MINNESOTA AS AN APPLE STATE. 35 1 



Minnesota, and may be extended to nearly all parts of the state, and 

 in limited, locations even 500 miles north of the Twin Cities, into 

 Manitoba. 



11. Apple grozi'i)ig limit extended to corn limit. The apple 

 belt or zone can be made identical with the corn belt, which has 

 proven very elastic, having- already been extended into North Da- 

 kota. Even to the northern limit of wheat, it is possible to grow ap- 

 ples. Minnesota now ranks in twentieth place among the com 

 states, though it was once claimed that Minnesota could not raise 

 corn. Its development as an apple state is equally apparent. 



12. The apple crop most profitable. At the present time, with 

 right care and location, the apple crop is the most profitable crop that 

 can be raised in Minnesota. Under proper conditions, after coming 

 into bearing, the Wealthy apple will average $100.00 or more a 

 year net profit per acre; One of the best investments for a young 

 man is the development of an apple orchard in Minnesota. The ap- 

 ple crop in Minnesota is surer than the orange crop in either Florida 

 or California. 



13. Ma)iy present perplexities, but pathzcay pointed out by 

 pioneers. Countless horticultural difficulties are yet to be conquered 

 in this climate, but Minnesota horticulturists can overcome all ob- 

 stacles by continuous, united, untiring effort along- the pathway of 

 pomological progress which has already been blazed out by pioneer 

 horticulturists. Minnesota can be and will be made much more of 

 an apple state in the immediate future. 



MAKING AND PLANTING THE ROOT-GRAFT. 



W. L. TAYLOR, HOWARD LAKE. 



In the receipt for cooking hare it says "First catch your hare." 

 So in telling how to make the root-graft I will say. "first get your 

 roots."" the "how" of which this year appears to be a conundrum. 

 The season in Minnesota is too short to grow first-class roots. Most 

 nurserymen obtain roots from southern Iowa or Nebraska. These 

 grown from \"ermont apple seed are supposed to be the best in the 

 market. Roots are usually graded as No. i, 2 and 3. No. i is 

 mostly used for large scions,- but No. 2 does very well for some 

 kinds of crabs and smaller caliber scions. 



After the leaves fall is a good time to cut scions. They are tied 

 in bunches of 100 and after being properly labeled are placed in 

 damp sawdust in the cellar near the roots, which have been previous- 

 ly packed there. 



Early in January we begin work upon the grafts. First, the 

 scions are cut in lengths of five inches ; then with a sharp knife make 



