Proceedings at Semi-Annual Meeting. ' 17 



I now bid you, Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen of the 

 Society, a hearty welcome to the city you have honored with your 

 presence to-day. 



President Tracy responded to the address of the Mayor in a 

 brief and happy manner; thanking the Mayor and the citizens of 

 Springfield, in behalf of the State Society, for their very cordial 

 welcome. 



The president called for the report on small fruits. Maj. F. 

 Holsinger said the season had been very favorable and we are hav- 

 ing a tine prospect for them all, except blackberries, in spite of the 

 extreme cold of last winter. 



The trouble now is to dispose of the crop at paying prices. 

 Strawberries are very low and they are coming in faster than ever ; 

 thinks we must find some small towns where we can ship our sur- 

 plus. 



Mr. Johnson thought the heavy crop and low prices of the 

 strawberry would discourage many and they would quit the busi- 

 ness, and those who continued would reap the benefit in another 

 year or two. 



Raspberries. Some varieties of black caps were rustmg badly 

 and fear was expressed tliat they would go as the blackberry. Doo- 

 little and Hopkins seem most hardy. 



Blackberries. Taylor and Snyder are the only ones that do 

 well. 



REPORT OF COMMITTEE OX STONE FRUITS. 



Springfield, June 10, 1884, 



Mr. President : — As chairman of the committee on stone 

 fruits I beg leave to make the following report : The peach crop so 

 far as fruit is concerned is a failure throughout the state and many 

 trees damaged or killed outright by the past winter. Those 

 varieties damaged most so far as we can learn are Chinese Clings 

 and Columbia ; among the old standard varieties and those suffering 

 least are Old Mixon free and cling, Honest John and Early York, 

 and among the newer varieties, Princess of Wales, Family Favorite, 

 Arkansaw Traveler and Piquets, late, are unharmed. Wheatland, 

 Jennie Northern and Early Beauty make a fine showing. 



Of plums : the Wild Goose appears to be the favorite with the 

 people and is unharmed by the winter so far as we can learn and 

 will probably be 50 per cent, of a full crop or over. 



