, 1865-12-30
THE FAEmERs, MEETING.


Those OF our readers who followed The pro-
cccJings of tho recent annual meeting Of The
State Horticultural Society must have reached
tic conclusion that our prairie farmers on
that occasion made excellent use Of their
time. They thoroughly demonstrated the
ut1l{ty of their organization By the range of
subjects discussed pertaining TO tarm inter
ests. end thus largely identified with the
prosperity OF our State. 1t has happened be-
fore now that the benefits Of such gather
ing from diti1seness and looscness Of its de-
bates, have scarcely outlired the transient
pleasure of meeting Of brother farmers In
hours OF winter leisure. The State Horticul-
tural Society of Illinois Is largely made up OF
men who are not afrnid OF book farming, and
who believe that records and comparison Of
records arc very good help 10 the processes of
the farm aud the orchard. The recent gath
cring represented enterprises of husbaudry
involving large capital end conducted with
skill and sagacity. The spirit Of willingness
to interchange these secrets OF SUCCESS, which
in notable Instances have brought their origi-
uators both fame nnd competence, Is both
honorable and valuable.
There were brought forward numerous I'M
poz.ant general measures, the discussion ot
which elected many sound aud practical
views the whole constituting substantial
addition to Turning Ntcratprc. Among
these perhaps the most important IVES the
careful revision Of the fruit list Of the Stste,
scrsice repaying tenfold the whole expense
and trouble Of the meeting This list will
stand until careful collection under further
experience supplies better one, as tho In
dispeusable guide Of our Illinois orclardists-
What trees to plout, what kinds have been
tested and found to resist The climatic yicis-
Eitudes in various parts Of the state, could
only be decided by actual trial, often e1pcn-
sive and unsatisfactory. The knowledge may
now be bought for few cents In the reports
of this Bloomington meeting. Another most
important topic wus the insect enemies Of
our crops, and tie necessity Of bring
ing more science to bear on the question
Of these small pests and their I'M
nense2y destructive operations. Com
plfcated with this last, the friends Of the
birds will declare, Is that other Interesting
subject brought up In the Indictment against
the birds for alleged ravaGes upon the fruit
crops. Charges Of the most damaging nature
were preferred against orioles, jays, wood
pockets, cedar-bird, cat-bird aud nesrly all
their feathered Ansmen, but more In sorrow
thnn in anger, we arc glad to believe, for It
was evident that most Of the accusers were
| unwilling Witnesses, and love the BIRDS We
trust the State entomolosist may be set at
work among the midges and weev11s and
"such small deer,'' that are dear enough to
| the pockets of our farmers, year by year.
And IL will he Ills most gratciul duty, II he
can demonstrate that, aI1es all, the birds are
the farmer's benefacto1s, destroying thou-
sands Of insects to each kerncl Of grain which
they take as toll for their services. The intel
usencc and earnestueEs displayed by the far
n4crs of Illinois In their late assembly, gives
happy ausury Tor The future OF their soci'
city, and Of the important md yital interest
they ure set to watch and foster In their or
gani.atiou.
lnevery respect thc late session WIS ono o1
the most uscful the Society has ever held, and
the dissemination Of the facts elected viii
constitute source Of Information on live
practical topics, seldom reached In slmila'
| manner.