io8 Notes and Gleanings. 



suppose, from present appearances, that the markets will be well supplied this 

 season. 



Of plums, we can only say that there was a good bloom on the few trees that 

 have withstood the black-knot ; and there will, no doubt, be something of a crop. 

 We can spare this fruit pretty well, there are so many that are better. It never 

 was a healthful fruit for one to eat ; and it costs more than it is worth to fight 

 curculios and black-knot, in addition to other difficulties, in order to obtain it. 



There never was a better show for peaches than there is this season : every 

 tree, large and small, bloomed profusely ; and the young peaches look exceed- 

 ingly well. At this, every lover of good fruit must rejoice ; for none is more lus- 

 cious and healthful. Those who have been discouraged about ever growing the 

 peach again successfully are feeHng better at the prospect this season, and have 

 planted more trees. This is right ; and the only way is to keep planting every 

 season, and good results will follow. 



Of currants, gooseberries, and raspberries, there will be no lack. The pros- 

 pect for the two former is exceedingly fine. The bushes seem to have entirely 

 recovered from the effects of the severe droughts we have had ; and they really 

 appear strong, vigorous, and fruitful, as in former times. 



The blackberries withstood the winter well ; and though it is too early yet to 

 determine in regard to the fruit, yet there can be little doubt but that there will 

 be a good supply of this berry. 



The grapes are looking very well ; though they are backward, like every thing 

 else. Plenty of warm weather will bring them up, so that they will ripen proba- 

 bly as early as in years past. The Concords, Delawares, and Hartfords left up 

 on the posts and trellises, came through the winter full as bright as other varie- 

 ties that were covered. There will be more than enough young fruit, and the 

 vineyardist will be obliged to thin it out to save his vines. 



The strawberries never looked better than they do this year. They withstood 

 the winter finely ; and, the weather having been very favorable, the vines have 

 grown strongly, and bloomed profusely. If strawberries are not cheap this year, 

 it is fair to conclude that they never will be. 



In addition to the above, we observe that there are appearances of a great 

 crop of wild berries ; so that it would seem clear, from present appearances, that 

 the markets are to be well supplied with fruit of all kinds this season. We hope 

 it may be so ; for nothing is more healthful or agreeable than good ripe fruit. 



J. F. C. H. 



The Small Fruits in Illinois. — W i Is on'' s Albany, — the great Market 

 Strawberry. — Picking and Shipping. — The growing of the strawberry as a 

 field crop has made rapid progress in this State, and is now reduced to a very 

 simple process.. This season, the market in all our villages and cities will be 

 pretty well supplied, and at very reasonable prices. 



Chicago is the great distributing point, and along the Illinois Central Railroad 

 are the great fields of supply. A daily fruit-train of five cars runs from Jones- 

 borough. — a point forty miles north of Cairo — to Chicago. The cars are such 

 as are used by the express-companies, and carry six tons, or two hundred 



