222 ILLINOIS STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



planted in the fall, and, if planted at different times, may be had during 

 the whole season. He proposed to try the Hanson Lettuce, which was 

 highly recommended. 



Of Wafer Melons, he recommended Phinney's Mountain, Sweet 

 Sprout, and Citron for preserving. 



Of Musk Melons, the largest and finest in appearance was the Casaba ; 

 Skillman's Netted was smaller but good ; Ward's Nectar was superior, 

 and Henderson's Pine Apple excellent. He was going to try the Chris- 

 tiana, Sill's Hybrid, and the Hackensack, all of which were highly 

 spoken of. 



Of Peas, Waite's Caractacus was one of the very earliest and best; 

 Carter's First Crop and Laxton's Alpha were also early. For later crops, 

 McLean's Little Gem, and Blue Peter, larger than the Gem, were the 

 best. Drew's Dwarf, a large and branching pea and a great bearer, and 

 Laxton's Prolific Early Long Pod might also be recommended. Of a 

 third later class he recommended the Champion of England for quality 

 and fruitfulness ; Hair's Dwarf Mammoth, Laxton's Supreme, and 

 Napoleon ai^ all excellent. As to planting, he put the rows about a foot 

 apart, the seed about five inches deep, used a large quantity of seed, and 

 rooted up the superfluous plants. 



Of Potatoes, the Early Vernon keeps well ; the Peerless, Snowflake 

 and Early Rose were all good. The beetle was the only discouraging 

 circumstance in potato culture. 



Of Radishes, the Early Scarlet Turnip, Long Scarlet, and French 

 Breakfast were all good. 



Of Squash, the Summer Crookneck, Hubbard, and Boston Marrow 

 were the best. 



Of Tomatoes, the General Grant, the Trophy and others might be 

 recommended. The Trophy may be kept and cared for by tying the 

 plant with strong twine to a stake from time to time. As its growth 

 advances it fruits more in this way than in any other. 



Mr. T. J. Hale said that he would discourage the idea of plows in 

 garden cultivation. If the plow is used, the garden fork should be used 

 after it, to turn up the hard soil. In all cases the ground should be 

 thoroughly prepared — even trench spaded, if possible — and well fertilized. 

 Our soil having a clay basis needs sand and compost to prevent baking. 



As to Peas, he would prefer McLean's Little Gem as the best of 

 peas; Tom Thumb and Dan. O'Rooke he would not plant; and he 

 would plant all his peas at one time. All seeds should be planted as 

 early as possible in our climate with our dry summers. 



