126 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. 



unqualifiedly, as to draw attention to some points to be borne in mind in connection 

 with its cultivation. 



In the first place this is an apple belonging essentially to the same class as Gideon 

 and McMahan, in regard to the locality in which it should be cultivated. Secondly, it 

 should not be grown in sod or without high manuring and clean cultivation, on account 

 of the size of fruit, which is naturally small, and without this treatment becomes unprofita- 

 bly so. At Grenville, P.Q., Mr. Robert Hamilton reports it "not quite hardy." At other 

 points in Quebec, as well as Ottawa, there has been no complaint along this line. The 

 fruit when well grown is of medium size and handsomely striped and splashed with 

 dark red. It does not reach good eating condition until after mid-winter when its 

 sharp acidity becomes less pronounced. As a keeping apple it certainly excels, being in 

 its best condition from February till May. Its principal value is for culinary purposes. 



Winter Duchess. 



This variety has fruited for two years past and has proved to be a handsome fall 

 apple of fair quality, but not as good as Wealthy, which comes in at the same season. 



Walbridge. 



A much advertised winter apple on account of hardiness of tree and keeping quality 

 of fruit. Both claims are quite true, as the tree is an exceedingly vigorous grower, 

 while the fruit without special care keeps through the winter. The fruit, however, is 

 very small and entirely lacks attractiveness, besides being poor in quality. The tree 

 is also a light bearer, and should be planted sparingly. It is said to do best on warm, 

 sandy soils. Where this variety has been extensively planted it would be a wise policy 

 on the part of the owner to top graft the greater portion with more saleable varieties. 



RUSSIAN APPLES. 



The work of testing these varieties is being carried on from year to year with more 

 or less corroborative results. Some conclusions reached and expressed in my report for 

 1891 may be repeated as follows : — 



1. "That the northern limits of apple culture can be materially extended by 

 planting the hardiest of these varieties." 



2. " That all fruit growing districts in Canada may be benefited by adding a judi- 

 cious selection of the best kinds." 



3. " That among them are many valuable summer apples." 



4. " That experience seems to indicate that among them are winter apples of fair 

 quality and of superior hardiness." This belief has in a measure been justified by later 

 experience. 



5. " That, in the milder portions of Ontario, these winter apples are not sufficiently 

 tested to warrant their being recommended for more than trial in a limited way." 



With present experience, I can now say that I do not know of any winter Russian 

 apple which seems to me worthy of cultivation where Ontario and Northern Spy can be 

 grown successfully. The nearest approach to these which I have seen among those 

 which in the same regions could be classed as winter apples, is in the case of " Long- 

 field " and " Arabka." The former can, however, only be classed among winter apples 

 when grown in Northern Quebec. 



LONGFIELD. 



Imported from Russia in 1870 by the United States Department of Agriculture, 

 also by Professor Budd from different sources in Russia in 1883. On account of its 



