ST^TE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 293 



of late years to sorghum. One of these was the corn plant louse 

 (A2)Ms maidis), a bluish green or lead-colored species, which 

 works just as it does on corn, on the opening leaves and tassels, 

 and did considerable damage, but a far more injurious spe- 

 cies was one that had not been previously described, a bright 

 yellow plant louse, with rows of black points on the back, which 

 works on the older leaves, stalks and roots. Two or three other 

 kinds attack various parts of the plant, but are not so destruc- 

 tive. All these lice have the usual natural enemies, but Prof. 

 Forbes was not able to suggest any practicable artificial remedy 

 except the lime and superphosphate fertilizers. 



FEUIT PROSPECTS IN SPRING OF 1885. 



During the latter part of March, circulars of inquiry were 

 sent out to leading horticulturists and others, for the purpose 

 of obtaining information concerning the eifect of the severe 

 winter upon fruit trees, shrubs, plants, vines, etc., and the out- 

 look for fruit the present season. Replies have been received 

 from a number of persons which are herewith appended. The 

 spring being quite backward it was not expected that as accurate 

 and satisfactory reports could be had as might otherwise have 

 been obtained, but it was thought that the effect of the extreme 

 cold weather might be seen more especially in the orchards and 

 nurseries. The reports received are not encouraging, but on the 

 whole not as gloomy as was to be expected. The circular referred 

 to was as follows : • 



CIRCULAR LETTER. 



Minneapolis, Minn., March, 1885. 



Deak Sir : In view of the interest taken in orcharding and horticultural 

 pursuits in Minnesota and throughout the Northwest, as manifest at th»^ late 

 annual meeting of the Minnesota State Horticultural Sociery, its executive 

 committee, at that meeting, appointetl the undersigned a committee lo prepare 

 and address a circular letter to leading horticulturists and others interested in 

 these pursuits, asking for such information as they might be able to give upon 

 these subjects. 



The past winter has been one of remarkable severity and much anxiety has 

 been felt upon the part of horticulturists concerning the condition of fruit 

 trees, shrubs and plants, especially in uufavoratile situations. Careful examin- 

 ations are requested, of trees in orchard or nursery, in order that reliable data 

 may be obtained. 



Please answer the fo .lowing questions and to the point, aad return aspromptly 



