ILLINOIS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, ANNUAL MEETING, I905. 33 



(Cobden, III., is the largest tomato growing center in the world) 

 and Prof. John W. Lloyd, of the University of Illinois, read a very 

 interesting paper upon the subject. The tomato rust is the most 

 formidable enemy and is combated by the use of Bordeaux mixture. 

 Discussion brought out the fact that "Earliana" and "Imperial" are 

 two of the most popular commercial tomatoes. "F'onderosa," al- 

 tho very large, is often imperfect. On the Chicago market all to- 

 matoes are grouped into two classes, by which they are known 

 irrespective of the names of the varieties: the smooth, purple-red 

 kinds are called "Acme" and are considered the best ; the bright red 

 sorts are known ^s "Trophy" and are considered second in qualitv. 



Small fruits form quite as much a topic of interest as at our 

 own meetings. L. G. Hubbard, of Urbana, said that he did not con- 

 sider the root gall on raspberries any damage. The strawberry 

 growers there have practically discarded planting machines. One 

 large grower gets his new plantations made for 50 cents per thou- 

 sand plants. 



The horticultural interests in Illinois are somewhat divided, 

 owing to the marked difference of climate between the extremities 

 of the state. There are three active horticultural societies, repre- 

 senting the north, central and southern portions of the state. At 

 the meeting of the state society, therefore, the discussion regarding 

 varieties that is a prominent feature of the Minnesota meetinsrs 

 appears to be lacking, supposedly because it is a subject brought out 

 more fully in the local societies. As a matter of fact, they do not 

 seem to be looking for new varieties down there, as the mnrket de- 

 mand for varieties, in apples at any rate, has been prettv well fixed. 

 There is a fairlv well defined rule that the new orchard shall contain 

 just so many Ben Davis, Willow Twig and Jonathan, with a few 

 other leading varieties as fillers. 



The banquet, which was held Thursday evenins: at the Beards- 

 ley Hotel, was a very happy and successful affair. There were 

 about one hundred guests present. Your delegate was honored on 

 this occasion by being invited to respond for the "visiting dele- 

 gates." 



Mr. Geo. J. Foster, of Normal, was elected president, Mr. L. R. 

 Bryant, of Princeton, was reelected secretary, and Mr. J. W. 

 Stanton, of Richview, reelected treasurer. There is also an ex- 

 ecutive board, consisting of the president and secretary and two 

 members, representing each of the northern, central and southern 

 districts. The life membership fee, formerly $20.00, was reduced 

 to $5.00. 



