‘ 
Minnesoréa STATE HorTicutTuRAL SOcrme ry. 125 
eral days. On the 7th of May it was quite warm, and on the 8th of May we had 
frost again. These sudden and extreme changes had the effect of killing all the 
fruit buds in this neighborhood. - Some of our own were in blossom at the time, 
our location being so warm. Even our strawberries and raspberries were all. de- 
stroyed as far as the fruit was concerned. Notwithstanding all this we are notin 
the least discouraged, as our trees and plants have a good growth and everything 
looks well for a good crop of fruit the coming season. 
These sudden changes have occurred in all northern countries, yet the people 
were not discouraged; they tried again and success in most cases has followed 
their efforts. 
We would say a word to those who intend to plant fruit trees the coming spring. 
When there are only a few to be planted, plant the Duchess of Oldenburg, Hyslop, 
and Transcendent. The latter was the only tree that gave us a full crop last 
season. We would not advise the planting of pear trees unless in favorable 
localities. Of twenty varieties tried by us, all are dead except the Flemish 
Beauty and a Minnesota Seedling. 
Of raspberries the Philadelphia is good. 
Strawberries, 
The Wilson is undoubtedly one of the best. We have a seedling of our own 
which we have been testing for a few years past, and think it is a good berry. 
Wsll say in our own locality it will exceed the Wilson. The berries are larger, 
the quality better. Planted on the same piece of land the plants will bear longer 
and stand the winter better. 
After twenty years’ experience in trying to raise fruit for market in Minnesota, 
we are satisfied that we have two obstacles to overcome: the extreme heat and 
cold of our springs, and the multitude of insects which injure our fruit trees in 
summer and fall. Close observation has led us to believe that they attack every 
variety of fruit trees, and to fear that if something is not done to protect our 
small friends, the birds, we will have to despair of growing fruit in Minnesota. 
Respectfully yours, 
JOHN HART. 
