Minyesora STATE HorrTicuLTvraL Sociery. 53 
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First Fruit. 
The first fruit of any quantity I raised was in the year of 1865. The year 1866 
I made my first exhibition of apples and pears at State fair at Rochester. I feel 
proud that I was at the organization of this soaiety and gave my testimony in 
favor of apples being raised in preference to crabs. Since this society was formed 
we have met together to exchange views, and a great deal has been written on the 
subject until I have confidence that it is no trick to raise apples in Minnesota. 
Preparing Soil, Planting and Care. 
” 
I have never taken any extra pains in planting. I prefer to prepare my grounds 
in good shape as for any other crop. I plant a little deeper than in the nursery; 
set the tree to lean a little towards the southwest. I cultivate a few years with 
some crop that will not shade the ground; mulch around my trees with a view 
to keeping the soil in a uniform moisture, also to retard the sap in early spring. 
I prune superfluous twigs, or rather buds, in the spring. I do not let the cattle 
or any quadruped mangle or in any way injure the tree, then I wait the result. 
: Protection. 
The following will show that I am not very particular how or when I plant: 
A. W. Sias came to me in the latter part of June, told me he had a lot of trees 
left on his hands in St. Charles, if I would plant them he would receive his pay 
_ the next spring, for what grew. I planted, was careful to mulch them, they all 
grew and produced fruit until the years of 1872-3, and invariably those that 
nearest to my windbreak on the west are alive, in good condition and are pro- 
nounced by parties this season to be the largest and best they have seen in 
Minnesota. Those consist of Red Astrachan, Sops of Wine, Talman Sweet, 
Greening, St. Lawrence, Haas, Goldea Russet, Red Romanite, Calvert and some 
others. 
Fall Planting—V arieties. 
I have at different times planted in the fall and fail to see any disadvantage 
from it. The kinds that I have been most successful with are Tetofsky, Red 
Astrachan, Duchess, Sops of Wine, St. Lawrence, Haas, Fameuse, Golden 
Russet, and T'alman Sweet, ripening in the orderI have given them. I have 
other kinds growing and doing well, not forgetting the Wealthy, but they have 
not fruited. Situation slightly rolling towards the north. Soilis dark loam 
clay subsoil. 
As I am situated on the prairie, I consider my windbreak of the utmost 
importance. 
Profit of Fruit Culture. 
t 
You wish me to state, if no secret, the profits of fruit culture compared with 
my other crops. I have no acurate way of informing you on that. 
I can only say that the profits of wheat culture in this section was minus this 
year, of 1878, the small amount we have brings 35 cents per bushel. 
Our apples in the early part of the season met with ready sale at $2.00 a 
bushel. About the middle of season we sold at $4.00 per barrel, and when 
apples in the market from the South were a drug, we could sell at $3.00. 
