THE SIBERIAN PEA-TREE AS A HEDGE- 431 
I observed in Russia was fifteen to twenty feet, but the usual height of the 
pruned hedges was about one-third of this. 
The name “pea tree” refers to the shape of the blossom, which is like 
that of the pea. The color is yellow. It is a member of the same family 
(Leguminosae). In May the bush is covered with a profusion of blossoms. 
The locust-like foliage appears early and is of a lively green color. At 
Brookings we have an interesting collection of about fifteen species and va- 
rietiés of Caragana, all of Asiatic or east Russian origin, and all are hardy. 
Caragana arborescens is the largest. The German name “tree-like pea- 
bush” defines the size better than the English “pea tree.” 
In the course of my Russian trip in 1897-98, for the U. S. Department of 
Agriculture, ten Russian “poods” (a “pood” equals thirty-six pounds avoir- 
dupois) of the Caragana arborescens seed was secured, and this was widely 
distributed by the Department. 
PROSPECTS OF APPLE GROWING IN THE RED RIVER 
VALLEY. 
REV. O. A. TH. SOLEM, HALSTAD. 
The Red River Valley is noted for its wheat, so much so that wheat- 
growing and the Red River Valley have become almost analagous terms. 
Consequently many people believe that wheat is about the only product that 
can be raised here with profit. But the Red River Valley has repeatedly 
proven itself to be a country where other products can be raised just as suc- 
cessfully and with as much profit as wheat, among which may be mentioned 
clover and other tame grasses, small fruit, etc. It is our hope that apples 
also can be raised here with profit. 
The varieties of apple trees which agents have recommended and sold 
are not adapted to our climate, and some of them not even to that of south- 
ern Minnesota, : 
Transcendent crab has been commonly recommended, but is inadaptable 
to us on account of its susceptibility to “blight.” However, I believe it can 
safely be used as stock to top-graft on. 
Hibernal, Arctic and Toucan are promising, and so far have exhibited 
no signs of root-killing. 
During latter part of March and April dry south winds prevail here 
which do greater damage to apple trees than to any other kinds of trees, 
and I consider protection on the south side of the orchard as absolutely 
necessary. Protection from the north and west winds is also of great ad- 
vantage. 
After planting them deep, my apple trees seem to do better and have 
shown no signs of root-killing. 
It is well to begin cultivating between the rows as early in the spring as 
possible and to continue frequently till July, as trees so cultivated will grow 
rapidly and be ready for the cold weather. 
I will not say that the prospects for apple growing in the Red River 
Valley are the most promising, but I have not as yet much experience. As 
we have the Northwestern Experiment Station, at Crookston, under such 
competent management as that of Prof. T. A. Hoverstad, it leads us to ex- 
pect considerable also in line of apple growing from that source. And then 
the persevering work which is being done by the Minnesota State Horti- 
