38 ANNUAL REPORT. 
Mr. Eldridge. Every one of my trees ruptured and split above 
ground, and yet they sprouted up from the roots. 
Mr. Brimhall. Cut various scions from mine in winter of ’T2 
and °73 and found the wood of all colored. The cold winter had 
killed them. The same may be the case this winter—40° is what 
more or less injures the trees. 
Mr. Gibbs. A farmer, Thomas Mateer, of Glasgow, Wabasha 
Co.. has a Duchess of Oldenburg, planted 18 years ago last spring, 
that produced 25 bushels of apples last year, and altogether has. 
yielded him over 100 bushels. The tree is yet perfectly healthy. 
Mr. Mateer has an Alexander tree of same age that is an annual 
and abundant bearer, and it is also in a thrifty condition. These 
are supposed to be the two best apple trees in the State. Loca- 
tion in a valley with southeast exposure. Soil, sandy loam in clay 
subsoil, 
Prevention of Winter Killing. 
Mr. Eldridge. How can we prevent this early or late flow of 
sap, freezing and bursting of cells? 
Mr. Pearce. Plant on high, dry ground. 
Mr. Jordon. My trees were cultivated late, and any tree that. 
grows late in the winter is liable to be killed. 
Untried Varieties at Fancy Prices. 
My. Harris. I move the adoption of the following: 
Resolved, That it is not policy for the people of Minnesota to purchase 
untried varieties of fruits and plants at fancy prices. 
The resolution was seconded. 
The Secretary suggested that this called up difficult questions 
as to what are untried varieties and what are fancy prices? 
Would like to have the action of other societies on this subject 
consulted. Did not think much good would be effected by the 
resolution in this shape. 
Mr. Dart. See no reasons against its adoption. But what rea- 
sons have we for it? One good reason is that there is swindling 
carried on among our farmers by parties that sell fruits worthless 
for this part of the country at enormous prices. Many of our 
best men are fooled. 
The Secretary would like to hear from some who have had some 
experience with these swindlers. Had a talk with one, but I was 
not induced to purchase. But if I had been less informed than I 
