76 MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON PROTECTION OF 

 SONG BIRDS. 



MRS. J. B. HUDSON, LAKE CITY, CHAIRMAN. 



We have done little more than get in a wedge this year before 

 tlic Educational Association, but the chair was instructed by a unani- 

 mous vote to appoint a committee of five to confer with the State 

 Horticultural Society committee and present the matter before this 

 body next year. We were late in seeing the secretary, and the pro- 

 grams were printed. They tried to do the best they could. I think 

 next year we may be able to do some very effective work. I have 

 a systematic outline that I think could be carried out through the 

 grades and the high school very nicely, and as soon as the educa- 

 tional committee is named we will go to work. I also think the 

 work could be given some prominence in the. Women's Federation of 

 Clubs, thereby enlarging the field, and the knowledge and interest 

 will gradually spread. Regarding the twenty-four letters received 

 from county superintendents, most of them say "we have done 

 and are doing nothing to protect the song birds ;" a very few have 

 given a few words to the subject in their short addresses. One 

 man tells mc it is not necessary to do anything in his county be- 

 cause not a boy in the county would kill or rob a bird. I was more 

 than delighted to think a county superintendent was so thoroughly 

 in touch with every boy in the county. But again, he said nothing 

 about the girls. Will they wear plumages ? Something might be 

 done now for the pleasure the study naturally affords if not for pro- 

 tection. Most of the answerers are willing to co-operate with the 

 Horticultural Society if they know how. Would it not be well 

 for some one to visit some of these county meetings and start the 

 work going? I intend answering some of these letters as soon as I 

 have the time and give them desired information as to how they 

 can assist in the work, and where they can get material and reading 

 matter on the subject. 



I am sorry we could not do more before the association but 

 coming so soon after the horticultural meeting it did not give us time 

 to work. 



Protection of Strawberry Vines against Frost.— As soon a cuUi- 

 valion ceases, the bare ground between the plants should be covered with 

 ininure to protect the roots from the first hard freezing weather. I^ater when 

 the ground is frozen, the whole bed, leaves and all, may be covered with 

 manure to the depth of 3 inches. This is not to be removed in the spring, but 

 if it be so strawy that some of the plants may be unable to push through they 

 should have a little assistance. I consider that this heavy covering of manure 

 is of the greatest importance. Even if the previous work tas not been very 

 thorough, this will bring success. It will also conserve moisture and keep the 

 berries clean. — Anon. 



