112 MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURA.L SOCIETY. 



we must dive down deep into the study of adaptation; we must select 

 the hardiest varieties, the most favorable localities, and secure 

 the best management. We have the hardy varieties, but a large 

 amount of trying and sifting is still necessarj'^ to determine which 

 are best. On best localities there are well settled conclusions, and 

 in regard to best management, the doctors disagree to some extent, 

 but not seriously on main features. Now, if what I have said is 

 true, then fruit-growing in Minnesota for profit is about as intricate 

 and uncertain a business as a man can engage in, and none but those 

 well informed in regard to nature's requirements and able to secure 

 all the conditions above alluded to can reasonably hope for success 

 in growing the standard apple. 



Under these conditions I am asked to tell the farmers what to 

 plant. If farmers were on a level in intelligence, wealth, and sur- 

 roundings, mj^ task would be easier; but they are not. Here is a 

 man with a mortgaged farm and a sick wife; no one to do a chore 

 out of doors but himself. To him I would say plant some currant 

 bushes and some rasberries of a kind that bears well and never kills 

 down; twelve crab apple trees of two or three of the best varieties; 

 six native plum trees of good quality; six Duchess and two Hiber- 

 nal apple trees. Plant in cultivated ground and take good care of 

 them, even if obliged to work nights and Sundays to do it. If re- 

 ligiously inclined, work more nights and omit Sunday work. Culti- 

 vate thoroughly. Throw up a sharp mound of dirt a foot high 

 around each tree in the fall to keep awaj' mice, and tie cornstalks or 

 lath around the bodies of trees to keep away rabbits and prevent 

 sun-scald. If lath is used and is fitted down to the ground, the 

 mound may be omitted — keep the lath on the year round. Mulch 

 every fall with manure and cover evenly a circle six to eight feet 

 across all around the tree. If manure is fine and rich, two or three 

 inches in depth will do, if coarse and poor, four to six inches should 

 be applied. 



If trees are drifted under they must be shoveled out, otherwise 

 they may be crushed by the settling drifts, especially if a hard crust 

 is formed. Trees with bodies three or fovir feet high are much 

 easier to protect from rabbits, snowdrifts and sun-scalds than those 

 that limb down to the ground. If a tree agent comes around set 

 the doo- on him; then kill the dog for barking at strangers, and keep 

 another pig. When the mortgage is paid, the buildings, ample and 

 in good repairs and the farm well stocked, then branch out in horti- 

 culture. Join the State Horticultural Society and attend all its meet- 

 ings. Meet the tree agent with a smile and ask his forgiveness; 

 invite him to your home and treat him kindl)-; but it will still be 

 safest for you to "look a little out" as to what kind of horticultural 

 medicine you swallow. 



Here is another farmer in easy circumstances. Good farm well 

 stocked, good buildings all complete, out of debt and money at 

 interest. I would advise this man to double the poor man's list the 

 first year and add a half doz. early grapes, and if he has grown child- 

 ren that will work, or if his wife loves outdoor exercise and will boss 

 the garden, or if he himself is horticulturally inclined, then I would 



