ecretary's (^orijer. 



ft orr 



Midsummer Triae Station - Reports. — The semi-annual reports of the 

 trial stations have been deferred this year and will appear in the x\ugust number, 

 instead of, as heretofore, in the July issue. We hope that this postponement 

 will add to the value of the reports, as the superintendents can note at a later date 

 more fully the effects of the previous winter,both on the plant and on the crop. 



The Probable Orchard Crop In Minnesota. — Returns from many 

 points in the state where apples are grown with success indicate, at the time of 

 going to press, the prospect of a good apple crop. Those trees which bore last 

 year are only fruiting in limited quantities, as was to be expected, but other 

 trees, which include the larger portion of the bearing trees of the state, are 

 well set and with a present prospect of retaining the crop to maturity. The 

 plum crop promises to be very light. The small fruit crop is generally excel- 

 lent. 



Ladybirds vs. San Jose Scale. — The efforts of the U. S. Department 

 of Agriculture last year to import from China the ladybird, which is said to be 

 a parasite of the dreaded scale, has resulted in saving fifty-two out of the 

 whole importation. These may be said to have cost $2,000 each. These 

 have laid many eggs, which have hatched, and the larvae are already feeding on 

 the scale insects provided for them. Is this to be the final settlement of this 

 pest? 



Autumn Sowing of Pine Seeds. — For many years we have raised ever- 

 green seedlings, but have made a almost uniform practice of sowing them 

 all in the spring with the exception of red cedar, which we always prefer to 

 sow in the autumn. Last year, however, I was persuaded by a friend to try 

 the sowing of bull pine seed in autumn. Our land here is packed so hard in 

 winter that it is not well adapted for fall sown seeds, as such a crust forms 

 that frequently the seedlings cannot get through it. To obviate this difficulty 

 I mixed a large amount of sand in the surface soil of the bed and, after sowing 

 the seeds broadcast and covering them about one-half an inch deep with sand 

 and soil, put on fully an inch of clear sand, and, as a result of this, I have this 

 spring a beautiful lot of pine seedlings, which are a surprise and a delight. 



Samuel B. Green. 



Fruit at Sleepy Eve. — Plum and apple trees came through winter in 

 good condition. Prospects are for a good crop of plums. I have a number of 

 new varieties bearing for the first time; namely, Mankato, Milton, Wittman's 

 No. 1 and 2, Golden Queen, Brittlewood, Hammer, etc. Apple trees are in 

 bloom and are looking fine. I have some Lyman's Prolifiic two year planted 

 in bloom; University two year planted are in bloom. Juneberries are loaded 

 with fruit this year. All raspberries froze back two-thirds where not covered. 

 Gregg is the best in black and Loudon best in red. Strawberries are 

 promising. I have some cherry trees from Denmark; they are all white with 

 blossom. The cherry is not very large and rather sour. Orel No. 20 is in 

 bloom; it is from Russia. Besarabian planted eight years ago is not fruitful. 

 The tree is large and looks healthy, but has never borne any yet. Peerless 

 apple trees planted six years ago are blooming finely. The trees are hardy on 

 the open prairie. 



May 19, 1902. Martin Penning. 



