> as 
118 MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
NOTES FROM FARMERS’ INSTITUTE. 
I was very much surprised to find such thrifty and healthy fruit 
and ornamental trees growing on these high, exposed grounds—all 
under protection of willow hedges, which demonstrate the value 
and need of such plantings as snow-breaks and shelter-belts. With 
such protections evergreens and fruit trees, in large assortment, 
can be successfully grown on every farm in southwestern Minne- 
sota. There is no question about the success of growing small 
fruits under these shelters, especially when same is cultivated 
shallow and often during growing season and then well mulched 
later to conserve moisture and protect soil from sun and dry, hot 
winds. 
Mr. Gregg raised strawberries at the rate of 2,600 quarts per acre, 
last year, suggesting the possibilities ofa garden of small fruits on 
these prairies with protection and intelligent care, using up-to-date 
methods and varieties best adapted to locality. I was also very 
much encouraged to know tbat his grounds and plantings are 
arranged on nearly the same plan asI recommended in my Institute 
work. 
Nothing succeeds like success! Do not hesitate to recommend 
planting a family orchard and fruit and vegetable garden on every 
farm in Minnesota—they are in demand, and will make better 
“returns” to the homes than money. 
A. K. BUSH. 
Sleepy Eye, February 1, 1898. 
DEAR SIR AND FRIEND:—The “Horticulturist” was allowed an 
hour and a quarter, and was assisted by our mutual friend Wm. 
Somerville, who was visiting in this city with his son and family. 
Also by M. Penning, the noted “plum grower,” who is very much 
interested in the work of our Horticultural Society, and is pushing 
a vigorous warfare into the camp of the tree peddler from abroad. 
His remedy is better education to the farmers and would-be fruit 
growers—or such asis dispensed by the Minnesota Horticultural 
Society through its books and publications. 
A. K. BusH. 
Sleepy Eye, February 2, 1898. 
The “ Wealthy” is doing exceptionally well in this location; due, 
I think, quite largely to deep planting and allowing trees to grow 
bush-like in shape, which protects both root and stock—an import- 
ant item. Richardson & Son are planting a large number of or- 
chards in this part of the state with home grown stock—“deep plant” 
ing and no pruning” is their motto, except cutting tops out of tall 
growing trees. Their large and healthy orchard demonstrates the 
value of this method. 
They also protect their orchard with snow-breaks of willow and 
windbreaks of evergreens. Nearly all plantings of fruit trees, also 
small fruits,are succeeding well under such protection on the 
southwestern prairies—where they fail without such protection. 
A. K. BUSH. 
Winnebago City, February 18. 1898. 
