a BO. - ANNUAL REPORT. 
Mr. Harris mentioned the meeting of the Wisconsin Horticul- 
tural Society at Tomah this day, and proposed sending a message 
of greeting. - 
A motion that the Secretary be directed to send a message of 
greeting was carried, and the message immediately sent. 
DISCUSSION. 
The Effects of Last Winter. 
This subject was taken up for discussion. 
Mr. Wilson. I suffered more last winter than ever before. 
Lost strawberries that were covered with leaves and straw. Lost 
also Black-cap Raspberries that had been exposed for years. They 
killed to the ground. Hardy lilies were killed last winter with 
ordinary protection. 
Mr. Grimes. “Had the same experience. Lilies slightly protected 
are all dead. Wild lilies in the marshes were also killed. My 
theory is that the winter commenced early and was unusually 
severe. The thermometer stood 30° below in November. Some 
plants considered hardy are dead while others considered less 
hardy came through. The Carnation Cherry is an example of the 
last, while the Leib is dead to the ground. ‘Trees and plants that 
ripened up were able to sustain the first cold, but the others were 
not. Grapes are alive but putting out feebly, and we shall have 
but little fruit. 
Mr. Harris. The destruction was due to the events of the 
spring. In February there was a severe thunder storm. Then 
snow fell 2 or 3 feet deep. One week we had a great thaw and 
then another freeze and the beds were covered with from 3 to 15 
inches of ice. I think there was no injury done up to that time. 
The Philadelphia shortly before that was alive to the tips but 
afterwards found dead. Strawberries where the ice was deepest 
suffered least. Roses protected partly with sods but chiefly with 
coarse litter are dead. One Queen of the Prairie left unprotected 
is now loaded with buds. Two or three Hybrid Perpetuals unpro- 
tected are in good condition. My soil is heavy, some black prairie 
but mostly clay. 
Mr. Elliot. Strawberries are pretty much killed out. Currants 
are a better crop this year than last. 
Mr. Wilson. We can protect against cold but do not know how 
to protect against a thaw. My soil is sandy loam on gravelly sub- 
