MACUL aL Tr pe NO TET aie oe We Ro fo Pea 
ee Chee Pte Se 5 See. = 
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Bape sck SOUTH DAKOTA FRUIT GROWING. 257 
the fruiting season only, and many patches have fruited accordingly, 
Gooseberries and currants have proved a grand success in the dry- 
est parts of the state when planted and properly cared for. 
We have comparatively little rain in the western and central por- 
tions of our state, but the soil is remarkably retentive of moisture 
and under thorough cultivation yields up for the use of growing 
crops all the moisture necessary for their perfect development. 
We of South Dakota are learning the secret of successful horticul- 
ture: we must stop plowing four inches deep and begin to plough 
twelve; we must continue to cultivate; we must all become horticul- 
turists, in that we puta great deal of labor upona little land. We 
have learned that groves that will hold the winter snows and send 
them melted over the fields in spring are almost as good as arte 
sian wells. We have learned the value of vegetables and fruits, and 
in time we hope to be as faira state as the “beautiful lands” from 
whence so many of us came. 
Mr. Gibbs: I consider this one of the best papers we have 
had here. It struck me as a remarkable paper from so young 
aman. After living twelve years in South Dakota engaged in 
horticulture, I wish to say I could not offer a single criticism 
on that paper as to the condition of horticulture in South 
Dakota. 
Mr. Cook: I would like to ask Mr. Thornber whether he can 
give us any information about the Odegaard plum. 
Mr. Thornber, (S. D.): The Odegaard plum originated in 
- Brookings, and it is doing a great thing there. It is fruiting 
early in the season and early inage. Itis similar to the Wolf 
in many respects but stands much better with us. 
Mr. Cook: How do its bearing qualities, its ripening and its 
selling qualities compare with the Cheney? 
Mr. Thornber: It is earlier than the Cheney, and it is very 
productive. 
Mr. McGinnis: Did I understand you to say that hard maple 
is anative of South Dakota? 
Mr. Thornber: Yes, sir. 
Mr. McGinnis: What part? 
Mr. Thornber: Northeastern. 
Mr. Dartt: I wantto make a little reference to the remarks 
of my friend Gibbs. He thought it was a remarkable paper 
coming from so young aman. MHedoes not seem to realize that 
, men grow old and foolish with age; if you do not believe it look 
at me. (Great laughter). One point I wish to refer to in con- 
nection with the paper, and that is, I think an important mat- 
ter that must be taken under consideration by the tree and fruit 
growers of South Dakota is protection against rabbits. I think 
