240 ILLINOIS STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



designed ; that the earth was the best filter ; that people living in 

 locations of limestone formations were as healthy, and men and women 

 grew to a larger size, and that they were as happy, and lived as long, and 

 in many instances longer, than those confined to pure cistern water. The 

 discussions were of great interest, and awakened many new ideas in rela- 

 tion to water which had not before been discussed. 



Utilizing fruits occupied the subsequent meeting, held at the resi- 

 dence of E. J. Hall, in Oakwood. 



The October meeting was held at E. McCune's. The balmy air of 

 Indian summer, rningled with the charms of an October sun, the enchant- 

 ing scenery of variegated colors of purple, scarlet and crimson, the tinging 

 of the forests by the autumnal frosts, all combined to lend additional 

 charms to the landscape. 



The company looked through Mr. McCune's extensive orchard till 

 dinner was announced, in which the generous host and hostess manifested 

 their appreciation of the Society in a rural dinner, perfect in all its ap- 

 pointments. The Society was laid under obligations for their generous 

 hospitality. 



One peach was laid on the table by John Kemmer, which, with two 

 others grown by him, were all the peaches known here this year. In this 

 connection it may be stated that what few scattering blooms there were 

 this year, were invariably on the highest ground, or most elevated places. 



Catawba grapes — very fine specimens — were exhibited by the same 

 gentleman ; the vines had been covered. 



Modes of keeping apples were discussed at this meeting ; barreling 

 seemed to have the preference as the surest mode of keeping ; they should 

 be kept from the air and light in an even temperature, and not disturbed ; 

 they would not be injured by freezing if kept from air and light till 

 thawed out. 



The November meeting was held at the residence of Dr. Hay, on the 

 3d instant, President Hammond in the chair. 



W. N. Grover, chairman of the committee on orchards, made a 

 report, embracing subjects connected with the injury to orchards and 

 fruit trees, resulting from the excessive yield of fruit last year, the severit) 

 of the winter, drought, etc. A copy of the report was promised for publi- 

 cation, but has not yet been received, which is regretted as the discussions 

 following were predicated upon it. 



Dr. Hollowbush — Were the buds of apple trees injured last winter ? 



President Hammond — Some varieties were, and some were black in 

 the fruit spur. Buds were exhibited at the April meeting with these con- 

 ditions. [Several members remembered it.] There was nor sufficient 

 vitality to sustain the fruit. 



Grover — A large portion of buds were blasted. 



W. N. Grover — After the heavy crop and drought of last year, abun- 

 dance of fruit buds were formed. Much of the fruit would have fallen 

 prematurely anyhow, if there had been no backsets. Dry weather had a 

 tendency to promote the development of buds — a struggle for reproduc- 

 tion. 



