OBSERVATIONS ON FRUIT GROWING. 323 



the greatest abundance a fruit that ripens when there is a general 

 dearth, and is sure to be appreciated by those who have not the time 

 or inclination to give more delicate fruits the attention they require. 

 In regard to the cultivated form of the European cherry, we have 

 little of value to report. The Russian cherries from Prof. Budd's im- 

 portations are all without exception doing well, and some notably so. 

 23 Orel is beginning to fruit. There are reports of several success- 

 ful cherry orchards of the old line or seedling varieties fruiting in 

 our county, but we have not had time to visit them and have indeed 

 considered them the natural result of a succession of mild winters. 

 We will close this report by expressing the firm conviction that the 

 day is close at hand when the cherry orchard may be properly con- 

 sidered among the necessities of a complete fruit garden in Minne- 

 sota. 



OBSERVATIONS ON FRUIT GROWING 

 THE PAST SEASON. 



ROB'T. H. BUTTERMORE, LAKE CITY. 



About the 8th of May, 1896, my orchard was in bloom, and if there 

 were not any other benefit or pleasure in apple raising but its beauty 

 and balmy fragrance floating all around, with bees and most beau- 

 tiful humming birds of crimson and golden hue busy on the scene, 

 it seems it would pay. But that is not all; the same trees afterwards 

 are laden with beautiful fruit of nearly every color and look as 

 charming as a rose tree in full bloom. As a fruit, I cannot tell you 

 all the beneficial properties embodied in the apple; but I can say 

 it is very healthy fruit. Physicians say tliej^ contain many 

 medicinal properties, and WiaX. they are good for common colds. 

 In fact, all ripe fruits are a natural human food and should be used 

 more freely on our table. 



There is a greater interest in fruit raising and beautifying the 

 home with windbreaks, shrubbery and flowers in this localitj^ these 

 last years than ever before. Probably the reason is: visitors who 

 go to see the neighboring nursery at Lake City, find it such a beau- 

 tiful place that they are impelled to beautify their places to some 

 extent accordingly. The nursery is truly proverbial for its beautj^ 

 and location. 



I also believe the information in the "Horticulturist" is encour- 

 aging the farmers to a great extent. The " Calendars" in every issue, 

 by our kind friend, J. 8. Harris, are so full of good sense and sug- 

 gestive. He who is careful enough to follow his advice can raise 

 apples and fruit. His lessons on grafting alone cannot be valued 

 too highly. The possessor of the neat annual report for 1896 will 

 have a valuable book. 



Apple trees did very well last season in this vicinitj' — had very 

 little blight. I had a good crop and sold quite a good manj^ 

 bushels. I also had a good crop of grapes. Strawberries and plums 

 were injured by light frosts and cold nights at blooming time, con- 

 sequently the crop was light. Raspberries and blackberries were 

 about one half a crop. 



