352 ANNUAL REPORT 



Gooseberries I abandoned; had Houghton's Seedling; they did 

 well for about three years, but the winter of 1884-5 was too much 

 for them. They sprouted from the root again, but I considered 

 their place worth more than the berries, and dug them out. I 

 would not discourage whoever wants to try them. I think they 

 are hardy enough for most winters we have here. 



I have also the Cottage and Coe grapes from Prof. Budd. Out 

 of ten set seven lived last summer; but they did not ripen their 

 wood well last summer — iDlanted in May, 1886. When I cavered 

 them, November 1st, they looked badly. Can not tell how 

 they will come out. Am of opinion that it is safe to cover 

 grape vines here about October 20th. 



I will here add that I have great faith for the hardiest Eussian 

 apples in this climate. 



STATE EXPERIMENT STATION. 



Mr. Cutler presented the following preamble and resolution 

 and moved its adoption: 



Whereas, The legislature of Minnesota at its last session passed a law, requiring the regents 

 of the State University to establish an agricultural experiment station in connection with the 

 college of agriculture of that institution; and . 



Whereas, Such an experiment station has been established and put into successful operatioii 

 and the work then begun promises to be of the greatest advantage to all departments of agri- 

 cultural work, and 



Whereas, This work has been performed under difficulties, owing to a want of specirtc appro, 

 priatious. Therefore be it 



Resolved, That this Society earnestly request the legislature to Make such provision for this 

 station as will enable it to perform such work in original investigation and experiment as will 

 keep our State abreast of the communities in everything pertaining to agriculture. 



Mr. Cutler stated there had been a feeliug manifested in cer- 

 tain directions that no benefit was being derived from the agri- 

 cultural college of the State University and in favor of a separa- 

 tion of the two institutions, and referred to the action taken in 

 this regard by the State Farmers Alliance; a desire was expressed 

 that something practical and tangible should be accomplished; 

 as a member of that organization he had voted for such separa- 

 tion. The agitation of the subject would perhaps prove a bene- 

 fit, as there had been a change of sentiment with regard to this 

 matter. It was believed that something tangible would be 

 secured from the agricultural college as at present conducted; 

 otherwise there would be a separation, or the institution would 

 be abolished. He agreed with what had been said by President 

 Korthrop that there were too many state institutions. With 

 proper legislation to facilitate the work and plans of the agricul- 



