296 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



plow and hoe, use wire trellises, usually, and train to bow system. But 

 few gi'apes are sent to market, and those to St. Louis. They are mostly 

 made into wine, a])out forty thousand gallons having been made this 

 season. The best wine years for quality and quantity were 1S4S, 1857, 

 and 1S67. 



.ORNAMENTAL AND TIMBER TREES. 



BY SAMUEL EDWARDS. 



It is gratifying to see an mcreasmg interest manifested in the planting 

 of forests ; yet we have no reason to hope for general and extensive oper- 

 ations, in this important work, at all commensurate with the prospective 

 need of our people, unless it receives the stimulus of a bounty from our 

 State or National Government. Is it not fully as deserving this, as the 

 growing of sugar cane, or the various manufacturing interests which 

 receive aid to a large amount from the duties on imports? 



Kansas has set us a good example in the encouragement given by her 

 legislature, already inducing many to begin extensive plantations. 



A very common error with beginners, is planting at too great dis- 

 tances. 



From nearly thirty years' experience, the rule is now fixed, with me, at 

 — rows four feet apart and trees two feet apart in the row, of European 

 Larch and other varieties ; planting among them White and Scotch Pines, 

 12 by 12 feet, for a permanent grove of evergreens. 



I would plant almost any varieties of deciduous trees, except Ash-leaf- 

 maple, Silver-leaf, and Lombardy poplars. Any of the hardy evergreens 

 are highly valuable for a forest or grove, but the above are the most prof- 

 itable to grow for lumber. 



Experience fully establishes the fact that planting at about these dis- 

 tances is the best, cheapest, if not the only way to induce that upright 

 growth, which is a prime necessity in timber culture. 



The Chestnut is highly recommended by some, and it is desirable to 

 have a few trees of this variety ; but for extensive plantations it is too 

 expensive. They grow no more rapidly than White or Burr oak, the 

 acorns of which are easily gathered in our native groves, and the timber 

 of these, at maturity, is more valuable. 



COMMITTEE REPORT ON NEW FRUITS. 



BY D. B. WIER. 



As a member of this Committee, I have received but four parcels of 

 plants or cuttings during the year, to wit: Of Stephen Underbill, Croton, 

 N. Y., his three hybrid Grapes — " Croton" " Senasqua" and " Long 

 White" These were very fine vines, and were planted with Ordinaiy 

 care, and had the treatment usually given vines. They made a remark- 

 ably strong, healthy growth, considering the intense drouth and heat of 

 the season. But this was by no means a test season for health in the 

 vine; yet it is to be hoped that these very fine varieties will prove adapted 

 to our climate. 



Pears — Charles Downing, of Newburgh, N. Y., has sent me cions 



