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MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



plant is a unit and unlike any other plant of its kind, and when 

 these units are blended together variations must occur ; so that in 

 selection, combination and cross-pollination, we have the three great 

 sources of improvement. Prof. L. H. Bailey, in his "Plant Breed- 

 ing," says: "Selection is the force which augments, develops and 

 fixes type." 



Residence of Chas. G Patten, Charles City, Iowa. 



Especially for us hardiness, or adaptation to climate, must al- 

 ways be of first importance in the development of improved fruits. 

 If we wish to produce a commercial apple for the far north in Min- 

 nesota we should select for the mother stock the Hibernal. First, 

 because it is of the highest type of hardiness, a vigorous tree, bear- 

 ing large sized culinary fruit of fair color. We would cross-pollenize 

 it with the Pink or Striped Anis, or perhaps General Greig. We 

 cross with these varieties first because of their extreme hardiness, 

 freedom from blight, fair productiveness and an appetizing quality 

 of fruit in the Anis. If vou desired a better fruit and more beau- 



