106 ANNUAL REPORT 



farmers about as well as any of the old varieties, although the 

 Pameuse has more friends than any other one variety. 



The large exhibitions at fairs, and especially at your State fair 

 last fall, convinces me that the interest in fruit growing is increas- 

 ing in the Northwest. 



And as I haye given you a brief account of my working and ex- 

 perience in this branch of horticulture for the past two years, will 

 close by wishing you all success in the year 1883. 



Mr. Pearce. Did the leaves drop early on aocount of ripening 

 of the wood or from drouth? 



Mr. Phillips. ] think it was from healthy maturity. Frost 

 came about October 20th, and leaves were falling. Orchards 450 

 to 500 feet above the valley, and frost holds off longer. Atwood 

 seedling is of fair size and quality, and is a keeper. Where the 

 original tree grows, the soil is black and location in the valley. 

 Tree is 30 3-ears old, and bears heavily. Does not indicate any crab 

 blood. Whitney No. 20 suits me better for preserves than any 

 other variety — better than peach, but my wife says peach is best. 

 1 shipped Mr. Elliott some of the fruit for market last fall and he 

 says they gave good satisfaction. Some folks say I have Whitney 

 No. 20 on the brain, but I like the variety. Season with us about 

 September 10th to 15th. In northern Illinois it ripens in August. 



Mr. Bussee. They ripened with me September 13. 



Mr. Phillips. Never saw any blight on Whitney No. 20. Think 

 blight is contagious. 



Secretary Gibbs. Mrs. Wilcox, of La Crosse, told me last winter 

 the Whitney No. 20 was the best for canning of all the crabs. 



President J. M. Smith, of the Wisconsin Horticultural Society, 

 having arrived, was introduced to the Society. Mr. Smith excused 

 himself from any extended remarks, but said he would read his 

 paper on Market Gardening whenever the Society should reach it 

 in the program. 



Revision of fruit list called for, and after a desultory discussion 

 on varieties, and the adoption of Duchess, Wealthy and Tetofsky 

 for general cultivation, a motion was made by the Secretary, to 

 district the State anew for all fruits to be recommended, as fol- 

 lows: 



1st. For General Cultivation. 



2d. For southern and southeastern Minnesota. 



3d. For northern and western Minnesota. 



Mr. Fuller. I am inclined to favor that motion. Eight varieties 

 are ail that can be grown in my section — the prairie district west 



