280 ILLINOIS STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



fight for them with a determination to win. I am satisfied, fi-om my own 

 observation, that the curcuHo passes the night on the trunk and larger 

 branches, and the bark below the branches should be scraped, so as to 

 remove the hiding places and compel the curculio to spend the night 

 above, where he will be caught by the catcher. It will be well, also, to 

 whitewash the bodies of the trees, as the curculio does not like to take up 

 his quarters on substances of a lighter color than himself, instinct teach- 

 ing him to avoid such, to escape his enemies. 



Mr. McPike — I have noticed the young growth of peach trees, and 

 find it to have the same appearance as three years ago, when the young 

 growth was killed. 



Dr. Long — I disagree with the report of the Committee on Orchards, 

 in the method of planting. On such soils as occupied by the gentleman, 

 where there is thorough drainage, deep planting will do, but on retentive 

 soil, such as mine, it will not do, and planting must be shallow. Instead 

 of the wash recommended, I would puddle the roots with a mortar made 

 of cow-dung, ashes and earth ; this will effectually kill all insects on the 

 roots and stimulate the growth of the tree. 



Dr. Hull — Having failed to get a start of early vegetable seeds, I 

 have thought of using my sash on some strawberry beds that are very fine. 

 How will it do ? Will it make them enough earlier ? and would the price 

 obtained for them make it pay ? 



Mr. Hollister — I think it would make them earlier — if but a week 

 earlier than the general crop, a limited quantity could be sold in this market 

 at forty to fifty cents per quart. I think, however, it is not too late to 

 start tomato plants. Two years ago I lost my first sowing, and made a 

 second about the loth or 12th of March, and was very successful; these 

 plants did as well as others, so far as I could learn. For late sowing I 

 would prefer the Tilden ; it is still about the earliest, and the best for 

 shipping. I think some body ought to take it in hand and try to improve 

 it ; it has some very desirable qualities, in a greater degree than some 

 other varieties, and I think can be improved so as to be superior to any 

 other. 



Dr. Hull — I would recommend any one, undertaking the improve- 

 ment of the tomato, to resort to root pruning and pinching ; it certainly 

 will improve the size and quality, and would have a beneficial effect on 

 the seed. 



. Mr. McPike — I think tender varieties of grapes are badly injured, in 

 fact, killed. The main fruit-buds were killed, which also involves the loss 

 of the canes. Concords and Nortons may have a half crop. 



