HOETICULTURAL SOCIETY. 227 



well known throughout the Western states. He claims the Eoll- 

 ingstone, originated in Winona county, is, everything consid- 

 ered, as good a native plum as can be found in Minnesota. In 

 his experiments of late he has been carefully investigating con- 

 cerning best methods of cross-fertilization, the character of the 

 pollen in the blossoms of different sorts, etc. 



SEEDLING APPLES. 



When we consider what is being done in the direction of 

 originating new varieties of seedling apples, we have a pretty 

 large field. The apple is perhaps the most important of the 

 larger fruits. There is nothing to exceed it in popular favor, 

 everything considered. It will at once take rank, at least in 

 the estimation of most lovers of fine fruits, with the delicate 

 peach, the juicy plum, the luscious pear and the sprightly 

 orange. 



There are not a few who have steadily maintained that choice 

 and hardy varieties would be obtained in proper time in Minne- 

 sota. Hence, quite a number of our more enthusiastic experi- 

 menters have planted seeds and have endeavored to originate a 

 new variety that should possess sufficient hardiness, and show an 

 excellence in quality that should at once commend it to the favor 

 of the average farmer and fruit grower. 



Peter M. Gideon, of Excelsior, has, perhaps, been as active 

 as anyone in the state in his endeavors to originate new varieties. 

 He has experimented largely with hybrids, crossing them with 

 native sorts. His methods have been heretofore described by 

 him and need not be repeated here. 



We do not propose at this time, to enter into any discussion 

 of the merits of the numerous varieties originated and recom- 

 mended by Mr. Gideon. His Wealthy has obtained a world- 

 wide reputation. Its hardiness of tree, its showy fruit, its size, 

 its excellent flavor and good keeping qualities, are some of its 

 points of excellence. 



As to the work accomplished in this experimental field, we 

 simply make this passing note, but call attention more particu- 

 larly to the elaborate reports upon this subject, prepared for this 

 Society by our able seedling commission. 



HYBKID VARIETIES. 



The Siberian crab and the hybrid varieties endure extremes of 

 temperature of summer and winter, succeeding well in nearly 



