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 



