early bloom.]

Our native plums have all come through the winter in good shape, with
only a small setting of plums, on account of so much rain. In regard to
the plums we received from the Breeding Station in 1913: the number of
plums was eighteen; all grew except two, and those killed back each
year. They were No. 2. All the rest have grown, but no fruit up to date
except on No. 7. That fruited last year and also is loaded with fruit at
this date. The trees received in 1914 all grew except two. They all made
a fair growth but haven't yet set any fruit. The dozen trees that were
sent me in 1915 have all made a good growth this last year.

Two dozen grapes that were sent to me three years ago have not set fruit
but have made a slow growth. Now in regard to small fruit, such as
strawberries, we wish to say that No. 3 heads everything in the
strawberry line for growth and berries. Its equal is not found in this
section of the country. In regard to the everbearing we cannot say that
they have done as well as we expected them to. The raspberries that we
received three years ago have all done very well. No. 1 and No. 5 have
done the best. Those berries have all stood out without covering through
the winter. We have one acre of them now. They have not killed back at
all and promise a big crop.

We received this spring about one dozen apple trees which we will report
on later. Currants and gooseberries promise a good crop.

In regard to the shade trees and the evergreens they have all done
remarkably well. We have more faith in the seedling fruits, such as
apples and plums, for this section of the country. We believe our only
hope will be through the seedlings. This was the late Prof. Green's
prediction to me just before his death. Every year brings to mind his
saying, that we must plant our own apple and plum seed if we ever expect
any good results in Northern Minnesota.

In regard to the Hansen plums--all seem to be doing well and are set
full of fruit. We would also mention the Hansen sweet alfalfa, which is
a wonder. It grows and spreads equal to quack-grass. Four years ago we
received fifty plants, which were planted according to directions of the
professor to set two feet apart and cultivate the first year. During
these four years it does not appear that there has been a single plant
killed out. It has spread from the seed and roots over two rods wide and
six rods long and as thick as it can stand.

Owatonna Tr