62 ANNUAL REPORT. 
The celawiig resolution was then presented by Mr. -Har- 
ris, and adopted : . cesta igal 
Resolved, That all ladies residing in Minnesota, Wisconsin, or Iowa, 
who own or manage greenhouses, flower gardens or conservatories, with- 
out the aid of professional florists, and who shall forward their names to 
the Secretary, and donate an essay or paper on floriculture, insome one or 
more of its branches, shall be elected members of this society, and be 
entitled to reports of its Transactions, and all other privileges conferred 
upon members by the constitution. Ps 
The President said it was his object to give the ladies a 
prominent position in the society, as they deserved. He knew 
a lady that owned and managed a greenhouse herself and 
made it a success. , 
Mr. Peffer said the ladies of Wisconsin took a share in the 
proceedings of their society and furnished valuable essays and 
suggestions in horticulture. 
Adjourned till evening. 
EVENING SESSION. 
President Smith in the chair. 
The 21st topic in the order of business was taken up. 
WHAT SOILS ARE BEST ADAPTED TO THE VARIOUS KINDS OF FRUIT, 
AND WHAT MANURES PROMOTE THE MOST HEALTHY GROWTH ? 
Mr. Dartt, of Owatonna, opened the discussion by saying 
that he thought sandy loam with clay sub-soil, and good nat- 
ural drainage, was the best for apple trees. He did not think 
the aspect of so much importance as the soil; although in 
Wisconsin a northern exposure is thought to be preferable. 
Mr. Harris said he endorsed what Mr. Dartt had said. He 
did not think the soil of Minnesota needed very heavy manur- 
ing. Our trees generally grow too fast and too late in the 
fall, but if the soil is too poor to give a fair, healthy growth, 
he thought barn-yard manure applied on the surface, just as 
winter sets in, the best fertilizer. 
Mr. Fuller thought that good care and attention was of 
more importance than soil. Thought the ground generally 
selected not rich enough, especially for small fruits. Rasp- 
berries require deep, rich soil, to perfect large crops of good 
fruit, and the same is true of Currants. Strawberries do well 
on new land—sandy loam, without manure. 
