404 ILLINOIS STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



On motion, it was voted to spend fifteen minutes in a 



DISCUSSION ON GOOSEBERRIES. 



The Secretary said that he wished information as to the Mountain 

 Seedling and Charles Downing varieties, for which it is claimed exemption 

 from mildew and general superiority over the well-known sorts, American 

 Seedling (or Cluster) and Houghton's Seedling. 



Mr. Nelson — It will take us but a little while to learn all we want 

 to know about this sour fruit. I have Houghton's and American Cluster, 

 both bearing well, but the fruit is so extremely sour that we don't care 

 any thing for it. 



Mr. Galusha— I am surprised to hear so intelligent a fruit grower 

 cast away a fruit because of its acidity. Gooseberries, when green, are 

 very sour, but, when canned and kept till spring, are relished by almost 

 every one. When the first warm weather of spring comes, we crave and 

 need acid fruit ; and, at the time this fruit is of sufficient size to be used^ 

 it is relished by laboring men, when sweetened to taste, better than 

 naturally sweeter and richer fruit. Besides, when the Houghtons are ripe 

 and dried by artificial heat, they are good for puddings and pies. The 

 flavor is peculiar and refreshing, and generally relished. I ask for 

 information about the newer varieties. 



Dr. Ennis — I have the Mountain Seedling, and prize it highly ; it 

 is from one-third to one-half larger than Houghton, and is the best 

 variety that I know. I have the Charles Downing also, but it is not 

 quite equal to Mountain Seedling. I regard the gooseberry as a valuable 

 fruit — one which I could not be induced to dispense with. 



Mr. McWhorter did not value the gooseberry. He said : You 

 may put a pound of sugar to a pound of fruit, and it is too sour ; you 

 may add a half pound or a pound more, and yet it is too sour. 



Mr. Wier said there was no accounting for tastes and preferences. 

 He liked the fruit, and said that equal parts of sugar and fruit made an 

 excellent dish. 



On motion it was voted to spend not exceeding half an hour on the 

 discussion of 



BLACKBERRIES. 



The Secretary asked if any of the members had tested the Snyder 

 blackberry in Northern Illinois. 



Mr. Nelson — I have had this variety for several years, but do not 

 find it hardier than the Kiitatinny. I suppose my plants were genuine, for 



