112 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



dipped into the pitch or sealing-wax, just to the rim or bulb, for if dipped 

 lower, it is apt to crack the glass. If there are blisters, they must be 

 rubbed out, using a little tallow to prevent sticking. 



I have thus imperfectly performed the labor assigned mc, and can 

 only offer in excuse, that my time is so constantly taken up, that I have 

 not been able to give more attention to gathering facts relating to this 

 subject. In conclusion I unhesitatingly express the opinion that we 

 rely in a great measure on the first and second plans named in this 

 report — the preservation of fruits in their natural state, and desiccation. 

 The second I consider of far more importance than the first, since the 

 fruits are so largely reduced in weight thereby, that it makes the cost of 

 transportation a comparatively small item. When the processes for 

 drying shall be cheapened as they must be, the demand ior these fruits 

 will increase to an unlimited extent, and the profits of fruit growing 

 will be largely increased. In the meantime, recourse must be had to 

 the drying. of fruits by radiation; and this is so simple, that no orchard 

 distant from market, should be without an appliance for this purpose. 

 Any rough carpenter can build the house, and any rough workman can 

 put in the flues. It is simply to get the most radiating surface possible, 

 at the least cost, and so arrange the drawers upon which the fruit 

 is placed, as to make the handling economical. Thus the surplus of 

 fruit can be easily worked, and if quickly and cleanly performed, there 

 •is abundant sale for the product at remunerative prices. 



The proper drying of fruits, or rather the most economical 

 appliances therefor, are in their infancy yet, and I would like to see this 

 society take measures to continue inquiry in this direction ; for thereby 

 I feel assured will be solved one of the problems : what to do with our 

 fruits in seasons like the present. 



Mr. M. L. Dunlap, another member of the committee said that he 

 had no prepared, written report, but would make a {^y^ remarks upon 

 the subject. 



MR. DUNLAP'S REPORT ON UTILIZING TRUITS. 



Mr. President and Gentlemen : 



There are several ways, in which the fruit grower may utilize his 

 fruits. As for example, by drying, canning, making cider and cider- 

 vinegar. 



We have gentlemen here, like Mr. Huggins, Mr. Earle, and others 

 . who are posted in the drying methods of utilizing fruits, and others who 

 can tell us all about how to can our fruits. 



I will therefore turn my attention, and make my remarks upon the 

 utilization of the apple by making cider, and cider-vinegar. But I do not 

 know where to begin, nor where to leave off. I have been in the orch- 

 ard ever since the thirteenth of July, and I have got so much cider, and 

 cider-vinegar in that time, that I do not know anything else muc/i. I do 

 claim to know how to make cider and cider-vinegar, and what I shall 

 say will be gathered from my own experience and practice. 



