HISTORY OF HOIITICULTUKE IN MINNESOTA. 207 



I have seen it stated that the Duchess of Oldenburg is of Siljerian origin, 

 from which country it was introduced into Kussia. Wo have already ascer- 

 tained that the Kussians trace the origin of some of tlie varieties of apples 

 they cultivate to China ; and some of the travelers from whom I have quoted, 

 state that the variety of apples they saw in Russia, are unknown to other 

 parts of Europe. 



The Russians have maintained for more than one hundred and fifty years 

 overland commercial intercourse with Northern China, which extends to the 

 50th parallel, and as the Chinese are the most skillful horticulturalists in Asia, 

 and probably the most ancient in the world, we may reasonably conjecture 

 that many varieties of fruits growing in Russia were derived from Northern 

 China, a portion of the globe about which very little is known, but which I 

 have no doubt affords a magnificent field for horticultural exploration. 



I have been able to find but one author, Pere Du Halde, Avho aives an ac- 

 count of Northern China. Du Halde says the same kinds of fruits are raised 

 there as in Europe, and particularly mentions apples and pears. This is in 

 Manchooria, from which came the present ruling race of China, a race of very 

 ancient civilization. The climate of Manchooria, is as hyperborian as that 

 of Minnesota, and we may reasonably seek in that country for valuable vari- 

 eties of fruits that could be successfully naturalized to our soil. I think that 

 our experience thus far shows that, as a general nde, the varieties of fruits 

 best adapted to our climate must be obtained from the interior of continents 

 where the climate is similar to our own. 



We have been disappointed in our ellbrts t(^ naturalize Jipple trees wliicli 

 grow in the Cauadas even north of Quebec, and in Maine. 



There has heeu, it is true, some success in varieties from those regions, 

 1)ut in fact, general failure. Success with them depends upon highly favor- 

 able circumstances, and the best methods of culture and protection. 



For general success we need other varieties, which, like the Duchess of 

 Oldenburg, are as hardy as our native forest trees. 



We cannot be content to await the production of valuable nev/ varieties, 

 which ma}^ not be possible in a life time. 



Our naturalized Duchess of Oldenburg is a fall apple, lasting l)ut a short 

 time. What an acquisition would we have in the Russian four-pounder, 

 grown at Kirvesk, Avhich is a winter apple, a great keeper and of superior 

 quality. Its introduction would be worth millions to our Russian north. 



Thomas Jefferson said that the person who introduced the Catawlja grai)c 

 conferred a greater benefit upon the country than if he had paid off the then 

 national debt, which was considered vast. 



How shall we estimate the value of the beuelaction bestowed upon our 

 people by the enterprising pioneers who shall succeed in introducing into 

 general cultivation in Minnesota, varieties of valuable standard fruits, such as 

 apples, pears, cherries and plums, which may be profital)ly grown for exporta- 

 tion as well as for home consumption. This is surely an object of great public 

 importance. I believe that, however, improbable it may appear, its accom- 

 plishment is possible, in our day and generation. 



Is there not to be found somewhere in the North, at least one lover of hor- 

 ticulture, who has the necessary knowledge and the will to go and collect 

 from the countries referred to, varieties of fruit trees for adoption here, and 

 who has also what is essential — money enough to pay his way? Such a man 



