336 ILLINOIS STATE HOBTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Mr. Fletcher would have a crop of Davison's Thornless raspberry; 

 they were not injured on his grounds. 



Mr. Bolt said on high lands the blackberry had stood the winter 

 better than on the low or flat lands. 



On vegetables, C. C. Hoppe reports prospects now good. 



On nurseries, H. D. Brown reports all the Ben Davis over one year 

 old sold. The weather is too dry for young grafts. Peaches of the yellow 

 kinds were mostly injured by the winter. 



C. N. Dennis said in nursery apple-trees were unhurt, peaches were 

 in a sad plight, small-fruits were some injured, but as a whole nursery 

 stock is in fair condition, but making poor growth. 



The Society will hold a grand floral fair and basket picnic at City 

 Hall, in Hamilton, in June. Arrangements will be made at once. All 

 are requested to be present and lend their assistance. Miss Emma Smith, 

 Professor of Entomology, will be present and lecture. 



Essay (special) on garden products was read by H. D. Brov/n, of 

 Hamilton, and recommended for publication. 



Several members objected to fencing gardens to keep out chickens. 



I. H. Brown said chickens were a benefit to gardens and should only 

 be kept out at times. 



Mr. Hoppe keeps burnt bone dust, meat, grain, or whatever his fowls 

 want. His fowls do no harm in the garden. 



Mr. Ames would raise tomatoes enough for the chickens as well as 

 for the family. If full fed, chickens will do no harm. 



Mr. Bolt would keep blackberries out of the garden. 



Mr. Chandler said it was best to give room for gardening, without 

 being too much cramped by fencing, so you may cultivate in rows and with 

 horse power. 



Adjourned to meet at City Hall, in Hamilton, next month. 



JUNE MEETING. 



This, the largest meeting ever held by the Society, foreshadows fully 

 the great and growing necessity for a good county fair in old Hancock, 

 and which should be looked after without further delay. 



THE DISPLAY. 



On entering the hall we passed an arch of mountain ash, in full 

 foliage, a very tasteful arrangement. Along the center of the hall were 

 tables of rich bouquets, rustic and ornamental flower stands, frames and 

 trellises covered with rarest flowers and plants of rich and beautiful 

 foliage. 



In the center was a handsome and attractive display by our young 

 friend V. R. Faught, of Montobello, a very ingenious arrangement of 

 rustic work and flowers ; in this admirable arrangement nature and art 

 were most happily blended. His "Old Cabin Home," cradle of flowers, 

 etc., etc., were much and very justly admired. 



