The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1860-02-17

o NW yO0Ic, % ZIG COouhy O0~"A.s0 AAsVAS ~
tied, and the demand for trees increased, i
imported trees from Iowa, Illinois, and New
York. Trees seemed to do very well until
the hard winters oil. 1866, when large
number of trees were killed, to the snow.
line, including apple, pear, plumb and cher.
nv. Out of hundred or more kinds of
apples, there were some Is or 20 varieties
Of the apple that seemed but little injured
by the cold of that severe winter. Our trees
were of all sizes from one to four years old,
mostly grown here from the graft. There
were but few kinds of pear, plumb or cherry,
that were not badly injured, during that
winter-since that time we have confined
our operations to such kinds as had proved
hardy at that time, which we supposed was
quite as cold season as was ever known,
In fact we heard Of bearing trees being killed
in all parts of the country, and the west in
particular.
The next winter was very severe on trees
in many parts of the West, but ours were
not injured-nearly all varities growing fine
ly when spring opened. Of course we felt
encouraged, but the following winter, though
very mild and pleasant, destroyed more than
half of all our trees, including those kinds
that we had supposed sure proof against
any winter. The trees looked we'll in the
spring, but when the time come for them to
grow, they dried up instead, and many were
killed root and branch. So our threory of
fifteen or twenty hardy trees of apples, was
entirely exploded. We have lost in this
way not less than twenty thousand dollars
worth Of fruit trees, including those killed in
our own Nursery and the st. Paul Nursery,
which we purchased in 1855. During the
past two years we have plowed up several
acres of our trees, and put in other crops.
Our soil is generally sandy loan, with
here and there dry subsoil. Trees grow
very fast in such soil and do not mature as
in heavy or clay soil. The wood is soft
and not hardy as trees are grown at the East
in the same latitude, which is the principal
cause of trees doing so badly in this State.
Our summers here are warmer and suited
to the growth of dent corn, sorghum, melons,
and many other parts that do not mature in
this high latitude at the East. The same
cause, together with the character of our
soil, produces fruit tree suited rather to a
Southern winter, than Minnesota winter
where the mercury sometimes sink to 400
below zero.
l am satisfied, however, in spite of these
facts, that Minnesota will be a good fruit
country in time. Even now, we hear of
apples growing in many parts of the State,
but mostly on heavy clay soils, and high
lands, particularly in the openings and tim
Der. Many of the kinds now in cultivation
may be grown in such localities, and for the
prairies. and all lighter soils we shall have the
seedlings of hardy character. l think we
shall improve the Siberian crab, which is as
hardy as our oaks. While at the Illinois
State Fair, 1 saw Seeding crab quite as
large as hens egg, and also large eating
apple. This shows what may be done in
this way, and ENGRAVING on the crab apple.
I think any kind will be harder. This
should, however, be done in the top of the
crab, and not in the root.
I am of opinion that other choice yari-
ties of the apple may be hybridized with the
best kinds OF the Siberian crab, and produce
some hing good, and retaining the hardy
nature of the crab. We have great faith in
this and the raising of choice seedlings for
Minnesota, and all the vast region of
country north and west. In fact, such
trees are needed many degrees south of US.
Peaches, pears, apricots, &C., may be
raised by artificial means, and quite cheap.
ly, too, as is now done in many parts of
England I allude to orchard houses, or
similar means, which will soon be under
taken in this State.
Grapes will do finely here if covered a
little in winter, and vineyards could be
made highly profitable along our river bluffs.
Currents, gooseberries, raspberries, are
at home with US, and every one may have
his
'Dish of ripe strawberries
Covered with cream"
Last season, he said, some fine apples were
raised near St. Anthony, from grated trees;
he did not know the nature of the soil. Mr..
Temison, near here. has beautiful orchard
of eight year old seeding trees, in oak
openings, heavy soil.
The hour being late, the Club then ad-
journed, after fixing " Small Fruits as the
subject for the debate on Monday evening,
and passing the following resolution:
Rssolred, That it is the opinion of this meet.
ing that with proper care the culture of apples
and pears can be successfully carried on in
this State.