186 MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURA.L SOCIETY. 



Spirea Van Houteii has passed beyond the experimental stagre in 

 Minnesota, but, as it is yet rarely found in ornamental plantations, it 

 may be of interest to state that, in addition to being' proof against 

 the cold, it appears to endure drouth and abuse as well or better 

 than the lilac. It blooms freely the second year after planting, and 

 when in bloom is the peer of any flower. The grace of its habit and 

 the perfect health of its foliage also render it a thing of beauty the 

 whole season. It is a shrub for the million, and ought soon to be 

 found about every country home. 



Lonicera Media. A climbing honeysuckle that grows very rank, 

 with beautiful, clean, healthy foliag'e. It grew from the terminal 

 buds after the past trying winter. Its blossom is not very conspic- 

 uous, reseinbling the native honeysuckle. 



Caragana Redousky. Perfectl}^ hardy; blossomed quite freely 

 the past season. Flowers are yellow and about the size and shape 

 of the common pea; foliage healthy. 



Rosa Rugosa seems to be a favorite with all who visit our 

 grounds. Its foliage is always beautiful and healthy, and some of 

 the leaves when touched by severe frosts are exquisitely beautiful, 

 and hold their style and color remarkably when pressed. 



Alnus Incana. An interesting tree which seems to be perfectly 

 hardy, enduring- drouth well; foliage healthy. 



Prunus Maackii or May-day tree. Two years planted; has not 

 bloomed, but has been hardy; made strong growth, and gives 

 promise of a robust habit that will stand neglect and abuse. 



EXCELSIOR EXPERIMENT STATION. 



C. W. SAMPSON, SUPT. 



The vines all did fairly well the past season. Some four or five 

 died last winter from some cause. Only one vine bore fruit this 

 season, and that was Dracut Amber; white; bunch medium size; 

 berry nearl}'^ as large as Concord; early; vine hardy and productive, 

 and a most excellent table grape; ripens with the Delaware. I have 

 my vines well protected this winter, and I hope they will get through 

 in good shape. 



MINNESOTA CITY EXPERIMENT STATION. 



O. M. LOKD, SUPT. 



Stran-berries. Varieties: Jessie, Warfield, Bubach, Princess, Down- 

 ers Prolific, Crescent, Captain Jack, Manchester, Lovett's Early, Van 

 Denian, Michel's Early, Pearl, Sandoval, Parker Earle and Bederwood. 



The largest crop, and finest fruit was of Bubach, Princess and 

 Jessie, in the order named. Downers and Warfield promised well, 

 but were small and inferior on account of severe drouth. Bubach 

 suffered less than any other variety. 



Raspberries. Varieties: Red; Turner and Cuthbert. After ex- 

 perimenting for several years with numerous varieties, these are 

 found to be the most reliable at this station. The ciop for the last 

 year was abundant and of fine quality. 



