of the country where this trouble has existed for a number of
years. Why is it?

Do the vines take the proper ingredients from the soil to pro-
duce a sound and healthy growth of plants and fruit, and do we
neglect to put back and supply the soil with the proper food to pro-
duce both healthy vines and sound fruit? This blight and rot must
be a contagious disease, and is brought about as many other things
are in the shape of disease. If we were on the look-out, and cut
ofiP and burned every leaf and twig that showed any sign of dis-
ease in any form, I think we would not be very much troubled by
rot and blight.

When the rot and blight once gets into a vineyard, I think it
would be better to root it out entirely than to be bothered by rot
every year. In such cases only very dry weather will prevent the
occurrence of its return for only the time being. The years of 1886

SOCIETY OF NORTHEEN ' ILLINOIS. 259

and 1887 produced some of the finest grapes that were ever grown in
Northern Illinois. I visited Mr. Cotta's place in the fall of 1887,
and there saw some of the finest grapes that has ever been my
pleasure to behold. I refer to the Niagara, Moore's Early and
Worden. A few years previous I had seen just the reverse.

I don't care how you cultivate in a wet, damp season, you will
not grow good grapes. We want the wet kept off our grapes as
much as possible if we wish them perfect. It never gets too dry in
our part of the country to grow good grapes, but often gets too wet.
The best plan to grow grapes is to drive a stake into each vineyard.
Have it about six feet above ground, large enough and strong enough
to hold the vine. Drive a nail or two, about five feet high, into each
post. Lap the vines around the post, and tie a string around vines
and post to hold them in position, and let it go until the fruit is set.
Then pinch off the end of each vine, three or four buds beyond the
last bunch of fruit, and let it go for that season, except that you cul-
tivate it with a horse and shovel plow each way, and keep down all
weeds and grass. By tying the vines up to stakes, the foliage forms
an almost complete umbrella, that will protect the fruit, in a
measure, from the rain and heavy dew.

There is now in Northern Illinois, on trial, a seedling grape —
an out-door grape, — and, I think, the finest grape we have. It is
grown in Freeport, and surpasses the Delaware, Jeffries, Walter and,
in short, all the fine varieties that I have had the pleasure of tasting.

I have previously grown forty-three varieties before we had rot
and blight among our grapes.

DISCUSSIOX.

Mr. Austin — We think the Crescent Seedling one of the best
strawberries we have for productiveness and hardiness, and I am
surprised it is not mentioned in the paper. I would like to inquire
if the grape rot is general over the northern part of Illinois ?

Mr. Piper — So far as I have observed, it is. A heavy shower
followed by warm, sultry weather will set them to rotting.

Mr. Periam — My experience has been that the method of train-
ing a grape vine to a stake is the right one, and that it is a good
thing to renew your vines. Grape rot cannot be called a contagious
disease. It always comes on in wet, hot, muggy weather. Sulphur
is a specific for mildew on grapes. The inclination of a grapevine
is to overgrow, and it should be kept well trimmed back. The
vines are so easily renewed that there need be no trouble result. I
think they should be pinched back to within about two buds of the

260 TEANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTUEAL

•fruit. Would always leave plenty of leaves to shed the super-abun-
dance of moisture, which would otherwise fall on the fruit. When
there is plenty of radiation, the leaves that are outside and not shel-
tered, gather a great deal of moisture, and are covered with water
or dew, which prevent their giving off the needed moisture from the
roots. It is, therefore, necessary that there be plenty of sheltered
foliage to supply the needed evaporation from the roots.

Mr. Austin — I have seen vines that had not been trimmed for
a number of years, bear heavy crops, and I do not think we can
always tell just how much benefit is derived from pruning.

Mr. Cotta — I think the less summer trimming we give our

. vines, the better. The bearing vines should be allowed to grow

during their fruiting, and make as much foliage as they will. We

prune in order to reduce the number of bunches, that what remain

may be improved in size and quality.

Mr. Periam — I do not wish it understood that I advocate con-
tinual summer pruning, as the vines so treated would soon go back.
It would not have leaves enough to keep the increasing roots in a
healthy condition. I would simply pinch back a little during the
summer in case the vine seemed to be running too much to wood.
This process simply retards the growth and does not rob the vine of
its foliage.

HANDLING, SHirPING AND MARKETING FRUITS.
BT JESSE E. WHITNEY, CARROLL, IOWA.

A few days ago I was invited by your President, Mr. Arthur
Bryant, to write something on the subject of "Handling, Shipping
and Marketing Fruit." In the past few years I have had consider-
able experience in marketing fruits. I have handled fruits from a
great many different sections of the country, and of a great many
different men's packing. As a result, I find the most important
thing in packing fruit is to be honest. When you have packed your
fruit honestly it will sell, and the people will call on you for more ;
if packed dishonestly, your trade is at an end. It should be packed
and handled as carefully as eggs. Pack in new full-sized barrels.
If the fruit you are handling is apples, dress the ends of the barrels
that are to be opened, thereby presenting an even, regular and
inviting appearance ; the fruit should be packed tight and pressed in
the barrels, to prevent shaking and bruising. This same rule applies
to all other fruits.

SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS. 261

The shipping of fruit, heretofore, has been the greatest draw-
back to getting fruit properly on the market, but the railroad com-
panies, in the last few years, have come to recognize the importance
of furnishing suitable cars, made for the purpose of handling the
large and growing business. We can ship fruit from California
now, and have it arrive in as good condition as formerly in shipping
from Southern Illinois to Chicago. They have a line of fruit cars
adapted to the business, with a system of ventilation so perfect that
there is hardly room for improvement left.

One of the greatest questions that the apple-growers have to
contend with is, how to dispose of their early apples, and it is one of
the easiest solved. Pack your fruit before it gets too ripe, ventilate
your barrels, but not too much, and ship your apples to the market
that you think you can do the best in, and ship them ofE promptly
before they get too ripe. Don't wait until you gei, enough to fill a
car, as part of them will be too ripe.

A great many growers do nothing with their early apples,
because they have had too much bad luck in the past ; but in the
sections of the country where there is no fruit grown, early apples
are in good demand ; and good packing from the early varieties will
net you as a good a result as the later varieties, if properly packed
and handled. Don't always look to the larger markets for a profitable
return, as some of the smaller markets will net you more money, as
they are not so liable to be glutted as the large markets frequently
are. The most successful way is to get a line of customers started,
pack your fruit honestly, in bright, new packages; put your name
on the packages as packer — which is a guarantee to the buyer and
the consumer that the fruit is first class, — and you will find that the
marketing of your product is the easiest job that you have, and your
net returns cannot help but be satisfactory.

GROWING AND MARKETING GRAPES xVND SMALL FRLTITS.
BY E. C. HATHAWAY, OTTAWA.

Mr. President and Members of the

Northern Illinois Horticultural Society:

The growing and marketing of fruits have engaged the aiiten-
tion and closest thought of the horticulturist ever since fruits have
had a commercial value. Proper growing is consequent upon a great
many contingencies, among which are locations, soils, exposure, etc.
But the marketing, there's the rub. If all growers were honest, and
I am sorry to say that I cannot believe they are; and why they are
not, when it is to their own advantage to be so, is beyond my com-
prehension. If all commission or middle men, were possessed of such
consciences that they would return to the grower or shipper, what

262 TEANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTUBAL

rightfully belongs to him after deducting proper commissions and
expenses, then the question of marketing would become a much
more easy one, but commission men (I'll not say all, but a great
many), are so prone to figure their commissions at the Dutchman's
one per cent, that the poor shipper generally can't hold out until he
finds the honest one, but like the old horse, put on a barrel stave
diet, plays out getting used to it. Now I know of no remedy for
this except that shippers should compare notes at their annual meet-
ings, and elsewhere, and when they find such as have treated them
honestly, after a long series of dealings, patronize such men only.
This plan might not be perfection itself, as even the once honest
ones, overcome by their surroundings, might fall; but then it is well
enough to try them until you find them going through your pockets;
then quit.

The rigid assorting of fruit, at packing, rejecting all inferior or
decayed specimens, is the only possible way in which we can hope to
realize good or remunerative prices in this era of competitive strife.
If shipments of such fruit are made with the shippers name plainly
stenciled upon the package, you will be surprised to see how soon
you will establish for yourself such a name that your fruit will not
be reported back ''carried over" or "spoiled,'" but, on the contrary
you will be advised to ship as much and rapidly as possible, as "your
fruit is all sold to arrive," provided always that your consignee is an
honest man. The question of packages has now been pretty well
solved, and the cheap veneer boxes and baskets seen on the market
stands every day, is the evidence of their adaptability and convenience
to both grower and consumer. There has been some disposition to
condemn their frailty, and rightfully too, on account of the careless
manner in which some of them are put together. This is not the
fault of the material, however, and after a few losses from this
source the builder will be apt to correct his errors and build more
carefully and strongly. " He who causes two blades of grass to grow
where but one grew before is a public benefactor," but he that puts
two nails into a fruit package where he was in the habit of putting
but one before, will soon discover that he is a benefactor unto himself.

Where so much has been spoken and written relating to the
growing of fruits, it would seem like folly for me to attempt to
eniighten the growers of Northern Illinois upon the subject. I
know of no new methods other than those already being tested. The
insect scourge is to my mind the most important question that pre-
sents itself to the fruit growers of to-day; it is monumental in its
importance and, if means are not soon devised for checking it, I fear
the days of successful and profitable fruit-growing in Illinois are
numbered. I can see but one way to overcome it, and that is through
concerted action and legislative enactment of laws; laws that will
compel the owners to either cut down or destroy their trees aud

SOCIETY OF NORTBERN ILLINOIS. 263

plants and take such measures as will prevent their becoming breed-
ing-places for insects, through neglect.

Question — When is the best time to prune apple trees ?

Mr. Cotta — I have trimmed apple-trees for one-quarter of a
century, and have found that if I pruned in the early spring, before
the sap had risen in the trees, and there was no frost in the limbs,
no bad results came from it and the bark did not turn black around
the cut. Pruning is generally advised for June, but I have never
been successful at that season of the year, and do not think it should
be done in the summer, except the new growth.

Mr. Austin — We never experience any bad results from prun-
ing in May and June, but look out for black sap, if you prune when
there is frost in the limbs.

President Bryant- — I think the sap, or water, will run from the
tree and discolor the bark, cut it when you may, if the tree is dam-
aged at the heart, and I don't think it can be avoided.

Question — Should farmers prune back the trees they get from
the nursery ?

Mr. Austin — We always prune the tops back in proportion to
the root. For instance, if a tree has a good root, we leave mcie of
the top on than where it has a poor one. I prefer to set a large
tree in the fall, but small oues are usually better set in the spring.
It is not so with all varieties; some do better planted in the fall and
others in the spring. There is no rule which I could prescribe that
would apply in all cases, one must learn from experience the pecul-
iarities of the different trees. I have found that if the Norway
spruce is taken up and heeled in for some little time, and then set
out, it will almost invariably die, but it is not so with the pines.

At this point the tree dealer was discussed at some length, and
Mr. Cotta introduced a motion instructing the chair to appoint a
committee of three to take into consideration the advisability of ask-
ing our legislature to pass a law that would protect the farmers and
the people in general, from the deception and frauds practiced upon
them by the irresponsible tree dealer; the motion prevailed and the

264 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL

chair appointed to act on that committee, J. V. Cotta, L. R. Bryant
and Jorfathan Periam.

, The committee appointed to examine and report on the fruit on
exhibition, offered their report which, on motion, was approved.
The society adjourned until seven o'clock in the evening.

THURSDAY EVENING SESSION.

Called to order by the President at 7:15 and opened by music.

THE IMPROVEMENT AND OENAMENTATION OF PARKS,

LAWNS, THOROUGHFARES AND

SCHOOL-GROUNDS.

BY H, G." BRYANT, PRINCETON".

What can be more pleasing to the eye than a well kept lawn or
park, dotted here and there with clumps of trees, bushes and flower
beds, while between these the rich green grass carpets the earth set-
ting off the beauty of the scene twofold. How seldom we find the
attention and care that should be given the parks and school-grounds.
As a rule they are usually allowed to care for themselves as far as or-
namentation is concerned. ' What few trees are planted are improp-
erly taken care of, and in the school-yard the children are sure to
put them to uses for which they were never intended. Would it not
be a good idea to interest the children in the care and improvement
of the grounds by planting trees, shrubs, etc. By assisting in plant-
ing and care of them they feel an interest and responsibility con-
cerning their welfare, it would tend to make them more careful and
by instilling this love of trees in their minds while young, will have
its effect in after life, as they will hardly forget their early training
in this direction.

The citizens of a city or town should see that their parks and
school-grounds are well improved, for by them a stranger usually
judges the class of people living there. Where this is done, we will
almost invariably find an enterprising and industrious community,
and vice versa ; so you can readily see the importance of well-kept
grounds. It not only adds to your own enjoyment of life, but gives
much pleasure to others who have not the same opportunities of
enjoying life to as full an extent as you do.

In everything we aim to do we should have an object, or plan,
in view; something to be working to — especially so in planting
trees, — whether for the mere pleasure or profit. If managed rightly,
a lawn or park can be laid out and planted without a great deal of

•

SOCIETY OF NOETHEEN ILLINOIS. 265

expense, and it seems strange to me that so many cities and towns
have not taken up the ornamentation of their parks and school
grounds and tried to improve them. This could be done with very
little cost to each landholder in that vicinity, and would probably
increase his property in value more than the trifle it cost him. Care
should be exercised that the trees may not be planted too closely, so
that they will crowd each other after they attain considerable size.

In order to plant so the best results may be obtained, one should
be acquainted with the different varieties of trees, their habits of
growth, the size they ultimately attain, and the effect they will pro-
duce when planted among other kinds. Persons who do not under-
stand this, are quite apt to plant too closely and therefore spoil the
lawn or park after the trees are of some size. It is better to employ
a skilled landscape gardener, one who has devoted his time and atten-
tion to the subject, and who thoroughly understands his business,
if we can afford to. If we do so, usually considerable expense can
be saved in the amount of trees planted and in the end they will be
where they are wanted.

When riding, on a hot summer day, whether it be for business
or pleasure, how much enjoyment is afforded by the cool, refreshing
shade of a row of trees along the road, and then how much we
regret that more trees were not planted along the highw.ays by our
fathers when they first settled this country. To those who did, we
must tender our warmest thanks, and when an opportunity offers,
we should follow in their footsteps and do likewise. There is noth-
ing that adds so much to the beauty of a city or town as well as
well-kept roadways, lined with fine rows of trees, making a delight-
ful shade in summer, and protecting the home from the cold blasts
of winter.

The elm, one of the grandest of our trees, is probably as much
planted as any one variety for shade and ornament in this section.
It attains a large size and, if properly cared for when young, makes
a beautiful tree.

Tbe hard maple also makes a handsome tree, but is not as much
planted as the elm on account of its slow growth while young, these
together with the white ash and chestnut are among the most desir-
able of the hard wooded trees for ornamental planting. In what-
ever we attempt to do, let us do it with our might, keep perpetually
" firing" away at the people, and finally we may be rewarded for our
perseverance and energy by making an impression that will last for-
ever, whereas if we are easily discouraged we may not accomplish
what we otherwise would.

266 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL

LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
BY W. WICKS, MT. CAEROLL,

We will here venture a few sufjf^esti.ons. lu the next twenty
years in Northern Illinois many new homes will be made and old
ones reconstructed. They should be arranged with taste. The face
of Nature might be greatly changed by the magic touch of the land-
scapist. We urge farmers to pay some attention to this subject, as
it will pay in a number of ways.

1. In the increased value of estates.

2. In the enhanced pleasure of farm life.

3. As a means of keeping the boys at home.

4. When combined with tree culture it so modifies the climate
that man and beast are greatly protected.

We outline a few practical hints as applied in rural arts. For
want of knowledge, time and money is often expended injudiciously.
The universal mistake is made in locating the ornamental trees in
front, instead of the rear, of the house ; '' we get the cart before the
horse." An object on canvas appears better with a pleasing back-
ground. The house is the main feature, the park and other distant
objects is the back-ground, that helps to complete the material
picture. The painter studies the harmony colors, — the landscapist
may do the same.

Green trees, hedges and white snows are pleasing objects in
winter scenery. A picture set in a nice frame appears more beautiful ;
so flowers, bordered with some suitable edging, are more attractive.

In this soil and climate, for ornamental planting, evergreens
should largely prevail, as they are a joy forever. The front yard is
the proper place for lawn and flowers, — flowering shrubs should be
placed back to one side. Curved walks and drives are in harmony
with modern taste. Terrace work — sod walls against embankments
— add much to make home complete.

All trees should be planted several rods from the house to avoid
a smothered appearance, as well as having reference to keeping the
cistern water pure.

SHRUBBERY FOR THE NORTH WEST.

BY A. B. AUSTIN, DOWNER's GROVE.

Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen:

Some twenty-five years ago when first attempting to run a nur-
sery, a great deal more zeal than experience was displayed, and in no
place did it appear plainer than in raising evergreens and flowering
shrubs. Not much was known at the time in Northern Illinois

SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS. 267

about the comparative hardiness of plants, and the experience of uur
eastern brethern was not a sure or reliable guide for us. By exper-
ience we found our soil was wanting in some characteristic or had
to much of something, so that all varieties of kalmias rhododendrons
and their near relatives will not thrive here, although east they
grow well at a much higher latitude. Again we have a bad climate,
its extreme heat and cold, wet and drouth are very trying to all
shrubs, yet with these drawbacks we have a great many fine varieties
that will do well here.

In planting shrubbery, first get the hardiest varieties, those that
are known to stand in your vicinity the various vicissitudes of the
seasons and try the tender later. Do not get large or fully grown
plants, they require to much time to overcome their removal and
again get established, thereby liable not to give good satisfaction;
but always commence with small or medium sized plants and as
they grow the interest in them will increase. It is very discourag-
ing to fail in our first effort, very often causing an abandonment
of the field. Do not set the plants in a sod and leave them to take
care of themselves, for they will surely die, but they must be
placed where you can spade around them and give to them at least
as much care as to a hill of corn or potatoes; they need no more
cultivation than those, but surely need as much. 1 often recom-
mend to those setting, that a border of flowers or a flower bed be
placed around them for several years after setting so as to insure
care, the care to the flowers insures the care of the shrubs. When
shrubs are planted in masses, for the first few years it is a very good
plan to plant bulbs and roots of perennials among them to insure
cultivation. We have our grounds in which the shrubs, etc., are
planted, spaded every year in June and hoed several times after
through the season. For best results, plant shrubs in masses and as
soon as they begin to crowd, thin them, taking the poorest and leav-
ing the best and rarest. Shrubs generally grow hardier for a while
with age, so that with care in protecting them for a few years many
will endure a much lower temperature than in their infancy.

