318 ILLINOIS STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Mr. Huggins had noted, with satisfaction, the fact that the horticul- 

 tural journals were talking more freely and favorably of birds. It was a 

 good omen. 



Mr. Pearson — Yes ; I saw an article once in favor of the crow and 

 cat-bird. [Laughter.] 



Mr. Lyon — Why not advocate the hog in the orchard to destroy 

 insects? 



Mr. Pearson — That is the kind of a bird I favor. 



Mr. Lyon — Also the chickens and the turkeys. 



Augustus Starr — They are the kind of birds I like to see. 



"Orchard Fruits " were discussed at length, and it was so much of 

 •a repetition of the discussion in the forenoon, it will not be repeated 

 here. It was remarkable in this, that what was one man's choice was not 

 always the choice of another, by any means. It is evident that soil and 

 location have much to do with the qualities of the different varieties of 

 apples. 



Mr. Stewart said that now is the time to cover the strawberry beds, 

 if it has been neglected till this time. Old straw will do to cover old 

 beds, but new straw is better for young fall-set beds, as the straw will lay 

 up loose and not smother out the plants. Be careful not to get the mulch 

 on too heavy. I have had plants destroyed by a too heavy mulch. Saw- 

 dust does not make a good covering ; it injures the soil by souring ; 

 leaves will blow away. Fine shavings is a good covering, but nothing 

 is better than straw. 



The discussion again switched over on the apple question. Spme 

 body wanted to know about the Stannard apple. It is grown in the 

 north part of the State, but will not do here ; comes in too early in the 

 fall to be of use. 



Questions drew out Mr. Hollister to say that the demand for apples 

 had changed from what it was a few years ago, as to varieties and sorts. 

 The apples wanted now are the large, colored apples. He thought we should 

 have to quit planting the Janet. We have now too many of that kind of 

 apples. 



