- MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 19 
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vate thoroughly after the crop is gathered, and pull the weeds, 
spading if necessary, early in the spring; then mulch and let 
alone. 
Mr. Elliot :—Would cultivate when newly set out, but cultivation | 
while bearing tends to produce knotty, seedy berries.- 
Mulching. 
Mr. Tuttle inquired of Mr. Elliot concerning same _ berries 
thoroughly mulched with straw, and was informed that they did well. 
Mr. Baker :—Have cultivated the Wilson in beds successfully. 
Mr. Harris :—Have seen berries mulched with hop vines that did 
much better than those mulched with straw, as the hop vines were 
moreopen. _ 
Varieties. 
Mr. Abernethy :—Is not the Wilson the poorest berry we have ? 
It is flavorless, sour and dry. The Green Prolific is much better. 
Mr. Elliot :—You must be giving the characteristics of the green 
berries. 
Mr. Harris moved to recommend the Wilson to the horticultur- — 
ists of Minnesota as the best strawberry for aetna 
Mr. Baker :—I would add the words “‘and for use.” It is the poor 
man’s strawberry, and will grow most anywhere. 
Mr. Smith :—Have had most experience with the Wilson. The 
Charles Downing, however, brought one-quarter more in the St. 
Paul market last year. The Green Prolific is a good berry, but 
softer than the Downing; good to run down weeds, but will sink 
one-half if left in the baskets over night. 
Mr. Brimhall :—The Wilson keeps the best and freshest, but the 
Downing is the best eating. It brings one-fourth more than the 
Wilson, and is best for family use. 
Mr. Harris :—I like the Wilson for market, because when I get 
there I want to know what I have, whether berries or jam. 
The motion to recommend the Wilson, as above, was carried. 
Mr. Abernethy moved that the society recommend Charles Down- 
ing and Green Prolific for garden cultivation or home use. 
At this point a recess was taken for lunch, furnished by the Re- 
gents of the University, in an adjoining room. 
