50 ANNUAL REPORT. 
But I have considered the merits of the following, and submit them for 
your consideration : 
1st List.— For Amateurs. 
1. Croton. 2. Rogers’ No. 4. 3. Rogers’ No 15. 
2d List.—For General Planting. 
1. Creveling. 2. Martha. 3. Salem. ; 
Report was received and adopted. 
The Secretary read the following report from A. C. Ham- 
ilton : ' 
CuicaGo, ILu., Jan. 19th, 1874. 
To Minnesota Horticultural Society, at Minneapolis : 
DEAR FRIENDS IN THE CausE:—I am very sorry I cannot be with you at 
your annual meeting, but I venture a word by way of writing you. I 
presume you will have one of the most interesting meetings we have ever 
had, for it being at Minneapolis, the Banner City of Minnesota, with all 
its hospitality, and with a people who are always in sympathy with horti- 
cultural and agricultural meetings, and for any real reform which is for 
the general good of Minnesota, I will say then I am heartily sorry I can- 
not be with you. 
I will venture one thought, which will be wholly upon the subject of 
how trees should be set in Minnesota. The last winter has shown us that 
many of our trees have been killed, and even some of the most hardy 
ones. Many causes have been given. I will tell you my reason, and then 
tell my way of avoiding any future trouble from same cause. The trees 
were killed by extreme freezing in the early part of winter, and by the 
dry soil; not enough moisture to sustain the roots. I know a whole 
orchard garden that was saved in this way. Last August a year ago the 
man who owned the place raised his house about 15 to 20 inches higher 
than it had been. When this was done his grounds were not high enough, 
so he filled in the orchard so as to make it about the same in proportion 
to the house. The consequence was his trees were 15 to 20 inches lower 
down, so he filled up to the same proportion as he had raised the house. 
All were in good condition and made good growth—even a nice Flemish 
Beauty pear—while ten feet from there, almost everything was killed. 
Now the conclusion is, in my mind, that we had better set trees much 
deeper in the ground, so they will get more moisture, which the tree 
always needs. I hope this will be discussed freely. One more instance. 
I know a tree which stood near the back kitchen, down where all the 
slops from all the wash days had been thrown out all winter around the 
tree, and in spring the ice was more than 12 inches thick about it. This 
tree lived and fruited well, while the rest in garden nearly all died. 
This seems to be true, moisture is very much needed. 
Minnesota has no winter rains to feed the trees upon. The tree needs 
this even in winter, or a certain moisture on the roots kept up. Chicago 
has rains, and I know it, for I saw some yesterday. Was any one ever 
in Chicago and not see it rain? But I see the trees look nice. 
I will not use any more of your time. Hoping you will have one of the 
best meetings you have ever had, I am 
Yours, very respectfully, 
A. C. HAMILTON. 
Moved that the report be received and placed on file to be 
embodied in the Transactions. 