About five miles from where I reside is a wiegelia rosea, thirty
years old, eight or ten feet in height, and when I last saw it in bloom
it was a sight worth going several mileis to see. This plant was pro-
tected awhile. Protection from our cold, dry west and south west
winds is desired; it is as much the cold, dry winds in winters as in-
tense cold that destroys plants. The planting on the south or south
west side of a building is not generally an advantage, the heat of the
mid-day sun, especially in winter on the trunk, or trunks very often
is injurious; would prefer to shade them, especially those not fully
hardy, to prevent injury to the bark from constant thawing and
freezing. A belt of evergreens on the west side of the lawn or

268 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTUEAL

grounds will be found of great advantage to shrubs and to all living
beings.

I speak of this from knowledge. A small cladastris (yellow
wood), struggled on, on my place for a long time. The winter
would take off what was gained in the summer, until a belt of spruce
became high enough to shelter it from the west wind. It has since
put on a robust, healthy look and now is as vigorous a tree as I have;
also a daphne, a little sheltered, has been growing and blooming for
the last sixteen years, always the first to greet us in the spring with
its fragrance and beauty until it seems almost like one of our house-
hold. Sometimes during our severe hard drouths, it would drop its
leaves in mid-summer, still it struggled on and was always ready to
smile on us in the spring. In selecting shrubs, two objects should
be held in view; first, bloom and second good foliage. During the
season, some consider the latter the greater object, but plants that
both bloom well and also hold their foliage are to be preferred. Do
not be discouraged by insect attacks. With a little care and patience
they can be overcome. If attacked by worms, slugs or other leaf
eaters, syringe with water in which Paris green or London purple
has been mixed, but if attacked by aphis, more patience will be
required, but they will sooner or later leave.

Our old favorite viburnum sterilis, snow ball, for four years in
succession was attacked by an aphis that caused the leaves to roll up,
the flowers to be imperfect, and affected the growth of the plant.
Last year they disappeared, and the old bush shone again in its orig-
inal splendor. It is well to be suspicious of all shrubs that come
from Africa, China, Japan, Southern Europe and Southern North
America. Occasionally we get a hardy shrub from them and a fine
one, but they are the exception. The rule is for them to be tender
here. Be also a little cautious about buying new, strange and won-
derful plants of strangers, who have something your nurserymen
can not get. A short time since one of the gentry was selling near
by, red and red and white striped Philadelphus syringa, either color,
as his customer might desire, and as they were rare a rare price had
to be asked, one dollar for a bush eighteen inches, and a much
larger price for larger bushes. A great many were sold. The ladies
felt happy and laughed at the nurseryman when they found he had
none, and they had, but they have not laughed since, for those that
were true syringas, had only white bloom, and what were wieglias
soon died. In the following list and description I give you only my
experience. The philadelphus, common syringa, are all hardy and
good bloomers, are either fragrant or not according to variety, and
hold their foliage well. We cannot do without it. The golden
leaved aurea is fine, holds its color well and makes a low, compact
shrub, fine for fancy hedges. If planted in the shade, it fades to a
green. All golden foliaged trees and shrubs must have full sun-light.

SOCIETY OF NORTHEBN ILLINOIS. 269

Lonicera, Tartarian or tree honeysuckle. — This is a fine shrub,
very hardy, blooms freely, followed by red or yellow berries which
remain until fall. In color of bloom we have pink, red with white
stripes, white and cream color, according to variety. It should be
planted much more than it is. Sedebouri, a variety from California,
may be tender. Syringa. lilacs, all I have tried, are hardy. What
the newer varieties from China and Japan will do, requires time for
trial. We are having a variety of forms of this old choice plant,
but none too many, and not too much can be said in its praise. The
only fault is its tendency to sprout from the root. The Persian and
Josekea are free from this fault. Among the new forms is a
weeper somewhat the character of the lilmarnock willow, having a
white bloom and has to be grafted standard height, and one, the
tree or giant lilac, making a tree with a single smooth trunk
twenty or more feet high, blooming in July. We have reason to
believe they will be hardy here.

Viburnums are, as far as tried, all hardy with one exception;
most of them are natives and of various characteristics, making
them desirable and are a class of shrubs with good leaves. The
snow-ball, viburnum sterilis, belongs to this class. The variety,
santonoides, is deserving a place in every yard; blooms well and has
a fine leaf; blossom-bud very conspicuous in the fall. Viburnum
plicatum from China, often call Japan snow-ball, is tender, even the
roots are destroyed by frost. The little flowering almond we must
have, although not fully hardy; about three years out of five, we get
an abundance of bloom ; the roots always survive.

Hydrangea {paniculafa grandiflora). — This is perfectly hardy;
grows with me five feet high, with a fine spreading top ; is a fine,
if not the finest, late-blooming shrub we have, with its large heads
of white bloom in August and September. It is very attractive. I
have had it in bloom for the last sixteen years, and only once has it
failed in that time. It did not grow enough in the summer of 1887,
on account of drouth. It is well to keep it well-trimmed and in a
growing condition. The flowers are on the new wood.

Rosea Pugosa. — I wish to call attention to this new variety of
rose from Africa. It can, and. no doubt, will, be used as a shrub, and
will give good satisfaction. There are three colors, — alba (white),
rose and red. The flowers are large, often three or more inches in
diameter, and fine in color, followed by bright berries, foliage dense
and good, remaining until late, often changing to crimson in the
fall. Already have plants been produced with double roses by
hybridizing. These, with its complete hardiness, can not fail to
make it a favorite.

Chionanthus (white fringe), one of the best of shrubs, with
leaves like the laurel, shining all summer, as if varnished, a delicate

270 TBANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL

white bloom in spriugf, as hardy as an ash tree — to which family it
belongs, — should make it a favorite.

Among the hardy shrubs, in part, will be fouad the following
[this article will not allow me to be descriptive with the balance] :
Berberries (both common and purple), yellow flowering currant,
purple fringe (phus cotinus), snow berry (or wax berry), cornus
saugima and the Siberian varieties, nearly all the spireas, and daphne.

The following have proved half hardy, sometimes enduring a
few years, then freezing down, but their roots generally remained
ancl grew. Cydonia (Japan quince), European euongmus, prums
pissarda, rose accacia, deulgias (grariles, generally hardy), wie-
gelia. Among the tender, those that kill top and root, are the
altheas, all the flowering currants but the yellow, cormus of the
marculate varieties, calycanthus, gorsythias (golden bell), xanthrares
and some others. Professor Budd claimes to have both a caly-
canthus and tamarisk from the A.mour river, of Asia, that are
perfectly hardy. If so they are a fine acquisition. The herbaceous
pasonies come so near shrubs, and I have such success with them,
I must say a word in their favor. For show, hardiness and longevity
nothing can excel them, excelling even rhododendrons. I succeed
in having bloom from them for about three months each year. The
first to bloom in spring is tennefolia; single, dark crimson flower.
It is not unusual for the buds to be formed, and at times, opened
before the snow squalls leave us in the spring, mingling crimson
buds among the snow. The next to bloom is a dark crimson, the
paradoxa, the foliage of this variety dies down in summer. Last
come the Chinese varieties. With care and age they make large
stools three to four feet high and four to five feet spread across- the
tops; with the different colors in bloom at the same time, in one
large bed, the sight is grand. I have seen over one thousand buds
and flowers, many from four to six inches in diameter, at one time
on but twelve stools. The plants should be placed so that they can
be spaded around every year, and planted six to eight feet apart.
They will have to be hooped, to keep them from spreading and break-
ing down, we use iron hoops from large barrels; other plants and
bulbs can be placed among them. We use roses, lilies, gladiolus,
dahlias, etc., making a constant bloom from the time the frost leaves
in the spring, until it returns in the fall. Pieonia tennefola»flori
plena is a gem; color dark crimson, color of and a little larger and
fuller than the Gen. Jacqueminot rose, a beautiful foliage, fennel
leaved, comparable to the down of a chicken recently hatched. In
every respect it is rare and fine. It may truly be said of them
(pseonia) they are ''as hardy as an oak," needing no protection,
always of a vigorous habit and healthy growth. Freedom from all
diseases and insects, are important arguments in favor of their culti-
vation. It really is a '' fine flower for the million.'"

SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS. 271

DISCUSSION.

Mr. Periam — Any place will be improved in value by planting
trees. Could cite many examples showing the efficiency of wind
breaks. The common mistake in tree planting is made by setting
the trees too thick, and they continue to grow thicker. If you plant
your trees thick, you must not wait too long before you thin them
offt. For ornament, you simply want the ground fairly well shaded,
not enough, however, to keep the grass from growing. The slope
of the land must also be taken into consideration in ornamental
planting. If the house is a tall one, plant lots of trees in the yard.
I believe in having trees and ornamental shrubs between the house
and road. You do not want too many tall ones, nor those that make
dense shade, but have a good variety. The better shelter you have
the more tender tsees can be planted, but you will have to experiment
to get the varieties that do best in your particular locality, as n'o
one can tell you what to put out. No man has a farm merely for
what he can make out of it. It is his home, and the trees he plants
about it make it more home-like, and increases its value materially.
It is the improvements that make the farm bring a good price. No
one ever plants, in the way of ornamental trees, to beautify his
place, not even the slow-growing evergreens, without being well
paid for it ; allowing, of course, that the trees do not die the first
five years. Lines of trees too thickly planted along a roadside are
objectionable, as the excessive shade keeps the road in a muddy con-
dition. When you get everything nicely grown you will have
insects, but if you can keep a goodly number of birds around they
will attend to the greater part of them. Insects can, however, be
fought in other ways. Pyrethrum is generally destructive to insects,
though not to man, but where it fails to act, arsenical poison can be
relied upon. The solutions used of these should be weak enough not
to injure the foliage. London purple is generally conceded to be
better than Paris green, as it is more soluble in water and makes a
better solution. One pound of London purple to two hundred gal-
lons of water can be used on apple trees without injury. The striped
cucumber beetle is hard to get at, unless they are present in great
numbers, when cold water thrown on them, so benumbs them, that
they can be picked off. This leads us to the thought that we must
study the habits of insects to successfully combat them.

272 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICQLTUEAL

Mr. Piper — I have used hellebore on roses with good success,
and Paris green on potato vines to destroy the bugs.

Mr. Abbot — I use whale oil soap and crude carbolic acid for
lice on the under side of the leaves.

Mr. Rice — I have treated the gooseberries with white hellebore
very successfully. Used dry powder and sifted it over the foliage
when the dew is on,

L. R. Bryant — I have not used Paris green much, principally
London purple. The past season was not a good one to j udge of codling
moth injuries on account of the short crop of apples, however I am
satisfied that the London purple will destroy them and also the
canker-worm. There is great danger in having the solution too
strong, in which event it would scorch the foliage. I use one pound
to one hundred and sixty gallons of water. The solution can be
stronger in the early part of the season than later when the foliage
is dryer and will take up more of it.

Mr. Austin — I used Paris green for slugs on roses successfully;
one application is sufficient.

Question — What is the best keeping apple to plant in Northern
Illinois?

Mr. Bryant — I would recommend the Willow Twig for one, it
has been tried more than any other and proved successful, I think
the Salome is one of the best winter apples, quality considered. The
old trees bore a good crop this season but the young trees have not
fruited enough to amount to any thing, the nursery trees have had
a fine growth this year.

THE VEGETABLE GARDEN FOR FAMILY USE.

Mr. Piper — T have been at vegetable gardening for fourteen
years and have tested a great many varieties, especially of potatoes,
I think the Early Bancroft is the best early potato, the Early May,
Early Sunrise and Watson are all good early sorts, the Empire State
is the best winter variety; I raised last year two hundred and fifty
bushels per acre of them, the White Star is also a good keeper and
yielder.

Mr. Bryant — The White Star did not yield well with me.

SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS. 2J'S

Mr. Piper — I consider that the White Star does better planted
on high ground.

Mr. Rice — The White Star has been a very poor yielder and
very poor in quality with me.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON FRUIT EXHIBIT.

Your committee, appointed to report upon the exhibits, find the
following on the tables, to-wit:

W. H. Hansen, Franklin Grove — '19 plates, to-wit: Twenty
Ounce, Glori Mundi, Tallman Sweet, Grimes' Golden, Willow
Twig, Rawles' Janet, Roman Stem, Flushing Spitzenburg, Fameuse,
Domine, Seek-No-Further, Limber Twig, Michael Henry, Ben Davis,
Whitney Russet, an unnamed Russet and two seedlings.

William Bell, Franklin Grove — 7 plates: Northern Spy, White
Pippin, Roman Stem, Domine, Westfield Seek- No-Further, Minkler,
Romanite.

C. Durkee, Franklin Grove — 3 plates: Rawles' Janet, Roman
Stem, Willow Twig. «•

D. F. Lehman, Franklin Grove — 9 plates: unnamed.
.J. Y. Cotta, Nursery — 1 plate: Garfield.

W. Wicks, Mt. GsiXxoW — l plate: Willow Twig.

Warren Dysart, Franklin Grove — 1 plate: Domine. ,

Mrs. M. Hall, Franklin Grove — Ijjlate: White Pippin.

Joseph Mattern, Franklin Grove — 1 plate: Cayuga Redstreak.

Marcus Wingert, Franklin Grove— ^ plates: Northern Spy,
Willow Twig, Tallman Sweet, Winter Pennock, Roman Stem,
Rawles' Janet.

L. C. Hansen, Franklin Grove — 6 plates: apples unnamed and
one plate of a seedling crab.

L. W. Reigle, Franklin Grove — 2p)lates: Willow Twig and
Rawles' Janet.

Dysart Lincoln, Franklin Grove — 9 plates oi New \ork grown,
and 2 plates of home grown apples.

The exhibit, in the main, was a fine one, most of the plates
being of large, handsome, well kept specimens, proving that Northern
Illinois is capable of producing an excellent assortment of apples,
sufficient for all our wants, if trees are properly grown and fairly
well cared for in the orchard.

We also find a fine exhibit of specimen branches of the follow-
ing varieties of evergreens: hemlock and Norway spruce, balsam
fir, white Austrian, Norwegian red, Scotch and sugar pine, Ameri-
can and Siberian arbor vitae, red cedar and Irish juniper, and, also, a
branch of the European larch — all correctly labeled. Only regret
that the ten thousand farm owners of Northern Illinois could not

19

274 TBANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTUBAL

all have been present, to better acquaint themselves more fully with
the different types of these useful, and, altogether too much neglected,
trees. CZU CZ3

All of which is respectfully submitted.

W. Wicks,

D. J. PiPEE,
J. V. COTTA,

Committee.

After another song had been rendered by the^quartette, the
committee appointed to take into consideration the advisability of
asking the legislature to pass some law to protect the people from
the tree dealer, made the following report, which was adopted :

Your committee appointed to take into consideration the advis-
ability of legislative action, against the perpetration of frauds and
other dishonest practices in the sale of nursery stock, respectfully
report as follows :

Fullyaware of the deplorable fact, that for years the interests
of horticultural progress and development has been greatly jeopard-
ized and retarded in our great State, through misrepresentations,
deceits and other fraudulent practices, perpetrated by dishonest and
irresponsibie persons interested in the sale of fruit and ornamental
trees, vines, shrubs, plants, etc., and that the time has fully come
when the people of our State should demand of their legislature the
enactment of a well-defined statute, prohibiting, under adequate pen-
alties, the perpetration of such impositions; and believing that such
legislative action would greatly promote the pomological, horticul-
tural and agricultural interests of our people and reduce the evil
practices alluded to, to a minimum; therefore,

Resolved, That our members of the State Board of Horticulture be
instructed to confer with the other members of said Board and procure, if
possible, their co-operation of the iState Board of Agriculture for the pur-
pose of obtaining such suitable legislation, as the importance of this sub-
ject demands.

All of which is respectfully submitted,

J, V. CoTTA,
Jonathan Periam,
L. R. Bryant,

Committee.

Committee on Final Resolutions reported as follows, which, on
motion, was unanimously adopted, and, after another song, the
Society adjourned sine die.

SOCIETY OF NOETHEEN ILLINOIS. 275

Whereas, It has been our pleasure to meet the past two days in
Annual Convention, at Franklin Grove, and

Whereas, The success of this meeting has been assured in great
part by kind assistance from various sources,

Resolved, That our sincere thanks be returned to the citizens of
Franklin drove in general, for the hearty co-operation, and in particular
to Mr. P, C. Rooney for the use of the commodious hall, so admirably fitted
for such a gathering as this. To the Messrs. Whitney and W. C. Scott, to
whom we are indebted for these tasteful decorations: to the C. & N. W.,
and I. C. Railway for reduced rates, which did away with the necessity of
some of us walking here : to the Franklin House for a liberal dispensation
of physical necessities for a moderate fee. Nor would we forget the aes-
thetic pleasure derived from the music furnished by the Franklin Grove
quartet. The hospitality of Mr. A. R. Whitney, — but we have already
drank to his health and last, but not least, our thanks to the ladies who
have inspired our session by their presence.

J. S. JUDD,

E. W. Graves,
Jonathan Periam,

Committee.

.'i

PROCEEDINGS.

OF THE

Pike County Horticultural Society,

For the Year 1888.

Robert Anderson, Secretary.

On the 16th of February, 1867, was organized, at Pittsfield, the
Pike County Horticultural Society. The following named-gentle-
men were elected officers:

President — Edward Connett.

Vice-Presidents — Richard Perry and Thos. Williamson.

Secretary — William H. Johnson.

The Society was, for several years — say up to 1878 — a success,
holding meetings in different towns of the county, which were gen-
erally well attended. Since that time there has been but little inter-
est taken in fruit-growing, except by a few men who make a business
of growing apples for market.

On the 23d of May last, our Society was re-organized, with a
membership of twelve, all men who take some interest in fruit-grow-
ing; Richard Perry was chosen president, and Robt, Anderson, sec-
retary. Since that time three meetings have been held, June 2d,
July 28th and December 7th. At the last meeting some reports of
the apple crop were given. F. Cadwell & Son report having shipped
about 13,000 barrels, a good portion of which they sold at 82.25 and
$2.50 per barrel, on track — a good sale. The bulk of their second
quality is still in store waiting for a better price than the market
can now afford. Other parties made favorable sales, from the best
information at hand. The two townships of Griggsville and Flint

278 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL

sold about $30,000 worth of apples this season, and Pike County not
less than $75,000 to $100,000. The apple crop was much fairer in
this county than it has been for some years, owing, we think, to the
abundance of rain in the spring, which tended to destroy the cod-
ling moth, and, in some cases, to the use of arsenical poisons. This
remedy will be used much more extensively next season, as it is
thought to be a great success as far as tried.

PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

Kankakee Valley Horticultural Society

For the Year 1888.

Reported by Lennington Small, Secretarij.

FEBRUARY MEETING.

The best February meeting ever held by the Kankakee Valley
Horticultural Society, convened at the court house last Saturday
afternoon; about fifty persons were present.

President Barnard called the meeting to order and gave a short
verbal report of the last meeting of the State Society. The obser-
vance of Arbor Day was favorably commented upon by Dr. Small,
Cooper, Cunningham, Barnard and others. Mr. Mortimer spoke at
some length; he referred to the late destructive storms of the north-
west, and believes they could be largely obviated in the future by tree
planting. In conclusion he said if one-fifth of this entire country was
in timber we could raise more grain than at present, but one of the
greatest advantages of this day is the teaching of the rising genera-
tion to plant trees and the benefits to be derived therefrom. A res-
olution stating it to be the sense of this Society that the Governor
appoint the Friday nearest the middle of April as Arbor Day for this
locality was adopted.

Mr. G. G. Barber, essayist, read a short paper on apple orchards.
His orchard has fared like other Northern Illinois orchards and is
nearly destroyed, but that part located on a northern slope is in bet-
ter condition than that on the southern slope. His experience in

280 TBANSACTIONS OF THE KANKAKEE

pruning has been that bearing trees need but little trimming more
than the removing of decayed branches: he asked the question: will
it be safe to plant a new orchard on the site of the old one? Mr.
Mortimer answered that as a rule he did not favor the practice,
especially if a few of the old trees remained. Young trees need sun-
shine and cultivation, besides the land is often exhausted of the
special plant-food required for the growth of trees; and insects are
more numerous. If, however, no other site is available, plant on the
old site, but before planting, cultivate thoroughly, make the laud
rich with manure and supply wood ashes. With judicious treatment
and the selection of proper varieties a fair degree of success may be
obtained.

Dr. Small being called on said: I have had but little experience
in this line. My impression is that if the old trees are entirely dead
the same site will do.

0. W. Barnard — I planted on the same ground, I dug out the
stumps in the fall making a large hole, left it open until spring,
then burned straw and brush in it. When ready to plant the young
trees, hauled in fresh earth, kept young trees well mulched. I planted
in this way three years ago and the trees are still doing well.

G. G. Barber — A white fungus growth has appeared on m j
trees, which, when allowed to remain on is fatal.

Mr. Mortimer — Put a piece of hard soap in your trees, allowing
the rain to wasb it down the trunk.

H. S. Bloom — I tried that some years ago and it took off the
bark; wash it with soft soap.

Mrs. G. Decker read a selection entitled " A Plea for Home,"
which was well received-

President Barnard followed with a paper on

EXPEEIMENTAL STATIONS.
BY MILD BAENARD, MANTENO.

Each passing year demonstrates more clearly, to my mind, that
we must have different varieties of fruit for different soils and situ-
ations in order to succeed in fruit growing. And, in order to grow
new sorts suited to each and every condition, or test the adaptability
of those that have originated elsewhere, experiment or trial sta-

VALLEY HOKTICULTURAL SOCIETY 281

tions are necessary, in fact indispensable, to rapid progress in fruit
culture.

I find, by consulting horticulturists of other states and from
reading the reports of the different state societies, that many of our
sister states are getting the start of Illinois, and are far in advance
in this matter. Iowa, in addition to her home station at Ames, has
near, or quite, a score of sub-statious, selected and controlled by the
State Horticultural Society, and Prof. Budd has several hundred
additional stations that he furnishes with trees and plants for trial
purposes. And Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and other states
are working with good results in this direction, and if we are going
to plant our apple orchards again, and with varieties suited to the
prairie portion of our State, we must move with energy and deter-
mination in the matter, and either grow seedlings to the manor born,
or avail ourselves of the work done in other states, and procure the
valuable sorts they have originated, or have procured from other
lands. In either case, we want stations to test these fruits before
recommending them for general planting. And, in order to ac-
complish this necessary object, we must begin at the bottom and
work up. These things do not usually come down from above, but
must originate amongst the people who need them.

1 think, from the slight attention I have been able to give to
the study of the topography of Illinois and neighboring states, that
the ^Northern and Central sections of Illinois will require a less
number of varieties to accomodate each and every locality, than will
be required by any other area of equal extent, from the fact that
this portion of our State presents such a uniformity of surface
and soil.

Let us take Wisconsin as an illustration. Along the lake shore,
from five to fifteen miles back from the water, they successfully grow
all the old eastern apples that are grown on the opposite side of the
lake in the State of Michigan ; but outside of this narrow belt they
can grow only a few of our most hardy varieties, including some of
their own seedlings and Russians. But these will not succeed in all
situations; only on the most elevated lands, or a northern slope, and
clay soil do they give satisfaction ; on a warm, sandy soil they will
not succeed.

The Russians seem as hard to please as others, blighting badly
when not suitably located. My remarks refer to the southern half
of the State only, — the northern part is, as yet, practically without
home-grown apples.

What T have said of Wisconsin will apply equally to Minnesota
and portions of Northern Iowa. The Wealthy, Roman Stem and
many others that succeed fairly well here, will not do in Northern
Iowa, except in the most favorable situations ; and in Minnesota
there are still greater obstacles to surmount, — in some soils and

282 TRANSACTIONS OF THE KANKAKEE

situations everything in the apple line blights or is killed by the
winter, unless it may be some seedling grown by Gideon and others.
And right here is where the lesson taught by their energy and per-
severance in experimental work should be heeded by us in Illinois,
for, with all those difficulties to contend with, they are going right
along growing and testing new seedlings by thousands, and have the
Russians well scattered, in some places doing well and failing in
others.

Peter M. Gideon was the pioneer in growing seedling apples in
Minnesota, and firmly believes nothing will stand the test winters
without crab blood in it. Twenty-four years ago he planted a few
seeds of the Cherry Crab, procured in Maine, and from this lot he
grew the Wealthy, which bore fruit in seven years from the seed.
He then kept crossing his crabs on the Wealthy and other sorts that
he could keep alive long enough to fruit, until he claims he has
twenty or thirty varieties better and hardier than Wealthy, and
some of them better keepers. He now plants annually the seed
from a hundred bushels of apples, and says his success has far
exceeded his most sanguine expectations. He is located at Excelsior,
in the latitude of St. Paul. Ten years ago the State purchased the
farm he is now on for experimental purposes, gave him money and
told him to go on in the good work. He has tried many of the
Russians, but claims they will not do on that farm, as they all blight
and die ; but he has one of those bad locations — warm, loamy soil,
— on which apple trees bloom two weeks earlier than they do one
mile distant on clay soil.

And it gets slightly cold occasionally. Three years ago fifty-five
degrees below zero, killing Duchesse and Wealthy to the ground,
but his other named seedlings came through unscathed and bore a
good crop of fruit the next season. In Wisconsin also, the experi-
ment work goes bravely on, Peffer, Phcenix and many others are
growing seedling apples. And Loader has been experimenting with
the strawberry for thirty years, and is more enthusiastic now than
when he first began. He has now seventy varieties beside the Jessie,
of undoubted merit, and is only waiting to see how Jessie will adapt
herself to all localities and soil, before sending out other candidates
for public favor. But the trial, testing and experimental work now
being prosecuted in Iowa will most likely benefit us most, as they are
more nearly on our parallel of latitude, but of the labors of Prof.
Budd and others in that State you are all well advised.

But what shall we say of our own State touching the above
named line of work, we can say that Piper, Bubach and Warfield, are
meeting with some success in the seedling strawberry business. And
Gaston is pushing the Hennepin apple. A chance seedling that he
found growing in Putman county. And this is all that comes to
mind. What a showing for the great state of Illinois, where we should

VALLEY HOETICULTURAL SOCIETY. 283

have one large general experiment station for the whole state, and
smaller ones for each horticultural division, and sub-stations for each
county. With all these trial and experiment stations in the hands
of wide-awake, live men, it need not be long before our orchard
sites will again be planted with trees that will give fair satisfaction,
and the importation of apples into Illinois cease to be a necessity.

SPECIAL MARCH MEETING.

Notwithstanding the storm Saturday, twenty-five of Kankakee
County's substantial horticulturists and farmers assembled at the
supervisors' room, at the Special Horticultural Meeting, to discuss
tile drainage.

The meeting was called to order by President Mile Barnard.
Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved as published.
After some discussion, the subject of " Trees and Small Fruit Plant-
ing'' was selected for discussion at the next meeting, April 14th.

Mr. Cunningham proceeded to open the discussion on tile drain-
age by reading an interesting paper on the effects of drainage, in
which he took the ground that tile drainage has become a craze;
that millions of dollars are annually spent in its advancement, and
that the general effects of tile drainage are not beneficial to the
country, but advised draining the surplus water into reservoirs or
ponds for convenience of the farm.

He was followed by Messrs. 0. W. Barnard, Mortimer, Dr. Small,
Lee, Voight, Greenwood, Powell, Major Williams and others, all of
whom were strong advocates of tile drainage. The remarks of some
were quite lengthy, and the discussion, as a whole, was very enter-
taining, but being entirely oral it is impossible to give even a brief
report that would do it justice. There were different views taken of
almost all divisions of the subject, but a majority of the members
favored deep tiling with good outlets.

In regard to tree roots filling tile. Dr. Small said tile laid thirty
years ago, twenty feet from a large elm, had not been injured by the
roots, while a well the same distance from the tree had been ruined.
When the tile is running, and the ground is full of water, it is not

284 TKANSACTIONS OF THE KANKAKEE

necessary for the roots to enter the tile for water, and when the
water in the grounds sinks below the tile, the tile is dry and there
is no attraction for the roots.

Major WilliaiDS said the roots from a black walnut tree planted
three feet from his tile drain had run in the tile.

B. Gr. Lee said tile running through his grove had not been in-
jured by the roots. He had rather own eighty acres of land well
tiled, than one hundred and sixty not tiled.

JUNE MEETING.

The Kankakee Valley Horticultural Society held its June meet-
ing, Saturday, the 23d inst., at the beautiful residence of its late
President, Milo Barnard, one mile east of Manteno.

The forenoon was spent in rambling over the extensive grounds,
examining the hundreds of varieties of forest and ornamental trees,
fruit-bearing trees, and plants in the grove and experimental
grounds. The dinner tables were spread under the large evergreens
in front of the residence and were heavily loaded with the good
things which the horticultural ladies have such an enviable reputa-
tion for providing.

At 3 P. M., First Vice-President Henry Mortimer called the
meeting to order. Mr. Mortimer spoke with feeling, and at
some length, of the sad circumstances which caused him to become
the presiding officer, and the irreparable loss which the Society had
sustained in the death of President Barnard. He was followed in
his remarks by Wra. Cooper and several of the older members and
intimate friends of President Barnard. It was moved by Maj.
Williams, and carried, that, out of respect to the menaory of our
deceased members, we dispense with the ordinary business and dis-
cussions of this meeting, and adjourn until August, immediately
after the adoption of memorial resolutions and reading of the essays.

The Secretary offered the following, which was unanimously

adopted by a rising vote:

Whereas, It has pleased the Ruler of the universe to remove from
our midst our late president, Milo Barnard; and.

VALLEY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 285

Whereas, The intimate relations held by our deceased brother with
this Society, render it proper that we should place on record our appreci-
ation of liis services as a horticulturist and his merits as a man; therefore,
be it

Resolved, By the Kankakee Valley Horticultural Society of Illinois,
that while we bow with humble submission to the will of the Most High,
we do not the less mourn for our leader, our founder, and our president,
who has been called from his labor to rest.

Rfnolved, That in the death of Milo Barnard this Society loses a leader
who was always active and zealous in his work as a horticulturist, one who
was wise in council and fearless in action; an honest and upright man,
whose virtues endeared him not only to the members of this Society, but to
all his fellow citizens throughout this, and adjoining States.

Resolved, That this Society tender its heartfelt sympathy to the family
^nd relatives of our deceased president in this, their sad affliction.

Resolved, That these resolutions be entered upon the minutes of this
Society, and that a copy of them be sent to the family our deceased
brother.

AUGUST MEETING.

The Society held its An<>-ust picnic and meeting at Park Hall,
Bonfield, Saturday, the 11th, with over one hundred persons present.
The forenoon was spent in friendly social greetings. At 12 o'clock
refreshments, which did full justice to the ladies who are deservedly-
noted for their skill in the culinary art, were served with a bountiful
hand, and heartily enjoyed. At 1 :30p. m. President Mortimer called
the assembly to order. After a song by the Bonfield choir, Mr.
Stroud, of the Vegetable Committee, opened the discussion on vege-
tables. He stated that vegetables this year had been a success.
His remarks drew out some discussion on potato growing.

Mr. Henry was of the opinion that we plant too much seed;
that small potatoes have too many eyes; he believing in planting
the largest and best.

R. McGregor thought that small seed would raise as good a
crop as large seed.

J. Fundy gave his experience in raising potatoes; be had
observed that a moderately dry season, followed by a soaking rain,
just as the tubes begin to form, is the most favorable.

President Mortimer said on very rich ground plant potatoes
farther apart as they will make a vigorous growth of tops, and shade
the ground too much if planted thickly.

286 TRANSACTIONS OF THE KANKAKEE

President Mortimer called Mr. Stroud to the chair and read his
essay, entitled

HORTICULTURAL SCRAPS.

BY HENRY MORTIMER, MANTENO.

To the Ladies and Gentlemen oj the

Kankakee Valley Horticultural Society:

The work of the farmer and fruit grower during the busy sea-
son of summer, is not calculated to give him that kind of inspiration
that will enable him to produce a presentable essay; when he has more
physical work than he can properly dispose of, the mind does not
freely respond to additional labor. At the eleventh hour I have
hastily thrown together some ideas as they occurred to me, that may
prove valuable, or otherwise, as they bring out discussion in which
the members here, who have practical knowledge, take part. These
discussions of members, who pursue the same object — the success-
ful growing of fruits — owing to the different methods adopted and
the various soils and exposures on which fruits are grown, are always
interesting and valuable. My paper is entitled '' Horticultural
Scraps," by this I mean that I shall not confine myself to any one
subject, but take such views of the horticultural field as may per-
chance appear in sight.

In my remarks on fruit I shall give the apple the first place, as
it undoubtedly deserves it. Have we been successful during the past
few years in growing it? This is an important question and 1 am
sorry to say that I am compelled to answer it in the negative. Our
merchants in Kankakee and throughout our county can tell us that
they cannot get home grown apples to supply their customers, but
must order from Michigan, New York or other places. Can not this
state of affairs be remedied? Can we not at least grow enough for
our own use? A few years ago considerable quantities of apples
were grown in our county, including many kinds of excellent quality.
We do not produce them now, and why? Those who have noticed
the weather closely tell us that the seasons have changed, that the
summers are drier than they used to be, that for want of moisture
the trees dry up and suffer in summer, making a poor sickly growth,
and one hard winter completes the work of destruction. Can this
condition of affairs be remedied? To some extent I think it can,
first, by planting hardy varieties that have passed through our heated
summers and arctic winters without injury; such varieties as the
Duchesse, Wealthy and Whitney's No. 20, are ironclad and will suc-
ceed if they receive the proper care.

Those who have tested it state most positively that double work-
ing, b}' top-grafting, the half-hardy varieties on some iron-clad stock.

VALLEY HORTICULTUKAL SOCIETY. 287

like the Duchesse, are sure to succeed in growing apples, and plenty
of them. These top-worked trees will, of course, be more expensive
in the first place, but in the end they will repay the increased cost a
hundred-fold. I believe that much good will be accomplished by
the introduction of hardy Russian stock, but many of these varieties
are yet in the experimental stages, and, for present use, we must
depend largely on varieties that have proven successful.

Are there not other causes that will help us account for the
general failure of the apple? In passing through the country we
see trees standing in grass. Where the grass is not mown, or pas-
tured, we see a good crop of it in almost any orchard. Now, I think
we are expecting too much of our land when we ask a crop of hay
and a crop of apples off the same piece of ground ; and while we may
get some hay, our apple trees will soon rebel, and either die outright
or cease to yield fruit under such unfavorable conditions. If we
pasture the orchard the case is only slightly improved, — we are still
raising two crops where only one can be profitably grown. The
grass roots take both food and drink from the trees : they are really
starved, and after one or two hard winters they are ready for the
brush pile. And then we say this is no country for fruit, any way,
and wish we hadn't planted those trees, and conclude that the surest
apples to raise are Irish potatoes, — we can sell them, and buy apples
from our storekeepers. Buy apples ! What does that mean:' It
means that you and your family will be hungry for fruit more than
half the time, unless you happen to live in, or very near, a town,
and always have a few spare dollars in your poclvet.

Now, what is the inference from what I have said about apple
planting? It is this : plant hardy kinds, give them plenty of room,
sunshine and good soil are needed, cultivate thoroughly, manure the
land well ; after the trees come into bearing, sow buckwheat on the
land at the time of the last cultivation, plow under in the spring.
Cultivate through the spring and early summer, and sow buckwheat
again.

Mr. A. C Hammond, secretary of our State Society, sows rye
in the fall, and plows under about the first of June the next year.
He says this treatment gives splendid results. If you try the last
plan, and have a good promise for a large crop of rye, do not be
tempted to secure that crop, it will spoil jour orchard if you do.
You sowed it to plow under, and under it must go, if you want to
save your trees and grow fruit.

If you fear damage from mice or rabbits in winter, wash your
trees with about one and one-half to two pounds of copperas, dis-
solved first by boiling in water, to one peck of lime. No animals
will eat bark covered with copperas, and your trees will be safe.

Always prune your trees when young to avoid cutting off large
limbs when older, as such pruning, in our country, is always

288 TRANSACTIONS OF THE KANKAKEE

injurious. While our apple crop is becoming less each year, one of
the easiest kinds to grow are wormy ones; unfortunately there is no
demand for this kind of apples and, as they are scarcely fit for hog
feed, they are only a trouble and expense to us, without a single
redeeming quality in their favor.

While our system of growing apples is a poor one for the apples,
it is good, in fact the very best, for the codling moth, which pro-
duces the worm in the apple. The grass and weeds in our orchards
afford an excellent shelter for the larvae of the moth during the
Avinter, and in summer we have them in countless numbers to damage
our fruit.

