68 ANNUAL REPORT 



variety ever introduced into our county. The Mammoth Cluster and some of tlie 

 other Black caps produced 'good crops. 



Strawbeukiks. — Last, although not the least, among the good things mentioned 

 comes the Strawberry Of this delicious fruit, we were blessed with a large crop, 

 and good paying prices kept up to the very last picking. 



Downers Prolific, Green Prolitic, Crescent Seedling, Captain Jack, Hart's Min- 

 nesota Seedling paid the best. The latter for size, and uniform good shape, and 

 {(uality, I consider inferior to none on the list. 



A. W. Si.\i5. 



S.\UK Center, Minn , January 12, 18S2. 

 Mr. President and Gentlemen : 



From quite a general observation and considerable experience in small fruits, I 

 would report that there seems to he no reasonable encouragement to attempt the 

 raising of any of the standard apples except the "Dutchess," and that only in the 

 best of locations Some settings of the "crabs" are looking and bearing well, and 

 some from their appearance indicate that their vitality is on the decline. 



Currants, with proper pruning and nuilching, grow thriftily and bear profusely. 

 AVith me the Philadephia Quinces and Purple cane raspberries for many years have 

 proved almost perfectly hardy to stand the winters after thorough cultivation and 

 early and continued pinching off of the tips of the new caHCS. The pinching 

 back keeps the canes stocky, self supporting, more productive, and I think the 

 main condition to be observed to secure hardiness. 



With me the Philadelphia proves far the most productive— the Purple Cane next, 

 and of far better flavor— the Turner not as productive as the last named, but of 

 superior quality. Strawberries, 1 consider a success in good locations, with intel- 

 ligent care. 



Geo. H. Fish. 



REPORT FROM THE 9TH DISTRICT. 



Lake City, Minn., January 10, 1882. 

 Stratcb&rries~On]y a medium crop. Season of fruitage favorable, but the vines 

 had sufferad from drouth and perhaps other causes the previous autumn. The 

 Wilson continues to be the berry mostly in sight in the general market here, 

 although the Red Jacket, Captain Jack, Sharpless, and others are known to be 

 doing well. The Sharpless is the largest berry yet raised in this district, and is 

 well liked by those who have it. Specimens of it of enormous size, making the 

 largest "Wilson's look small by comparison, were exhibited at our Lake Pepin Hor- 

 ticultural Society's meeting in June last, by S. S. Workman of this city. 



Raspberries — Very light crop. Scarcely any in market. Of the reds, the Clark 

 made the best showing on the bushes, and of the black the Seneca has always taken 

 the lead here. 



Blackberries — None fruiting within my knowledge except a few Snyders here and 

 there. Stone's Hardy, recently planted, are very promising. These two sorts are 

 at the present writing perfectly soand to the terminal buds, without protection, 

 although I am inclined to think thej' should be pruned low and branchy and cov- 

 ered, to make sure of their wintering well in the severest seasons. 



