16 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



but it is a dangerous practice and not to be recommended. Our Plums, save the Red 

 Chickasaw, all killed by Curculio. What about strewing- the ground with salt? 

 What says Dr. Hull on the salt question? 



I was about to say something about the birds. But as I shall not be present to 

 defend these useful creatures, had better be. silent. Indeed, I have an article on 

 ornithology, in which occurs this sentence : "The Alton Horticultural Society is the 

 only company of sensible men, that ever charged birds with high crimes and misde- 

 meanors." Now, to present such a thought and not present to defend it, would 

 bring down most likely the Starr, the Flagg, and perhaps the Hull (whole) of Alton 

 upon me. Surely, in such a case, "prudence is the better part of valor." 



I am truly sorry I can't participate in this meeting; shall think of you every day 

 and every session . Shall sit by myself and think how well you are enjoying your- 

 selves, while — 



' 'Like sad Philomel — 

 But let similes drop, 

 And now, that I think on't, my story may stop. ' ' 



Success attend you ; may your sessions be harmonious, useful and happy ; may the 

 public be benefited bj' your deliberations, and may we not have to wait long lor your 

 reports in Boole form. Very truly and most respectfully yours, for Horticulture, 



G. W. MiNIER. 



Respectfully submitted, 



L. C. FRANCIS. 



9th District. — Mr. Overman, who was announced to be not present. 

 10th District. — Mr. A. A. Hilliard, who submitted the following 

 written report : 



Notwithstanding the very promising prospect for a larger crop of fruit than usual of 

 all kinds in the early spring, owing to late frosts, extremely wet summer, innumer- 

 able insects, and the cold snap on the 24tll and 25th of October, fruit growing for 

 market in the 10th District has not been profitable. Whatever profits there may have 

 been, the Railroad and Express companies have got it in their pockets. ■ 



There have been a great many new vineyards planted in the 10th District within the 

 last two or three years. Whether there will be a market for large quantities of native 

 wines I am not so sure. My experience in selling native wines is something like 

 trying to water a horse when he ain't dry; if he won't drink you can't make him 

 drink. 1 can sell ten barrels of good refined cider at 50 cents per gallon where I can 

 sell one barrel of native wine, and nine-tenths of the Americans prefer the cider to 

 the wine at the same price, 50 cents per gallon. 



Notwithstanding, I am for raising grapes to any extent. I believe we shall get new 

 varieties and learn new ways by which we shall be able to keep them fresh through 

 winter, spring and early summer. I believe we can raise grapes cheaper than any 

 other fruit, and when they can be bought in market for three or four cents per 

 pound in summer, and at eight and ten cents at Christmas and New Years, they will 

 take the place of other fi-uits that are failing, and we will have a market for all the 

 grapes we can raise, and at as remunerative profits as any fruits we can raise. 



