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. 



