awberries were a good crop and of exceptional fine
quality, but the currants and gooseberries were a total failure in my
garden as well as elsewhere, according to all reports received.

There were not many fruit trees planted in this district the past year.
For instance, at this station the deliveries last spring consisted
principally of bundles containing one-half dozen or a dozen trees each,
and the total number delivered in that way did not exceed 200 trees and,
according to all information, the planting throughout this district was
very light.

I know of only one new orchard started with 700 four and five year old
trees. About 500 are Wealthys and the balance Patten Greenings. The
trees made a good start but were somewhat neglected during the summer,
the field being planted to corn and some to barley, and all was handled
rather rough.

There was very little blight in this district the past year. I noticed
just a little on two or three Transcendents, and Mr. Jos. Boll, who has
about 1,500 bearing trees, reports no blight at all.

I did no spraying this year, did not consider it worth while, as there
was no fruit, and most others felt the same way. Other years though a
lot of spraying is done, and the more progressive ones spray two and
three times.

There is plenty of moisture in the soil, and the trees are going into
winter quarters in good shape, therefore prospects for apple and plum
crop the coming season are excellent.

[Illustration: Residence of M. H. Hegerle, St. Bonifacius.]

Probably a hundred or more different kinds of apple and plum trees and
berries of all kinds are grown here. Farmers in the past usually bought
what the salesman recommended, just to get rid of him; lately though
they are taking more interest in the selection, and the Wealthy,
Patten's or Northwestern Greenings, Okabena, Peter and perhaps a few
Duchess are about the only apple trees planted now. Surprise plums,
Dunlap and everbearing strawberries are the leaders.

Ornamental shrubs are found here of all names and descriptions and
colors, and they all seem to do well.

* * * * *

HONEY VINEGAR.--Vinegar made from honey has an exceptionally
fine flavor and is not expensive. A small amount of honey furnishes a
large amount of vinegar. Follow these directions: Dissolve thoroughly in
two gallons of warm, soft water one quart jar of extracted honey. Give
it air and keep it in a warm place, where it wi