72 MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



One of the ablest papers presented to the society was read by Mr. 

 C. E. Tobey, of Sparta. Wisconsin, on the subject of "Small Fruits.'' 

 Mr. Tobey treated his subject in a very intellig-ent manner, showing 

 that he was thoroughly acquainted with his department, having 

 mastered all its details. His article provoked much discussion, and, 

 in fact, but little attention was given the subject of small fruits 

 except in connection with his paper. 



The subject of "Potato Growing" occupied almost one whole ses- 

 sion. Mr. L. S. Spencer presented the results of many experiments 

 and comparisons of varieties in a most intelligent manner. The 

 formulated tables of results, together with the accurate descriptions 

 of varieties, their habits, season, etc., render this paper of great 

 value to the farmer. The diseases of potatoes, their treatment and 

 cure were also thoroughly treated. 



The paper of Mr. F. D. Voris on " The Cultivation of an Apple Or- 

 chard for Five Years " was closely in line with that of our President 

 Underwood submitted at our last meeting, and evoked considerable 

 commendation. 



Most of the papers and, in fact, the subjects and discussions were 

 not of a character to interest Minnesota horticulturists greatly. 

 Pears, peaches, apples (in varieties not adapted to this climate) and 

 the marketing of and preservation of fruits, were the principal topics 

 of each session. 



President R. Morrill of the Michigan State Horticultural Society 

 gave a very instructive lecture on pruning fruit trees. This was 

 given in the evening, and he illustrated his system by means of a 

 stereopticon with views that gave much force to the arguments he 

 advanced. The principle he advocates consists in heading trees 

 low, say eighteen inches above the ground, removing the center or 

 middle branch entirely and encouraging a wide spread of growth. 

 Many of the trees shown measured from two to six feet wider than the 

 height. He claims for this method a largely increased produc- 

 tion of fruit-bearing wood and surface. This lecture was one of the 

 best features of the meeting-, and our society should by all means 

 secure President Morrill's attendance at our next winter meeting. 

 He is an earnest, enthusiastic horticulturist, a thoroughly practical 

 and successful fruit grower, a good talker, a close observer and an 

 all-round sound, practical man. His lecture was commended by all 

 who heard it. 



There seems to be a pronounced feeling in favor of securing a 

 perinanent abiding place for the society, and it is only a question of 

 time when the Illinois society will take up its permanent abode at 

 the state capitol and possibly secure a building there. This is in 

 line with our work. A permanent building is a necessity if we are 

 to preserve our library and important papers that are so rapidly ac- 

 cumulating. We should make an earnest, persistent effort in this 

 direction. 



In closing this report I cannot refrain from calling the attention 

 of this society to a danger that menaces us and threatens to destroy 

 and render abortive all the advance we have made in horticulture 

 in the past twenty-five years. We have an enemy at our door so in- 



