160 Mississippi Valley Horticultural Society. 



and yet many of them are very poor in quality. An example is seen in 

 those poor, tasteless California white grapes that are seen on our markets 

 evorywhore. Ho-.v they do sell, and yet they are poorer than our poorest, 

 while some of their colored ones are excellent. People are turned about in 

 this matter, and as a general thing the linest colored grapes are the best, yet 

 the market demands those without color ; while with the apple generally the 

 finest colored are the poorest and those without color the best, and yet the 

 market demands the opposite. 



The raspberry, red, as in most markets, those that will ship the best will sell 

 the best, and the same with the black cap. A bright solid color will sell the 

 best if they are firm enough to ship live or six hundred miles. 



The Thwack, a very poor berry, has a good sale, because it will carry to 

 the mountains in perfect order. At home, for private use or market, it is too 

 well known for poor quality to be of much demand. Our home market de- 

 mands something better for its use. 



The blackberry, nothing but the Kittiting. The strawberry wants good 

 size, fair flavor and good color, to make a fii'st-class market fruit, if it is firm 

 enough to carry a fair distance. 



The Charles Downing is a fair sample of what we want. The Crescent is 

 rather soft, but it will carry some distance, if j^icked when firm. 



Our market, therefore, demands not only fruit for home consumption, but 

 the greater, by far, demand is for good shii)])ing fruit, and this is found only 

 in fruit of good size, good quality, fair quality only, and a good shipper. 

 These are the demands of the Kansas City market. 



DISCUSSION ON THE TAPER. 



President Earle — Gentlemen, the author of this paper names a 

 good many varieties of fruits, and gives opinions on them. The 

 subject is before you for discussion. 



M(ij. Hohinger, of Kansas — The gentleman said we were a little 

 fastidious in our taste. I would say I got more for Thwack than 

 for the excellent Turner, though it is inferior. The Turner will 

 not ship well. 



Mr. Joh^ison, of Indiana — That speech fits Indiana. 



M(ij. Rar/an, of Missouri — I take exception to the writer's views 

 on the red apple. A year ago, on this market, I could sell Hunts- 

 man Favorite and Bellflower at much better rates than the liiglily 

 colored apples. I think, on this market, there is a preference for 

 yellow apples manifested. 



Dr. Gregory, of Arkan.sas — I have been a member of this Soci- 

 ety for two years, and have not said anything ; and I suppose it i s 



