14 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



falls and poorer apples for other uses. This was about $1.75 per barrel 

 in the orchard. I can account for this only from the moisture in the 

 soil. The two instances seem to contradict each other, but nature is 

 always true, and we have no doubt that it will prove so here. 



Mr. Galusha — Perhaps it would be well to call the attention of 

 members to the fact that there is a time set for discussion upon the 

 '' causes of the failure of the fruit crop of 1873." That subject was post- 

 poned until all the reports of the Vice-Presidents had been read. This 

 was so arranged because of the importance of a thorough investigation of 

 this subject, and of the great difficulties that attend such investigation. 

 We need to be very careful in this matter. Before we advance our 

 theories, we should have the reports of all the Vice-Presidents in, to tell 

 us the situation in all parts of the State, and then we can discuss this 

 subject understandingly. 



This matter, introduced by Mr. Minkler, of protection to orchards, 

 it seems to me was very intelligently discussed at our last annual meeting, 

 and those who have the report will see the prevailing opinion. It is, that 

 prairie and timber interspersed are more desirable for orchards than 

 either open, naked, bleak places, or closely sheltered places ; that we 

 need to break the force of the winds, and to ameliorate the climate also. 

 That, I believe, is the prevailing opinion of the society in regard to 

 protection. We have found that an orchard walled in on all sides by 

 trees closely planted is decidedly inferior, on account of too close con- 

 finement, inducing mildew on the trees and preventing the ripening of 

 the fruit ; full ripening can only take place where there is free circulation 

 of light and air. 



Mr. H, J. DuNLAP — I move that we now adjourn until half past 

 one o'clock this afternoon. 



Mr. Burrill stated that the citizens had made arrangements to 

 entertain the members of the society at their residences, and after adjourn- 

 ment would assign gentlemen to their temporary quarters. He also 

 stated that he had made special arrangements with the hotels for reduced 

 rates for such members as preferred staying there. 



The President announced that the Treasurer would attend to the 

 duties of his office immediately on adjournment. 



The Secretary announced that the railroads would grant return 

 tickets at the following rates : C, A. & St. L. R. R. at one-fifth fare ; I. 

 C. R. R. at one-fifth fare; I., B. & W. R. R., free, and that certificates 

 for this purpose could be had from the Treasurer. 



The motion to adjourn was then put and carried. 



