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MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. — St 
well established would commence as early as possible. He 
warned the society against late cultivation as tending to late. 
growth, thereby jeopardizing the safe passage of the trees 
through the winter. He would mulch in the fall of the year. 
There is nothing better than straw, which would hold the 
snow, taking due caution against injury from mice. 
Mr. Dartt had had most satisfactory experience in mulch- 
ing with earth, sowing oats, and as they grew working them 
into the soil. 
Mr. Hoffman approved of cultivation. Said it kept the soil 
in condition to receive and retain moisture. 
The Secretary said that his experience had favored cultiva- 
tion up to-the last winter, but during that winter his losses 
had been most severe where the ground was cultivated. Be- 
lieved liberal mulching would have saved most of his orchard. 
Had trees of Northern Spy and Perry Russet in grass not 
materially injured. 
Presented the following report from S. B. Klough, Winona 
county : ' 
*¢T have an orchard of 65 trees four years planted on high ridge land; 
soil clay loam. Trees of those varieties nurserymen call hardy, just com- 
mencing to fruit. Land seeded to clover last fall. I hauled wheat straw 
and put it about a foot deep around the trees, and out as far as the roots 
would reach. Lost one tree, a Dominie, the rest all right. The tree that 
died had never done well.” 
PRUNING AND TIME TO PRUNE. 
In consideration of this subject, Mr. Dartt would only prune 
to please the eye. He thought little pruning should be done, 
and would prune about three feet up. 
Mr. Jewell thought that three feet was high enough. 
Mr. Grimes thinks the less pruning trees have the better ; 
it should only be done when limbs grow in improper places. 
Mr. Howe thought that trees could be shaped in any way 
desired. If scions are to be cut they should be cut from the 
tops of the tree. We want the roots to run deep so that we 
can plow near them, and the tree should be trimmed high up. 
Mr. Gould thought that one should use judgment in trimming 
trees. It was not safe to cut large limbs. 
J. 8. Harris thought we should not cut off the Transcendent 
too early ; he found budding on Transcendents a failure. 
Mr. Jewell thought the trouble with Mr. Harris’ failure in 
budding on Transcendents was in not cutting away the top 
early enough, which caused bleeding. 
A motion was made and carried to adjourn till evening. 
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