27 



Berries gathered in the morning of one day reach all por- 

 tions of Illinois in time for the early marketing of the next 

 day, and by noon many of the people in cities of Iowa, Wis- 

 consin, and Michigan, have the berries on their tables almost 

 as fresh as though just gathered from the vines. In the straw- 

 berry season, the Illinois Central and other railways run 

 trains made up exclusively of cars loaded with berries, which 

 are run on express time in order to reach market at a suitable 

 hour. In what other state may a location be found where a 

 train of thirty or more cars loaded with strawberries, the 

 most perishable as well as the queen of fruits, is rushed across 

 the country to market at lightning speed? The same thing is 

 done with early vegetable trains, with tomatoes, peaches, and 

 later with sweet potatoes and apples. 



We might dilate upon the size and beauty of the other 

 fruits produced in this section of our State, but do not think it 

 necessary. Everywhere the raspberry and blackberry grow 

 wild in the greatest profusion, and many of the wild canes 

 produce fruit which even the cultivated varieties do not excel, 

 showing conclusively that nature designed this for a small fruit 

 region. If any one questions our assertions let him take a 

 trip and visit any of the noted fruit growing centers in South- 

 ern Illinois, and he will be convinced that what we have said 

 is the truth but half told. 



After all that may be said, this region is peculiarly fitted 

 for the 



PRODUCTION OF THE APPLE. 



Here it arrives at its greatest perfection in size and beauty. 

 The latitude gives almost an entire freedom in spring from 

 damage by late frosts, while the season being longer, the fruit 

 ripens and colors under the rays of the autumn sun, giving 

 a size and a finish of color that even the famous climate of Cal- 

 ifornia cannot excel. 



In this section many varieties are grown for the early 

 market which cannot be so profitably done further north. 

 Practically, Southern Illinois has the monopoly of the early 

 apple trade, sending to all sections of the Northwest, and no 



