68 ANNUAL REPORT 



those who have strong preconceived notions of what can and ought 

 to be done, there may be others who are "doubting Thomases" with 

 fears about the wisdom of introducing certain new, untested varie- 

 ties presented for trial and favor. The unfavorable experiences in 

 many instances of our best informed horticulturists cause many to 

 look with disfavor upon the introduction of Russian apples to the 

 exclusion of the best of our most hardy seedlings. While on the 

 other hand, there are those who greatly desire to try all things 

 new offered, and the last presented for favor is the one in which 

 they have the greatest faith. I believe our only road to success is 

 by experiment ! Experiment ! 



The only way out of this difficulty is to continue sowing seed of 

 the finest specimens, of the longest keeping and hardiest native, 

 or foreign varieties. By this means we shall finally attain a de- 

 gree of success. From all the reports I can gather, I conclude we 

 shall not derive the immediate benefit that many expect by plant- 

 ing largely of the Russian varieties. 



Our State is situated latitude 43-30° and 49 24° North, and 

 longitude 89-39° and 97-5° West. Its extreme length North and 

 South is 380 miles and its breadth varies from 180 miles in the 

 middle to 262 miles on the Southern and 337 near the Northern 

 boundary. The area of land is 50,335,367 acres — of water 3,608,- 

 012 acres, or a total area of 78,649 square miles or 53,947,378 

 acres. This area occupies nearly the center of our continent, and 

 is the highest land between the Gulf of Mexico and Hudson's Bay. 

 This elevated plateau is one thousand feet above the sea level and 

 forms the water-shed for the three principal rivers of our conti- 

 nent. Within this large area are very many beautiful lakes, from 

 one to thirty miles across, on the shores of which and along the 

 banks of our numerous streams are many suitable picturesque 

 sites for homes, orchards, vineyards, and small fruit gardens, from 

 which an incalculable supply of wholesome, nutritious food will be 

 produced when improved by persistent, patient, industrious horti- 

 culturists. 



If we consider our State geographically we shall find it is situa- 

 ted on the northermost limit of successful fruit culture, unless our 

 Manitoba horticulturists should develop to the contrary. In the 

 southern tiers of counties, the apple (pyrus malus) grows quite 

 abundantly; in the middle or interior counties, near very large 

 streams and other bodies of water, it is successful to a limited ex- 

 tent; while in the northern half of our State it is almost impossi- 

 ble to grow it with any degree of success. Thus you will see there 

 is an actual necessity for dividing or districting our State into 

 three or more distinct divisions, wiHi the pomological work so 

 arranged, that the people of each of these separate parts shall de- 

 rive their full share of beneficial instruction. As we develop our 

 experimental work, doubtless we shall find many varieties of worth 

 and value, adapted to cultivation in the southern that are wholly 

 unfit to grow (except as an experiment) in the northern part. 



Therefore, I think it would be well for our Society to consider 

 the advisibility of selecting a committee of experienced persons 



