The Wilson Strawberry. 49 



indicated, could have endured the same handhng and high temperature for 

 the same length of time, and preserved their shape, but for educated Amer- 

 ican palates, would have compared with the Pipers as Limburger to full- 

 cream No. 1 cheese. 



Mr. President, you and this large assembly will not be detained to listen to 

 the array of evidence, collected from the records of many State Horticultural 

 Societies, which bear upon this question. We started out in the investiga- 

 tion of this " case " with the supposition that it is a matter of dispute between 

 about an equal number of fruit growers on each side, expecting to find that 

 those who are so located that their berries must be shipped from two to four 

 hundred miles, nearly all place the Wilson first in money value, and are 

 •quite unwilling to plant of other reputed good-shipping varieties. 



But even this class of growers are not agreed, many of them not being 

 satisfied with the Wilson, and very many casting it aside ; and those who 

 have done so either find a substitute of greater value, or find some modes of 

 picking, handling and transporting other and superior varieties, so that their 

 profits are enhanced rather than diminished by the change. It is a signifi- 

 cant fact that the niimbers'of this class of growers is diminishing from year 

 to year, as the constitutional vigor of the Wilson plant deteriorates and val- 

 uable improved varieties, with more robust vigor, are more extensively 

 tested. 



In conclusion, allow the writer to protest against the practice of shipping 

 soft fruits long journeys, by ordinary modes of transportation. They can 

 not reach the consumers in a wholesome condition, and with their charac- 

 teristic flavors unimpaired. The Wilson strawberry, as usually received by 

 the consumer, after a long shipment, a delay, and a reshipment, is net a 

 healthful article of diet ! It is far better for consumers to content themselves 

 with such species of fruits as can be found in the markets in a wholesome 

 and nutritious state, waiting for the ripening of the strawberries, raspberries 

 and blackberries nearer home, or for those which are jilaced in the market 

 in a fresh condition, having their flavors unimpaired. 



Professor S. A. Forbes, State Entomologist of Illinois, next de- 

 livered his address upou the "Insects Affecting the Stravpberry," 

 the President introducing him in the following terms: 



Most of you know something of what Professor Forbes has done for all of 

 ■our States — invaluable work in several departments of Natural History. His 

 researches are throwing light upon many obscure questions. He is now 

 Entomologist of the State of Illinois, and we are glad that the whole country 

 will be able to participate in the excellent results of his investigations. La- 

 dies and gentlemen, Prof. Forbes. 