The late Mr. Dixon, of Iowa, a very extensive orchardist, was,
I believe, among the first to use an arsenical preparation for the
destruction of this insect. Since that time Prof. Budd and other
noted horticulturists have advocated such measures. Prof. Forbes,
by careful experiments, has proved that a large per cent, of our fruit
can be saved by this remedy. Mr. A. C. Hammond states that last
year he grew perfect apples on sprayed trees, while on trees not so
treated nearly all the fruit was wormy.

On account of the great danger by accident from the careless
use of pure arsenic, Professor Beale recommends London purple;
most orchardists use arsenic, however, as it does not clog the nozzle
of the force pump in spraying. It has been found by experiment
that a very small quantity of arsenic is sufficient for the purpose.
Two and one-half ounces, first dissolved by boiling in from one to
two gallons of water, in which was dissolved one-half box of potash
or concentrated lye, will suffice when mixed with one hundred gal-
lons of water. This should be sprayed over the trees with a force
pump, when the blossoms are about half off, and again a few days
later, just before the young apples turn downward.

Our cherry crop appears to be more uncertain even than the
apple. Of late years, when they escape winter killing and injury by
late spring frosts, we find most of them wormy, which proves that
the curculio is here and intends to stay, and where there are no
plums, the cherry is accepted instead. Even when we escape the
curculio, another destroying agent is ever at hand to deprive us of
fruit. I allude to the birds; of late years the birds have either
become greater fruit eaters or more numerous. They take the cher-
ries off a tree with surprising quickness, not waiting for them to
get fully ripe. The raspberry and blackberry receive their attention
in their respective seasons, and they do not ask for toll for having
destroyed a few insects, but during the past season they seem to be
satisfied with nothing less than the entire crop. In some places the
birds must be got rid of or small fruit growing abandoned.

Speaking of raspberries, I know some instances where plants of
such good varieties as the Tyler, Souhegan and Gregg, of the black-

VALLEY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 289

cap family, that were set two years ago last spring, and carefully
attended, failed to give a crop this year. My own planting has
been better on high than on low land. I think the fruit requires an
open, airy space, good soil and good, clean cultivation, to be suc-
cessful.

Of the red raspberries, the Turner, considering its great hardi-
ness, is one of the surest kinds to grow for family use. Do not
allow many canes in the row, keep sprouts and weeds down by fre-
quent cultivation, and it is about as certain to yield fruit as any
plant or tree that I ever knew.

The Cuthbert is a most excellent red raspberry, but is liable to
be killed by our severest winters. The newer kinds, the Marlboro
and Crimson Beauty, give some fruit, but I prefer the Turner. The
Reliance is too dry and the berries crumble in picking. The Thawch
is a small plant, extremely hardy, productive, fruit very handsome,
quality second rate, very firm, good for shipping. Shaffer's Colos-
sal is a large berry, large plant, very productive, and the fruit is the
best of all for canning. This raspberry, owing to its large size of
bush, should be planted eight feet by four.

A.mong blackberries the Snyder is one of the most reliable of
the old sorts. When planted in rows nine or ten feet apart, it is a
pleasure for the lady members of the family to gather the fruit, with-
out having their clothes caught and often torn by the sharp thorns
with which the bushes are covered. Stone's Hardy is a hardy and
prolific bearer, it is not as good for canning as the Snyder, its only
value is due to the fact that it is later than the Snyder, thus prolong-
ing the season for this fruit. In most eases of blackberry culture
the canes occupy too wide a space in the rows. Keep the rows of
bearing canes very narrow, cut off all the rest even with the ground;
cultivate well the first year, after that very shallow or mulch, and
you will have blackberries and plenty of them. The largest crop is
generally the third year after planting. Plantations require renew-
ing, every few years. When properly managed the blackberry is
probably one of the most certain fruits that can be grown in our
country and will prove a valuable addition to our winter's store, as
they are easily kept by canning; the only wonder is that it is not
more generally grown.

Speaking of plums, I hardly know what to say. The European
varieties are not hardy with us, and if they were, in nineteen cases
out of twenty the curculio would destroy the fruit. Of the newer
kinds of American origin i have some hopes.' I have the Wild Goose,
De Soto, Bassett and some other kinds that have blossomed every
spring for the last four or five years, but 1 have failed to get fruit.
In the case of the Wild Goose. I have reason to believe the blossoms
are imperfect when grown by itself. With some of the others I

20

290 TBANSACTIONS OF THE KANKAKEE

think the curculio destroys the fruit. I planted some wild plums;
these give fruit every year, but the quality is only second or third rate.
This, hovpever, convinces me that we have kinds that the curculio
can not destroy. It is claimed by those who have tried it, that the
Wild Goose and Miner, when grown iu close proximity, fertilize each
other, and by some growers that the Mariana is the best fertilizer for
the Wild Goose. Another very valuable quality of the Mariana is
that it will grow from cuttiugs which will send up no sprouts. The
W^ild Goose and Miner when grown on their own roots send up
thousands of sprouts, which if not kept cut down, will in a few years
form an impenetrable thicket and fill the ground with roots so that
nothing can cultivate through them. If the Mariana does not send
up suckers from its roots it will prove valuable as a grafting stock.

I have not spoken of the strawberry; it will hardly do to leave
it out. We all like it. I recommend everyone who owns as much
as one lot to plant them. 1 have tried a great many different kinds
and I know we now have some that are unusually good. Briefly, I
recommend a trial of Bubach No. 5, this is very productive in plants
and fruit; the berry is large and good and ripens evenly. If you
have never raised strawberries it will surprise you the first time you
see the fruit of this plant. It needs another kind near to fertilize
the blossom ; for this, use Jessie, a ver}^ productive staminate variety
that produces large fruit. The Itasca is a wonderfully productive
variety, it is the best in quality of any strawberry I ever tasted; it is
about the size of the Crescent, marble shaped, and some specimens
are rather light in color; try this by all means. Another good pistil-
late variety is the Haverland. A very small plot of ground planted
to these four varieties will furnish an abundant supply of this most
delicious fruit for any family.

I have nothing now to say about the grape. Every family
should grow their own supply, which can easily be done.

I will close this paper by devoting a few words to the subject of
cultivation. I have failed oftener when pressing farm work was on
hand, to obtain fruit, or at least a full crop, on account of the lack
of cultivation, than from any other cause. Weeds are easily
destroyed by early and frequent cultivation before they make any
show; the small white rootlets when exposed to the sun soon wither
and die. But if there were no weeds, cultivation is still necessary
to keep the soil from crusting and to let in air, which really supplies
the greater part of the food of plants. For this reason, weeds, which
compel us to cultivate, arfe a blessing in disguise. We should culti-
vate often, and know how to cultivate each particular crop.

Blackberries should never be deeply cultivated after the first
year. Deep cultivation tears and breaks the roots, which are needed
to enable the plant to grow fruit.

The raspberry will bear deeper cultivation than the blackberry,

VALLEY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 291

but they, too, can be injured by plowing deeply near the plants and
breaking the roots.

Plant strawberries four feet apart in rows, and cultivate between,
as the roots of the strawberry go down deep in the earth. Tt wants
a deep, rich soil ; so in the fall, from the first to the tenth of Sep-
tember, dig, or cultivate, between the rows fifteen inches deep, if you
can, — not, of course, coming near enough to the plants to vvork them
out. The strawberry plant grows slowly in hot, dry weather, but as
the cool nights of fall arrive it grows vigorously. This deep work-
ing will pay, by giving the roots a chance to spread and gather plant
food. It is not a difficult matter on any rich land to raise enough
strawberries for home use, but growing them by the half acre, or in
larger lots, is altogether another affair. To grow in quantities for
market, I think it would pay to make the land very rich with barn-
yard manure, then cultivate in potatoes, or other hoed crops, for one
or two years ; keep the land clear of weeds, not suffering any to pro-
duce seed. On this clean land set your plants, using phosphate and
wood ashes for manure. In this way the labor of keeping down the
weeds would be greatly lessened.

This Society, however, has never advocated the growing of
fruits for shipment in competition with regions better adapted to their
culture, but its teachings have always been in the direction or en-
couraging the culture of fruit for home use. This was the prime
object in its inception and origination, and when every owner of a
lot or a farm grows an abundance of fruit for the family ^s supply
for the entire year, the work of this Society will be fully accom-
plished in this direction. But this time is yet in the future, but
even were it accomplished, there yet remains much in horticulture
to attract our attention.

The cultivation of flowers and shr-ubbery, the planting of ever-
green and deciduous trees for ornament, for shade and protection
against the icy winds of winter, would still keep us employed in
doing good.

Now that Agricultural Experiment Stations are, and will be
established throughout our country, we will soon know the value of
new plants and fruits as they are originated, by receiving disinter-
ested reports of their behavior soon after testing them. This infor-
mation will prove of incalculable advantage to the horticulturist as
well as to the farmer.

Taking the outlook altogether, the view is not very encouraging
for the successful growth of fruits; yet, "though the cloud be dark,
it has a silver lining." I believe that the difficulties in our way are
only problems that admit of solution, they may be complex and
puzzle us for a time, but head and hand united and working together
will be sure to conquer in the end, and then success will give us
pleasure for having triumphed over difficulties.

292 TRANSACTIONS OF THE KANKAKEE

OCTOBER MEETING.

The Kankakee Valley Horticultural Society held its October
meeting on Saturday, the 13th, at the residence of F. C. Eggleston,
in Limestone. Owing to a combination of unfavorable circum-
stances, including the weather, the attendance was not as large as
had been expected, but those who did attend felt well paid for their
effort.

President Mortimer called the meeting to order at 3 p. m.

On motion of W. S. Hawker, reading the minutes of the last
meeting was dispensed with.

Both of the essayists being absent, Leon Hay was invited to
give the Society a verbal report of his visit to the St. Louis fair and
exhibition, which he proceeded to do in an interesting manner,
dwelling especially on the magnificent show of fruit, which included
five hundred varieties of apples, mammoth peai's five inches in diam-
eter and six inches in length. He also attended a successful meeting
of the Missouri State Horticultural Society.

The question being asked are any varieties of pears successful
here, President Mortimer answered that he was of the opinion that
we need a soil containing more iron and potash; that for a few trees
for family use the ground might be prepared, but it would not pay
for a market crop. The Keiffer will fruit here, but the farther
north it is grown, the poorer the quality.

W. S. Hawker asked in regard to trimming raspberry bushes in
which the main stem had been allowed to grow and make runners.

Answer — Cut back to three to five feet ia length according to
the strength of the canes.

Mr. Mortimer gave his method of raspberry culture as follows :
Start with good plants, plant three feet apart with rows eight feet
apart; pinch off all but two or three sprouts; pinch out the top of
the cane at about one foot in height the first year and two feet the
second; plant Tyler and Souhegan for early and Gregg for late.

VALLEY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 293

DECEMBER MEETING. .

One of the best attended annual meetings ever held by the Kan-
kakee Valley Horticultural Society convened at the pleasant hall of
Whipple post, G. A. R., Saturday, December 1st. Dinner was served
in the hall by the lady members of the Society. At 1:30 President
Mortimer called the meeting to order.

J. B. Wakeman, essayist, read an interesting and thoughtfully
])repared paper entitled "The Seed and the Scion,'' in which he gave
a very feasible reason for the decline of our apple trees — that of
poor pedigree.

Leon Hay brought up the subject of entomology as connected
with horticulture, the work being accomplished by the Experimental
Station and the advantages to be derived by the Society taking more
interest in the subject. Mr. Hay also spoke of the inabilily to de-
vote sufficient time to the discussion of floriculture and mentioned
the importance of founding a floral society. At his suggestion the
president read a report of the " Ladies' Floral Guild " of Hancock
county.

Mrs. Eggleston stated that the fruit of an apple orchard near
their place had been almost free from worms this year, that the pro-
prietor attributed it to his sowing wood ashes among the branches of
the trees while in bloom.

THE SEED AND THE SCION.
BY B. J. WAKEMAN, CHEBANSE

Two simple words, yet had they been properly united, our
orchards would not be in the condition they are to-day.

The apple, the oldest and best of all fruits that God gave to us,
has been the most abused. Go where you will, both in Europe and
the United States, where the apple has been extensively propagated,
and you will find it is not what it once was. In our own State, we
see, year after year, the decline of our orchards, and the young trees
we plant do not possess that vigorous constitution they once did.
Our long keepers are no longer winter apples, but will hardly stay
with us through autumn; our orchards that once were good for forty
years or more, now leave us at twenty, and the fruit they produce
is not as good as it once was. What is the cause of this decline?

291 TEANSACTIONS OF THE KANKAKEE

This question has been discussed at our meetings time and again,
yet we are no nearer solving it than we were years ago. There is
certainly something wrong, and this wrong has been going on ever
since nurserymen began .to propagate the trees extensively. I have
been in the nursery business for the last thirty-five years, and I do
say I have helped bring our orchards down to the miserable condi-
tion they are now in. It is a fact that stares me square in the face,
and every time 1 look upon our poor sickly trees, I feel guilty.

They tell us budded trees are hardier than root-grafted, or
fice versa; they tell us about grafting on Whitney and Soulard
crab ; they tell us to plant Russian trees ; they tell us to get our
trees from the north, and that eastern trees are hardier, and bear
finer apples than our home growth. Now, this may be all good
advice, but is this going to make our trees what they were thirty
years ago? Do you think our new kinds, that are .now being
introduced, will be any healthier after thirty ye9,rs of propagating
than our old kinds are to-day?

Now, let us take for an example one apple seed, and follow it,
from the tree through all the different changes, till it is old enough
to produce fruit. Although I do not claim that all trees will be
like this, yet it is a fair sample of many orchards we can see all
over our country.

We will let the seed tell its own story : " I was an apple grown
in the State of !New York. When my master gathered his apples
I was rejected, because I was a little knotty, knarly thing. I was not
to blame for it, because mother was a sickly, stunted tree.

After all the good apples were gathered, my master picked me
up, with many others like me, took us to the mill, and made us into
cider. Here I lay in the pomace till I got very sour, when the seed
man came along, and washed me up and carried me to the seed store.
Here I got very musty, and came near losing my life. I remained
here till in the winter, when I was sold to a nurseryman out in
Illinois, where I arrived in due time. From here I was sent to
Kansas, where, they say, apple seed like me grow to be large stalks
the first year. Here they planted me in nice, rich soil, and I sprouted
in due time. But there were many of us poor, weakly seeds that
could not keep up with our companions, and the result was I made a
poor growth ; in fact, I was about smothered when fall came. I was
too small to graft, so they packed me in with the small third class
trees, and shipped me back to Illinois. Here they packed me away,
and when spring came I was sold to a nurseryman, and he again
planted me out ; so by the next fall I was large enough for a second
class stock.

During the winter, they cut me in pieces and grafted rae to a
poor weakly scion, whose parentage was even worse than my own.
But, with much care and coaxing, I managed to make a stunted

VALLEY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 295

growth. When I was three years old, they dug me up, cut off most
all my roots, packed me away in the cellar, among the moss. Here
I remained until spring, when I was taken out and heeled in. But
in a few days, it got very cold, and my limbs were badly frozen. I
had not seen any cold, for they put me in the cellar with ray sum-
mer clothes on, and when I was taken out, my wood was very soft
and tender, so it nearly froze the life out of me. During the spring
1 was sold to a tree agent, as a second class tree, and he shipped me
up to Kankakee, where after a few days, [ was delivered to my owner.
Ee heeled me in with a bundle of other trees, where I remained a few
days more. But I was finally planted out, and my owner has been
watching me these many years. His only reward has been a few
nubbins. I am ashamed of my condition, but I am not to blame, my
mother was a runty tree, and they grafted me to a scion from a
stunted tree so you see, I am of little use for they let me sour in the
pomace at home, which made me a sickly seed. They let me get so
musty, in the seed store in New York, that it weakened my constitu-
tion. They nearly choked me to death out in Kansas, when I was in
the seed bed. They nearly ruined me when they grafted me to a
sickly scion. They nearly froze the life out of me by stripping off
ray leaves early in the fall, and keeping rae in a warm cellar all
winter, and then turning me out in the cold, before my limbs were
hardened up. They let me lay in Kankakee, till my roots were half
dead. They let me lay heeled in here at home, till it was so late in
the spring, I just barely pulled through. They let the hogs rub
against my body, and root me around, till my bark was off. They let
the horses eat off my leaves, till I nearly choked to death. They let
the cattle hook me, till my bark was off in many places, and the
worms got in and nearlv eat the life out of my body. But the worst
of all, they planted me in the grass, and when I grew up to be a tree,
they cut off my lower limbs, which has ruined me for life. I can no
longer stand these cold winters. My owner has been watching and
waiting for me these many years, and his reward has been only a few
worthless apples. Oh! What will be the condition of the stock
grown from my seed. Seedmen; Nurserymen; beware! 1 came to
you from the Garden of Eden in the fullness of strength. But if you
continue to grow me, from sickly seed and scion, I will leave you a
total wreck.

Gentlemen this is a true story. You have heard the pedigree of
this apple seed. Shall we keep on degenerating our orchards, or
shall we call a halt? The remedy is simple. What we have lost in
the past can, with care and patience, to a great extent, be restored
in the near future.

Does the farmer go into his cornfield and gather the nubbins
for his next year's planting, and, if he should follow this up for fifty
years, would he improve his corn? Do you think the vegetable

ii96 TRANSACTIONS OF THE KANKAKEE

gardener would sell all his choice vegetables and save the culls for
seed? No sir, he knows too well that a few years of this would
ruin his business. Then, why should we consume all our best apples
and save the poor ones for seed? The fact is, two thirds of all the
apple trees that are progagated at the present day are from this
worthless trash. You may put all the fruits that there are on the
face of this earth together, and the apple — the best of them all —
has been ten times more degenerated than all of them put together.
And, why? Because the seedman and the nurseryman cannot get
seed from choice fruit. It is not in the market, at any price. We
sell our best apples, and the seed goes to waste. We eat our choice
fruit, and don't save the seed.

In conclusion, I will say that, just so long as we keep on plant-
ing trees propagated from roots grown from seed of sickly trees, and
use scions that have inherited disease for generations, just so long
will our orchards continue to leave us. But if we save seed from our
hardiest and best apples as we did in the good old days of long ago,
and graft them with the best stock to be had, then our new sorts,
which are now strong and vigorous, will have come to stay; and our
old stand bys, which are slowly, but surely, passing away, will revive
year after year; and finally greet us with the pleasant recollections
of the past.

Members of the Kankakee Horticultural Society, " Look well to
the seed and the scion."

PROCEEDINGS

OK THE

Marshall County Horticultural Society,

OFFICERS FOR 1889.

