STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 163 



Mr. Fuller moved the adoption of the plan. 



President Sias. As a rule trees do best where they originate. 

 While the Wealthy succeeds here, it might not in Russia. The plan 

 makes no distinction as fco origin of varieties, and I think we had 

 better restrict the premiums to Minnesota seedlings. 



The Secretary. The idea in the scheme presented is that it 

 makes no difference where the apple comes from, or how it comes, 

 so that we get the hardy, long-keeping sorts we are after. Provis- 

 ion is made for long and complete tests before awarding the pre- 

 miums. 



Mr. Underwood. The subject is very important, and demands 

 serious consideration. I want the apple to be better than any now 

 known. Do not think it best to limit the manner of its production. 

 Hope every member will study the subject and help devise a system 

 of premiums that vill be the best for the end in view. 



Mr. Fuller. I agree with the spirit of the paper presented. I 

 don't care where the apple comes from. I think a trial of ten years 

 bearing in Minnesota will test its hardiness. Have no confidence 

 in Russian varieties, but am willing they should compete. 



Mr. Pearce. Ten years is too long a term to require for a test of 

 hardiness. Three years, or even one year, is sufficient. Seasons 

 differ. Corn ripens one year and not another. Seasons and not 

 length of time test the hardiness of varieties. Hardiness of trees 

 is ascertained by the number of days it takes to ripen the wood. 

 The true test is whether our shortest seasons are long enough to 

 ripen the wood. Ripe wood does not winter kill. 



Mr. Whipple. I do not agree with Mr. Pearce. I suppose all 

 know the Pioneer, originated at Excelsior, was thought to be iron- 

 clad, but the winter of 1872-3 killed the tree dead. Many trees 

 live eight or ten years and then there comes a winter that kills 

 them ail at once. 



Mr. Pearce. I have made trees a study for many years. The 

 season previous to the winter of 1872-3, was very unfavorable, 

 owing to drouth. The ground got so dry in the fall we could not 

 dig, and many trees died from drouth alone that season. 



Mr. Phillips. If time of test be changed, I would lengthen 

 rather than shorten it, and put the probation at fifteen years 

 instead of ten. 



Mr. Underwood moved, as an amendment to Mr. Fuller's motion, 

 that the Secretary's plan for premiums on new varieties of winter 

 apples be printed and laid over till next meeting, for consideration. 



