TRANSACTIONS OF ALTON IIOHTICLLTLKAL SOCIETY. 315 



in brilliant style. Mulch and culture are the things that give moisture, and 

 not shade. The Doctor retorted that currants and some other fruits did 

 better in the shade than anywhere else. 



According to his experience, Mr. Bensen had found the quince prof- 

 itable. So said friend Hayden and others. 



UTILIZING OF FRUITS. 



A letter was read from Thos. Leslie, of Ipavia, 111., that attracted 

 some attention, upon the subject of the Utilizing of Fruits. Mr. Leslie is 

 a practical worker in this line, and gave statistics as to outlay in running 

 a canning and drying establishment. Any man with capital engaging 

 in this business would receive the hearty co-operation of all fruit-growers 

 in this district. Such an enterprise will be undertaken and successfully 

 prosecuted some day. It is only a question of time. 



The subject of Culinary Vegetables was discussed by Capt. Hollis- 

 TER and others. 



SMALL FRUITS 



Were discussed briefly by Messrs. Stewart, Hayden, Draper and others. 



Mr. Hayden inquired about Downer's Prolific and Kentucky. 



Mr. Riehl said they were not prolific enough. 



Mr. Hollister said he was not satisfied with the trial he had given 

 them. He thought the Jecunda more promising than the Kentucky. 



After dinner, Mr. Hollister read the following essay from Hon. 

 Jno. M. Pearson, of Godfrey, on 



ORNAMENTAL PLANTING. 



Mr. President : I see, by the programme, that I am still on the 

 Committee on Ornamental Planting. Why so inconstant, never-to-be- 

 depended-on member, as I have been for the past three years, was 

 appointed to so important a trust I cannot tell ; but lest the Society, in 

 the exercise of those modern vices, "spasmodic retrenchment and re- 

 form," should abolish the committee, I'll e'en just speak a word before. 



It is none too soon, I know, for this is the time of all the year when 

 planters must be most busy. Such weather as we have had the past month 

 might well have been improved, if our plants, trees and shrubs had only 

 tt) be moved short distances. I find it a little difficult to stick closely to 

 n"i\ subject of ornamental planting, in distinction from any other kind of 

 planting. Of course, there is much in common. There is, however, this 

 difference : before we can commence our work we must use our brains a 

 little; whereas, the farmer who owns a quarter section, and means to 



