'^ 



^ecvetavy's ^ori^er. 



The Society Membershxp.— The annual membership at this date, July 

 28th, is 1778; life membership, 149, making a total present membership for 

 1905 of 1927. 



Blight in Minnesota Orchards. — In the present condition of extensive 

 blight in Minnesota orchards our readers will turn with interest to the article 

 on this subject appearing in this number, as quoted from a bulletin lately- 

 sent out by the Idaho Experiment Station, which gives, we believe, the latest 

 thought on this subject and offers the only known remedy for this insidious 

 and devastating disease. We commend to your careful attention the article 

 referred to. 



The August Suppi.EMENT.^We desire to call the attention of the mem- 

 bers of this society, located in Minnesota especially, to the supplement sent 

 out in connection with this number. It is in reality a blank to be filled out 

 by the recipients. We hope that each member will realize the importance of 

 this and give the matter prompt attention, writing into the blank after each 

 of these questions asked the replj' to the question, giving concisely the de- 

 sired information, and return without delay to the secretary. This will only 

 require a very few moments, and the information received from the members 

 as a whole should bring out some facts of large value in the work of the 

 association, Please do not put this off "to a more convenient season" but 

 take the first opportunity to fix it up and mail as requested. 



Condition of Minnesota Fruits. — The strawberry crop in our state 

 has in many localities proved something of a disappointment, showing evi- 

 dence of injury to the roots the past winter, weakening the plants to such 

 an extent that its effect could not be overcome by the unusually favorable 

 climatic conditions during and just prior to the ripening season. The 

 raspberry crop, however, has made up in some measure for this, as a very full 

 yield has been harvested from most of the raspberry fields. Other small 

 fruits have given an average yield, as far as reported. The prospects for 

 grapes is excellent, though they are a little backward and will need plenty of 

 warm weather and sunshine to ripen them at an average date. The plum 

 trees, as a rule, are not bearing heavily in Minnesota this year, and the crop 

 gives promise of being a light one. As to the yield of apples, the prospect of 

 an abundant yield apparent early in the season has been injured materially by 

 the unusual prevalence of blight, the Wealthy especially being severely af- 

 fected this year by this disease, so that the crop of this variety will be an ex- 

 ceedingly light one. The Duchess are bearing fairly well, and most other 

 varieties will yield something less than the average crop. 



The prevalance of blight has affected all varieties this year, even the Peer- 

 less, according to Mr. C. P. Blair, of St. Charles, who has often spoken of his 

 fine Peerless orchard, showing considerable blight. The sparseness of the 

 crop on many trees should insure some extraordinarily fine specimens 

 for exhibition at the state fair and at the coming winter meeting of the society. 



