322 ANNUAL REPORT. 



menting, these stations have been as widely separated as possible, and probably 

 have been wisely chosen. The exact location, the particular character of soil, alti- 

 tude, exposure, etc., should be made a matter of record with the Society for refer- 

 ence. 



A general uniformity of selection and distribution of trees and plants among the 

 Stations should be made, to insure reliable knowledge as to their adaptability or 

 desirability for general cult ivation. No uniform plan of work has been devised or 

 at least no instruction to that effect has been given. It is supposed that each ex- 

 perimenter has done what he could in his own way. As individuals we are apt to 

 run to specialties, and if we succeed we are liable to jump at conclusions. It is un- 

 der such circumstances that trees and plants are sometimes largely advertised and 

 sold, that prove to be entirely unfit for general cultivation. I commend the spirit 

 of the nurseryman who stated in his catalogue, that the Hansell raspberry was 

 not adapted to sandy soil. It saved me some money and useless work and proba- 

 bly greater disappointment. If I had been informed in the same manner of the Re- 

 liance, and numerous varieties of strawberries, I could have saved myself a good 

 deal of expense and labor. It is hoped that the Horticultural Society through these 

 Stations will secure sufficient tests to enable anyone to plant with a reasonable 

 assurance of success. 



The grounds selected for the experimenting here are near the railroad station, 

 upon what is known aa table land, lying about thirty feet above the Mississippi 

 river, and nearly level, with exposure about equal. It has been under cultivation 

 twenty-five years. The soil is sandy to the depth of two feet, and underlaid by a 

 foot or more of yellow clay, and then loose gravel. It has never suffered with 

 drouth and the natural drainage is such that it does not suffer with wet. For 

 experiment, and otherwise there are now growing thirty varieties of apple trees; 

 twenty varieties of plum trees; twelve Ostheim cherry trees; eight varieties of 

 strawberries; two of blackberries; three of red raspberries; and the Gregg black; of 

 grapes, the Concord, Delaware and Lindsey; native plums have been and will con- 

 tinue to be a speciality. 



FRUIT REPORT FROM O. M. LORD. 



Minnesota City, January 18, 1886. 



So far as I can learn, old apple trees are dead, with the exception of the Duchess 

 and the crabs. A large number of young trees have been set, and to all appear- 

 ances are doing well. 



There is considerable increased interest shown in the cultivation of the small 

 fruits ; no doubt induced by the failure of apples. The local markets were well 

 supplied with Duchess, Transparent and Hyslop. Strawberries were abundant 

 and prices very low. Currants were scarce. There was a fair supply of raspberries, 

 blackberries and grapes. The indications are that a good many fruit trees will be 

 set the coming season. The Russian varieties are attracting more than usual 

 attention. 



Mr. Harris. Mr. President, Mr. Lord wrote me a few days ago that 

 he had found that it was disputed by some that he was the manager of 



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