20 HISTORY OF HORTICUI/miE IX MINNESOTA. 



IJETow do you " kuow '" this, Mr. O ? Favor us with facts to support your opinion.— R.] 



I know that they have been killed in those winters in which the cold has been most ex- 

 treme, viz.: 1S51-2, 1S55-G, lS5t)-7 and 1860-1. In winters that the lowest temperature has 

 been 46 degrees below zero no apple trees have been unhurt except the Crab, while in those 

 winters in which the lowest temperature was 25 degrees below zero, no apple trees were in- 

 jured. The sap wood is often killed and the bark left alive. Trees in this condition may 

 bear fruit the ensuing summer. They are liable to have a strip of bark killed on the south 

 side in the spring. They are often killed one, two or three years afterwards by the rotting 

 of the wood extending to the roots. 



I approve of all your suggestions in regard to soil, location, mulching, &c., to promote a 

 healthy growth, and to induce the trees to mature the wood before winter. A selection of 

 the hardest varieties, a good location and care will insure success. Stocks for grafting should 

 be grown only from the seeds of hardy trees, because the stock does effect the graft more or 

 less in all respects. 



Believing that Minnesota will in a few years produce a plenty of apples for home use, 



I am, yours truly, 



Simon H. Odell. 



These commuuications — let it be noted — were printed in March, 1866 ; and 

 in the month of October following, the movement was made, the signal step 

 taken, which by united and sj'stematized effort was to bring together all the 

 energy and sagacity of the fruit growers of the State, for the attempted 

 accomplishment of their wishes. A State Eair was held at Rochester 

 that fall, and the story of what happened canliot better be told than by the 

 correspondent of the Pioneer in his communications of that date, given below. 

 The exhibition of fruits at the Fair by Mr. Harris, was undoubtedly a great 

 stimulant to what followed in the organization of the "Fruit Growers' 

 Association." 



The Minnesota State Fair — Letter from a Special Correspondent. 



Rochester, October 4, 1S66. 



We are highly favored with pleasant weather again to-day and the exhilerating effects of 

 the hygenic atmosphere in the valley of the Zumbro is appreciated by all. * * * 



Fleral Hall has a great attraction this morning, in the display of Minnesota fruit. J. S. 

 Harris, of La Crescent makes the best display, and exhibits 



Fall Pippin. 



Jennetan. 



Red Streak. 



Westfield Seek-no-farther. 



Western Seek-no-farthev (different from the Westfield.) 



Tallman Sweet, extra hardy for Minnesota. 



Jersey Sweet, extra hardy. 



Woodstock Pippin. 



St. Lawrence. 



Newton Pippin. 



Northern Spy. 



Western Baldwin. 



Transcendant Crab. 



Hyslop Crab. 



Two varieties, name unknown, and four varieties of seedlings. 



The Jersey Sweet is the largest and finest fruit on exhibition. 



Of grapes we have the Delaware, the Diana. Northern Muscatine, (hardy). 



Black Connecticut Seedling (perfectly hardy). 



Clinton (hardy). 



Isabella, unworthy of cultivation. 



Another collection of apples comprise the Orni=i, Minnesota Seedling, Mielinda, Good 

 Enough, Rollins of Eyota. 



Elgin, a fall variety, and a Minnesota Seedling. Also several lots without name . 



