considerably lessen the
danger to plants and fruits from their inroads. These facts, said the
Professor, give us reason to hope that we have discovered another means
of defense from destructive insects.

Mr. Earle will try pyrethrum next season for the tarnished bug. Prof.
Budd gave a brief sketch of latest methods of killing off noxious
insects as followed by J.N. Dixon, of the State of Iowa, one of the
greatest fruit farmers in that State or in the Northwest. He destroys
the insect by sprinkling the trees with water diluted with arsenic,
using one pound of white arsenic to 200 gallons of water. This has
proven a great success and is not at all expensive. Some members
objected to the use of arsenic on account of its poisonous properties.
London-purple or Paris-green were recommended by some. Some members did
not like to have hogs running in their orchards; others found them a
benefit if but few were permitted. They did a good work. If the orchard
is overstocked with them they do harm. They root about the trees and rub
against them. It is not an uncommon thing for them to kill the trees in
the course of a couple of years.

FRUIT COMMITTEES.

Dr. Schroeder, member of the committee on pear culture, made no formal
report, but in brief remarks urged the general planting and raising of
the kind of fruit as being profitable and productive. Mr. Samuel
Edwards, of Mendota, chairman of committee on currants, read a very
interesting report on currants and gooseberries, in which it appeared
that the cultivation of this fruit was neglected and was on the decline.
Dr. A.L. Small, of Kankakee, made a report on plums, in which he
recommended the general planting of this fruit, he making a specialty of
plum trees, and regarded the plum as a fruit that was coming more in
demand and popular, and one that readily adapts itself to the many kinds
of climates and soils.

Mr. Weir also read a paper on plums and plum culture. He recommended the
Chickasaw because it is hardy and not liable to have its blossoms
injured by a late spring, like many fruits. He named the Newman and Wild
Goose among other so-called seedlings that were very good. He expressed
the opinion that there was but one distinct species of plum in the
United States.

FLORICULTURE.

Mrs. Mary J. Barnard, of Manteno, from the committee on floriculture,
strongly urged the cultivation of house-plants, not only as beautifiers,
but to give the most pleasant occupation to