28 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



and then borne two apples — this year they bore half a crop. Not only 

 is this so with young trees, but with old ones also. 



Mr. Lewis, of La Salle^ — I have been trying to raise it for 25 years. 

 I dont think I ever raised five bushels all told. If the gentleman can 

 tell me how to raise it, I would be happy to raise it. I have them old 

 and young, but we dont get fruit, and I fail to find out how to get it. 



Mr. Bancroft — I have had some since 1862, and they are doing very 

 well. 



The President — It has caused us more discussion than any half dozen 

 apples put together. 



Mr. Nelson — I go against Bellefleur in any locality — that is prairie. 

 I have a tree 20 years old, that has never had two bushels on it. I 

 know places where they have a sandy loam, where they raise them well 

 enough, but with me it is not so. 1 do not think it is worth setting on 

 the black prairie. 



Mr. Wier — I think the Bellefleur produces more blossom than any 

 other fruit. The flower is not perfect ; I have found them with stamens 

 and without pistils. The blossom is extremely full, and takes away 

 so much of the vigor of the tree, that it cannot do anything. 



Mr. Bryant — I move to lay the Bellefleur on the table. 



Mr, Earle — It is the best apple in Southern Illinois. I have known 

 a man to pick 40 bushels of apples from 4 trees. 



The President — I simply say that the Bellefleur produces reasonable 

 crops in our location, and frequently large crops : and no one comes 

 to buy apples but they ask for Bellefleur. 



Mr. Baldwin — In certain localities it bears well. I think with this 

 discussion upon its merits on the diflferent soils, the thing will be well 

 understood if it is retained on the list. 



Motion lost. 



Ben Davis — Mr.Flagg — I move that the Ben Davis be added to the 

 list for market in the South ; because it will sell better than some other 

 apples, and is easily grown : not because it is very good. 



Mr. Earle — Let us hear from Dr. Hull. 