President — E. R. McKinney.
Vice-President — A. H. Gaston".

Treasurer — Mrs. Sarah D. Green.
Secret art/ — C. S. Rowley.
Assistant Secretary — G. A. Bangs.

LIST OF MEMBERS.

Bangs, George A liacon.

Barnes, W. M Lacon.

Barrett, Rev. J. P Lacon.

Blackstone, Raymond Lacon.

Cook, G. W. E Lacon.

Gulp, Everet Lacon.

Duchesne, Lewis Lacon.

Gale, Dr. F. C Lacon.

Gaston, A.H Lacon.

Johnson, Rev. J. A Lacon.

McAdams, G. G Wenona.

McKinney, E. R Lacon.

McKinney, Alvah Lacon.

Pichereau, A Lacon.

Price, Rev. A. 0 Lacon.

Reddan, G. C Lacon.

Rowley, C. S Lacon.

Rowley, H. E Lacon.

Sorenson, H Lacon.

Street, F. A Lacon.

Wier, Ralph B Lacon.

■.'.'t'..

298 . TKANSACTIONS OF THE^MARSHALL ^^.:v^v,l^

LADY MEMBERS.

Barrett, Mrs. J. P •. Lacon.

Blackstone, Mrs. Eleanor Lacon.

Duchesne, Mrs. S. L Lacon.

Gale, Mrs. F. C Lacon.

Gaston, Mrs. H. E Lacon.

Gaston, Miss Lucy Lacon.

Green, Mrs. S. D Lacon.

Grieves, Mrs. Blanche Lacon.

Jenkins, Mrs. George Lacon.

Johnson, Mrs. J. A Lacon.

McKinney, Mrs. E. R Lacon.

Piper, Mrs. Z Lacon.

Price, Mrs. A. C Lacon.

Rowley, Mrs. Clara A Lacon.

Sorenson, Mrs. C • • ■ -L^acon.

Society meets the second Saturday evening of each month.
Society organized April 28, 1888, at Lacon, Marshall County,
Illinois.

Annual membership fee, twenty-five cents.

SECRETARY'S REPORT.

BY C. S. ROWLEY, LACON.

The Marshall County Horticultural Society was organized in
the City of Lacon, 111., April 28, 1888. Its officers were elected, and
a constitution and by-laws adopted.

The object of this society is the advancement of Horticulture,
Floriculture and Forestry.

Two or more fruit and flower exhibitions are to be held each
year. In June last the Society held a Strawberry and Rose Show in
Lacon, which was largely attended, not only by our own people, but
was well patronized by surrounding counties. The exhibition was
a complete success, and some of the best strawberries — new and
old varieties — were exhibited. The display of roses was also very
fine, indeed, there being many new and rare varieties shown. At
this meetings some new members joined. Regular meetings were
held thereafter until the 10th of October, when the Society made
their second exhibition. To this vegetables were admitted, as well
as horticultural and floral specimens. This meeting occupied four
days, and was the finest and largest display of fruits and vegetables
ever seen in this county. During the entire time the fair was open

COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 299

the large hall in which it was held was crowded with an eager and
interested lot of people, and many were the exclamations of wonder-
ment and surprise at so grand an exhibition. The Society feel justly
proud over their second attempt at a public meeting, and it was
voted a complete success. More members were admitted, and all
declared, that the exhibition for next year should eclipse this one,
for they should each and every of them see how much they could do
towards good gardening, horticulture and the cultivation of flowers,
as well as canning fruit, jelly and preserve-making, pickling fruits,
etc. Our regular meetings were then continued about every two
weeks, the Society convening at the houses of its members. Since
then we have appointed the second Saturday evening of each month .
as our regular time for meeting.

A delegate. Mayor G. W. E. Cook was sent to the State Horti-
cultural meetiug at Alton, and brought back a very interesting re-
port of it. Mr. Cook on behalf of this Society tendered an invita-
tion for the Central Society to hold its next meeting at Lacon, but
Normal gained the prize. We intend to renew our invitation at
their May meeting and shall send a large delegation, for we feel just
like entertaining the Central Horticultural Society, or State Society, if
they would come, and show them that although our Society is young,
in its infancy so to speak, yet we are alive, and our latch string
hangs out to all brothers and sisters in the grand fraternity of hort-
iculture.

We shall hold our annual winter meeting in Temperance Hall,
Lacon, Illinois, on Friday and Saturday, (day and evening). Febru-
ary 8th and 9th. This meeting will be devoted to reports on fruits,
vegetables, meteorology, floriculture, etc. Essays will be prepared by
several members on subjects pertaining to our institution. These
essays will be interspersed with discussions, music and singing. The
President requests that all persons interested in this branch of the
world's industry, shall be invited to come and attend our meeting,
but as this volume will not probably be issued until after the meet-
ing is concluded, the opportunity will be lost, nevertheless we will
show our good intentions. The election of officers takes place at the
February meeting and the wind-up is a grand oyster supper. We
had such short notice that a place would be given us to appear in
the transactions or we should have been prepared with a fuller re-
port. Next year if we are again given the opportunity, we shall
come before you with something of more interest and will endeavor
to make a more connected report, and show you what we are doing
in a horticultural line as a Society.

We voted to make the clergymen and their wives honorary
members of our Society, and they are taking a deep interest in its
success. The Society is not yet a year old and consequently our
membership is small, but we are gaining new members constantly,

300 TRANSACTIONS OF THE MARSHALL

and ere long we can show a pretty good muster-roll. The monthly
meetings at the homes of the members are usually well attended,
and after the business is over it is the custom for host and hostess to
entertain the Society with a social good time in which we do not
lack for the good things in life, a bountiful lap supper being gener-
ally provided, or an oyster supper, or some singing and music, etc.
We heartily enjoy our privileges as Horticultural Savans(?), espec-
ially when it comes to the practical part of it, testing plates of those
choice seedlings brother Graston speaks of, as well as those other
equally fine ones our president brings out now and then from the
dark recesses of his fruit cellars.

We are all enthusiastic fruit and flower and vegetable lovers —
most of us regularly engaged in one or the other of these branches
for a living, — are all zealous in the promotion of our Society, and
we intend to make a fine showing of our labors by the time we are
one year older.

We should have preferred to make a better report this time, and
would, if a little longer time had been given us for its preparation ;
but next year, as we said before, look out for a big report of good
work from the Marshall County Horticultural Society.

APPLE GUOWING IN MARSHALL COUNTY, ILLINOIS : HAS IT
PAID IN THE PAST: WILL IT PAY IN THE FUTURE?

[Note.— This Essay was prepared for reading at the February Meeting of the Marshall County

Horticultural Society.]

BY A. H. GASTON, LACON.

In the study of political economy, or, the way to become rich
and prosperous, is to hav^ something to sell. This will apply to
individuals, towns, counties, states or nations.

We can now see the best opening for apple-growing, for money
making, of any branch of business that is within the reach of the
masses in Marshall County, 111., or throughout the great Northwest.

Some fifty, or more, years ago, amongst the most prominent
apple-growers of Marshall County was John Wier, one mile east of
Lacon. On the farm now owned by his son, H, E. Wier, said John
Wier planted an extensive orchard of apples. The leading varieties
he and other pioneer orchardists planted at that time were the Early
Harvest, Maiden's Blush, Ram bo, Vandevere Pippin, Yellow Bell-
flower, Gilpin, Rawles' Janet, Domine and Roman Stem. The
Roman Stem proved to be the best paying of the then known winter
varieties. Mr. Wier had trees of this variety that often bore the
enormous crop of forty bushels per tree of good merchantable fruit,
worth from fifty cents to a dollar per bushel. There were several
years that he sold as high as five thousand dollars' worth of apples

COUNTY HORTICULTUEAL SOCIETY 301

in one single year. It is self-evident that the pioneer apple-growers
in the past made it pay financially.

There were, as time moved onward, several new and valuable
varieties introduced, such as Red Astrachan, Duchess of Oldenburg,
Fameuse, Wealthy, Ben Davis, Willow Twig, Grimes' Golden,
Salome, Stark, and others, generally a great improvement on the
original, or first named varieties. In the way of new varieties there
seems to be a new era dawning for the future, or coming apple grow-
ers of Marshall county and the great Northwest: among which we
will name four of the most prominent new seedlings. For summer
and fall, Coffman's Favorite; for early winter, Victor; for long keep-
ers, BuUman's Strawberry and the Hennepin. The above named
four new varieties are all natives of Marshall and Putnam Counties,
with a constitution — or hardy enough — to withstand the rigors of
this climate. The size, style and quality of each of these new sorts,
is sufficient to bring the highest market prices.

There are thousands of acres of what are known as bluff, or brush
land, in Marshall county, and millions of acres throughout the great
Northwest, which are among the best apple growing lands of our
country, that can be purchased at reasonable rates, and ought to be
purchased and planted by lively, enterprising apple growers, to the
best of our late approved varieties, and plant the ground to the latest
improved kinds of strawberries, so as to get immediate returns before
the young orchards come into bearing. We are safe in making the
following calculations on an orchard of one hundred trees, set on
two acres: In ten years from planting, one hundred bushels at 50
cents per bushel, S^50 00; in twenty years, 1,000, at the same price,
§500; in forty years, at twenty bushels, 2,000 bushels, worth 81,000.
One thousand trees, set on twenty acres, at the same ratio will show
the following fabulous results: In ten years from planting, $500;
in twenty years, $10,000; in forty years, 820,000, making the land
worth from 8500 to 81,000 per acre. The above figures look fabu-
lous, however, "figures won't lie." We had better all go into apple
apple growing. "There is millions in it." The balance of trade has
been against us for a few years past as a nation. We had better
grow Hennepin and Bullman Strawberry apple by the millions of
bushels, and ship to foreign countries, and turn the balance of trade
in our favor, or our great nation may yet become insolvent.

STRA^yBERRIE8.'

BY C. S. ROWLEY, LACON.

As I write, my attention is attracted to a picture lying on the
table, of Warfield No. 2. This reminds me that if all is true which
is claimed for this variety — and I have no doubt it is — then here
at last Illinois has found a bonanza, and so have I, for the Warfield

302 TEANSACTIONS OF THE MAESHALL

claims to be just such a berry as I have been long looking for, viz;
one that is as productive as Crescent (Warfield No. 2 claims to excel
it in productiveness), one that is of good size, good color and, above
all, a good shipping berry. Next season we will see how it does here,
as Mr. Gaston, of this place, will then have it in bearing, and I
intend to watch that variety pretty sharp, for 1 hope to find my ideal
strawberry in it.

I have stood by the Crescent for quite a long time, and it has
stood by me. It has never yet failed to bear a splendid crop of
berries, on my grounds, and I have made more money from it than
from all the many others I have grown put together. I like the
grand old Crescent Seedling, and shall stick to it until a worthy
successor comes to take its place.

Bubach No. 5 produced a magnificent lot of superior berries last
season, and attracted a great amount of interest in that variety. It
will be planted quite extensively in this neighborhood next spring,
as we have lots of faith in it. Some of us are a little doubtful
whether it will prove quite as productive as a good money maker
ought to be, but perhaps it will be all right. Jessie did not seem to
do very well in the hands of the few who had it here, but from
reports from other growers, it appears to have done very well indeed.
May King is reported rather soft and unsatisfactory. The Glendale
is a favorite variety with me, because it is of very large size, easy to
gather and to hull for table use, and the singular characteristic of
never rotting soft and mushy as most other sorts do if not picked
promptly at maturity. The late Jesse Kilgore, who lived at Henry,
111., first called my attention to this point, and as I had the Glendale
then in fruit, I made a practical test of the matter, taking a friend
with me as a witness. We found the old gentleman was correct.
To our astonishment, we could not find any soft rotten berries on
the Glendale, but found many that had dried up, but were still eat-
able and hard and firm. The flesh of the Glendale is white and
solid, not very juicy and the juice colorless. It is a splendid bearer
here, especially after the first year, and a perfect shipper. It sells
well, — in fact, is a very easy berry to work up trade on. Windsor
Chief is another good variet}^ with us. I esteem it very highly. It
bears well, looks well and sells well, so we let well enough alone,
and raise Windsor Chief, lots of them, every year. Miner would be
a grand, good berry if it was not so hard to get them into market in
good shape, but so many hulls come off in picking, the fruit looks
old and mussy when off the fruit stems only a short time. Other-
wise it is all right.

Cumberland Triumph is a peer in the Fragaria family in my
estimation. Its fruit is a model of perfection in uniform shape and
size, with all the qualities which a superior table berry can boast of.
It bears very large crops here, and the plants are hardy aud healthy;

COUNTY BORTICULTUEAL SOCIETY. 303

cannot get along without the Cumberland. There are many more
very fine varieties which do well in this county, but space does not
permit of a more extended review.

Our local growers are turning their attention to raising seed-
lings of the strawberry, and, at least, two very promising varieties
have been produced — one by Mr. McKinney and one by Mr. Red-
dan. It may be that the time is coming when each particular indi-
vidual strawberry grower will have to depend on varieties of his
own originating in order to raise the very best of fruit adapted to
his own situation. The above named gentlemen need not worry,
if such should be the case, for they would be entirely safe with their
new acquisitions. I would very much like to have more light on
two points connected with strawberry culture, to-wit : Is it advisa-
ble as good rrtanagement to cultivate strawberry plants in the spring
before and up to the time of ripening ? Also, what is the best com-
mercial fertilizer for healthy growth of plants, and fruitage of the
strawberry, and how applied, when, and amount per acre ?

Not daring to longer trespass upon your indulgence, I will con-
clude this article by wishing all horticultural brethren may find a
better series of fruit seasons in the next decade, than the past has
been.

PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

WARSAW HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

FOR THE YEAR 1888.

BEPORTKD FOB PUBLICATION BY J, T. JOHNSON, SBCRKTAKY.

Stated Meetings, Third Monday in Each Month.

From the Many Valuable Papers, and Discussions of 1888, the following are

Selections.

JANUARY MEETING.

Waesaw, III., Jan. 25, 1888.

The Twenty-second Annual Meeting of the Warsaw Horti-
cultural Society convened in their hall, in the City of Warsaw,
January 25, 1888.

President H. D. Brown called the meeting to order at 1
o'clock p. M.

Mr. C. C. Hoppe, treasurer, submitted his Annual Report, care-
fully itemized, showing that the balance on hand, with annual
membership fees received, amounted to $68.90, and that the current
year's expense — all paid up — was $36.10, leaving a net balance to
the Society's credit of $32.80.

WARSAW HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 305

ORCHARDS.

Mr. A. C. Hammond — Apple trees have as jet sustained no
injury from the extreme cold weather.

Mr. T. F. Leeper — The sleet killed some of the peach buds, and
the cold of this month has taken what were left. We shall have no
peach crop this year. Sound apple trees are as yet in good con-
dition, and ray cherries are all right. I am having to guard against
the depredations of the rabbits. Some years the rabbits and field
mice do much more damage than others. The orchardist uiust be
vigilant and look to this.

Secretary — Snow and steady cold weather drive these pests to
resort to our trees for shelter and feed. We should see to it that no
harbors for mice are left about the trunks of our trees.

Mr. Leeper — Orchard land should never be ridged up about the
trees. It does the trees no good, is unsightly to the eye of all but
the mouse, and it just suits him.

Mr. W. W, Chittenden — Feed your mice better ! Have you
any corn near them?

Answer — Not this year.

Mr. Hammond — When we have twenty degrees below zero,
and more, as we have recently had, the peach bud is destroyed, but
the cherry will stand moi-e. We still hope for favorable crops,
except the peach.

Mr. Leeper — None of my berry bushes show any injury from
the cold.

Mr. J. H. Emerson — T offer for examination a collection of cut-
tings of the apple, peach, grape, and smaller fruits.

President H. D. Brown — My orchard is in good cultivation,
and my orchard trees in good shape, and yet T had no apples in 1887.
What is the cause?

Mr. J. T. Johnson — As a rule, all orchards in our vicinity failed
in 1887. Entire failures were frequent, and to have any fruit was
the exception. This failure cannot be attributed to cultivation or

21

306 TEANSACTIONS OF THE

to the want of it ; neither do I think it, the result of the previous
winter. It was, doubtless, atmospheric disturbance at an unfavor-
ably late period in spring, or, what has become more destructive still,
insect pests : as has been abundantly proven by the experiments of
Mr. Hammond and others, who have saved their crops by destroying
the insects.

Mr. Emerson — My Ben Davis were not well colored. What
was the reason ?

Answer (by several members) — Your land was probably too
dry, as it is evident they were not shaded. Air, light, and an average
condition of moisture, promoted by proper cultivation, are pre-
requisites to the color and Havor of fruits.

Mr. Emerson — What is the best time to gather apples?

Mr. Hammond — As soon as sufficiently ripe, gather at once. It
is a good plan to barrel carefully, and store in a cool shelter with
proper ventilation, until it is cool enough to go to cellar.

Mr. Leeper — I have experimented much in the production aud
storing of apples. I am not satisfied as yet with any store-room in
use, and shall, during the year, make a new departure in this direc-
tion, and hope to be able to make a needed improvement.

BERRIES.

Mr. C. B. Rockwell reported on berries as follows :

The strawberry crop for 1887 was not more than 50 per cent, of
the crop of 1886, aud the quality was much inferior. I have been
testing several varieties; shall place Crescent at 100 and the others
as near to them as they have done for me. Sharpless 40; Charles
Downing, 60; Cumberland, 70; Miner, 20; Wilson, 65; Black De-
fiance, 10; Manchester, 75; Longfellow, 25; Warren, 30; Glendale,
40; Red Jacket, 10; Honey Dew, 90; Russells, 40. Mr. W. H.
Stewart has rich, sandy land. Sharpless stands at one hundred in
mj opinion. Shall plant the coming spring, Crescent, Chas. Down-
ing, Sucker State, Glendale and probably Sharpless. The old beds
did not make any new plants. As a result, I think they have
matured their fruit buds and will yield a good crop for the number
of plants. Last spring I planted one and one-half acres of straw-
berries; the land was good and in fine condition, and I took good
care in their cultivation. The result was an almost entire failure;
the hot winds of July seemed to burn them up. If I had let a few

WARSAW BOETICULTUEAL SOCIETY. 807

weeds grow for protection from the sun, I think they would have
done better.

Hasphernes — Gregg, Mammoth Cluster and Cuthbert are the
varieties I shall plant tne coming spring. Shall prepare the land
well and plant 4x6 feet and cultivate each way. After trying all
plans, have decided that this is the best for me. Raspberries must
receive good cultivation to be a succe.ss. Mulch is good cultivation.
The crop for 1887 was not large. The canes have made a fair
growth, but very few plants; they are not injured as yet by the
winter.

