368 ANNUAL REPORT 



apples were heralded as being absolute ironclads, and if there was a 

 possibility of their growing on the open prairies of Western Minne- 

 sota, then surely they should withstand the greatest exposure that 

 could be given them in this timbered region. 



The result of the winter of 1885-6 on the Russians, as heretofore 

 reported, was the death of thirty-two and one-half per cent of the 

 number planted. In the place of the thirty-seven trees thus winter 

 killed, others were set, of varieties not before standing in the orchard. 



The summer of 1886 was as favorable for tree growth as could be 

 desired, and the trees were well matured when winter set in. Pota- 

 toes had been planted between the tree rows, and good cultivation 

 had been given the entire orchard until about the middle of July, after 

 which time the weeds were kept down by scalping, the ground not 

 being disturbed save at the surface. In the forest tree nursery, culti- 

 vation was continued longer, and the plow was more frequently used, 

 but the forest trees passed through the winter without injury, show- 

 ing complete ripening of the wood. 



The following notes, taken in August and in November, will show 

 the condition of the Russian apple trees at those periods. The dead 

 wood on the trees had been left purposely, as giving the best answer 

 to questions regarding their hardiness. It will be noticed that a few 

 duplicates are named, in which there is a difference in condition. The 

 notes were taken while passing from tree to tree; in no case are there 

 more than two trees of a kind in the orchard, and in many instances 

 there is but one; where duplicates occur, the trees were not planted 

 together, as was usual. The " killing " referred to was the result of 

 the winter of 1886-7, and, unless otherwise noted, the measurements 

 of dead wood refer to the growth of the summer of 1886, and the new 

 growth to the season of 1887. 



THE VARIETIES. 



177. Green Streaked. Of the two trees of this variety, one killed 

 back one inch, and in August was in fine condition, having made an 

 excellent growth; leaves good and tree healthy. The other was barely 

 alive. Growth of 1887, seventeen inches. 



934. Both trees winter-killed badly, all the one-year-old wood be- 

 ing dead. Strong shoots had sprung from the roots of both trees. 

 Growth of 1887, sixteen inches. 



187. Glass Green. All last year's growth killed, but made a 

 growth of twenty-six inches in 1887. 



