52 wy ANNUAL REPORT. 
~ grown seed. Dent corn from Southern Illinois did not ripen an ear, while t h 
same type of Minnesota growth was ripe in ninety days from pane 
seed from Tennessee, a large red, did not ripen until frost. ~ USD 
Squash—W atermelons. 
- Boston Marrow Squash gave a week in favor of Minnesota, from seed in com- 
petition with the product of Indiana seed. Gipsey Watermelon, from Minnesota 
seed, ripened in fair season, while an attempt to grow them from seed grown in 
Tennessee, was a failure. Phinney’s Early Watermelon, grown from Minnesota 
seed, was ten days in advance of the product of seed from Southern Illinois. 
There is no use in extending this list. The theory was based upon reasonable 
philosophy, and it is practically sustained. 
Our State is rich in the varied conditions of soil, attitude, exposure, and in the 
right altitude. It is located to produce the cereals in the greatest perfection, to 
grow fruits of peculiar excellence, and vegetables of the finest quality. 
The horticulturist in being obliged to labor for success, has no spontaneous 
growth to compete against honest endeavor. Our fruits are the product of our 
skill and intelligence, and no accidental success without work must be expected. 
What nature denies us spontaneously, she is willing to lay at our feet if we are 
worthy of it, as a reward for toil. 
The paper was ordered on file for publication, with the remark 
that it was complete, without any debate. 
FRUIT CULTURE IN OLMSTED COUNTY. 
Mr. Cotterell’s report one Fruit Culture was read by the Secre- 
tary, the writer being absent. The following is the report: 
Dover, OtMsTED Co., Mrnn., Jan. 9, 1879. 
Dear Srr:—I feel as though I was not competent for the task you have 
assigned me, but as you are so pressing on the occasion I will make an attempt. 
You will please observe that I do not make horticulture my study by any means; 
consequently I have not the time to spare, that I should wish, in that business. 
My farm of two hundred acres, all under cultivation, my stock and other things 
take up some of my time. . 
Beginning. 
In 1856 I came to Minnesota and procured myself as good a claim as I could 
and commenced to raise wheat like my neighbors, did not feel very well satisfied 
until I began to plant trees—was successful in getting a good wind-break on the 
west and south of my dwelling. I broke up a few acres adjacent to that, raised 
one crop off it and the first apple tree peddler that came along I gave him my 
patronage for a small order; I met with great disappointment, my high prized 
apple and pear trees proved to be the smallest kind of Siberian Crabs, and other 
choice kinds, totally worthless; I still continued to buy and plant in a small way 
until I got a very nice orchard, although many of the kinds were too tender for 
this climate, as the years of 1872 and 1873 proved. 
