246 ANNUAL REPORT 



varying from the size of a lead pencil to a broom straw; these in 

 turn being furnished with fibrous rootlets in great abundance, giv- 

 ing the secret of its rapid, regular habit of growth. Being a very- 

 early bearer it is deservedly' taking a high rank throughout the 

 Northern states. Though not a first-class keeper, if picked and 

 handled carefully and properly stored, it remains sound until past 

 midwinter. For top grafting it is unequalled as a stock. 



The Minnesota is one cf the hybrids, and recommended for 

 hardiness, abundance and size of fruit, and is our best keeper. The 

 fruit will average larger than the English Russet, is subacid, 

 quality good ; in color yellowish white, or streaked with faint pink 

 on one cheek. In shape pyriforra, and is a regular bearer. 



The ground being in a thorough state of preparation and the 

 trees selected, plant as follows : First dig holes thirty inches across 

 and eighteen inches deep, pulv<=;rize the earth at the bottom, and if 

 the soil is inclined to be wet or cold, pbce a thin flat stone twelve 

 inches square, six inches below the bottom of the hole ; heap up 

 earth in bottom of hole in a conical shape, six inches high ; trim 

 off the ends of all broken roots and dip the roots of the tree in a 

 puddle of earth and water mixed to the consistency of thick paint. 

 Place the tree upon the center of the mound, straighten out the 

 roots with care, then by hand work fine soil into all the root inter- 

 stices, being careful to fill all spaces ; this being done, cover with 

 sufficient earth so that the pressure of the foot will not bruise the 

 roots, and tramp firmly on all sides. Repeat this process of filling 

 and tramping until the earth removed from the hole is replaced 

 and the tree so firmly set as not to be shaken in the ground by the 

 action of the wind. Leave the surface earth loose and sloping 

 from the outer edge of the circle down to the body of the tree. 

 As soon as planted mulch with rotton straw or with broad flat 

 stones. 



DO NOT WATER IN PLANTING. 



When set, prune immediately by removing all limbs that inter- 

 fere with general symmetry, any that rub each other by action of 

 the wind, and cut back half of the previous year's growth of wood 

 exactly to a bud. Any limbs cut at this time will not require ap- 

 plications of paint or wax to prevent bleeding. At intervals of a 

 month remove all water sprouts or suckers which may start before 

 the middle of August. These same rules for pruning can be safely 

 followed year after year, except cutting back the previous year's 



