88 HISTORY OF HORTICULTURE IN MIXNEf^OTA. 



of collectiug: the experiences of those who had attempted to raise fruit, with 

 the view of digesting and sifting it to see if there was not a ray of hope that 

 by some process of culture a few varieties might be found that would endure 

 our climate and produce fruit. This work resulted in stimulating a few }km-- 

 sons, who had never given up to the popular opinion, to make a more thorough 

 trial and a final settlement of the question. Soon after this, and while 

 it was yet believed throughout the whole country that apples could not he 

 raised in Minnesota, this Society was organized, and st^arce a dozen men 

 could be found in the State, that would enter into this horticultural organiza- 

 tion, because they had no faith that it would result in a success. Nearly all 

 the fruit on exhibition at the State Fair being held at that time was raised in 

 my orchard ; but I was a stranger to every horticulturist in the State, and 

 hailed from a locality unknown to the majority of the people in attendance at 

 the Fa'ir. But meagre as the display was, and unknown as was the exhibitor, 

 it created a sensation which resulted in the organization of this Society, and 

 the daw^n of a new era in fruit culture, and although but little over five years 

 have transpired, the majority of the people now believe in the ultimate suc- 

 cess of the apple. The ball is rolling on. The exhibition of fruits is begin- 

 ning to be a leading feature at our fairs, and thousands of trees are being 

 planted now where dozens were then. 



The people all over the State are awakening to the importance of planting 

 trees, and now the opportunity occurs for us to exercise an influence for good. 

 It devolves upon us to ascertain the causes of the many failures that still 

 occur, and the way by which they may be avoided. 



Some action should be taken at this meeting in reference to new Minnesota 

 Seedlings. 1 am inclined to believe that we may liope for much from this 

 source, if we adopt measures to thoroughly test the many varieties now 

 growing in the State. I recommend only such to be propagated and sold, as 

 were hardy, productive, and reasonably good. This wood enable the people 

 to purchase intelligently, and could not possibly bv any disadvantage to the 

 nursery men. And for the greater protection of the people, all agents repre- 

 senting nurseries in other States should be required to have a certificate from 

 the proprietor of such nursery showing that they are authorized agents, which 

 should be endorsed by the President or some member of the executive com- 

 mittee of this Society. I have other suggestions to make having a direct 

 bearing upon the usefulness and prosperity of the Society, but they will come 

 in more naturally at the close of my remarks, and I will pass on to notice 

 another department of our work. 



Up to the present time, we have scarcely entered ujion the field that lies 

 open before us, the apple question being considered so momentous, that it 

 has occupied the greater part of our, attention: but there are other fruits but 

 little behind that in importance, which ought to be grown by every farmer — 

 yes, by every household in the State. It devolves upon this Society to array 

 them before the public, and point out the best varieties, and instruct in the 

 best methods of propagation, cultivation and protection. 



Ignorance in the scientific part of horticulture, is one of the most prolific 



