80 TEANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



The competitioQ has been so sharp that we found the work more dif- 

 ficult than was anticipated. We cannot give our reason for the 

 decision we have made in every instance, but, for illustration, we 

 will give the following case : 



We found from Central Illinois, for family use, the Northern 

 Spy, Minkler, Rome Beauty, Jonathan, and Wythe. We awarded 

 the first premium to the Jonathan, for the reason that the fruit is 

 higher in quality, and the tree is better adapted to the various 

 localities than the other varieties. We did not deem the Northern 

 Spy worthy of even a third premium, for the reason that in this 

 short life and fast age it is too slow in coming into bearing. 



I am glad to be able to report that of all the varieties passed on, 

 I found but two incorrectly named. 



I can not close this report without saying that the collection of 

 fruit which is here on exhibition is a magnificent one, and it seems 

 to me that if those chronic grumblers, who have been making such 

 doleful lamentations over the failure of fruit for the past few years, 

 could see these tables groaning under their load of as fine fruit as 

 ever grew, they would cease their grumbling, and take new courage 

 to go on with their horticultural work. 

 Respectfully submitted, 



Gr. B. Brackett, Committee. 



On motion President Dunlap named the following gentlemen as 

 a special committee to examine and report on the fine exhibit of the 

 Illinois Experiment Station : W. M. Samuels, of Clinton, Ky.; R. 

 B. Leeper, of Paducah, Ky., and James Freze of Coatsburg, Illinois. 



Adjourned. 



THURSDAY MORNING. 



The session was opened with prayer by the Rev. Dr. Abbott, of 

 the Baptist Church. 



REPORT OF STANDING COMMITTEE ON NEW FRUITS. 



BY J. WEBSTER, CENTRALIA. 



Mr. President., Ladies and Gentlemen 



of the Illinois State Horticultural Society : 



The experience of the past year, like many that have preceded 

 it, has taught us some valuable lessons which are gentle reminders 

 of how little we really know about the art of Horticulture. I fear 

 what I may be able to say upon the subject assigned me, will not 



