18 ANNUAL REPORT. 4 
2 PLANTING APPLE TREES. 
Considerable discussion followed on the first subject as to 
the best locality for planting apple trees, and the time neces- 
sary to test their hardiness. It was asserted as an established 
fact that many varieties of trees would grow and produce 
apples on or near the borders of our lakes and rivers when 
they would not flourish on the high prairies. 
The severity of the last winter on fruit trees had made the 
question one of great importance as to which kind of fruit 
trees should be recommended and what tests should be applied. 
Mr. P. A. Jewell stated that his experience proved that many 
varieties, such as the Ben Davis, which have come into exten- 
sive use, had failed to stand the test of Minnesota climate ; 
that all the samples of fruit we have is but the growth of a 
remnant of hundreds of fruit trees that we have planted. 
Because one or two trees out of a dozen different varieties 
stood the test, it should not be taken as proof of their worth. 
It is impossible to test any kind of trees with one, five or ten 
years’ growth. 
Messrs. Hoffman, Stevens, Stubbs, Dartt, Clark, Bost, Fuller 
and others spoke at length, and Mr. Clark said he thought 
that although the last winter was an exceptionably severe one, 
it was quite safe to assert that any tree that had stood the 
test of this climate, planted in different parts and in different 
soils, was sufficient to establish its hardiness. He accordingly 
presented the following resolution : 
Resolved, That this society will not tecommend for trial in this State 
any variety of apple tree that has not stood a test of at least five years in 
different locations and soils throughout the State. 
Mr. Jewell said that he would not object to trying any tree 
five years, but he would not recommend it for planting in five 
years—not less than ten years. It was necessary for trees to 
have a test of that length of time, or at least till they had a 
test such as only last winter could give. 
Mr. James Hoffman thought that dwarf varieties would have 
to be resorted to yet, since the standard had failed. 
Rev. Mr. Fuller thought that last winter was a sufficient test 
for any tree. 
Mr. Bost said that in his vicinity the old trees had been 
killed and not the younger varieties. 
Mr. Jewell offered the following in amendment to Mr. Clark’s 
resolution : 
That we do not recommend for general planting in large quantities any 
variety that has not stood a test of ten years in a variety of soils and 
situations, and shall have passed through at least one winter of great 
severity. 
Another warm discussion arose on Mr. Jewell’s amendment. 
