236 ILLINOIS STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



As intimated above, there has been no particular advancement made, 

 neither has there been any apatliy, nor cause for discouragement, more 

 than the result of a limited yield of fruit, which was also experienced in 

 all parts of the State. A few instances of partial and entire destruction 

 of orchard and vineyard fruits by hail storms have occurred within the 

 limits of the Society. The season has been one noted for heavy rain- 

 falls, sometimes almost assuming the nature of water - spouts, pouring 

 down immense quantities of water, and deluging the fields, washing away 

 fences, etc. The results of a wet season have been beneficial to decidu- 

 ous trees, nursery stock, and small fruits ; fruit buds are abundant, and 

 the outlook all that could be desired for an abundant yield the ensuing 

 season.; fears are, however, entertained that the peach buds may be too 

 much advanced, by the mild weather of December and early part of 

 January, to withstand the winter's cold. 



The hope is entertained that the future of the Society i-^ay be marked 

 with increased usefulness ; that such a desire pervades the minds of its 

 members is not doubted ; that the intellect, qualifications and experience 

 necessary to insure progress also exist, is not doubted. Being under the 

 eye of the President of the State Society, the coming year, there will be 

 new incentives to us, as a Society, to put forth our best efforts. 



The discussions following will show more particularly the work of 

 the Society for the year ending December, 1875. 



JANUARY MEETING. 



The January meeting of the Society was held in the rooms over 

 Stroll & Roth's store, the 12th inst. 



" Pruning Fruit Trees " was the subject for discussion. 



Capt. Hathaway, the essayist, was prevented by sickness from having 

 an essay on that subject. The day being inclement, there was not a usual 

 attendance. He said, however, he had trimmed old trees in March and 

 June, and did not observe any difference in results, except the water-sprouts 

 were more feeble on those pruned in June. He had noticed the flat-headed 

 borers (japerda) in dying and decayed trees, but not in healthy ones. 



Dr. Hav inquired if the saperda sought places as high as the forks of 

 the trees. 



Mr. Hathaway — They do. 



Mr. McCune had not noticed them in sound, healthy trees. 