Snyder Blackberries — Crop light, owing to dry hot weather.
Canes in good condition.

Mr. Chittenden — Extremes, either wet or dry, are not good for
berries.

Mr. Hoppe — High cultivation is good for them.

Mr. Emerson — I get good results with very little cultivation,
only to mulch and trim them; moisture is needed, but proper mulch-
ing induces that. I want to compliment the Warsaw Horticultural
Society, as to the practical character of its discussions, especially
those of recent date. They are of great value to me, and the free
and full discussions had is the best medium of information upon
horticulture anywhere to be found.

Mr. Hoppe — The intentions of this Society are to give free and
full discussion upon all topics pertaining to horticulture, and to
receive and to impart information of a practical nature.

Secretary — Its value as a medium of promoting social life with
its refining influences cannot be overestimated.

Annual address by the President, H. D. Brown, was now read.

Officers elected for 1888, were :

President — H. D. Brown, Hamilton.
Vice-President — S. S. Gray, Hamilton.
Treasurer — C. C. Hoppe, Warsaw.
Secretary — James T. Johnson.

Committee on Programme for 1888: — C. N. Dennis, C. C. Hoppe,
W. W. Chittenden and James T. Johnson.

Adjourned.

308 TRANSACTIONS OF THE

APRIL MEETING. «

The April meeting, held in Horticultural Hall on the 18th, was
but lightly attended, a consequence of the very busy season of the
year. C. N. Dennis, president pro tern., occupied the chair.

G. C. Hoppe — The cabbage moth has been noted in limited
numbers.

C. N. Dennis — The codling moth has made its appearance from
the apple cellar. [Sec. — As there was little in the way of fruit on
which the late crop of larvae could subsist, we hope that the first
first crop of moths of 1888 will be small in our vicinity.] Gardening
is well under way, and the scarcity of the old crop has given a great
impetus to our gardeners.

C. B. Rockwell — Care is being manifested in the most improved
methods of culture, and in the most careful selection of seeds.

C. C. Hoppe — The season has been a little late, rather cool for
progress; yet we have many plants looking well (a result of man-
agement and skill in business). Our lettuce, sown last fall, is doing
remarkably well.

J. F. Spitze — We want early and good gardens. They are
indispensible to the welfare of the family. We must not wait for
the merchant to import our vegetables, no matter how cheap he can
do so. We must grow our home supply. They are fresh and more
wholesome.

T. F. Leeper — Apple trees suffered but little from the winter;
occasionally a bark burst. The growth of wood for 1887 was very
fair for so much drouth. A full crop of apple bloom is now in
prospect. One of my orchards (much exposed to the east wind) was
nearly ruined by the ice and sleet of March 25th. Another, well
protected from the wind, was but little injured by the ice. The
weight of this sleet was never excelled in my own recollection. I
hope for a fair crop of apples.

Mr. Carter — Peaches do not show a single live-bud, and all
weak trees fell under the weight of sleet.

WAKSAW HOBTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 309

SMALL FRUITS. ^

C. B. Rockwell — Strawberry plantations, for the most part, are
looking unfavorably. They have suffered from drouth, cold and
insects. There will be some berries raised and many new planta-
tions made. Red raspberries were not very much injured by the win-
ter, but they made a poor growth in 1887. Black cap varieties are
worse off than red. The Snyder blackberry is in good condition and
promises a good crop.

The question of spraying to destroy insect pests was taken up,
and A. C. Hammond said: I use London purple for this purpose, in
proportion of one pound to 120 gallons of water. Use a hand spray-
ing pump, from a barrel of the mixture driven through the orchard
rows in a wagon, one man driving and one using the pump. We
apply first, soon after the bloom drops, when the apple is less than
a pea. We go over the work a second time in a week or ten days.
This will destroy the first brood. Probably the apple orchard will
need nothing further; yet there are later broods of moth, and fur-
ther experience will tell us as to the importance of combating them.

Specimens of Missouri Pippin presented showed them in the
light of a fine apple. They are worthy of further trial at Warsaw.

JUNE MEETING.

A joint meeting with the Ladies' Floral Societies of Hancock
county, was held at Hamilton, June 20, 1888.

Fine roads and delightful weather gave us a large attendance,
and a most excellent and profitable meeting, the social and intellec-
tual value of which was highly appreciated.

We are very sorry that we are unable to give the exa^t words
and sentiments with which Rev. J. W. Marshall, of Wythe, invoked
the divine blessing at the opening exercise. The hall decorations
were not so elaborate as on a former occasion, but were very tasteful
and highly appropriate. The music, both vocal and instrumental,
was grand, and the audience was appreciative, and merited applause
greeted the many appropriate and pertinent papers of the meeting.

310 TRANSACTIONS OF THE

The songs and duets by the young ladies of Hamilton were rendered
with excellent skill, and highly complimented, and the city of Ham-
ilton is justly proud of such daughters as the Misses Githens, Moore,
Grubb and Arnold.

At the forenoon session, Mrs. K. S. Grarretson, of Warsaw Floral
Society, entertained the audience with an interesting paper on flori-
culture.

Carthage Floral Guild was ably represented in a paper by Mrs.
Duane Pennock, brim full of information for the amateur florist. It
was read by Mrs. C. E. Johnston, of Warsaw.

A verbal report, by Mrs. H. D. Brown, gave us a satisfactory
account of the condition and prospects of the flower garden.

At noon a recess was taken, and the grand lunch, prepared by
the ladies of the Montebello Floral Society, was enjoyed in the
adjoining room. These ladies know how to prepare and serve lunch.

In the afternoon the exercises were opened by a beautiful anthem,
rendered by the choirs of the Congregational and Presbyterian
churches, of Hamilton, and the popular pastor. Rev, J. Hartley,
invoked the divine blessing.

The paper, "Work and Play," by Will K. Githens, was one of
the best written and best rendered of the occasion, full of merit and
entertainment.

"Outdoor Employment for Woman," was a select paper by Mrs.
C. E, Johnston, of Warsaw, and this was folio .ved by the recitation,
" Two Years Ago and Now," by Mrs. J, W. Ritchie, of Warsaw, an
original poem, appreciated by all who heard it. As an elocutionist
Mrs. Ritchie is seldom equalled.

W. H. Lamonte read a paper, " The Successful Man," and in his
happiest mood your correspondent tendered the thanks of the War-
saw Horticultural Society to the many who had contributed to make
this one of the most enjoyable and valuable meetings of the Society,

Mrs. J. W. Chapman, of Elvaston, exhibited a very large and
perfect lemon, being one of eleven such specimens taken from a tree
in her conservatory this season. The tree is seven years old.

WARSAW HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 311

REPORT ON FLORICULTURE.

BY MRS. K, S. aARRETSON, WARSAW.

When requested to prepare this report, could I have declined
honorably, or found some one williuf< to take my place, you would
not be imposed upon by myself today, and yet if being a dear lover
of flowers is deemed a sufficient excuse I suppose that I should be
willing to perform my allotted duty, being content with a mere out-
line, leaving the tilling in to those of more practical experience. It
is indeed very gratifying to see how interested we all are in the
slipping, potting, lifting or repotting of these beautiful offerings of
nature, our window and house plants, being particularly anxious to
screen them from the first cold, wave of autumn, lest our precious
pets should receive damage.

For winter blooming, the chrysanthemum is one of the first to
bloom in profusion, and I can not think of any plant that requires
so little care, yet gladdens our eyes with such a beautiful and last-
ing variety of flowers. As their name implies they are the " Christ-
mas Flower. " They are easily propagated from cuttings taken in
August, or from shoots sent up from the roots after blooming, they
are hardy, except in the extreme north, and grow vigorously in any
light, rich soil. When their last blossom is gone, stow them away
down the cellar to rest until they tell us themselves they want light
and sunshine. Many other plants may be wintered in this way, but
we do not feel quite so sure of their awakening when the spring-
time comes.

Thegeraniums, gladiolus, dahlias, verbenas, lemon, oleander, e
may survive the winter in the cellar and come out green and beauti-
ful, even exceeding our expectations, while another time we bring
them up stairs only to throw them away. Generally speaking our
plants and flowers have done satisfactory during the past year. We
have been able at all seasons to gather flowers to crown the happy
bride, or to make a floral offering of love and sympathy to leave at
the house of mourning.

The season has favored the planting of seeds, slips or bedding
plants. Roses started well but slugs are numerous, and slacked-lime
is in demand to destroy them; the bushes do not look so well as their
sweet flowers.

The coleus are doing well, and will give us an endless variety
of colors, taking their proper rank among the variegated plants.

Begonias are justly remarkable for the diversity of their mark-
ings, their rich crimson edgings and stems, their thrifty growth and
easy culture. The most fastidious floriculturist can here find a plant
to please and satisfy.

Carnations are a lovely plant, and, in beauty and fragrance,

312 TRANSACTIONS OF THE

justly rank next to the rose. You can propagate them by seed,
layers or cuttings. The best time to layer is when the plant is in
full bloom.

Pansies are great favorites, and will grow in shady nooks, where
no other plant will bloom. Their flowers continue from earliest
spring until latest autumn. They bloom first year from seed. Small
plants produce the finest bloom.

Sweet violets are. to me, peculiarly beautiful, yet my success has
not been very encouraging with them; possibly I am over zealous, and
watch them too closely, they are beauteous sisters to the pansy. In
their rarely delicious odor, they possess a high attribute, tHeir per-
fume is unsurpassed by that of any other flower, they are always in
demand and usually easily grown, and with protection will flourish in
the coldest climate.

Among bedding plants the heliotrope fills an important place,
giving us a plenteous bloom from June to October. They are a na-
tive of Peru and were introduced into England in 1757, and the
English cottagers called it "cherry pie," from a fancied resemblance
in fragrance. The older plants have the more profuse clusters of
bloom. It grows well in turfy loam, and is easily raised from cut-
tings.

Petunias are half hardy perennials, and desirable for the small-
est plots of ground; both single and double varieties grow luxuri-
antly, and flower profusely. Pot the cuttings in June or July and
in good rich earth, we can have bloom all winter.

Nasturtiums, are very desirable for both garden and house, they
require very little care and amply reward us with a lovely and varied
array of flowers.

There g,re few prettier plants for hanging baskets than the
srailax. It requires rich soil made light with sand and moisture at
the roots, but care must be had to not over- water it; it is one of the
plants which the red spider love to live upon. You discover your
smilax drooping when these pests are about and should wash thor-
oughly both foliage and roots to 'destroy them, and then repot in
fresh, clean earth.

The widely advertised and popular plant, "Moon-flower," has
not proven satisfactory, perhaps our climate is not favorable to its
growth, or maybe it is one of those plants that grows and blossoms
best in the catalogues. It is said to be similar to the common,
though handsome, morning-glory.

The much-lauded " fragrant cinnamon vine " is of slow growth,
easily killed, and for covering a trellis or shading a sunny window,
cannot be compared with the substantial maderia vine. The clem-
atis, the honey-suckle and the passion vine are each so graceful and
affectionate in their habits, I wish we could preserve more of them
through our severe cold winters. In the South we find them in

WAESAW HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 313

swampy, marshy localities, where they o-row to enormous propor-
tions, full of large trusses of purple, white and variegated flowers.

The fuchsia is a most gracefully beautiful flower ; I have in
mind a plant only about one year old that held upon its branches a
hundred perfect flowers, and that on a January day, when the snow
was over a foot deep out of doors. Could you imagine a more
attractive window than the one which exhibited this. They grow
from slips rapidly, when good soil and plenty of sunlight is fur-
nished for them.

Palms require a deep pot, but are easily grown in rich, loamy
soil, with plenty of water. We must carefully watch them or the
scale will take possession of them.

Verbenas now find a place in almost every garden, and rank
with the first among brilliant flowers. They are natives of Brazil
and love the hot sun and sand. A copious supply of suds on wash-
ing day is very beneficial to the verbena. Cuttings taken in August
will become well rooted for winter.

" The lily of the valley " must not be forgotten. She hangs
her pearly head like so many fragrant censers, and is ever welcome
and ever lovely. Her sweet flowers require no care; they love the
shade and flourish in the out-of-the-way corners, if the soil be moist
and rich; are perfectly hardy, requiring no protection in the coldest
winter.

While lavishing so much care and praise on the choice, popular
modern plants, we would not forget our old-fashioned and time-
honored flowers, the balsams, four-o'clocks, marigolds, poppies, sweet
pinks, and lark-spurs that still deserve a place in our affections; and
gardens, such as were grown to perfection by our dear, old grand-
mothers. All over this beautiful green earth of ours, a kind Father
has made things for our especial benefit and pleasure. When we
ride in the woods — Nature's park — we see rare and beautiful flow-
ers upon every hand. They require no slipping, laying or repotting;
we pass along, filled with admiration and wonder and awe, as the
scene stretches out before us, on down to the babbling brooklet's
side, and there we find a flower, tinged deeply with faith's unchang-
ing hue, pure as the ether in its bower of loveliest, serenest blue;

The streamlet's gentle side it seeks,

The quiet fount, the shaded grot;
And sweetly to the heart it speaks.

Forget me not; forget me not.

314 TBANSACTIONS OF THE

rLORICULTURE.

BT MKS. DUANE PEJSTNOCK, CARTHAGE.

Floriculture is a word, which is next in importance to horticul-
ture; the latter takes in fruits and vegetables, while floriculture
covers and takes in the industry of cultivating flowers, of which there
are a countless variety. And flowers always deck the face of mother
earth before the fruit comes. Floriculture is not only a pleasure,
but is made a business by some, whereby a living is made, and it
pays in some places, better than the cultivation of vegetables, or even
fruits, depending a great deal, of course upon the situation, and
the experience of the florist. We have been asked to give a report
on floriculture from our part of the county. We willingly comply
and will try to do justice to the subject. But, from its vastness we
have little hope of doing so.

The floral kingdom is now in its beauty. Old Boreas having
departed and left "Queen Flora" and her subjects to revel in the
warmth of summer. Plants and flowers generally stood the winter
just past very well, some (as is usually the case), were frozen, on the
very severe nights. And late in the season when Jack Frost was
supposed to have lost some of his power, he returned and took some
of the choicest plants, thereby bringing grief to more than one arae-
teur florist. Greraniums, our "standby " for all the year round, are
gaining fast what they lost during the cold, wet spring. Several of
our ladies being deceived by the warm days early in April set their
geraniums out in beds, and a sudden return of cold weather injured
them for the time.

Roses — the delight of all hearts, — we are sorry to say, are
troubled with " the slug ; " but by thoughtful care and close watch-
ing and picking, which seems to be the only means of eradicating
this evil, we have some very choice roses, (generally speaking, there
has been more trouble with annuals this year than usual, it being
difficult to make the seeds sprout, caused, we suppose, by the cold,
wet weather. Perennials are doing very well, and they are nearly
always sure to come to our aid when annuals fail us.

All vines and running plants seem to outdo themselves, and
appear to be running a race with each other; and what is more
delightful to the eye than a mass of beautiful, delicate, green vines.

Tulips never looked better than this spring, the blooms were of
great beauty and rich profusion. In fact, as far as we can learn, all
bulbs have done, and are doing, well. Oleanders, pomegranates,
achania, and other hard wood plants, are in a healthy condition,
and promise a profusion of bloom in due time.

The care of plants is a great one, but how well we feel repaid
when we gather the flowers by the handful, and enjoy their beauty
and fragrance.

WAKSAW HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 315

TWO YEARS AGO AND NOW — AN ORIGINAL POEM.

RECITED BY MRS. J. W. RICHIE, WARSAW.

'Twas two years ago, no doubt you all remember;

In thisvery hall, that seemed rather small,

For the many who attended;
Was held the meeting, just as now,

With the same body assembled.

The Monte-bello ladies had dressed up the stage;

'Till it looked much like a garden.

And a huge cart wheel, with its oak leaves, real;
There were flowers of every relation,

And there, back of them all,

They had hung on the wall,
That old flag, so dear to our nation.

You kindly gave Warsaw a place ia your midst;

By special invitation,
And we came up from there, to attend your fair,

And bring out our little collection.
We were treated so well.
That right here we must tell,

You drove away fear and dejection.

Professor Burrill was here from Champaign you remember,

With his bhickboard and chalk.

And his very plain talk.
Of the apple; he wonders disclosed;

Of that fruit round and red.

How much may be said,
Much more than we ever supposed.

We saw fruits and flowers and vegetables,

Of such very good kind.

That we made up our mind,
That the Horticultural Society,

Knew enough about farming and raising of fruit,
To bring them in great notoriety.

As each speaker arose,

We wondered what he might disclose.
While a man at the table, with bottles each labelled,

Who told us of insects and pests,
But claimed with his bellows and compound at hand;

A good riddance and he'd give us fair tests.

Ah, such knowledge as we had expounded;

It made us believe,

That these men could achieve,
, With farming on such a foundation:

Such raising of grain and all vegetable kind,
As would surely astonish the nation.

It suggested to my mind a new train of thought;

What knowledge of a farm,

Had I— a school-marm;
I'll tell you if you'll give attention.

I did'nt plow fields, nor I did'nt milk cows,
Of these I'll make little mention.

316 TBANSACTIONS OF THE

'Twas in time of a summer vacation;

When we hunt up our county relation,
I'm no exception, ah no, not I,
So to the city, I bade good bye,

And was off to the farm for recreation.

I found it a most delightful change;

From the noise and din,

And those youngsters of sin,
Who seem like perpetual motion;

So I turned to green fields and flowers and trees,
With a feeling akin to devotion.

What a change in the diet, from the boarding house table;

Pure milk, undisputed.

This was not diluted,
And had what I called butter, there;

Cottage cheese, who could beat it,

In town I could'nt eat it.
To change its name would be fair.

Butter milk, eggs, fruit and watermelons huge;

I enjoyed all this,

In this season of bliss;
Early rising without any harming,

I gained twenty pound,

And my sleep it was sound.
And that's "what I know about farming."

AUGUST MEETING.

The August meeting of the Society was held at the residence of
T. F. Leeper, Lima, Adams county, on the 9th.

ORCHARD REPORT.

BY T. F. LEEPER, LIMA.

John Bunyan was the opposite of a m3^stie, his sermons were
common sense, closely packed. They exhibit the closest observation
of the ways of human nature in practical life. His history of "Mr.
Badman " is more true to contemporary life than even the adven-
tures of " Jonathan Wild," though written a century later. It has
been said that Bunyan never weakened his eyesight over books, yet
he sharpened his sense of observation of the human family. All of
his volumes abound with incidents evidently observed upoil the
streets of his native town, or upon the wayside of real life. And
not the least agreeable of these things are his terse descriptions of
the country, the fields, the flowers and the birds, and the simple
cheerfulness with which he imparts the information which adorn
the pages of his earlier works. So, in like manner, in his greatest

WARSAW HORTICULTUEAL SOCIETY 317

work he unites, in a perfectly natural way and with evident fore-
thought, " a journey on earth with that of a search for heaven."

