288 MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



wrote, could give me no information as to the number of bearing 

 apple trees in their state. 



I should have been glad of the knowledge as to the number of 

 bearing trees in each county of our own state and the amount of 

 apples produced so I could have incorporated the information in my 

 maiden paper before this society, but to my regret could not secure 

 the information. 



N. B. See discussion beginning on page 291. 



LESSONS FROM PRUNING- 



JONATHAN FREEMAN, AUSTIN. 



Sixteen years since, I found upon my present farm a small, 

 young orchard located upon a southwest inclination and exposure, 

 with a slight protection upon the north by a few cottonwood trees, 

 in a stiff sod of timothy and blue grass. In winter the sun's rays 

 were almost burning hot upon the southwest portions of the trees. 

 From horticultural lore then possessed and since inculcated by hon- 

 ored and experienced horticulturists, I concluded it was perfect 

 foolishness to put labor upon it with a hope of its preservation. It 

 has been left entirely alone to work out its own salvation without 

 the least assistance on my part until very recently. 



This orchard is composed of a few Duchess, several Tetofskys, 

 several Wealthys, one Malinda, one or more trees resembling the 

 Haas and several kinds of crabs. It gives us each year plenty of 

 apples for home consumption, including the filling of one hundred 

 quart cans for winter use, and many gallons of sweet pickles. We 

 usually put into the cellar from two to five barrels of Wealthy and 

 Malinda, besides selling from five to ten dollars worth each season. 



Recently the trees of this little orchard have' been pfuned. Oth- 

 erwise, it is sadly neglected ; still the trees are healthy and remun- 

 erative. 



Certainly, I do not expect you all to agree with me, horticultur- 

 ally or otherwise. Indeed, I notice that it takes much discussion 

 and a statement of all sides of a question — and there are usually a 

 great many sides — before any two or more persons will agree on any 

 one subject. Such discussions show interest, enthusiasm and 

 growth, but not necessarily unity of thought, belief or expression. 

 They are all right for the veterans of horticulture, but sometimes, 

 or rather, off times, a beginner is rather puzzled to know zuhat 

 to do and zvhat not to do in his first horticultural ventures. Still, 

 "we agree to disagree." 



"Pruning" is commonly used as synonymous with "trimming," 

 still it has a deeper meaning. We cut off superfluous branches to 



