84 Grapes— Vhie n?id J^ruit. 



the " fruit is equal in all respects to fresh fruit for pies, puddings, and other con- 

 fections for tlie table." We know better, and so will any one else after a trial, 

 though we admit its superiority over the common dried. But will the demand 

 sustain the difference in cost of preparation — that's the question ? 



On root grafting the apple, Phoenix thought 2^ inch cuts of the root best; 

 Nelson concurred ; Wier placed no special importance upon a very nice fit of root 

 and cion, so far as concerns the bark, would unite and grow if not joined on either 

 side. Nelson was of the same opinion, though would advise some care in fitting the 

 bark of cion and root. Tying with waxed cotton yarn was conceded the best 

 method of fastening, no waxing of the parts as of old. For waxing the yarn 

 !Balwin used a composition made of three parts rosin, two beeswax, and one of 

 tallow. 



Dunlap exhibited a bushel crate of his getting up for shipping apples. It con- 

 sists of two head boards 12 x 14 inches, lath 17^ inches m length for sides. In 

 transportation, the crates are packed endwise, and if need be in tiers. Its size and 

 shape admits of packing into an ordinary wagon-bed with the greatest possible 

 economy of space. 



The election of officers resulted as follows : 



President. — M. L. Dunlap, of Champaign. 



Vice-Presidents. — First district, W. T. Nelson, of Will county; Second district, 

 Samuel Edwards, of Bureau ; Third district, Dr. A. C. Humphrey, of Knox 

 county ; Fourth district, L. L. Francis, of Sangamon county ; Fifth district, J. C. 

 Cooper, of Marion county ; Sixth district, Isaac Snedecker, of Jersey county ; 

 Seventh district, Parker Earle, of Union county. 



Secretary. — 0. B. Galusha, of Grundy. 



Assistant Secretary. — H. J. Dunlap, of Champaign. 



Treasurer. — Jonathan Huggins, of Macoupin county. 



Champaign was chosen for the next annual meeting of the Society. 



The meeting was interesting and profitable, as the meetings of this Society 

 always are. The Illinois State Horticultural Society has a mission — a 

 aim — which it never loses sight of, as may be seen from its large and well di- 

 gested volume of annual transactions. AVe should say much more of what transpired 

 at this meeting but for the restriction of our limits. 



G-rapes— Vine and Fruit. 



r["'HE London Gardener thus dilates upon the usefulness of the grape : — " Men can 

 ^ live and work on grapes and bread. The peasantry of France, Spain and Italy 

 make many a satisfying meal in this wa}^ and of the wholesomeness of the diet there 

 can be no doubt. Medical men constantly recommend the use of grapes for their 

 patients. Scarcely any plant can equal the vine as regards the beauty of its leaves 

 and fruit. As a covering for bare walls and for affording shelter and shade, it is 

 a climber of the first rank. To sit under one's own vine has in all ages been con- 

 sidered the acme of rural happiness, an emblem of peace, a symbol of plenty, and a 

 picture of contentment. That pleasure, though perhaps not in all its fullness, may 

 become tlie heritage of tliousande in these temperate climes." 



