184 ANNUAL REPORT. 



same size, some green and some gray; they destroy a great many young 

 trees some years, and there are always more or less of them. 



Col. Stevens. I move this discussion be continued. I understand 

 that the distinguished fruit-grower from Ripon, Wis., Mr. C. H. Ham- 

 ilton, is present, and I move that he be requested to take a seat on the 

 floor and participate in our debates and proceedings, and that the com- 

 mittee on hospitalities see that he has a pleasant home while he is 

 with us. 



Both motions were carried unanimously, 



Mr, Barrett, of Brown's Valley, being called upon, came forward 

 and said : 



Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen : 



I confess that I feel some misgivings, seeing that I am just begin- 

 ning in the work, — that is, professionally, (though for years I have 

 been engaged in the business, in a small way, in Wisconsin, where I 

 have given considerable attention to horticulture), — but I say I have 

 some misgivings in trying to make a report to men of many years' ex- 

 perience who know more than I do about these matters; therefore, if 

 my statements are not found to be correct, I shall thank you if you 

 will set me right. I will state that I reside in Traverse County, Da- 

 kota, a new county that borders on Lake Traverse on the east. 

 Brown's Valley is on a neck of land on Lake Traverse. 



Mr. Barrett then proceeded to read the following paper : 



PROGRESSIVE PRIMARIES FOR FRUIT GROWING. 

 By J. O. Barkett, Brown's Valley. 



A great diversity of opinion prevails in the new county of Traverse and its envi- 

 ronment, respecting the permanent success of fruit and fruit plants. While there 

 are cases of sheer neglect, compelling plants to "live at a poor dying rate," the 

 careful observer will also notice a marked difference as to their health and thrifti- 

 ness even in localities where they are properly cared for, with good drainage and 

 similarity of soil, both in hardiness and culture. On some rightly managed claims, 

 forest trees do well, while on others, equally favorable to all appearances, a heavy 

 per cent of cottonwoods die out j'car after year, even when the^^ have attained 

 quite a large size; so of the box elders, the soft maples and other trees. An experi- 

 enced tree man of that county, formerly proprietor of a nursery in the East, says: 

 "It is safe to calculate, that, as a rule during the eight years allotted for prov- 

 ing-up, the entire ten acres have to be the same as reset to insure success." 



What oljtains with our forests trees obtains to a more marked degree with our 

 fruit plants. Seldom does a first experiment prove a success. This is the experi- 

 ence generally, even with those who are posted in horticultural art. We have all 



