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. 



