STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 307 



Centralia, 111., Dec. 31, 1870. 

 For ten days we have had very cold weather, with four or five inches 

 of snow lying on the ground for a week. I have never known fair 

 sleighing to last that length of time in this vicinity hcfore. On the 

 morning of the 23d, thermometers indicated from 12 to 16 degrees below 

 zero. It is now generally understood that the peach crop for 1871 is 

 destroyed. Although the freeze was severe, I am in hopes that there 

 will be a sprinkling of peaches yet, from the fact that the air was dry, the 

 ground also, and covered with a mulch of snow; besides, the wood was 

 well matured, and the weather moderated gradually. However, the hope 

 is neither large or strong, and is entertained under dithculties. There is 

 some consolation in tlie thought that what kills the fruit will starve the 

 curculio, and be all the better for us another season. This disaster aftbrds 

 another striking proof that horticulturists should adopt a mixed hus- 

 bandry. 



ALTON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



The meetings of this Society have been held regularly during the 

 past year — 1870. They have been numerously attended, and the interest 

 generally well sustained. The proceedings are pul)lished monthly, in 

 pamphlet form, and the following reports and essays are selected from 

 them : 



From report of the May meeting. 



REPORT OK COMMITTEE ON ORCHARD FRUITS. 



On behalf of the Committee on Orchard Fruits, I respectfully submit 

 the result of some observations of peach buds since the cold of April 

 15th, i6th, and 17th. Up to that time about 80 per cent, of the peach 

 buds on my place had been killed ; about 50 per cent, in February, and 

 about 30 per cent, in March. This left enough of all varieties for a very 

 large crop; but the cold, sleet, and snow of the dates above mentioned, 

 have left a very few of most varieties. 



I find a fair crop left, of Hale's Early, Early York (Serrate), and of 

 seedlings, as well as of the new White Nectarine. Alltliese are varieties 

 with large blossoms, a fact which, after previous observation, I judge to be 

 connected with the size of the blossoms; whether it be owingf to the larjrer 

 petals enclosing and better protecting the vital organs, as I am inclineil 

 to believe, or whether the large blossom is evidence of extraordinary 

 vitalit}', the fact is suggestive and ought to be looked to in the selection 

 of varieties for profitable planting. 



Second in hardines, I name Troth's Early, Red Rareripe, Magnum 

 Bonum, Oldmixon Free, and Delaware White. 



A third class includes, Columbia, Large Early York, Yellow Rare- 

 ripe, Late AdmiraV)le, Health Cling, Smock, and La Grange. But 

 in other years. Yellow Rareripe, has not, and Health Cling has been 

 hardy. 



