8 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



It is tnie that some varieties of berries have made their advent under fanciful names, 

 and the use of much paper and inlv. But in most cases, after tlie sale of the first plants, 

 under the pufi' of advertisements, they are scarcely heard of. 



With that most desirable fiaiit the cherry, "vvc have made no advance since the labors 

 of Prof. Kirtland. The lonely Early Richmond (or to please some of our friends, we 

 should perhaps call it I^arly May) holds entire monopoly in our Western markets. We 

 would not discourage those who are experimenting with seedlings fi-om this variety ; 

 it is an enterprise from which we may hope for good results. But I would solicit 

 attention to the more certain means of hybridizing with the Dukes. 



The subject of the influence of dissimilar stock on fruitfulness is one that demands 

 more close attention. We already understand that circulation may be retarded by a 

 dissimilarity of stock, and, that whatever retards circulation, increases the formation 

 of fi-uit buds. It seems nearly conceded that the Early Richmond is more productive 

 on the Morello stock ; and, that several varieties of apple have shot^Ti more tendency 

 to pi-odiictiveness when budded or stock grafted. Some recent experiments seem to 

 indicate that several varieties of the sweet cherries will succeed with us when worked 

 on the-Early Richmond as a stock. This subject should receive more attention ; also 

 that of w-orkiug some of our most desirable apples, that are shy bearers, on some of the 

 Russian varieties, or on Siberian stocks. With a laudable ambition we have proved 

 ourselves able to supply our markets with fruit ; let us next devise the means to supply 

 a better quality . 



Another subject to which it is thought proper to invite your attention, is that of 

 some action to guard against the introduction and spread of the Canada thistle, and 

 other noxious weeds from the older States. This subject legitimately claims the atten- 

 tion of this society ; for the means by which we are in the greatest danger of the Canada 

 thistle being introduced into western soil, is in the packing of nursery stock, shipped 

 from the East. This has already occurred in some iustances. I submit to you to take 

 such action as in your judgment may be thought most efficient to check, or prevent this 

 dreadful pest. It may be ad-sisable to appoint a special committee to conunimicate with 

 the Secretaries of County Agricultural Societies and other persons in difierent counties 

 of oirr State, to ascertain to what extent this thistle is already introduced, and to solicit 

 the action of Agricultural Societies, to take steps to eradicate or check the evil. 



Our, society has not been delinquent in its duties in making repeated efforts to 

 admonish the public against imposition. In these efforts it is to be regretted, that we 

 have so little reason to be'gratified with our success. The evils and imposture, that 

 are but natural consequences of the prevailing system by which trees and plants are 

 disseminated over the country, are apparent to all. But the existence of these evils 

 is in a measure due to the fact that a considerable portion of our western people have 

 a morbid craving for imposture. With that class of individuals, horticultural 

 societies can adopt no means to fortify their creduUty. But, for the sake of those 

 who seek information, let us continue to disseminate such caution as may place the 

 public on their guard against all manner of imposition. -Let us continue to be 

 guarded against any action by which we will become accessory to any speculation 

 scheme. 



Your attention is invited to the subject of dividing the State into Fruit Districts, as 

 proposed by our Secretary in the printed circular calling this meeting. In the 

 proposed division into seven Fruit Districts, it is the object to take into consideration 



