254 ILLINOIS STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Mr. Brown spoke of evergreens, stating that some varieties were 

 injured the past winter. 



Mr. Walker said we must bear in mind the two winters past have 

 been unusual. 



President Hammond said the mission of the Society was to encour- 

 age horticultural production among the people ; that more evergreens 

 should be planted for ornamentation ; the Norway spruce was among the 

 best ; arbor-vitge, although ragged naturally, bears shearing, and is orna- 

 mental. 



Discussion on grapes was introduced. The Clinton was represented 

 not doing well, while the Delaware was in the ascendant — diametrically 

 opposite to former experience. Other varieties were generally doing well, 

 with varying experience. 



On motion, the meeting adjourned to meet at Mr. E. McCune's, at 

 such time in August as may suit. 



AUGUST MEETING. 



At this meeting an essay was read by the Secretary, on the subject of 

 "Fairs," giving a history of their rise and development, and showing 

 their value in improving the live stock, implements, fruits, etc., of the 

 agriculturists. 



Quite a large assortment of apples was exhibited by different mem- 

 bers, and ripe Ives' Seedling grapes by Dr. Lyons. 



The summer apples exhibited were nearly or quite as fine as those of 

 the same season last year. 



Tomatoes, weighing one pound each, were exhijpited by Mr. Hoppe. 



The Secretary was instructed to make a collection of apples to com- 

 pete for the $ioo premium offered by the State Board of Agriculture. 



The usual routine of distributing papers, partaking of a good dinner 

 from a table tastefully decorated with flowers and loaded with good things 

 for the inner-man, was passed through, with the usual general delight and 

 satisfaction. 



