222 ANNUAL EEPORT 



climate, we must look to those whose lots are cast with us for in- 

 formation. I mean to those who are and have for years been ex- 

 perimenting with trees in this latitude, for the reason that the hor- 

 ticulturist south or east of us has not the practical experience on 

 this point that will rightly guide us. I have learned the foregoing 

 by experience, and in some cases have paid dearly for it, but offer 

 it to others in view of the old saying that our lamp burns no less 

 bright because others profit by its light. The first thing I advise 

 you to do, if you have faith you can grow an orchard and raise 

 fruit, and intend to do it, is to begin to post yourself on this point 

 by visiting orchards and nurseries at least a year before you plant, 

 both in the spring and in the fruiting season. Examine the trees 

 carefully, and note these particular points: first, the general 

 appearance as to hardiness; second, the length of time they have 

 been growing, how many very hard winters there have been during 

 that time, their qualities as to bearing fruit, and its value for mar- 

 ket and home use, which are judged by quality and season. Now, 

 the foregoing is based on the supposition that you have access in a 

 reasonable distance to a growing orchard. If such is not the case, 

 you will then have to depend for this information on some practi- 

 cal orchardist, giving him a description of your soil, exposures, etc. 

 Trust not to the tree peddler for this, as nine times out of teu you 

 will be deceived, for though he may be honest, he is not posted 

 himself. And I do claim before he starts on that mission he 

 should take pains and spend time to learn his business where he 

 intends operating, just as much as the doctor, preacher, or teacher, 

 have to learn what is required of them to be successful. The 

 selection of varieties resolves itself into this: select those that are 

 doing the best, and proving most profitable in locations similar to 

 your own. And perhaps right here it would be well to name 

 a few to form the basis of an orchard, as I would set it in Minne- 

 sota. Now, in speaking of protection I advise setting a row 

 of plum trees on the north and west, which will furnish plums 

 enough for all practical purposes. Now, I would continue that 

 row around by setting Whitney's No. 20 on the south and east, 

 except ten trees on the east, which should be Tetofski. This row 

 I would head four and one-half feet high, and in five years they 

 will be of sufiicient size to support four wires — the best fence in 

 the word to protect your orchard. As apple or other fruit trees, 

 cattle and horses do not thrive well in the same enclosure. Set a 

 good post every twenty rods to strain the v.'ire on; put the staples 

 through a board standing upright; clinch them and fasten to the 



