26 ANNUAL REPORT. 
rains in the fall, and the same was true of all trees in wet 
places. | : 
The President said that the experience throughout New 
England during the last winter was that trees the best pro- 
tected by snow suffered the most. In his own orchard the 
Minor plum, that had winter killed three or four years ago, 
came through the last winter all right. Those trees that he 
cultivated latest in the season suffered most. Trees are in- 
jured by sudden changing. Immature wood, and the early and 
severe frost was the cause of his loss. 
Dr. Humphreys apprehended a severe winter and protected 
some tender varieties with wrappings, and they came out all 
right. 
hin Bowerman never knew trees covered with snow to sur- 
vive cold weather any better than those entirely exposed. 
Mr. Jewell thought the drouth had nothing to do with 
winter killing. 
Meeting adjourned to 9 a. M. to-morrow. 
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21st. 
Society met at 9 a.m. President Smith in the chair. 
The discussion was resumed on the cause of the destruction 
of fruit trees last winter, and was opened by Mr. Harris of 
La Crescent. He had lost a great many fruit trees last win- 
ter. Some varieties were almost entirely killed, apparently 
root killed, as they did not sprout again from the roots. 
Among those that suffered the most was Northern Spy. Lost 
one Transcendent ; some others made but feeble growth be- 
cause a portion of the roots were injured. The Duchess 
stood the winter well. Lost one or two Red Astrachan and 
Tallman Sweet trees. His opinion was that the wholesale 
destruction of trees last winter was from exceeding dryness 
of soil the previous fall, and the severe cold the winter fol- 
lowing. He had trees of Perry Russett, Northern Spy and 
Early Harvest that had been exposed to dripping water and 
the shade of sheltering buildings that escaped injury. Some 
trees that had grass or weeds around them came through very 
well. 
When he discovered that the winter had been so unfavora- 
ble for trees, he had caused the following circular to be 
published in the Farmers’ Union, asking for information, the 
replies to which will be published under the head of Reports- 
