66 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



whom they are preparing to lead to the attack, and woe be unto the bug when the on- 

 slaught commences. 



We therefore take heart and are made glad, because we think we see in the near future 

 an overcoming of these, our enemies. 



TRANSPORTATION. 



In order that we may better understand the conduct of the Illinois Central 

 Rail Road, (for it is to this company that we have particular reference,) I will 

 give the charges by express from this point (Centralia, 111), to Chicago, from 

 the year 18(50 down to the present year, (the charges varying from other points 

 in proportion to distances from given points.) Also charges by special Fruit 

 train for the years 1867 and 1868. From 1860 to 1864 Inclusive, the rate by express 

 was $1.00 per 100 pound. From 1865 to 1868 inclusive it was $2.00 per 100 pounds. 

 This was not the regular but special rate given on fruit. It is worthy of notice here 

 that the profits to the express company were greater at the $1.00 than at the $3.00 

 rate of charges, as showing where the fault lies. By Fruit train for 1S67 and 1S68 the 

 charges were $1.25 per 100 pounds. This latter train is run by the Railroad Company, 

 the express company having nothing to do with it. It will be seen that just as soon 

 as we began shipping fruit in large quantities the rate was doubled, and no concession 

 has since been made, except we consider the rate by fruit train a concession. But this 

 does not amount to so much as appears on its face, when we consider some of the 

 difficulties attending it, and the additional expense to the shipper of delivering the 

 fruit into the hands of the commission merchant after arrival. To say nothing of the 

 wisdom of the policy pursued by the company, it would seem to be their settled pur- 

 pose in view of all the facts before us, to take advantage of our necessities after having' 

 got us well embarked in the business of raising fruit. It would seem that the mere 

 presentation of the question would bring the remedy, and let me say that this is our 

 hope. Men preyed upon by various insects will overcome them, and transportation 

 companies will come to comprehend the relation of things, and nurture and foster a 

 business which is of so much value to them, and they will serve their own interest by 

 attending to it at once. But we must conclude. Shall we say nothing of the beauty, 

 deliciousness and healthfulness of this peer of all fruits? What more beautiful sight 

 than to see the heavily ladened tree, courtesing gracefully to the delighted beholder, 

 ready to be plucked and feasted on by hungry and grateful palates. You ask Pomona, 

 herself, and she but repeats the question. May we not hope that the day dawn of 

 relief from our insects enemies is near at hand, that our great Rrailroad companies 

 who have in charge the transportation of this fruit to the hungry millions, will come 

 to regard it as sacrilege to in any wdy discourage its production by exacting exorbitant 

 rates, by the use of unsuitable cars, and rough usage, thereby depreciating its value, its 

 sanitary usefulness, and its beauty. We think they will. 



Jonathan Huggins, of Woodburn, read the following : 



PEACH ESSAY. 



The peach, a native of Persia and China, and brought to this country somewhere 

 about 1680, is doubtless grown in the United States at the present time more extensively 

 than in any other country ; and the great peach-growing district of this country is now 



