STATE HOETICULTURAL SOCIETY. 365 



From the sales made of small fruit plants and apple trees, in 

 this county during the last year we may conclude that the peo- 

 ple are not wholly discouraged in fruit raising. 



From careful inquiry it is believed the sales amounted to over 

 $5,000. 



Some of this stock was worth more when delivered, than it 

 will be in the future, as it was purchased of the typical tree 

 peddler who, ''though now lost to sight is still in memory dear." 

 He is, however, entitled to some credit for awakening an interest 

 in fruit growing. 



Young trees and small fruit, though unprotected last winter, 

 were not injured to any great extent, and from the increased 

 inquiry for trees, and general interest shown in horticultural 

 matters it is hoped we may reap a bountiful harvest. 



EEPOET FEOM HOUSTON COUNTY. 



By J. S. Harris, La Crescent. 



The season of 1886 was noted as being the dryest on record 

 since the settlement of our county. Nevertheless the earth 

 yielded liberally of fruits to such as had set trees and plants and 

 given them good tillage. Strawberries promised to be immense, 

 and proved to be an average croj) of the finest quality we have 

 ever grown. The Crescent where properly fertilized gave the 

 best results. Manchester, on rich sandy soil, produced a large 

 crop. 



Easpberries of all varieties bloomed well and set fruit for a 

 large crop, but owing to the extreme drought, matured only 

 about half a crop. The red species have done better than the 

 blackcaps. Turner and Cuthbert are the best red varieties with 

 us. 



Blackberries were also considerably injured by the drought 

 and perfected on the average less than half a crop — the quality 

 varying according to the summer mulching given them; where 

 neither mulched nor cultivated the fruit was small, hard and 

 sour. A.ncient Briton is getting to be the most popular with us, 

 but the Snyder, ripening earlier, gave the most fruit. 



The crop of grapes was average in quantity and very superior 

 in quality. All varieties ripened their fruit well. 



The crop of apples was not large owing to the great loss 

 of trees during recent hard winters. The varieties are pretty 



