210 TEANSACTIONS OF THE ALTON-SOUTHERN 



AUGUST MEETING. 



The Alton-Southern Illinois Horticultural Society met at the 

 residence of Mr. Wm. Jackson, near Godfrey, on Saturday, August 

 7th. President Pearson in the chair. 



ORCHARDS. 



As to apples, some of the members reported the prospect for a 

 crop as good as heretofore, but the majority reported the prospect 

 now not as good as earlier in the season, owing to insect depreda- 

 tion and dry weather. 



As to pears, the reports were the same as last month, except that 

 the crop was ripening some two weeks earlier than usual, and rather 

 smaller on account of the dry weather. 



President Pearson wished to caution members against picking 

 Seckel too early, as it had not the faculty of ripening after it is off 

 the tree that the Bartlett and some other varieties have. A Bartlett 

 can be picked when half grown, and with proper treatment will ripen 

 so as to be good to eat, but not so witJi the Seckel; it should be al- 

 lowed to come to maturity before being picked. 



SMALL FRUITS. 



No one seemed disposed to talk much on this subject. Perhp,ps 

 the business has been so profitable the past season that the members 

 fear to talk lest they should forget themselves in their enthusiasm 

 and make an exposure that would induce everybody else to go into 

 the business. 



Mr. Davis reported having had the finest crop of blackberries he 

 had ever seen, but had made no money out of them; prices had been 

 so low that after paying for picking, boxes, freight and commission, 

 there was nothing left for the grower. Had shipped some six hun- 

 dred cases, but would have been better off if he had none. 



Mr. Browne said he had a good crop of Wilson's Early, which, 

 being early and fine, brought good prices. Strawberry plants were 

 reported as in good condition, notwithstanding the dry weather. 



