VICE-PRESIDENTS REPORT, FIFTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 9I 



VICE-PRESIDENT'S REPORT, FIFTH CONGRESS- 

 IONAL DISTRICT. 



R, A. WRIGHT, EXCELSIOR. 



The fruit crop in this district^ the past season was excep- 

 tionally good, so far as I have been able to observe. This is 

 especially true of the region surrounding Lake Minnetonka. 



The strawberries promised a very heavy yield. This promise was 

 fulfilled for those who uncovered their plants very early in the 

 spring. Those who retarded the fruiting season by leaving the 

 plants covered till late suffered loss by reason of the dry weather 

 in the middle of June. 



Raspberries were an exceedingly good crop, about one-third 

 above the average; price fair. 



Currants were a very light crop. After the first ten days of 

 ripening the prices were exceedingly good. Gooseberry crop was 

 an average one with good prices. 



Those who had a field of blackberries were in luck. A very 

 satisfactory yield, with good prices. 



The apple crop in this vicinity was below the average, some 

 orchards doing better than others. A few report a good yield of 

 very fine apples of the Duchess, Wealthy and Patten's Greening 

 varieties. These orchards were well protected from the northwest 

 winds and were sprayed once. Cultivated young orchards suffered 

 badly from blight — this is especially true of the Wealthy and Hiber- 

 nal. Crab apples were a total failure ; the leaves were badly rusted 

 as a result of the heavy rains. 



The plum crop was fair, but this fruit is not extensively raised 

 here at present. 



The grape crop promised to be large, but owing to the excessive 

 rains and cool weather the mildew set in so badly that the Delawares 

 and a few other varieties were nearly a total failure. Concords 

 brought good prices. 



Not being able to personally interview the prominent fruit 

 growers of the district I wrote several letters to well known hor- 

 ticulturists throughout the field, and I herewith submit to you the 

 information received. 



F. H. Peterson, of Waconia, says : 



"The apple crop with us was good. The Patten's Greening did 

 the best. The Wealthy were small in size. All other varieties were 

 equally doing their best except the Peerless, which as usual had a 

 very light crop. I think the prospects are for a very light crop 

 next year. No blight with us this year. Plum crop was medium." 



Rockford and vicinity report "the strawberry crop about one- 

 third above the average, which is also true of the raspberry yield. 



