HISTORY OF HORTICULTURE IN MINNESOTA. 77 



AFTERNOON SESSION. 



The Society called to order by the President. 



GRAPES. 



Truman M. Smith wanted to hear from the Society in regard to grapes. 



Mr. Gideon's experience with grapes the last season was disastrous. 



Jacob Miller, of Ramsey county, thought that everything depended on 

 planting. The ground should be side trenched. The side hills was the best 

 ground for them. Gravel, he said, was the best. If there is no gravel, fill 

 up the trench with rocks or bones. In Summer they should be cut back, say, 

 the second week in August. Delaware was the best grape to plant. He 

 illustrated his mode of planting grapes. He trimmed the roots every year. 

 Wine raised from grapes in clay soil was never clear. He planted his grapes 

 from six to eight inches deep. 



Mr. Smith said that last season was the worst for grapes for several sea- 

 sons, but he had about two tons. The Delaware was the best grape for 

 general use. • 



Considerable discussion followed in regard to grape culture, which was 

 participated in by several of the members. 



Mr.. Grimes offered the following resolution, which was adopted : 



Resolved, That the professional and amateur horticulturists of the State be requested to 

 furnish specimens of Minnesota seedling fruit trees and plants to the experimental gardener 

 of the State University, for trial and exhibition. 



Mr. Dart offered the following resolution : 



Resolved, That three feet is the proper average height at which apple trees should branch 

 in the orchard, and that sixteen feet each way, is the proper distance between trees. 



After discussion, the resolution was adopted. 



The selection of apples was then reconunended, when the Secretary was 

 directed to send circulars to all persons in the State engaged in the cultiva- 

 tion of fruit. 



Mr. T. M. Smith moved that the chair appoint a committee of three from 

 the south part of the State to recommend varieties of apples and fruit for 

 general cultivation in that part of the State, and a similar committee from 

 the north part of the State, to report to the Secretary. 



Adopted. 



The President appointed the following gentlemen as such committee : J. 

 S. Harris, S. Bates, A. C. Hamilton, for the southern part of the State ; and 

 for the northern district. Col. Stevens, Wyman Elliot, Lewis Martin. 



Col. Robertson asked if there was any way by which the amount of apples 

 raised last season could be ascertained ; when it was decided that at least 

 15,000 bushels were raised. 



Committee appointed on wine : Col. Robertson, Mr. Leland and C. M. 

 Loring, who made a favorable report. 



