118 MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 
ECHOES FROM FARMERS’ INSTITUTE. 
A. K. BUSH. 
‘‘ This list of 15 members secured at one meeting is a record breaker, but it is 
only an index of the Montevideo Institute, which was attended by more than 
1,000 people. 
‘The institute was a success from start to finish, in every respect. The sub- 
ject of ‘Growing Evergreens on the Prairies,’ was discussed the first day by 
the horticulturist, also, ‘How to Grow and Use Strawberries,’ by T. B. Terry. 
“The second day ‘How to Grow Plums and Small Fruits’ was presented as 
best we could. Asa large number of ladies were in attendance in the afternoon, 
we told them ‘How we Grow Sweet Peas and Roses in Abundance’ by plant- 
ing the same in rows in the garden, when the soil is rich and mellow, using a 
line of three-inch porous drain tile just under the plants, through which water 
can be used when needed for irrigation. This tile is very cheap, and affords a 
most practical method of watering such plants. 
‘“‘T was invited by Judge Moyer to visit the trial station which is under his 
care and located on his farm about two miles out of the city. I found every- 
-thing in most excellent condition and making a very good growth, considering 
the location, which is on the open prairie. Here the golden willow shows its 
value as a windbreak and snowbreak for this country. The ash, elm, hack- 
perry, etc., are doing exceptionally well as soon as ‘forest conditions’ are 
established. 
“The Russian poplar is the most vigorous grower of all trees in this country. 
We were shown sprouts which have grown in a single season from seven to 
eleven feet—making timber about as fast as one can haul it from a distant wood 
lot, and very much cheaper. 
‘‘very farm in Minnesota should have five to ten acres of trees growing, 
which would soon supply the home demand for fuel, protect the surroundings, 
make the family and stock more comfortable and increase the yield of all farm 
crops by their protection. 
‘These trial grounds also contain about two acres of evergreens, largely Scotch 
and Austrian pines, which came from the Department of Forestry, Washington, 
D.C. They are growing without protection and doing fairly well, but would 
do much better, in my opinion, if well protected with willow hedges. These 
demonstration stations are of great value to the state. 
‘“‘I spent an hour or two in the home grounds of Mr. Moyer, in the city. 
They are beautifully located on the crest of the hill, overlooking the city, 
river and country for miles in almost every direction. The location is such 
that the test is severe to all plantings, but all the trees, shrubs, etc., are in fine 
condition, due largely to the intelligent care given them, showing the possibili- 
ties of forestry in southwestern Minnesota.” 
Montevideo, February 4, 1900. 
If I lived near the Twin Cities and owned forty acres of such lands as 
surround Red Wing, I should not hesitate to plant the same to a plum orchard, 
and fully expect net returns quite equal to a California prune orchard of same 
size. Why don’t the fruit growers of Minnesota plant more plum trees ? 
I am “changing work’’ with other members of the corps, so horticulture is 
