130 



EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. 



of value only in the colder sections of the Dominion either as top-grafting stocks or for 

 culinary purposes. Their usefulness in these lines should not be under-estimated as 

 hardiness and productiveness are characteristics of prime importance in most fruit 

 growing districts of the Dominion. 



CHERRIES. 



The cherry orchard has progressed very favourably, considering the large number 

 of varieties under trial. As stated in previous reports, none of the sweet cherries have 

 succeeded in this locality and our work has been therefore confined to those of the 

 Morello class, or to forms intermediate between these and the Dukes. The crop of fruit 

 this year was light, except on Ostheim, Minnesota Ostheim, Orel 25 and Yladimir (of 

 Morris). These varieties, as in former years, bore a full crop. I have to report in this 

 connection that the trees of the seedling Koslov Bush Morello, imported by the Fruit 

 Growers' Association of Ontario in 1890, and placed in charge of the Horticulturist of 

 the Central Experimental Farm, have proved hardy at Ottawa, but exhibit considerable 

 variation in habit of growth and character of leaf and bud. A few blossomed last year, 

 but set no fruit. A larger number blossomed this year and some fruit matured. An 

 examination of the blossoms disclosed the fact that in many instances, they were ab- 

 normal in regard to the size and character of the stamens, which may account for the 



KOSLOV-MORELLO. 



fruit setting so lightly. Samples of fruit secured were of fair size, bright red, heart 

 shaped ; flesh soft and rather astringent. Pit, large. Altogether, not promising, so 

 far. But it is not fair to base an opinion on first fruits. I may say that Dr. Charles E. 

 Saunders succeeded in crossing this with other forms of the Morello, and interesting 

 results may be looked for from this union. 



