^o6 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



the superior cultivation that has been given them during the past tvv^o or 

 three years. Tliis is apparent on comparison, for we still have orchards 

 amongst us that receive very little, if any, attention. 



Some of your Committee are of the opinion that too much ridging 

 in our orchards is attended with injurious results, unless the precaution is 

 taken to keep the surface of the beds as level as possible, to prevent the 

 water passing off too rapidly, in order that the soil may receive its due 

 proportion of moisture. We regard this, however, as a matter for dis- 

 cussion, the Committee not agreeing to recommend it. 



Our experience teaches us that the Early Mountain, Serrated Early 

 York, Early Tillotson, Cole's Early Red, White Free Stone, Heath, and 

 Hale's Early, are worthless on account of their disposition to rot, mildew, 

 etc. They can not be recommended with safety for this section. If we 

 f>ermit the latter to occupy our ground, it will be more for the purpose of 

 having a few specimens left to remind us of our folly, than with the 

 expectation of receiving any benefit from them. 



THE APPLE CROP 



Was very light, and the fruit mostly destroyed by the Codling Moth. The 

 trees are in line condition, and promise well for another year. This 

 being the q^ year, as politicians would say, one may expect a full crop 

 next year. Every precaution should be taken this winter and coming 

 spring to save the crop from destruction from this moth. Our opportu- 

 nities for judging of the merits of varieties being so limited, we shall pass 

 them by. 



PEAR ORCHARDS 



Generally in good condition ; crop light but fruit good ; more blight the 

 past season than for the two previous years. As to varieties — were we 

 going to plant a thousand trees — we coidd hardly persuade ourselves to 

 select anything but Bartlett. It is an early and prolific bearer; hardy, 

 and as free from blight as any, fine size, of good quality, and always brings 

 the highest market price. Our conviction now is that cultivation for the 

 standard pear should be discontinued after the trees come into bearing. 



CHERRY TREES AND ORCHARDS 



Also look well. The only variety cultivated, indeed, the only variety 

 worthy to be cultivated in our locality for market purposes, being the 

 Early May or Early Richmond. A fair crop the past season, but not so 

 large as the year previous; yet much more profitable. The season was 

 more favorable for this fruit, being dry, giving us better quality and con- 

 dition, therefoie better prices. 



B. PULLEN, 



M. M. HooTON, 

 A. P. Crosby, 

 • Committee. 



