HISTORY OF HORTICULTURE IN MINNESOTA. 143 



there are a number of varieties doing well here, but the names I do not know. Those I do 

 know do very well. They are the Imperial Gage and Lombard. Cherries— Early Richmond 

 and no others. Small fruits of nearly all kinds do well. 



5. This question I cannot answer in the space I have, and it is not necessary. I can say 

 my trees are so far doing well, and fruiting as well as I can expect when so young. 



(]. ^[y answer to the varieties to set out, answers this question as well as I can answer it, 

 although others have done well. 



7. My orchard is in a ravine, protected from the southwest and north, and has an eastern 

 exposure. Have all kinds of slopes, small ravines, etc., adapted for almost any variety of 

 trees. 



8. Sometimes I mulch; and when I do I generally do it when the snow is on the ground in 

 February or March, with straw manure. 



9. Would prune in the season of blossoming, and then but very little low-headed trees. 



10. Common manure, plowed in the ground early in Spring. Use some kind of a hard crop 

 in the orchard. 



11. Would not cultivate any after August 1st. 



12. Have paid but little attention to the growing of seedlings. In fact, have but one in 

 my wh ole orchard Avhich I know to be a seedling, and that is small, sour, and good only for 

 cider, as most all other seedlings are. I have run over this list very rapidly, and have not 



given myself time for thought in this matter, or I could perhaps have arranged it more sat- 

 isfactorily to myself and to you. In conclusion, would say I hope you will have a grand good 



time at the meeting, and that new ideas will come up, and new methods which will be of 



use to all Avho are in the horticultural business, or amateurs. . 



Yours truly, 



A. C. Hamilton. 



MR. laNXEY'S REPORT. 



MoKRisTowx, Rice Co., Minn., / 

 January 6, 1S78. ^ j' 

 A. W. McKinstry: 



Dear Sir:— You requested that I should give you a few items with regard to my success in 

 growiag small fruits. Three years ago last spring I purchased of A. M. Pusely, of Palmyra, 

 New York, quite an extensive variety of small fruits, in order to satisfy myself which would 

 prove most profitable in Minnesota. 



For strawberries— Michigan Seedling, Kentucky, Jucunda, Napoleon III., Xiconor. Ida, 

 Green's Prolific, Downer's Prolific, Colfax, Romney's Seedling, Early Scarlet. Wilson. Dr. 

 Nicaise, Triumph de Grand. 



These I have given careful cultivation in hill and mulched row system, three feet between 

 the rows, and from 12 to 15 inches between the hills. 



I have not had a large bed of any of the above varieties, for the reason that I wished to 

 test the merits of each kind before planting largely. The ground slopes gently to the north. 



Thus far I have not mulched or given any winter protection. 



We picked 1.5 bushels strawberries last season. Of the yield, I will place Michigan Seedling 

 first; second, Colfax: third, Niconor; fourth, DoAvner's Prolific, Ida, Wilson, Early Scarlet, 

 Krommer's Seedling. These five varieties about the same. Triumph de Grand, is a very 

 good flower berry, but rather soft to market at a great distance. The Ida— this is a rank 

 grower, tall and stout, can plow close and not soil the fruit. I was well pleased with it. 

 Next to Kentucky it held its', place the longest; and the last seemed the nicest berry I ever 

 tasted. This was the testimony of many who ate of the fruit. Krommer's Seedling is not a 

 very large berry, but is of a dark color, flesh blood red, and first class. Downer's Prolific has 

 done well: shall set largely of this variety. The Michigan Seedling is rather of a sour berry, 

 good size, rank grower, easily kept in hills. From a single plant kept in hill one year, the 

 second year they have averaged 18 good fruit trusses, and one quart to a hill was not uncommon. 

 The berry is softer than Wilson, but I like it for general cultivation; it is easily tended, and 

 has borne two good crops. The same hills look vigorous, as though they were good for 

 another crop. The Niconor is quite a firm berry, much sweeter than the Wilson; is a good 

 yielder; has given the best of satisfaction thas far. Colfax is a good yielder, good size, very 

 acid unless very ripe; it is then good to eat from the vines but too soft to market. Kentucky 

 and Napoleon III. promise fair; have not tested them long enough to speak with confidence 

 about them. Triumph de Grand, on very rich ground, and kept in hills, is profitable to set. 



Of raspberries, I have cultivated Mammoth Cluster, Seneca Black Caps, Philadelphia, 



