ecretary's (^orqer. 



^orr 



The Society Membership.— The annual membership roll now contains 

 1688 members, and adding to these the life members brings the total mem- 

 bership at this time up to 1832, which is 164 more than last year at 

 this time. 



Apple Trees in the Red River Valley.— Rev. O. A. Th. Solem, of 

 Halstad, whose place is on the open prairie a few miles south of Crookston,in 

 the Red River Valley, reports that his apple and crab trees have wintered 

 nicely and look healthy, notwithstanding they have had there nearly an open 

 winter. 



One of Our Veterans— A recent communication from Mr. Frank I. 

 Harris speaks of Mr. J. C. Kramer, who is well known to our older members 

 as one of the most enthusiastic, practical horticulturists in the state. Mr. 

 Harris writes that he is in good health, but totally blind. Mr. Kramer is a 

 resident of LaCrescent, a near neighbor and during a long period an intimate 

 friend of the late J. S. Harris. 



Question about the North Star Apple.— "Does any member of this 

 society know anything about the North Star apple? I understand there are 

 several by this name; the one I have reference to is one originated in Maine 

 from the seed of a Duchess. I have two trees at my place I purchased in 

 Rochester, N. Y., two years ago last spring. They seem to be absolutely hardy 

 and are the best flavored apples I ever eat. If they are as desirable as they 

 appear I would like to plant more of them." J. P. Brown, Eureka. 



Beta Grape Plant Premiums. — In putting up the plant premiums 

 which have recently been sent out to our members it was found that there was 

 considerable shortage of Beta grapes, as a large number had called for them, 

 and instead of substituting something else it was thought better to postpone 

 sending them until fall; so that those who selected Beta grapes for plant prem- 

 iums this spring will receive them next fall instead. We regret this delay, 

 but as there is a popular demand for this grape and the fifty allotted was far 

 exceeded, it seemed best to make this arrangement. 



Medals from World's Fair. — Those to whom medals on Minnesota 

 fruit were awarded at the late World's Fair will be interested in the following 

 extract from a recent communication from F. W. Taylor, Chief of Horti- 

 culture. "It is not known when the medals will be ready for delivery, but I 

 trust it will not be long hence. They will be sent to the Superintendents of 

 the various Departments, those for Minnesota going either to yourself or the 

 State Commission. Those desiring the actual gold or silver medals can have 

 them by paying the cost of minting. I am sorry that I cannot answer you 

 more definitely as to the time of delivery, but it is not possible." 



A later communication, from John H. McGibbons, secretary of awards, St. 

 Louis, under date of April 17, says: "You are advised that we are daily ex- 



J 



