1 1 6 Notes and Gleanings. 



The Illinois Horticultural Society. — Thirteenth Annual Meeting. 

 The winter-meeting of this very useful association has just been held at the 

 pleasant prairie village of Bunker Hill, in Macoupin County. The location is 

 rather at one side of the State ; but this did not prove to be any disadvantage, 

 as there are many prominent horticulturists in this and the adjoining counties. 

 Those from St. Louis had easy access, and all parts of Illinois are brought near by 

 railroads ; and thus the result was a good attendance : and the character of the 

 men who pariicipated in the discussions was unusually good, even for this society, 

 which is justly famous for the advanced condition of its horticulturists. The 

 exhibition of fruits was meagre, as might have been anticipated from the severity 

 of the weather, but embraced several novelties. 



An extensive programme had been prepared, indicating the work that was 

 provided for each session of the four days appropriated to the meeting. This 

 proved of great service in saving time ; and, though it was not always possible 

 to adhere to it rigidly, the business never flagged, nor the interest, from first to 

 last : indeed, the discussions of some of the papers were so prolonged as to 

 crowd out the order for the day. 



The address of welcome by T. A. Pettingill, president of the local society, was 

 very appropriate, and offered the hospitalities of the citizens to all who were in 

 attendance. This was followed by a well-considered annual message from the 

 president, A. M. Brown of Villa Ridge, in the southern part of the State, in 

 which he encouraged his brother-horticulturists by telling them what they should 

 learn from the failures of the year. He urged the more thorough culture of 

 their crops. He told them that the object of this society was not merely to in- 

 struct the people as to what to plant, and how to plant it, but also how to take 

 care of it after being planted ; how to cultivate ; and how to ward off the attacks 

 of our enemies, particularly the insect foes. The discussions showed the deep 

 interest already taken by the members in these subjects, and the proficiency they 

 have already attained in practical entomology under their excellent teachers, 

 Messrs. Walsh and Riley, the official bug-hunters of Illinois and Missouri re- 

 spectively, both of whom were in attendance to lend their valuable assistance. 



The appointment of an ad-interi»i committee has worked well. To them 

 are referred all questions of interest, and all new or unknown fruits, during the 

 recess between the meetings. They visit localities that are famous for their prod- 

 ucts ; and their reports to these annual meetings are invaluable. They will 

 constitute a most important portion of the report ; and at the meeting they were 

 not only found exceedingly interesting, but they furnished topics for extended 

 and intelligent discussions. Indeed, most of the numerous papers presented 

 gave evidence of labor in study and research : they showed work. Where all 

 are so good, it would be invidious to particularize. They who wish to know 

 more about them are referred to the published report, which will give a very 

 favorable exhibit of the status of horticulture in this great State. The impor- 

 tance of these interests is so well understood and so highly appreciated by the 

 legislature, that a liberal appropriation is made from the State treasury to aid in 

 its support. The annual contribution of one dollar entitles the sender to all 

 the rights of membership, including the printed reports. (Address W. C. Flagg, 

 secretary, Moro, 111.) #*» 



