66 MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



REPORT OF SEEDLING COMMITTEE. 



O. M. LORD, MINNESOTA CITY, CHAIRMAN. 



The seedling- apple trees at the Owatonna Trial Station number 

 several hundred in bearing. The great majority of them appear 

 to be thrifty and healthy. The station was visited in September, 

 and the greater part of the fruit was lying on the ground, some of 

 it entirely rotten, and much of it too far gone to judge of its qual- 

 ity. A seedling of the Okabena was full of fruit, that is said to keep 

 well into the winter. In color and shape it much resembles the 

 Walbridge. The tree had been girdled several times and appeared 

 to be overbearing, though in a healthy condition. If thinning the 

 fruit would increase the size, it would prove a valuable addition to 

 our list. 



Owatonna having the reputation of being a severe trial station 

 has led Mr. Dartt to direct his efforts largely toward hardy stock, 

 and appearances indicate that he has been very successful so far, 

 as the trees in vigor and health compare favorably with any in other 

 parts of the state. Hardiness being secured, the way is paved for 

 improvement in size and quality. 



It is generally conceded that the chances for improvement in 

 seedlings is only one in a thousand, yet some varities show a re- 

 markable tendency to perpetuate their peculiar character in their 

 seedlings. Mr. Dartt has used his Hybrid for seedlings, which 

 shows largely this prepotent tendency. 



He has secured hardiness and in some cases apples of fair size 

 and fine appearance, but all very similar in quality ; none standing 

 out prominently as very desirable for general cultivation. 



The Wealthy is also a variety that appears to stamp its character 

 on its seedlings. This is shown in the orchard of Mr. Lyman to 

 greater advantage than in any other place visited. The Wealthy 

 seedlings there are quite variable in character, but nearly all are 

 good apples, and some are superior and well worthy of propagation. 



The seedlings of these two places are the most prominent ones 

 brought to the notice of the committee this year. 



Prof. Green collected at Owatonna several specimens of ap- 

 ples for special examination and also took notes so as to be able to 

 report more specifically and in full of the fruits grown there. 



Plums. Though an off year several new varieties appeared of 

 much promise to our already long list. The plum orchards of Mr. 

 Knudson, of Springfield, and of Mr. Penning, of Sleepy Eye, were 

 visited in September. Mr. Knudson fruited this year twelve va- 

 rieties of Japan and twelve of the Domestica, and a good many 



