98 ANNUAL REPOKT 



irig varieties are chiefly Duchess. Tetofsky, Wealthy, and some seed- 

 ling varieties and Siberians and their hybrids. We estimated thi; 

 crop at two hundred and fifty bushels of the larger apples, and nearly 

 as many Siberians. The orchard is situated about thirty rods south 

 of Lake Okabena, and is protected on the west by a willow wind- 

 break, about two hundred feet distant. A. windbreak nearer than 

 that to an orchard would prove disastrous, owing to the tendency of 

 the snows to lodge inside of it in huge drifts. 



Our objective point was the Okabena seedling tree, upon which we 

 reported at the last winter's meeting. The tree passed through last 

 winter without any perceptible injury, and was now carrying a fair 

 crop of most beautiful fruit. It has not been tested elsewhere, but if 

 it proves as hardy in other localities as here, and has the constitution 

 to resist blight, it will prove of immense value to the Northwest. 



We discovered another seedling in this orchard having the same 

 origin, which seems to be equally as hardy as the Okabena. and is 

 believed to be a longer keeper. The fruit is just the right size for 

 desert and retailing, beautiful as a coy maiden, and of excellent qual- 

 ity, an agieeable sub-acid. These trees are true Minnesota seedlings, 

 and probably seedlings of the Duchess and Wealthy, more beautiful 

 in appearance and better in quality than either; are they not a 

 "rainbow of promise' for the future of apple culture in this State? 

 Will they not encourage us to save the seed-* of the hardiest and best 

 fruit raised in our own State, plant and raise trees, saving only the 

 best, continuing to do so until ^ve have reached the climax of our 

 proudest hopes ? 



These fruits were afterward shown at the Southern Minnesota and 

 State Fairs, and greatly admired by all who saw them; and the lat- 

 ter were awarded the first prize over the Wealthy as being the best 

 seedling apple grown in the State, and very appropriately named 

 *' Daisy." 



IN COTTONWOOD COUNTY. 



We made our next stop at Mountain Lake. The people here are 

 largely Russian Mennonites, and there is an air of neatness and 

 thrift about their homes that, we seldom see in a newly settled 

 country. Thrifty groves and row.s of forest trees surround their 

 dwellings, and they are given thorough cultivation and kept as neatly 

 as the best public gardens. These people ;ire great lovers of fruit, 

 and several of thern brought with them from their native country 

 .seeds and trees, of apple, near, plum and cherry Thus far they have 



