340 ILLINOIS STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Several other members participated in this discussion without elicit- 

 ing any new facts. [For previous discussions upon raspberries, see pages 

 165-171.] 



Mr. McWhorter, from Committee on Fruits on exhibition, made 

 the following report : 



REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON FRUITS. 



Your Committee on Fruits would report that l)ut veiy few fruits have been presented 

 for examination. 



S. G. Minker exhibited ten varieties, remarkably large and fair for the unfavorable 

 season. Among these the variety known as the Minkler seem to hold a good character. 



Tyler McWhorter, of Sterling, exhibited twelve choice varieties, which are also 

 very fair. 



D. J- Piper exhibited six varities. 



M. B. Spafford, six varieties. 



C. V. Powell, five varieties. 



Dr. Pennington exhibited some remarkably fine specimens of Vicar of Winkfield 

 Pears, in a good state of preservation. 



(Signed,) TYLER McWHORTER, Chairmaii. 



Mr. McAfee complimented the State Board of Agriculture for giving 

 so many and liberal premiums for horticultural products, and exhorted 

 the members to exhibit their fruits at the State Fair. 



Mr. Ellsworth, member of that Board, said that the premiums were 

 now such as should call out large exhibitions of fruits, plants and flowers, 

 and hoped members of horticultural societies would see by this token 

 that the Board appreciate horticulture ; and that they would make an 

 effort to co-operate with the Board by making larger exhibitions. 



DISCUSSION ON BLACKBERRIES. 



By vote, a half hour was devoted to discussion on Blackberries. 

 Mr. Budd called attention to a new blackberry, which had been 

 introduced into Iowa by Mr. D. W. Adams, Master of the State Grange. 

 It is called the Barnard ; is hardy and of good quality ; has never been 

 winter killed. 



Mr. Scofield said the Ancient Briton proved hardy at Freeport, and 

 bore heavy crops of fruit, of excellent quality. 



Mr. Wier remarked that if the side branches of blackberry plants 

 were shortened in occasionally, during the season, it would increase the 

 thickness and firmness of the shell, or woody portion of the stems, re- 

 ducing the proportion of pith, and render them hardier and better able to 

 withstand the rigors of winter ; that much depends upon soil and loca- 

 tion ; as no variety is good, and hardy everywhere; that all the species of 

 the Rosacae family are preyed upon by mites, and are liable to be de- 

 stroyed by them. 



Mr. Douglas was asked about the Western Triumph, and said he 

 thought it better than most varieties growing in the woods ; the plants 

 seemed hardy. 



Mr. Wier said Kittatinny bushes should never be cut in the fall, as 

 it endangered their lives; but should be pruned in spring. 



Adjourned till half past seven o'clock this evening. 



