33 2 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



T. J. Hale combated the statement that no drainage was necessary. 

 Neither was it necessary to devote one-third of the pot for that purpose. 

 He uses a great deal of charcoal for both drainage and to enrich the soil. 

 He deprecated puttisg common soil in pots. Prepared compost should 

 be used in all cases. Plants that are kept in living rooms are apt to be 

 drawn and unhealthy. There are many that should be kept dormant 

 through the winter. He uses a cold frame for this purpose. 



A discussion in regard to the fundamental requisites for the growth of 

 plants was canied on by Messrs. L. Woodard, Arthur Bryant, of Prince- 

 ton, Parker Earle, of South Pass, and others. 



R. W. Hunt advocated the mulching of currants. Mr. McWhorter 

 said currants probably do better under a heavy mulch than any other 

 fruit. If they are planted on the north side of a board fence and heavily 

 mulched, they w^ill do their very best. 



The list of membership contains 134 names of gentlemen and ladies. 

 This Society invited the Illinois State Horticultural Society to hold its 

 Annual Session for 1870 at Galesburg, and when the invitation was 

 accepted, did all they could to entertain its members and forward the 

 interests of the Society. 



Our Society has already accomplished a good work for Galesburg, 

 and the interest in its meetings is constantly increasing. 



J. S. McClelland, Secretary. 



CENTRAL ILLINOIS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



REPORTED BY GEO. HUNTER, SECRETARY. 



This Society held its third annual meeting at Carlinville, Illinois, on 

 the 7th, Sth, and 9th of February, 187 1. The use of the Citj' Hall was 

 kindly tendered for the session, and the members and friends were enter- 

 tained as the guests of the local Society. 



A few words of cordial welcome were offered in behalf of the Macou- 

 pin County Horticultural Society by Capt. George Hunter, its Secretary. 



President M. C. McLain, of Charleston, then delivered his annual 

 address, after which cherries and plums were discussed. 



The Pi'esident's address v^^as discussed in the evening. " The Neg- 

 lected Spot in Horticulture" — an essay by Mr. Murtfeldt, of St. Louis — 

 illustrated the subject of farmers' gardens, and elicited comment as to the 

 ways and means of cultivating gardens. 



The apple list was taken up, and a running fire of orchard experiences 

 closed the first day's session. 



Proceedings of second day opened with prayer by Mr. Murtfeldt, of 

 St. Louis, and an essay, entitled " Hints and Suggestions on Raising of 

 Fruits," was read by H. W. Davis, of Decatur, which raised interesting 

 questions as to the standard of excellence among fruits, and the state of 

 knowledge among planters, professional fruit-growers, and the public at 

 large. 



An essay sent in by A. L. Hay, of Jacksonville, on " Vegetable Gar- 

 dening," was then read, and the discussion which followed turned princi- 



