SO^ TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



eulogizing California in general, and as a fruit-growing region in par- 

 ticular, with a request that he would lay them before the Associa- 

 tion. 



Mr. Reeder said that the accounts of gentlemen who went there 

 under tlie auspices of the Farmers' Club, of New York, were unfavora- 

 ble, so far as profit in raising fruit was concerned. Understood that pear 

 trees were cut down, not because they could not raise pears, but because 

 it would not pay. 



Mr. Hooton said that distance lends enchantment to the view. Our 

 pears may not be as large as those raised in California, but they are supe- 

 rior in quality. This was also true of apples and plums. 



Mr. Pullen thought Illinois was a good State enough for him, and 

 would not exchange this locality for any other in it. Besides being pre- 

 eminently a fruit-growing region, we could raise grain with advantage. 

 Doubted whether even stock could be grown with more profit in any part 

 of the State. They could produce corn some cheaper in the northern part, 

 but their longer, colder winters used it up and more to. Fruit-growing 

 has done more to increase and build up Centralia than any other interest 

 since the railroad was located. We have the right kind of soil for fruit, 

 a favorable climate, good markets, and quick transportation. If any one 

 fails of success in a series of years, it is to be attributed to careless or 

 improper cultivation, rather tlian to soil or climate. 



Mr. Cooper thought if any one should go from this section to 

 California for the purpose of making more money by raising fruit, he 

 would find he had made a mistake. A pel'son with a taste for raising 

 fruit is as favorably situated here as any where; had better hold steadily 

 on; attend regularly the meetings of this Association; discuss his failures 

 as well as successes, and not relax his energy or courage. There are dif- 

 ficulties to be overcome in all kinds of business. Perseverance is almost sure 

 to be crowned with success. 



The President maintained that facts were the surest test as to success 

 in fruit raising. He was told by Mr. Kohl, a few days ago, that he had 

 paid out over the counter of the First National Bank $200,000, in pay- 

 ment for fruit sold the past season. The amount received by Express 

 and in Post Office orders probal^ly would swell the amount to $2=50,000. 

 It would be found, on observation, that nearly all shippers of fruit had 

 been making improvements of various kinds this fall. 



December 10, 1870. 

 Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather the usual number 

 were in attendance. As most of the members of the committee on 

 Orchards and Orchard Fruits were absent, it was deemed best to post- 

 pone definite action upon revising the Fruit List recommended by this 

 Association. From remarks by several members it seemed to be the 

 opinion that it would be unadvisable to change the list at present. The 

 season has been a remarkable one. Very few apples have been raised, and 

 no experience gained that would justify a change. The failure of the 

 crop was attributed mainly to a late frost and the Codling Moth, 



