^SS Alton (III-) Horticultural Society. 



The Editors have valuable articles on hand upon prairie-flowers, Wardian 

 cases, lily-ponds, cross-bred strawberries, staking trees, evergreens, and many 

 other interesting subjects : these will, we trust, in a great measure, appear in 

 the July number ; but for all delays we must ask the indulgence of our corre- 

 spondents, assuring them we are not unmindful of their many favors, and 

 thanking them for many kindnesses received. 



A subscriber, under date of New York, May i, writes to the publishers, com- 

 plaining of the want of articles on the treatment of fruit-trees in our Journal. 

 Such articles will appear from time to time, and our endeavor will be to neglect 

 no interest. 



If subscriber will, over his own name, communicate any suggestions to the 

 publishers, they will be thankfully received ; but anonymous communications 

 merit no notice. 



Ignoramus, Buffalo, N.Y. — Is it an advantage to mulch strawberries ? If 

 so, what would you use for that purpose .'* — There are benefits to be derived 

 from mulching the strawberry : it prevents the fruit from getting down into the 

 dirt ; it protects, to some extent, from drought ; and it prevents the weeds from 

 growing. Some use spent tan to mulch ; others, chopped hay or straw. Should 

 prefer the latter. Pass meadow-hay through the hay-cutter, and it can then be 

 worked in among the plants nicely. 



Seedling. — How soon will grape-vines raised from the seed give fruit ? — 

 About the fourth year, if they are well treated. 



Fruitist, Newburyport. — Will you please name some of the best summer 

 and fall apples for market ? — WiUiaras's, Sweet Bough, Dutch Codlin (for cook- 

 ing), Red Astrachan, Washington, and Gravenstein. 



ALTON (ILL.) HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



This society met at the residence of John M. Pearson, Monticello, on Thurs- 

 day, Jan. 3, 1867 ; W. C. Flagg in the chair. The election of officers being in 

 order, John M. Pearson was elected Presidcfit. A committee to nominate the 

 remaining officers was appointed, consisting of Messrs. Hull, Long, J. E. Starr, 

 Huggins, and M'Pike ; who presented the following report, which was adopted 

 by a unanimous vote : — 



Vice-Presidents, D. E. Brown, H. G. M'Pike. Secretary, J. E. Starr. Treas- 

 urer, B. F. Long. Executive Board, E. S. Hull, H. G. M'Pike, W. C. Flagg, 

 J. Burton. Chairmen of Standing Committees, — Orchards, — W. C. Flagg. 

 Vineyards, — D. Stewart. Fruits, — E. S. Hull. Flowers, — Mrs. J. M. Pear- 



