4 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



tainment 3-011 have prepared, but T mav be allowed to indicate a fcw 

 siibjects of special interest. 



W^e are pleased to see that \'(ni have the birds before you. Our own 

 amateurs and orchardists are not entirelv in accord upon this question. 

 It is alleged by some that there are y-rape and cheiTv thieves among the 

 feathered tribe. whos,e li\es fruit growers are not bound to respect. 

 While otiiers more sentimental and poetical, if not equallv practical, 

 claim onlv imiocence and beautv for the whole famih'. With these — 



"The jay, the pie, and e'en the boding owl. 

 That hails the rising moon. li:ive charms." 



In their view — 



"' Tis love creates their melody; and all 

 Their waste ol" music is the voice of love." 



But with the former, gams and deadlv arts are turned against all who — 



" Rifle the sweets and taste the choicest fruits, 

 Yet scorn to ask the lowlv owner's lea\e." 



Another topic of surpassing interest is the wine question. How to 

 drink wine and not make drunkards, is a problem of infinite concern. 

 The grape is perhaps our choicest fruit, and it is rapidly twining 

 itself around ever\' home, and into the affections of every family. Wine 

 making is steadily on the increase in this country. But we scarcely 

 speak of Avine. without calling up the homble picture of our country's 

 greatest curse. I will not anticipate, nor for an instant presume, that the 

 moral power of a body like yoiu'S, \\'ill not be gi\eu to the cause of 

 reform. 



But \^'hen we contemplnte this our most delicious fruit and its wine, 

 we patise to enquire whether perchance we mav '* put a stumbling 

 block in our brother's way." 



' Tis pit)' wine, which nature meant 

 To man in kindness to present, 

 And give him kindly lo caress — 

 And cherish his frail happiness; 

 Of equal virtue to renew 

 His weary mind and body, too. 

 Should (like the cider tree in Eden, 

 Which only grew to he forbidden.) 

 No sooner come to be enjoyed. 

 But the owner's fatally destroyed. 



In connection with this topic comes rightfully the one on " Moral 

 Influence of Horticulture." Horticulture, of right,* claims its place 

 among the sciences. 



The annual compilation of your own learning and experiments, as 

 well as that exhibited throughout the country, attest that gradualn- the 

 whole processes of nature and manual culture are more perfectly under- 

 stood. Many old things wise in their day, are becoming foolishness 



