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TRIBUTE TO PETER M. GIDEON. 101 
the saints was lowered one iota by his help in the “‘peace conference” with 
Peter M. Gideon. Then that grand old member who honestly thought it 
“out of order’ for a member to touch so heavy and lengthy on religious 
matters, plant breeding, horse racing, etc., was the second man I noted 
on the stand to grasp the kind hand of the noted Wealthy-producer—and 
to say, “I am happy to see you back in the society.”” Mr. Gideon answered 
as he warmly pressed his hand, “I am glad to get back.” His daughter, 
Mrs. Webster, paid him a high tribute when she said, “he lived close to na- 
ture.” I do like to see children honor their parents. 
Prof. S. B. Green, in summing up his able scientific sketch of Peter M. 
Gidecn, says, “We have cause to feel proud that he was a son of Muinne- 
sota.” I agree with my friend Ex-Prest. Underwood, that nothing in the 
shape of a monument would please him like a living one. “In what gardens 
of delight rest thy weary feet tonight?” 
Who knows more of the life and good works of Peter M. Gideon than 
John H. Stevens, from Maine, the founder of the seedling commission, the 
man who helped to name Minneapolis. If he says Peter. M. Gideon was a 
public benefactor, “so say we all.” 
John S. Harris, who continued to hunt for an honest winter seedling 
apple for years after the two other members of his commission had passed 
away, and their obituaries recorded, says: ““He will be remembered and 
honored by future generations.’ Wyman Elliot says: ‘‘No man in the state 
can show a better record.” With A. J. Philips, I can say “I feel that no 
words than I can command can fully express my admiration for him and the 
great work he has accomplished.” Like J. T. Grimes, “I know him well,” 
personally, “by his fruits.” And with S. M. Owen, I say, “well done 
good and faithful servant.” We read with great interest the eloquent 
words of W. W. Pendergast and can say with him “his noble work will live 
aiter him.” Mr. O. F. Brand, who knew Mr. Gideon well, says, ‘His 
mind was set on producing something good and valuable for humanity and 
he accomplished it.’ “So say we all.” Speaking of monuments, I hope 
each member's plan will be speedily and faithfully carried out; as for myself 
I propose to go below the frost line and plant the eucalyptus gigantea to the 
memory of Peter M. Gideon. 
Harbor View, Fla., Jan. 19, 1900. 
EXPERIMENT GROUNDS AT LAKE MINNETONKA 
IN 1899. 
ROLLA STUBBS, BEDERWOOD. 
The season of 1809 was not favorable for a very large crop of apples. 
The long cold winter of 1898-99 did some damage to some young trees, five 
to eight years old, no more, however, than killing back the last year’s 
growth on some varieties. The Wealthy seemed to be affected as much as 
any, except in some localities; the Peerless were nearly entirely killed. 
Our old trees, twenty-five years old, failed to bear more than one-fourth 
of a crop of fruit last year, those bearing mostly being Wealthy, Duchess, 
Patten’s Greening, Peter; crabs, Whitney and Virginia. My seedling trees 
bore about half a crop, having borne annually for twenty years four to ten 
bushels a year each. Apple tree planting has taken a boom through this 
locality in the last three or four years and a number of promising young or- 
chards are just coming into bearing. 
