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 



