A8 ; ANNUAL REPORT. ~ 
cultivation than the Duchess of Oldenburg. The tree is even 
more hardy, not less productive, the fruit less perishable, last- 
ing several months, and perfectly adapted to every use to 
which an apple can be applied—eating, cooking or the manu- 
facture of cider. | he 
As an early winter apple there are none of the common 
sorts, that have come to public notice, that in hardiness of 
tree, size, quality and beauty of fruit, are equal to the Minne- 
sota, the largest of,Siberian seedlings. 
The only unsettled question on which the value of this va- 
riety measurably depends, is its productiveness. x 
P. A. JEWELL. 
PEARS. 
The next topic announced was Pears. 
Mr. Fuller inquired if any member knew of any variety of 
pears, of bearing age, that endured last winter in this State. 
Said he did not like to give up the idea that they could be 
produced in Minnesota. 
Mr. Harris said that he lost all of his, about fifty trees, of 
about ten varieties, but chiefly Flemish Beauty. Had heard 
of some trees in Houston county reported all right, but had 
examined them and they were no better than dead. Did not 
think it expedient for us to say much about raising pears. 
A motion was made and carried to pass over this subject 
without recommending any variety. 
PLUMS. 
All varieties of tame plums have thus far been a failure in 
this State, never living to pay the first cost of the trees. 
Moved by Mr. Ford, of St. Paul, and seconded by Mr. Har- 
ris, that we recommend for general cultivation only the best 
varieties known as native, or belonging to the wild order. 
Carried. 
CHERRIES. 
Mr. Myers, of St. Peter, said he was cultivating a variety 
of cherry that he brought over from Germany, which with 
him and wherever tried had proved hardy, prolific and desir- 
able. They are known as the Hartz Mountain cherry. 
Col. Stevens said he had seen the cherries, and thought they 
were very valuable. 
‘The President, T. M. Smith, said he considered this variety 
one of the best cherries he ever saw. He had on his place 
