3 1:4 ANNUAL REPORT 



urally be the case, and yet a third or a fourth should be devoted 

 to forest culture. That the country can (not flourish without 

 timber should be known by every farmer. Let every one be en- 

 gaged in planting trees and extending timber culture, not only 

 because it will benefit the present generation but because its 

 effect will be lasting and of benefit to generations to come. 



EXPEEIMEl^T STATION AT MINNESOTA CITY. 

 By O. M. Lord, Superintendent. 



The appointment of these stations by the State Horticultural 

 Society was no doubt one step in the right direction. Reliable 

 information in regard to new fruits is difficult to obtain, and the 

 best manner of cultivating such as we have, can not be deter- 

 mined without thoroughly testing under different conditions of 

 soil, location, and methods. 



When this work reaches its highest point of usefulness, we 

 shall be able to plant with some assurance of success; instead of 

 wasting time, money and labor, with what is worthless when 

 grown, or with what will be likely to result in failure if ever so 

 desirable. The results of some exj)eriments have become of very 

 great importance, having changed the entire character of some 

 productions. Notable examples are the Early Eose potato, the 

 Concord Grape, The Wilson and Cresent strawberries, etc. 



These stations having been organized by the State Society are 

 supposed to be largely engaged in the interests of the public; but 

 having barely entered the formative stage, no great progress has 

 been made, and consequently no elaborate report can be ex- 

 pected. One of the first difficulties we meet is the want of means. 

 New fruits cannot be had without money, and we do not know 

 that the results will justify the outlay. It may be well for the 

 Society to indicate, by resolution or o therwise, what means are 

 to be used and what course is to be pursued on the jjart of these 

 stations; that we may have some uniformity of action, and also 

 be informed as to the direction of our individual efforts. Methods 

 of culture may be left entirely to the experimenter, but varie- 

 ties may well be considered by the Society, and distributed ac- 

 cording to location, facilities, etc. In addition to the general 

 culture required, each station might be given a specialty if 

 thought best. 



As no instructions have been given, and as a matter of taste 