Some people thought that Buuyan was crazy, but it was only
the fusing of truth with fancy, in order to make it potent. There
are many firm believers in the theory that people are, at times, crazy
— fanatic, and facts are often cited in the support of this belief ; but
a wise man may step backward olf a porch, or into a mud-puddle ; a
great philosopher may hunt for the spectacles which are in his hand,
or upon his nose, and the hunter may shoot himself or his dog, and
yet not be crazy.

A working girl, so industrious and faithful, that for ten years
she had been constantly employed to feed a clothes-knife, one day
watched that same knife come slowly down upon her own hand.
Too late she awoke from her train of thought to find her hand gone.

One of our most distinguished philosophers teaches j|i an insti-
tution near a canal. Walking along the path one morning, absorbed
in thought, he walked deliberately into the canal, and was only
brought to his senses by the water and mud, and by the absurdity of
the situation.

Again, our mail collectors, it is said, fiad in the iron boxes along
the streets all sorts of papers, and many times the most unlikely
articlesi, which have been put there by some hand from whose motion
the mind had become, for the moment, detached. A deed, a mort-
gage, a theatre ticket, a glove, the spectacle cases go into the box,
and the letter, meanwhile, remaining in the pocket of the writer.

This brief lunacy, or absent-mindedness, only proves that the
individual is a deep thinker, and perchance, a specialist; and this,
gentlemen, is just what leads to success in our pursuits of life; and
if great men make these mistakes, I trust you will excuse me, and
one another, for occasional mistakes in horticulture.

In the year 1860, I began the orchard business. I entered into
it with an energy and determination to succeed. 1 planted seventy-
five trees with twenty-five diff'^rent varieties of apples, and for the
greatest display by one producer, can defy competition. The same
year I started a nursery of seedling peaches, growing one year
from the pitts, and the next year, 1861, planting my first peach
orchard of 350 trees. They proved a very profitable investment.
In 1867, I planted 400 apple trees — all winter varieties — of which
Ben Davis predominated. The next spring, 1868, T interplanted
three peach trees to each apple tree, or 1,200 peach trees. They all
came into bearing young, and for some years proved highly remun-
erative, but I lived to see them nearly all destroyed, not with age,
but from several causes — overbearing, atmospheric troubles and
insect pests. Since then I have planted four other apple orchards
and one peach orchard. The whole number of trees planted, I can-
not give, as I am, of late years, constantly replanting my orchards.

yl8 TRANSACTIONS OF THE

In my young orchard there are to-day 1,300 apple and 1,200
peach trees living. I have a fine crop of apples, but no peaches for
several years. In the cultivation of my orchard I am governed some
by soil and location. My land is much diversified in situation, and
soil. The most radical mistakes made by the orchardist, is in suppos-
ing that fruit growing can, or ought to pay large profits, without
corresponding care, labor and skill or the part of the owner and
grower. And yet to grow our fruits without labor or care is neither
right or profitable, in fact our business would not be worth pursuing.
If fruit cost nothing, then like the water and air, it would bring noth-
ing. No! it is because it costs something that it can be made profit-
able to those who have the skill and energy to make it cost them less
to produce it than it does others. 'Once it was supposed that fruit
would grow under almost any circumstances. Now we know that
only skill and energy in the management can make the orchard even
moderately profitable. And we believe that fruit growing is more
hopeful than when little or no care was required. This apparent
misfortune is in reality our gain, if we but rightly comprehend it,
and if our specialty has ceased to be so easily produced, and now
requires more labor, and greater skill, it insures us better markets
and larger profits for the orchard lands. I shall continue to try to
grow fruit, anticipating in the future as great profits as I ha-^e ever
realized in the past.

A very pleasant ramble over the farm showed a well-kept
orchard, loaded with fine apples; in many instances the limbs of the
trees were supported by props to prevent breaking. A walk in
another direction led to the Indian Mound, from which a fine view
was had of that famous resort of hunters, Lima Lake.

At noon, Mr. Leeper called the guests to a sumptuous dinner, to
which it is needless to say all did justice. After dinner the usual
routine of the meeting came, but as sociability was the order of the
day, the meeting was soon adjourned. Late in the afternoon we
bade our hospitable host and hostess adieu. It was a rare treat and
one long to be remembered by all present.

S,EPTEMBER MEETING.

The monthly meeting was called to order by the Vice-President,
S. S. Gray, at the residence of A. C. Hammond, Esq., Wednesday,
September 26. Mr. Hammond has a magnificent fruit farm upon
the edge of Green Plains prairie, the timber region of the Mississippi

WARSAW HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 319

river bluffs, lying west and north of it; the lands slope gently east-
ward. Here Mr. Hammond has been planting and improving for a
third of a century, and while he has met with some failures and very
many disappointments, he has been one of our most successful hor-
ticulturists, and his fruits, ciders, vinegars, etc., have a wide reputa-
tion. His plantations of trees have reached up into the thousands
of apple, cherry, peach and pear, besides an unlimited number of
almost every variety^f the smaller fruits, most of which are as suc-
cessfully grown here as at any point in the United States, but many
of which have been practically discarded for the want of markets
and market facilities. At present Mr. Hammond is devoting most
of his attention to the apple, and its products, and to general farm-
ing. But when markets or transportation facilities will justify, Mr.
Hammond and his neighbors will be able i^ furnish as fine berries
and other small fruits as any other portion of the country.

A recess was taken in a stroll over this model farm and in view-
ing the different plantations — '' the old family orchard," " the large
commercial orchard,'' and the more general variety, or "experi-
mental orchard," in which many hundreds of varieties have been,
and are still being tested. Here the practical horticulturists receive
a most valuable "object" lesson which no interested fruit grower
could afford to miss.

The commodious dwelling of Mr. Hammond is centrally and
very conveniently situated, and the surroundings are handsomely
and tastefully improved with intermingling trees, plants, and flowers.

At 12 o'clock M. our hostess and lady friends served the entire
audience with an excellent lunch, which was enjoyed by all present,
and Mr. and Mrs. Hammond were unanimously voted "royal enter-
tainers."

Reports and discussions were had as follows:

Mrs. G. J. Rogers — The Warsaw Ladies' Floral Society is now
in a flourishing condition; effective work is being done, its influence
is being felt, and is of practical value.

C. C. Hoppe — On the whole the vegetable gardener cannot com-
plain. Our markets are supplied with good and wholesome products.
True, the weather has been unfavorable at times, but prompt and
intelligent work has given us fair rewards.

320 TKANSACTIONS OF THE

T. F. Leeper — The orchard crop began with a very profuse
bloom, followed by a heavy setting of fruit, and during June and
July there was necessarily a wonderful falling of fruit. This was a
natural result of the oversetting. My apples are now ripening and
coloring beautifully. The quantity and quality are both satisfactory,
but as yet the prices are to low for profit.

Thos. Gregg — My own orchard (with manj^ others) is decaying.
We must replant, or plant anew. What shall we plant for family
use? Say three varieties each, of apples — summer, fall and winter.

Mr. Leeper named Red Astrachan, Summer Pearmain, Early
Harvest, Maiden's Blush, Rarabo, Milan, Ben Davis, Willow and
Jonathan.

A. C. Hammond g^e Duchesse, Red Astrachan, Sops of Wine,
Wealthy, Maiden's Blush, Porter, Ben Davis, Willow, Jonathan.

J. T. Johnson — Substitute Benoni for Porter and Grimes'
Golden for Willow, and I like the list better.

Questions by H. D. Brown — Do you advise picking Wine Sap
and Ben Davis first week in October for winter keeping? Do you
put winter apples in cellar immediately after picking?

T. F. Leeper — Never pick before October for winter keeping;
do not put apples in cellar, and especially in bulk, until later. If
bulked too early they 'heat. If left outside after picking, you must
protect from the weather — especially rain. Apples keep best if not
bulked — that is you can keep most successfully in boxes or packages.

Mr. Hammond — The sooner you pick, after they are ripe, the
better they will keep. My early pickings keep longest. They do
keep well in boxes, but too much air, or too much light, is injurious.

J. H. Emerson said a word in praise of the local apple, the
Monte bello. I planted them twelve years ago; the tree is a good
grower, is upright and handsome; the fruit clusters all along its
branches; they are fine in appearance, best in quality, and profuse
in bearing. They begin to ripen with September, but their season
runs into early winter. Every family should have the Montebello.

Question by President Gray — As to the best mode of making
apple-butter?

WARSAW HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 321

Mrs. Hamraond — I use cider boiled to one-fourth; use good
apples, well stewed and carefully rubbed through a sieve, freeing the
fruit from seeds, cores, etc.; add sugar to suit the taste. Constant
care is required in the cooking.

C. C. Hoppe — I use a few lemons and not quite so much cider,
and to keep, put in earthen or stone jars, and cover with cloths wet
in salicylic acid; over this I place cotton batting; it will keep it per-
fectly.

J. C. Berry — Put your kettle flat on the ground when you cook
apple-butter. The fire should never touch the bottom, but heat
only the side of the kettle. You will not only obviate burning or
scorching of fruit, but will actually cook three times faster than the
old way. Try it.

OCTOBER MEETING.

The October meeting was held at the residence of J, H. Emerson,
in Montebello, and was well attended.

The orchard having an especial interest, we visited it. Mr.
Emerson's manner of tree planting is novel and a new departure.
He took a two-horse plow, and opened a f urr«w each way, forty feet
apart, and with sub-soil plow deepened these checks a second
furrow. At the bottom of this holes were dug, and the trees planted
to the depth they grew in the nursery ; after which the soil was
plowed back to the trunks of the trees, to the depth of ten or twelve
inches above the natural tree growth. This orchard has never needed
replanting, is now seven years old, has borne three full crops of fine
fruit, and is to-day one of the thriftiest, healthiest orchards in the
State. On Mr. Emerson's location this has been a success, and is well
worth the consideration of the tree planter.

Answering a question of B. P. Hambleton, on pruning,

Mr. Emerson said — No marks from pruning are ever visible
upon my trees. I prune only in the growing season of spring. The
wounds heal at once. I never cut a large limb, promptness makes
it unnecessary. To cut a large limb is to cripple your tree for life.

22

322 TKANSACTIONS OF THE

My trees are well cared for, and they have nicely balanced heads,
with side branches properly distributed along a good, strong center
stalk. Thus trailed they never split at the crotches.

At noon the generous hospitalities of the mansion were liberally
dispensed to all visitors.

Mr. C. C. Hoppe — Cabbage should remain standing until freez-
ing weather. They grow and keep better. Just before freezing, cut
the heads from the stalks, and pack them in an old, cheap barrel,
with one head out. Lay the barrel on its side, and bury with dirt.
The cabbage keep well, and are always accessible for use.

Mr. S. S. Gray — Salsify needs no winter protection. Leave it
standing where it grew, and dig only when wanted for use. Par-
snips need the same treatment.

Mr. Hoppe — I like my supply of lettuce all the year round,
and find that I can have it if I plant properly for the succession. I
have already planted seed grown in 1888.

Mr. Gray — I sow salt with my onion seed. It induces the
needed moisture, and the seeds germinate quicker and more surely.
It also destroys many kinds of weeds.

Mr. Emerson — I empty my meat brine upon ray asparagus
beds with evident advsmtage.

Mr. Gray — I appreciate a good garden, — an early one with a
succession ; one that will be a solid comfort all the year round.

After discussing a fine exhibition of fruits, the Society adjourned.

ANNUAL MEETING — DECEMBER.

The Annual Meeting of the Warsaw Horticultural Society was
held at Warsaw, Saturday, December 1, 1888.

In the absence of the Secretary, President Brown appointed S.
S. Gray, Secretary pro tem.

C. C. Hoppe, Treasurer, submitted his annual report, showing
healthy increase in membership, and a balance of cash on hand of
137.80 after paying all demands of 1888.

WAESAW HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 323

A discussion on entomology favored the burning, in the spring-
time, of all stubble and weed fields.

Report on vegetables indicated a very full and fine crop. Onions,
though a good crop, have rotted badly.

Reports on orchards show a fair crop of apples, with a moderate
supply of plums and pears. The trees have made better and healthier
growth than last year, and go into winter in favorable condition.
The per cent, of this year's crop still in the hands of the producers
is very small; say 5 per cent.

Messrs. Leeper and J. T. Johnson have their crops in apple-
houses. They are keeping fairly well. The temperature of these
apple-houses is below forty degrees.

A question by C. B. Rockwell : If now only twenty-five years
old, how many would plant an orchard for commercial purposes ?

A. C. Hammond and two or three others answered : Yes; we
would still plant.

Mr. Rockwell — - Then, what would you plant ?

Mr. Hammond — Ben Davis principally, unless I found some-
thing of more profit.

Mr. Rockwell — Will the demand justify the efEort ?

Mr. Hammond — Yes; always. There are just now many new,
and some promising varieties of apples being tested.

J. T. Johnson — Horticulture is an actual necessity and demands
the very greatest efforts of which we are capable.

REPORT ON BERRIES.

C. B. Rockwell — I have added a thousand Sucker State straw-
berries to my new plantations in 1888. They have grown almost as
luxuriantly as my Crescents.

Mr. Emerson — I have one of the most thrifty growths of
strawberry vines to be seen anywhere. The foliage is so dense that
there seems no necessity for a mulch for winter protection.

C. C. Hoppe — What shall we do about the birds ? Last year
they began with my strawberries, and in turn attacked every kind of
berry or cherry I produced.

324 TEANSACTIONS OF THE

The question was not satisfactorily answered.

The President's annual address, by H. D, Brown, was read and
ordered printed with our proceedings.

After much deliberation upon the subject, the election of offi-
cers for 1889 resulted as follows :

President — H. D. Brown, Hamilton.
Vice-President — S. S. Gray, Oakwood.
Treasurer — C. C. Hoppe, Warsaw.
Secretary — J. T, Johnson, Warsaw.

On motion of C. B. Rockwell, H. D. Brown was appointed com-
mittee on programme for 1889, with privilege to ask assistance in
the work.

Adjourned.

ANNUAL ADDRESS.

BY PEESIDENT H. D. BKOWN.

Ladies and Gentlemen^ Members of the

Warsaw Horticultural Society:

Horticulturists can congratulate themselves on the season just
closed as being one of fruitf ulness and profit, and we may well say,
it was time, for there is no disguising the fact that those depending
on fruit raising for a livlihood. had, to a large extent, become dis-
couraged and could not have kept up the interest any longer in
orcharding if they had not had a change for the better in a fruitful
season like 1888. AncT it is with pleasure that I congratulate you
on the bountiful crop of fair beautiful apples, the "king of fruits."'

As we look back over the past year we note with sadness that
death has taken one of our most esteemed members, a gentleman
whose kindly face will be missed from these meetings, and we all
feel the loss of his kind words and friendly greeting; I refer to Capt.
W. S. Hathaway.

While not so dear to us, but of great loss to horticulture, we
chronicle the death of Milo Barnard, President of the State Horti-
cultural Society. While I had not the pleasure of the acquaintance
of Mr. Barnard, I was convinced that he was a gentleman of sterling
qualities and will be sadly missed from his own neighborhood and
the state at large, and it seems to me it would be better for us to
give more than a passing notice to those gone before, not'forgetting
that we must keep up our ranks with recruits of younger persons, as
the cause of horticulture will advance long after we are all gone and

WARSAW HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 325

the younger members must take up the work, not after we have laid
it down, but now, when the older heads are here to council; and I
do hope every one will make it a point to instruct the young in horti-
culture and the adornment of homes. For the home is the bulwark
of our liberties as a nation.

The lessons in horticulture of the past season are a series of
surprises, old established theories have been overturned and it seems
as if we will have to commence anew in orcharding. At least this is
ray experience. Orchards from which I expected the least did the
best; those on which I expended the most labor did the worst, espec-
ially is this true of cultivating and spraying. Orchard trees in
meadows not sprayed, did the best, while those sprayed and cultivated
did not bear as well and the fruit was not as perfect. What to do
and when to do it seems to be a question as unsettled as ever. The
only thing I can see is for horticulturists to keep on experimenting,
as persistent effort is sure to have its reward.

As this meeting will close our season's work, I would suggest to
the members the advisability of having out our yearly programme
as soon as possible, so it can be distributed during the holidays. The
time is a good one for increasing our membership at the farmer's
meetings and other gatherings to be held this month.

Closing this season of our work, I thank you all for kind words
of encouragement and your assistance in presiding at your delibera-
tions.

MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD

OF THE

ILLINOIS STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY-

DECEMBER MEETING.

Alton, December 12th, 1888.
The Executive Board of the State Horticultnral Society con-
vened in the Hotel Madison. Present: H. M. Dunlap, Arthur Bry-
ant, F. I. Mann, E. A. Riehl, C. N. Dennis, and A. C, Hammond.

On motion of E. A. Riehl, the reports of the Secretary and
Treasurer were referred to a committee. President Dunlap named,
Arthur Bryant and F. I. Mann, as the committee.

The question of the time of the next annual meeting, which had
been referred to the Board for action, was now taken up, and after a
full discussion, it was on motion, ordered that the next meeting be
held at the same time as the present one. The second Tuesday in
December.

The Committee on Secretary's and Treasurer's report, reported
that they had carefully examined them, and found them correct.

The question of awarding the contract for printing the next
volume of Transactions was now taken up. The Secretary read the
bids received from five publishing houses. After carefully discuss-
ing the merits of each, it was decided to accept that of J. W. Franks
& Sons, as being, all things considered, the most desirable.

On motion of Mr. Riehl a special premium of two dollars was
awarded John Kramer for best display of celery.

On motion of Mr. Browne, the hotel bill of Col. G. B. Brackett
was ordered paid.

328 MEETINGS OF THE

The following bills were allowed and ordered paid:

J. S. Browne, expense of board meeting and cash

advanced , $ 13.80

Arthur Brj'^ant, expense of board meeting 15 . 75

C. X. Dennis, expense of board meeting and ad-interim

work , 22.51

H. M. Dunlap, expense of board meeting\ 10.70

F. I. Mann, expense of board meeting ..j>. 11 .83

E. A. Kiehl, expense of board meeting, 6 .40

J. T. Johnson, reporting annual meeting 20.00

Bessie M. Xash, reporting annual meeting 20.00

A. C. Hammond, expense of board meeting and cash

advanced 16 . 10

J. S. Browne, expense ad-interim work 17 .77

J. S. Browne, hotel bill Col. Brackett 7 . 75

H. M. DUNLAP, President.
A. C. HAMMOND, Secretary.

JANUARY MEETING.

