HISTORY OF HORTICULTURE IN MINNESOTA. 59 



before last — not as well as last year. Is yet undecided whether it will pay 

 for market. The Missouri Mammoth is not so hardy. 



T. M. Smith — theLawton and Newton's Thoniless had not succeeded. The 

 Kittatiuuy came through the Winter well, also, the AVilson's. Believed Black- 

 berries were to be found in the northern part of the State well worth cultiva- 

 ting. 



A. Stewart had tried the Lawton with no success. Has picked berries in 

 Le Sueur county just as good. 



L. M. Ford has the Kittatinny, Wilson's and Missouri Mammoth. The 

 tlrst looks the best, but he is not yet assured of its success. Thought wild 

 ones could be found that have very fine fruit, but they are poor bearers. 



1). A. Robertson believed the wild ones would do well when they were 

 t horoughl}^ mulched. 



On motion of T. M. Smith, the subject of Grapes was taken up. 



Mr. Smith said that thej^ should be planted eight feet apart on land trenched 

 to the depth of two feet and under drained — drains three feet deep, once every 

 thirty feet. On ground treated this way, the frost keeps ott" two weeks later 

 in the fall and the soil is in condition for planting two weeks earlier in the 

 Spring. The ground should be thoroughlj' cultivated, and nothing planted 

 in the vineyard after the second year. Prune off the surface roots for six 

 inches below the ground every fall, when the vines will not be liable to injury 

 from frost or drouth, nor will they drop their fruit. He has met with no 

 loss from mildew or other disease. The Delaware has never leaf-blighted 

 with him. Has picked twenty-tive pounds from a plant of the Northern Mus- 

 cadine. Commenced planting grapes in 1860, and has thirty-seven varieties 

 growing, out of which he has fruited twenty-seven. 



J. S. Shearman moved that T. M. Smith be requested to prepare an article 

 on grapes, to be published in connection with the records. 



Carried. (See Appendix " A."). 



W. Elliot inquired whether grapes could succeed on sandy ground. 



T. M. Smith — grapes like clay or limestone soil. 



L. M. Ford had great faith in grapes, and believed strongly in trenching. 



T. M. Smith covered with burnt manure. Straw is equally good if means 

 are taken to destroy mice. 



f). S. Shearman thought prairie hay good. 



(/. Hoag suggested the bottom of an old hay stack. 



T. M. Smith thought it safe on trenched ground to cover witli earth. 



J. T. Grimes ottered the following, which was adopted : 



Resolved, That any subject called for by resolution or otherwise, be published au an 

 appendix to the Secretary's Report. 



A. W. Latham moved that a committee of three be appointed to select 

 grapes suitable for general cultivation. 

 Carried . 



