HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 421 



need expect to gather fruit in a cow-pasture, I think he will 

 meet with success; so much so that he will be encouraged to re- 

 plant whenever any of his trees die and so have fruit coming on 

 every year. 



My motto is to give the standard apple a slow steady growth 

 that the wood may ripen up well in the fall before our hard win- 

 ters set in. I think it a good plan to wash the bodies of trees 

 with strong soap suds or weak lye. Some use whitewash. The 

 Whitney is coming into favor more with the farmers as they 

 plant it and see how handsome a grower it is and how well it 

 stands Minnesota winters. I take notice, however bad the Tran- 

 scendent has blighted in years gone by, that the market gardener.s 

 will order them in preference to any other crab for general use. 

 The demand seems to be greater for them in the St. Paul market. 

 The prices per bushel for the season of 1888 was seventy-five 

 cents to a dollar and a quarter. Hy slops sell quite well for sweet 

 pickles. Early Strawberry and Orange should not be left out when 

 one is making a selection for an orchard. 



I recommend those planting apples to try some of the new Rus- 

 sian varieties. What we need is a late keeper. 



For a variety of plums I would plant De Soto, Weaver and 

 Forest Garden. I hear that Bassett's American plum is recom- 

 mended, but from practical knowledge can not say as to its merits. 

 Plant plums in groups, as they bear much better. 



The season for grapes was unfavorable, many varieties nob 

 ripening. I find that the fruit growers in Minnesota have 

 considerable faith in grape culture. For planting I would select 

 Concord, Delaware, Brighton, Eogers No. 4, 15 and 39. 



Currants were a very fair crop, and sold from one dollar and 

 fifty cents to two dollars and fifty cents per bushel. 



Strawberries were an average crop, prices ranging from five 

 to fifteen cents per quart. 



Raspberry culture pays pretty well, planting for the blackcaps 

 Mammoth Cluster and Gregg; reds, Turner, Cuthbert and Brandy- 

 wine. Prices ranged from twelve to twenty- five cents per quart. 

 More attention is being paid to the raising of blackberries, 

 Ancient Britons and Stone's Hardy being the leading varieties. 



I see no reason why anyone that owns a home in Minnesota 

 can not supply his family table every year with some of the hardy 

 fruits, and make it inviting to all lovers of horticulture. 



