286 ANNUAL REPORT 



them under cultivation prior to 1885, and I had a good deal of 

 faith in them, but that winter was too much for nearly all of 

 them. 



My own apple crop was very much diminished by the damage 

 done by insects; in one orchard I think that fully one-half of the 

 apples were destroyed by being knotty; they commenced falling 

 early in the season, and those that staid on became very ill- 

 shaped, many falling later in the season, or were in that condi- 

 tion when gathered. I lost fully one hundred and fifty bushels in 

 that way. I don't know what insect did the mischief; perhaps 

 some of our friends can tell us a remedy. I have thought of try- 

 ing arsenic and water. 



DISCUSSION. 



Prof. Maginnis. How are the trees doing in the new orchard ? 



Mr. Dartt. On high grounds, where well cultivated and ma- 

 nured, they are doing well. South of the railroad trees have 

 always done poorly, and I suppose that to be the coldest spot 

 that can be found anywhere around there. 



President Elliot. Is the planting of trees in your section on 

 the increase °? 



Mr. Dartt. There is general discouragement throughout our 

 section of the country. Nearly all the farmers say they would 

 rather raise wheat at a low price than to bother with apple 

 trees. Others say they shall continue to plant out orchards or 

 fill the place of missing trees. 



Mr. Gilpatrick. You stated that the portion of your orchard 

 that you had cultivated and manured had done well. What do 

 you call good cultivation 1 



Mr. Dartt. Plowing and dragging in the spring. My prac- 

 tice has been to manure heavily in opposition to the general 

 theory that prevails, and I have heaped it on, and think there 

 have been beneficial results from this method; trees that I sel 

 sixteen to eighteen years ago are iu fair condition. The manure 

 keeps up the vitality of the tree and prolongs the life and pro- 

 motes its bearing qualities. 



Mr. Pearce. Have you made any money from your orchard? 



Mr. Dartt. I have made some money. My orchard is Duchess 

 and Tetofsky, and it has paid me better, I believe, per acre than 

 any other land that can be found in Steele County that has been 

 used for any other purpose. I have kept account of my apples 



