106 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



swamps. The Spruce sent out by Mr. Root of Skaneateles, N. Y., is 

 Red spruce, a variety of the black. The pine and juniper are the 

 best for dry soils ; the spruces for wet soils — Hemlocks need pro- 

 tection. 



Hilliard — Evergreens are a good thing in their place, but I think 

 are not in place in an orchard. The Apple tree needs light, air and 

 sunshine all about it. 



Earle — I know many are planting evergreens in Southern Illi- 

 nois. 



Freeman — We need more air at the South, but we also need pro- 

 tection. The peach crop at South Pass was lost this year in a belt 

 of cleared land running in the direction of the prevailing wind; 

 whilst on either side where there was protection, some fair crops 

 were saved. 



A STATE HORTICULTURIST. 



President A. M. Brown, having vacated the chair, offered the fol- 

 lowing resolutions : 



Whereas, We have seen with alarm the rapid spread of vegetable diseases in every de- 

 partment of horticulture, threatening the partial or total destruction of our orchards 

 and fruits, unless something can be done to arest their progress, therefore, 



Resolved, That the Executive Committee of this Society be, and they are hereby auth- 

 orized to engage the services of some competent practical horticulturist, whose duty it 

 shall be to visit the different portions of the State, for the purpose of investigating the 

 nature of those maladies, and ascertaining also, if possible, the best means of curing or 

 preventing them. It shall be his duty to communicate to fruit-growers in the several lo- 

 calities he may visit, such information as they may need, and he may be able to give, up- 

 on all matters pertaining to the principles and practice of horticulture, and shall make 

 an annual report of his doings and discoveries to this Society. 



Resolved, That further, that the Executive Committee be authorized to pay from the 

 treasury of the Society, to the person so employed, such sum as salary, as they may 

 agree upon with him. 



Resolved, That in order to carry out the purpose of the foregoing resolutions, we re- 

 spectfully ask the Legislature at its coming session, to increase the amount of the annual 

 appropriation to this Society. 



Brown — I hope these resolutions will pass, because I see the need 

 of a person who can spend more time in investigation. The Ad In- 

 terim Committee acting without compensation, is obliged to hurry 



