Horticulture in the JVorthwest— Action of State Societies. 143 



seem creditable. The failures of early settlers is not to be wondered at, when we 

 remember that Minnesota and Wisconsin were mainly settled by emigration from 

 Ohio and New York ; and the eagerness with which these parties called for and 

 planted the good old Spitzenberg, Rhode Island Greening, Baldwins, and other east- 

 ern varieties. And to this day, many there are who will yet call for these, and feel 

 aggrieved because they find them not, and almost doubt the honesty of nurserymen 

 when assured of the worthlessness of these for this climate. 



But happily we have been traveling in the right direction. Upon the verge of 

 despondency, but eager for fruit, the anxious inquirer took to the crab varieties, as 

 better than nothing. These succeeded, grew and fruited finely. This was a start 

 in the right direction. Taste and desire enlarged, and knowledge increased. The 

 first lesson learned from this was, that we must seek hardiness — quality and quantity 

 even to be added afterwards. Varieties were selected upon this principle, and from 

 it more knowledge as to treatment of varieties in general. The late meeting of the 

 Minnesota State Horticultural Society developed such a state of progress in that 

 State, as was little looked for. At this meeting, held January 14 to 17, there was a 

 very fine display of fruit, many exhibitors placing twenty or more varieties on the 

 tables ; and these included many sorts usually considered tender, but by the experi- 

 ence of years in selection of location, they were a success. The experience of all 

 was well told, and the merits of varieties well discussed. It was not thought advisa- 

 ble to recommend a large list for general planting ; better a few well tried certain 

 sorts — with these growing satisfactory, the list on every farm would be rapidly 

 increased. The society unanimously recommended, for general planting — early, 

 Tetofsky and Duchess of Oldenburg: fall, Fameuse, Haas and Plumb's Cider; win- 

 ter, Ben Davis ; for trial. Red Astrachan, St. Lawrence, Autumn Strawberry, Sax- 

 ton, Price's Sweet, Talman Sweet, Golden Russet and Romanite ; pears, Flemish 

 Beauty. The annual address was delivered by Philip S. Harris, of the Land 

 Department of the Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad. This was a masterly 

 effort. In good plain English, without any attempt of the spread eagle, Mr. H. set 

 forth the merits and claims of Minnesota. 



Passing from this meeting, we come to Wisconsin's annual gathering, held at 

 Madison, E'ebruary 4 to 7. This meeting was unusually well attended. The fruit 

 display was not as large as that of Minnesota, and was made up mostly of new varie- 

 ties, which promised special merit, or seedlings. In this collection was the Pewau- 

 kee, which promises to be a very valuable acquisition to the West, and to take the 

 place of the Rhode Island Greening at the East. It is a seedling of the Duchess of 

 Oldenburg, which it resembles veryclosely in tree, an enormous bearer, and follow- 

 ing in season the Fameuse — supplies a place before deficient. The Ben Davis, fair 

 as the fairest, was on the table, more beautiful than ever. This variety is being 

 called for very extensively throughout the West, on account of its hardiness in both 

 nursery and orchard, abundant bearing qualities ; and the very fine appearance and 

 late keeping qualities commands for it a ready market. 



There was also a good display of grapes. A good deal of attention is now being 

 paid to the cultivation of the grape, and many are succeeding very well in keeping 

 them till mid winter, when the fruit is in demand at remunerative prices. 



There were a large number of very practical papers read. The fruit and tree lists 

 were thoroughly revised, and the following lists presented to the public as the result 

 of the deliberations of those present: 