Springfield, January 15th, 1889.
The Executive Board ol: the State of Horticultural Society con-
vened in the State House, with the following members present:
President, H. M. Dunlap; Secretary. A. C. Hammond; Arthur Bryant,
A. Dunning, C. N. Dennis, F. I. Mann, Wm. Jackson, and J. S.
Browne.

Mr. Bryant moved that we ask the legislature to grant us an
annual appropriation of $4,000 to enable us to print a larger num-
ber of reports and other necessary work of the Society. Motion
adopted.

Mr. Dennis moved that a committee of three be appointed to
confer with Gov. Fifer and Superintendent Edwards in regard to the
proper date for Arbor Day. Motion adopted, and Messrs. Dennis,
Browne and Bryant were appointed.

Mr. Bryant moved that a committee of three be appointed to
examined the papers read at the Forestry Convention, and report as
to the propriety of publishing them in our volume of Transactions.
Motion adopted, and Messrs. Bryant, Mann and Browne were ap-
pointed.

EXECUTIVE BOARD. 829

Mr. Dunning moved that we suggest April 19th as the most
suitable date for Arbor Day. Motion carried.

Mr. Bryant moved that the secretary be instructed to corre-
spond with the owners of the desirable new varieties exhibited at
the Alton meeting, and procure scions of as many as possible for
trial in different portions of the State; and that the president and
secretary be authorized to draw an order on the treasurer for pay-
ment of the expenses incurred. Carried.

On motion, a committee consisting of Messrs. Dunning, Dennis
and Browne was appointed to select parties in different parts of the
State, to whom scions should be sent for testing.

On motion the Board proceeded to select a list of trees for lawn,
school-yard and roadside planting.
(See list of trees, page xvi.)

On motion, the secretary was instructed to issue Arbor Day cir-
culars, urging the importance of observing the day in a proper
manner, and giving the list of trees recommended by this Society,
and to send a copy to every paper in the State, and ten copies to
each County Superintendent of Schools.

On motion it was ordered that premiums to the amount of 8300
be offered for a display of horticultural products at the next annual
meeting.

On motion, the question of revising tbe premium list was now
taken up, and the secretary instructed to use the word " from ''
instead of ''for" in the list. (See Premium List, page xi.)

On motion, ordered that the appropriation of $50 to the three
District Societies be continued on the same terms as heretofore.

After considerable discussion, it was ordered that the Awarding
Committees shall consist of one person each, who shall be an expert.

Springfield, Jan. 16th, 1889.

The Board convened at the Revere House with all the members
present.

On motion, it was ordered that the ad-interim work be placed
in the hands of the Presidents and Vice-Presidents of the District

330 MEETINGS OF THE

Societies, with instructions to do the work themselves, or to employ,
from time to time, other competent persons, as may seem best. The
amount expended to be limited to SlOO in each district.

The Treasurer presented his bond for the year 1889, which, on
motion, was approved.

The Board now proceeded to revise the list of standing com-
mittees. (See List of Standing Commiltees, page v.)

On motion, it was ordered that the lists of fruits, vegetables,
trees and shrubs recommended by this Society be published in a con-
spicuous place in the first pages of the book.

On motion, it was ordered that a list of pears — five varieties —
be recommended for general cultivation. (See List of Fears, page

XV.)

The Committee to select suitable men to test the new varieties
of apples, reported as follows :

Mr. President : Your committee respectfully recommends that
the scions to be procured by the secretary be distributed among the
following persons for testing, with the understanding that they will
report the result to this Society, and that the scions will not be dis-
posed of, or propagated from :

Northern Illinois — C. W. Prescott, Marengo; J. V. Cotta, Nur-
sery; Arthur Bryant, Princeton.

Central Illinois — A. (]!. Hammond, Warsaw; F. L Mann, Gil-
man; H. M. Dunlap, Savoy.

Souihern Illinois — J. Webster, Centralia; J. G. Vaughan, Odin;
.J. S. Browne, Alton.

On motion, the rieport was so amended as to allow the scion to
be propagated from or disposed of, where the originator or owner did
not object, after which it was adopted.

A committee of the Dairyman's National Fair Association waited
upon the Board and requested the Society to make a display of hort-
icultural products at their Fair to be held in Chicago next fall.

Referred to a committee consisting of Arthur Bryant, Wm.
Jackson and A. Dunning.

EXECUTIVE BOARD. 331

On motion the secretary was instructed to use his own judge-
ment in relation to publishing the proceedings of local societies.

The secretary was instructed to distribute the forthcoming volume
as follows: the legislature 300, members of the Board 10 each, the
Northern and Southern societies 50 each, the Central 100, local soci-
eties 25 each, exchanges 100, public libraries, agricultural colleges,
experiment stations, etc., 150, farmers institutes 200.

On motion of Mr. Dunning the president and secretary were in-
structed to look after the appropriation bill and use all honorable
means to secure its passage.

The secretary was instructed to employ a short hand reporter to
report the next annual meeting, provided a competent one can be
employed at a cost not to exceed $50.

The committee appointed to confer with the Governor in relation
to Arbor Day reported that he considered our proposition favorable
and said that he should in all probability, when he issued his procla-
mation, name the 19th of April as Arbor Day.

On motion, it was ordered that the Secretary's salary be fixed at
$300 per annum, and that he be allowed $50 for extra office help.

The committee to examine outside papers for publication in our
volume, reported that they had not found anything which they
were prepared to recommend for publication.

The committee to confer with the Dairyman's Fair Association
in regard to an exhibit of fruit at their fair next fall, asked for
further time, which was granted.

The President and Secretary were authorized to appoint a super-
intendent to take charge of the exhibits at the next annual meeting.
The President appointed C. E. Dennis, of Hamilton, to that po-
sition.

The following bills were allowed and warrants drawn for their
payment.

H. M. Dunlap, Expense bill .$13.25

J.S.Browne, " " 9.85

C. :N. Dennis, ' " " 12.40

Wm. Jackson, " " 8.95

332 ■ MEETINGS OP THE

A. Dunning, Expense bill 20.00

16.00

and cash advanced 19.69

11.72

51.00

Arthur Bryant, "
A. C. Hammond, "
r. I. Mann "

Phil. Dallam, Printing

Adjourned to meet at the call of the President.

H. M. DuNLAP, President.
A. C. HAMMOifD, Secretary.

INDEX.

Transactions of the State Horticultural Society 1, 109

of the Horticultural Society of Central Illinois Ill, 169

of the Alton-Southern Hlinois Horticultural Society 171, 192

of the Horticultural Society of Northern Illinois 193, 275

of the Pike County Horticultural Society 277, 278

of the Kankakee Valley Horticultural Society 279, 296

of the Marshall County Horticultural Society 297, 303

of the Warsaw Horticultural Society 304, 325

Abbott, Rev. Dr., Prayer by 80

Address of AVelcome, State Society 1

of Welcome, Central Society 117

of Welcome, Northern Society 205

Ad-Iuterim Committees iv

Report for Central Illinois 60

Report for Northern Illinois 26

Report for Southern Illinois 93

Allender, Rev. John, Prayer by 141

Annual Address, State Society 14

Central Society 118

Northern Society 208

Warsaw Society 324

Annual Meeting, Central Society 113

State Society i v

A Pen Sketch of Cyrus Thomas, third State Entomologist 106

Apple and Strawberry Growing on the same land 160

Butter, Making of 321

Growing in Marshall County : Has it Paid in the Past : Will it

Pay in the Future V 300

Seed from Cider Mills 12

Not Fertilized 11

■ Varieties to Plant 320

Arbor Day 17

Arsenic for Spraying 66

Austin, A. B., Paper by 266

Bagging Grapes 52

334 INDEX.

Barnard Milo, Paper by 280

Portrait of 69

O. W., Letter from . . . ." 208

Beauty 130

Ben Davis and Jonathan compared 76

Berries, Report on 306, 323

Brackett, Col. G. C, Remarks by 49

Brown, H. D., Address by 324

Browne, J. S., Paper by 176, 184

Report by 93

Bryant Arthur, Report by 26

Address by 208

Guy A., Paper by 247

Harry G., Paper by 42, 264

r.. R.. Paper by 244

Burrill, Prof. T. J., Paper by 153

By-Laws, Central Society 112

State Society vi

Caldwell, Rev. J. W., Prayer by 1

Canning and Preserving Fruits 38

Can we Raise Peaches in Central Illinois 159

Coe, Ira, Report by 56

Committee on Awards, Appointment of 29

on Experiment Station Exhibit, Appointment of 80

on Final Resolutions, Northern Society, Appointment of 195, 243

on Lists of Apples, Appointment of 52

on Fruits on Exhibition, Appointment of 241

on Obituaries, Appointment of 16

on Order of Business, Appointment of 195

on Special Premiums, Appointment of 67

on Treasurer's Report, Appointment of 241

to Recommend List of Vegetables, Appointment of 25

Constitution, Central Society 112

State Society vi

Cotta, H. R., Paper by 222

J. v., Paper by 212

Copej Allan, Report by 2

Country Highways — How shall we Improve Them 244

Cunningham, J. M., Experience with Spraying 64

Deferred Papers, Central Society 159

State Society 103

Dennis, C E., Paper by ; 43

C. N., Address by 118

Report by 60, 97

Discussion on Evergreens 224

on Orchards 218

INDEX. 335

Discussion on Strawberries 199

on Strawberries and Grapes 259

on Tile Drainage 283

on Vegetable Garden for Family use 272

Distribution of Fruit 9J

Douglass, Dr. J. R., Letter from ' 65

Dunlap, H. M ., Address by 14

Mrs. H. M., Paper by 144

Edward, Samuel, Paper by 221

Letter from 208

Effect of Cross Fertilization 4

Election of Officers, State Society 49

Central Society 141

for Northern Illinois 201, 243

Warsaw Society 307, 324

Evergreens, for Ornament, for Wind-breaks, and How to Handle Them, 222

Executive Board, State Society iv

Meetings of 327

Experiment Station 15

Paper on 280

Farmers' Boys and Girls 42

Kitchen Gardens 23

Field Force Pump 62

Financial Report by Secretary State Society 18

Floriculture, Report on 311, 314

Forestry 103

Francis. L. C, Paper by 98

Franks, Thos., Paper by 126

Fruits ior the Northwest 255

Garretson, Mrs. K, S., Paper by 311

Gaston, A. H., Paper by 160, 300

Goding, F. H., Paper by 106

Goodrich, T. E., Paper by 91

Grapes, Report on 50, 51

Gray, D. H., Paper by 251

Report by 58

Gregg, Thos., Paper by 135

Greene, W. H., Paper by 161

Growing, and ]SIarketing Grapes and Small Fruits 261

Grundy, Fred., Paper by 108

Hall. Dr. Lyman, Paperjby 141

Report by 116

Hammond, A. C, Paper by 62

Report by 16, 114

Handling, Shipping and Marketing Fruits 260

Hardy Peaches 59, 89

336 INDEX.

Hathaway, E. C, Paper by 261

Hay, A. L. , Paper by 75

Hay, Leon, Paper by 33

Heinl, Francis J., Paper by 123

HoUister, E., Paper by 104

Horse Cultivation for Gardens : ." 25

Horticultural Scraps 286

Impressions of Southern Horticulture , 104

Influence of Elowers on Home 40

Interests in Horticulture 239

Lamentations of the Fruit-Grower 13

Landscape Gardening 266

Leeper, T. F., Paper by 316

Lewis' Force Pump for Spraying Trees 65

List of Apples for Central Illinois 73

for Northern Illinois 74

for Southern Illinois 72

Apples, Pears and Vegetables xv

Cherries 121

Climbers 125

Gooseberries and Currants 122

Grapes 12^

Hardy Apples 120

Members, Central Society 11^

Members, Marshall County Society 297

Members, Northern Society 194, 204

Members, State Society ix

Pears 121

Raspberries . . 122

Shrubs 125

Strawberries 122

Trees, Shrubs and Climbers xvi

Jjocation of next Annual Meeting, State Society 49

London Purple may be applied too liberally 63

strength to use 62

Lowery, Thomas, Injury to trees from spraying 63

Mann, F. I., lieport by 8

McCleur, G. W., Paper by 22

McPike, Hon. H. G., Address by 1

Meeting of Executive Board, Central Society 169

Miller, J. B., Report by 50

Mmier, G. W., Paper by 103, 159

Minkler, J. G., Prayer by '. 243

Minkler, S. G., Remarks by 1

Morris, H. M., Paper by 120

Mortimer, Henry, Paper by 69, 286

INDEX. 337

]l?turtfeldt, C. W., Remarks by 13

Xash, Miss Bessie M., Paper by 40

New Fruits 75, 80

Peaches g.'i 94

Pears 82

Plums 82

Strawberries 81

Nixon Force Pump 66

OflScers tor Alton Southern Society 172

Central Society 113

Marshall County Society 297

Northern Society 194, 204

Pike County Society 277

State Society iv

Orchard Fruits, Paper on 179

Orchard of Frank Cadwell 63

Orchards in Central Illinois 161 •

Orchards, Report on 2, 8. 173, 183, 187, 191, 305, 316

Ornamental Planting for Farmers 100

Our Feathered Friends ^ 108

Our Girls 144

Our Late President 69

■?aris Green, Does It Injure Trees ? 64

Peaches in Central Illinois 56

Pearson, Hon. J. M., Address by 100

Peffer George, Paper by 255

Pennington, L. S., Letter from 243

Pennock, Mrs. Duane, Paper by 314

Periam, Jonathan, Address by 147

Paper by 239

Piper D. J., Paper by 256

Planting Seed from Cider Presses Condemned . . . 4

Plum Blossom Perfect 57

Plums near the Timber 58

Profitable 57

Practical Floriculture : What Can We do About It ? 126

Premium List , x i

Progress in Horticulture 147

Propagation of Trees and Plants 43

Proposition to Change Time of Meeting oO

Pruning Peach Trees S8

Raspberries and Blackberries 90

Report of Awarding Committee — Class II 84

of Awarding Committee — Class III 79

of Awarding Committee — Class IV 87

of Awarding Committee —Class V 85

23

338 INDEX.

Report of Awarding Committee — Class VI 87

of Awarding Committee on Special Premiums 88

of Committee on Best Five Varieties Winter Apples from Central

, Illinois : 86

of Committee on Best Five Varieties Winter Apples from North-
ern Illinois 86

of Committee on Best Five Varieties Winter Apples from South-
ern Illinois 87

of Committee on Best Three Varieties Fall Apples for Central

Illinois 86

of Committee on Best Three Varieties Fall Apples from North-
ern Illinois 86

of Committee on Best Three Varieties Fall Apples from Southern

Illinois 87

of Committee on Experiment Stations 95

of Committee on Experiment Station Exhibit 101

of Committee on Final Resolutions, Northern Society 201, 274

of Committee on Final Resolutions, State Society 102

of Committee on Fruit Exhibit 273

of Committee on Grapes 102

of Committee on Needed Legislation 97

of Committee on President's Address, Northern Society 242

of Committee on Treasurer's Report, Northern Society 244

of Committee to Recommend a List of Vegetables 68

of Fruit Committee 182

on Vineyards 175

to the Governor in

Resolution 274

by H. J. Dunlap 144

by Mr. Hallett 201

by F. C. Johnson 254

by J. G. Vaughan 14

regarding Arbor Day 279

on the Death of D. Wilmot Scott 72, 200

on the Death of Milo Barnard 72, 144, 200, 284

Response to Address of Welcome, Central Society 117

to Address of Welcome, Northern Society 207

to Address of Welcome, State Society 2

Richie, Mrs. J. W., Poem by 315

Riehl, E. A. Paper by 88, 179

Riehl, Frank C. Paper by 30

Poem by 47

Road and Street Horticulture 153

Rockwell, Miss Nellie, Paper by 38

Rowley, C. S., Paper by 301

Report by 298

INDEX. 339

Rules'of Exhibition xiv

Rural Adornments 137

Russians — Beware 13

Russians Liable to Blight 27

Sanders, Edgar, Paper by 226

Schoolyard Decoration 151

Scion not Effected by Root 12

Scott, W. C, Address by 205

Secretary's Report, Central Society 114

Marshall County Society 298

State Society 16

Shrubbery for the Northwest 2G6

Small Fruits, Paper on 184

Report on 176, 181, 190, 192, 309

Some of Our Weeds and Xoxious Plants 247

Special Rules xiv

Spence, Mrs. Emma 130

Spraying, Effects of o 94

Eruit Trees 62

Nozzle of Field Force Pump 62

Trees, by Dr. J. R. Douglass 65

Standing Committees v

Stone Fruits, Report on .- . . 56

Strawberries and Grapes 256

for Central Illinois 54

for Profit 28, 55

Mulching 56

Paper on 301

Report on 53

Strawberry Insects 5.">

Sub-Stations, Importance of 96

Successful Gardening, Secret of 69

Tender Peaches 89

The Catalpa as a Timber Tree 98

The Choice of a Vocation 30

The Coming Apple Tree— How shall we Make It 212

The Improvement and Ornamentation of Parks, Lawns, Thorough-
fares and Schoolgrounds 264

The Legend of the Piasa — a Poem 47

The Perrennial Garden 123

The Seed and the Scion .' 293

Thirty Years in Western Horticulture 226

Thorough Work the Key to Success 33

Time for Spraying Trees 65

Transplanting Evergreens 221

Treasurer's Report, Central Society 116

340 INDEX.

Treasurer's Eeport, Northern Society 196, 212

State Society 21

Warsaw Society 304

Tree Planting Encouraged 17

Remarks on 321

Two Years Ago and Now — a Poem 315

Utilizing New Fruits 257

Varney, Miss Mary, Paper by 151

Vegetables, Report on 178, 186

Vickroy, H. K, Report by 21, 90

Vineyards, Report on 181, 184, 190

Wakeman, J. B., Paper by 293

What shall we Grow for Market and Home Use 120

What we Eat 141

Webster, Jabez, Paper by 80

Western Horticulture and Horticulturists 135

Whitney, Father Nathan, Visit to 242

Jesse R., Paper by 260

Wicks, W., Paper by '. 266

Williamson, Miss Mary H,, Paper by 137

Wolf, Rev. A. T., Prayer by 49

Rev. J. B., Address by 117

Prayer by 114

Worthen, Geo. B., Report by .*. 51

Young People's Session v, 30

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