286 MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



to forest and ornamental trees we have thought it best to test all varie- 

 ties represented hardy at Bloomington, 111., and some other imported 

 varieties of which little is known as to adaptation. This will certainly 

 bring a great many failures and implies a very long black list. Most men 

 and some states are sensitive about admitting a great preponderance of 

 failures. When the name of magnolia is read on the black list some may 

 say any fool ought to know better than to try to grow the magnolia in 

 Minnesota. But how do we know that magnolia acuminata, the hardiest 

 among them, will not thrive here under favorable conditions. How do 

 we know that dwarf peaches, pears, cherries and apricots may not be 

 profitably grown by covering in winter? If planted on a hill side they 

 could be trained near the ground which would greatly facilitate covering. 

 A hint from you as to the width of the field that I should try to cover or 

 in regard to any other matter will be thankfully received. 



As a rule all trees have done well in the nursery. But very little blight 

 appeared and was confined to half a dozen varieties of Russian apples 

 and a few seedling crabs. 



INSECTS. 



As a protection against drouth the ground was heavily manured. 

 Among nursery rows it could not be plowed under and cut worms became 

 very numerous and destroyed nearly all of the seasons planting of seeds 

 and some that were grown the previous season. I tried hard to save the 

 pedigree seeds by hunting out and crushing the worms. But they hid 

 while I worked and worked while I slept, and came out ahead. Under a 

 bunch of green branches carelessly thrown down covering less than a 

 square foot 90 cut worms were counted. Such branches were immediately 

 placed along the seed rows and many worms were destroyed, and I have 

 reasons to think that had this plan been resorted to at first, most of the 

 damage might have been prevented. 



A willow wo^m appeared later in the season. It was black, about an inch 

 in length when full grown, and had ten yellow spots on each side. It took 

 the leaves clean as far as it went; but was quickly destroyed by an appli- 

 cation of paris green mixed with land plaster for potato bugs. 



The vine sphinx became numerous on Virginia creeper but yielded to 

 the potato bug mixture. 



Four thousand root grafts were planted last spring, comprising 190 varie- 

 ties, of which 56 were Russian and the remainder seedlings, some of which 

 originated on the ground, others being contributions from propagators of 

 Minnesota and adjoining states. An average stand and fair growth has 

 been secured. The ground was kept clean till August 10th when oats 

 were sown for winter protection and covered the ground completely, at 

 the approach of wi nter. Piece roots four inches long were used. I have tried 

 long scions on two inch roots but did not get a good stand. Have tried 

 all grown or top pieces of root by the side of all second cuts with no per- 

 ceptible difference. Many believe that the stock exerts a powerful influ- 

 ence over the scion. My experience is the other way. Give me the right 

 scion and I care little for the stock, provided it is hardy and furnishes 

 plenty of moisture. Will set about 150 varieties of apples and crabs next 

 spring, 20 varieties of Russians, and of the remainder many will be new 

 from noted originators. 



NURSERY STAKES. 



Fifty stakes have been painted with wax, 300 have been soaked inasolu- . 



