124 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



For the best plate of new apples, we gave the first premium to 

 "Nero, a seedling of the Gilpin," exhibited by Mr. E. A. Riehl, of 

 Alton. This apple is of good size, fine appearance, dark red, 

 regular form, and in flavor resembles very much the Gilpin. 

 Said to be a good keeper. 



We awarded the second premium to Mr. A. C. Hammond, of 

 Warsaw, for the Shackleford, a seedling of the Ben Davis, re- 

 cently introduced in Missouri. 



Mr. Hammond exhibits a fine, large apple, said to be a seedling 

 of the Yellow Belleflower ; but, in the absence of all knowledge 

 of the tree, we could not recommend it for cultivation, and 

 neither do we feel justified in recommending any of the seedlings 

 which were on exhibition without further knowledge of the tree, 

 as to hardiness, &c. 



Best Collection of New Apples not to Exceed Five Varieties 

 (three entries) — First premium to A. C. Hammond, of Warsaw. 

 Second premium, J. Christian, Mt. Carrol. 



Best Plate Seedlings (four varieties) — First premium, J. V. 

 Cotta, Nursery. Second premium, A. H. Gaston, Lacon. 



G. B. Brackett, Committee. 



Col. Brackett — Your committee has found it difficult to make a 

 report on new fruits, because of a lack of history of the fruit. 

 We would suggest that in presenting new varieties of apples, it 

 would be well to have a report made of the characteristics of the 

 tree. It is impossible to have an intelligent opinion of an apple 

 without also knowing the habits and make-up generally of the 

 tree. And we would not recommend that the apples placed in 

 your exhibit as new varieties be put before the public in your 

 list "without further knowledge of the trees from which they 

 come. 



President Dunlap — I think the suggestions of the committee 

 are all right, and I recommend them to the Society. 



Mr. Bryant — I move that the report be accepted, and that 

 those who can bring a proper statement be allowed to do so. 

 ■Carried. 



TOP-GRAFTING FRUIT TREES. 



BY J. V. COTTA, NURSERY. 



No well informed horticulturist will question the fact that the 

 well-being and consequent longevity and profitableness of a fruit 

 tree depends very materially upon the manner of its propaga- 

 tion, especially in the North; and it is likewise a well known fact 

 that no amount of care and cultivation given a tree after being 



