48 MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
branches—by this I mean they do not grow in clusters as the others 
do. These trees somewhat resemble the wild or choke cherry, 
though the bark is darker, as is also the leaf a darker geeen. The 
fruit, when ripe, is black or very dark red and is somewhat smaller 
than the other kind; it is quite sour, though it can be eaten, and it 
makes fine sauce and preserves. This variety seems to be perfectly 
adapted to this climate, as the trees stand in a place where they are 
sheltered from the north but not from the south, and they do not 
seem to suffer from the heat or frost. 
Judging from my past experience I would advise those who 
intend to begin the cherry culture to be very careful in both the 
selection of trees, to get the hardiest kinds, and the situation. Un- 
less one chooses the hardy varieties which are adapted to this 
climate a secluded position on the north side of a slope orin the 
shelter of buildings or trees is the proper placeto select. The trees 
are not hard to start, and with proper care in the beginning and an 
occasional mulching as the trees grow larger, there is no reason 
why every table should not be supplied with this,the most delicious 
fruit that can be raised in this section. 
LETTER FROM SECRETARY COWLES, SOUTH DAKOTA 
STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
A. W. Latham: ( 
Dear Friend:—Your kind favor with the program of your meeting 
received. I can hardly give up the hope of attending, but times are 
too hard. We thank you for the fraternity shown us by sending 
Mr. Terry to our meeting; his presence and help were appreciated, 
ITassure you. The last year has been a very trying one in our state 
for the horticulturist, most of the fruit being either killed by the 
May frost or by the drought of summer. Trees died here this 
summer the worst we ever saw, even large trees dieing. The tops 
of the oldest trees set here were killed, cottonwood, maple and even 
box elder, six to eighteen inches in diameter. Personally, it is the 
best apple year in the last five; we sold about $300 worth of apples, 
besides plums and currants. Small fruits were a failure. Weare 
looking forward to better times—the dry weather cannot last always. 
Wishing you success in your meeting and work I remain yours, 
E. D. COWLES, 
Secretary State Horticultural Society, South Dakota. 
Vermillion, S. D., Jan. 7, 1895. 
