80 MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
pine, red cedar, etc., to all farmers in these western prairies, when grown 
under shelter of the golden willow or other hardy trees. 
‘‘The afternoon of the second day ‘Our Farmers’ Fruit and Vegetable Gar- 
den’ was presented and well received. We make no mistake in advising a//to 
endorse this ‘one acre garden.’ With evergreens and a belt of timber on these 
prairies, ‘making forest conditions’ under which no failures in growing fruits 
are reported when the trees and plants, etc., have good care.”’ 
Madison, Minn., Jan. 18, Igoo. ; 
‘“The Morton meeting was a tame affair compared with the session held at 
Madison, although the meeting here was 50% better than one held in 1808. 
The people listened with much interest to our talks on the value of evergreens 
on the farm and how to growthem. Many questions were asked and answered. 
an evidence of the general interest in the subject. 
‘In teaching the ‘Gospel of Fruit Growing,’ I always begin with the state- 
ment or text that all orchards and fruit gardens must be enclosed with a pro- 
tection of evergreens and other trees on all the prairie section of our state if 
the planter expects to grow fruits. Establish about the farm buildings and 
orchard forest conditions, and the problem of successful fruit growing and 
gardening is solved to the man who is willing to plant and give his plantings 
intelligent care. 
‘““We presented the subject of ‘Fruits for the Farm’ in the afternoon of 
the second day of our institute, recommending the planting of everything in 
the garden in long rows the entire length of the garden, so that cultivation can 
be done with horse and corn tools. All appeared to be very much interested in 
the improved native plum, as many questions were asked about methods of 
growing that fruit. 
‘To get the plum started we are urging their value as a practical shelter belt 
about the farm yards and buildings where people have been discouraged 
planting the evergreen. Under protection of the plum trees evergreens can be 
successfully grown in this part of Minnesota, regardless of past failures, if the 
Scotch pine and red cedar is planted. 
““Mr. T. B. Terry, of Ohio, gave a short, interesting and very practical talk 
on his method of growing and using the strawberry. Many people who suc- 
ceed in growing fruits do not know how to use them to the best advantage. The 
farmer’s family deserves the best product of the farm. Strawberries should be 
used by the feck or bushel on every farm in Minnesota instead of by the quart. 
‘FR. M. Greely gave the experience of a South Dakota farmer with raspber- 
ries. When they were planted in long rows, with plenty of room between rows 
to cultivate and mulch, the results were most satisfactory even in that section, 
where fruit growing is regarded a failure. The family was supplied in abund- 
ance at a minimum cost of laber, with some to turn off for the neighbors. 
‘‘Mrs. Laws, in her talk on foods, which was valuable and most practical, 
calls special attention to the value of fruits, the apple in particular as being 
strictly medicinal as well as a much needful food and luxury for the entire 
family during the winter; also to the fact that home grown fruits are much 
better and cheaper than patent medicines and will save many visits from the 
family physician and consequent expensive doctor’s bills. 
‘‘A word to the wise is sufficient. Plant a generous and well assorted fruit 
and vegetable garden next spring, ordering a¢ once from some reliable grower 
a good supply of trees, plants and seeds.”’ A. K. BUSH. 
Morton, Jan. 19, 1900. 
