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. 



