412 TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



matter. Fifty degrees below zero would not kill them if they could 

 be frozen gradually and kept so until April. 



The speaker seems to have met with some experiences, peculiar, 

 probably, to his own location; but these interrogatories as to the 

 conditions which destroy our crops or trees are worthy of our most 

 earnest consideration. 



To the question, Shall we leave the straw mulch remain upon 

 the strawberry beds until fruiting? Mr. Dennis replied, at least leave 

 it for the present and until after fruiting, if it is not too thick for 

 the plants to get through. You will have fewer weeds, more berries 

 and cleaner fruit. 



A. C. Hammond read a communication from Prof. Gr. H. French, 

 Carbondale, 111., in regard to sun-blight, in which the question is 

 asked, "Are there any varieties of the apple that are free from sun- 

 blight, or from winter-killing?" The Professor hopes to be of ben- 

 efit to the fruit-grower in the careful investigation and experiments 

 made in this direction. 



Messrs. Chittenden, Brown, Bliss, Leeper, Fletcher, Hoppe, 

 Hammond, and the Secretary, in answer to a question, indulged in 

 short reports as to the work accomplished by this and kindred as- 

 sociations during the past twenty years, showing a wonderful de- 

 velopment in gardening and fruit growing — especially small fruits; 

 and even in general farming. Our entire country is being constantly 

 benefited and developed by the work of this and kindered as- 

 sociations. It is the means by which all get the full benefit of in- 

 dividual experience. 



Mr. Hoppe — I know a man who a few years ago devoted a 

 good sized garden to growing a sufiicient supply of tomatoes for his 

 family. We have taught him to grow a full supply of far better 

 tomatoes on a half dozen plants. Besides, by learning a proper 

 system of cultivation, we now raise an abundant supply of veget- 

 ables and small fruits at an expense so cheap as to be afforded by 

 everybody, and contributing largely to the sanitary condition of our 

 whole country. 



On motion President Dennis appointed H. D. Brown, C. C. 

 Hoppe, and J. T. Johnson, a committee to arrange a programme for 

 the meeting of the Central Illinois Horticultural Society, and fix 



