REPORT OF THE HORTICULTURIST. 139 



"While very astringent, the thinness of the skin of this variety makes it a favourite for 

 canning and for jelly-making. 



The tree is reported as succeeding on even heavy clays. It is in good condition 

 from September 15th to October 15th. 



Martha. — This is a remarkably handsome tree in orchard, the form being symme- 

 trical and upright, clothed with large healthy leaves, strikingly pubescent. Bears young 

 and heavily. Fruit, medium to large, oblate ; skin, smooth and shiny, nearly covered 

 with a pinkish blush. Cavity deep ; basin smooth, regular. Flesh yellow, crisp, juicy 

 and acid. Excellent for canning and jelly-making. About the same season as the last. 



Gibb. — Raised by the late G. P. Peffer, of Pewaukee, Wis., from seed of Yellow 

 Siberian, fertilized with Fall Greening. It was named by Mr. Peffer in honour of Chas. 

 Gibb, who first observed it bearing in his orchard. The following is Mr. Gibb's descrip- 

 tion of this valuable crab : " The fruit is large in size, averaging two inches across by 

 an inch in depth. I have grown specimens which were three inches in diameter. The 

 skin is yellow, with a blush of dull red on one side ; flesh remarkably yellow, crisp 

 and juicy, with a rich mingling of acidity and sweetness. Its astringency is so slight 

 that it is hardly perceptible unless specially looked for. The flesh is quite firm, but 

 breaking, although not melting, until it becomes yellow and ceases to be crisp. Its 

 thinness of skin and sprightliness of flavour are Siberian characteristics which make it 

 a favourite." 



The tree is a slow grower, hardy and bears young and heavily. Mr. Gibb stated 

 further that it was his "favourite crab for canning." Season, September 15th to 

 30th. 



Orange. — Originated in Minnesota. Tree hardy. Upright in habit of growth. 

 It bears young and is very productive, so much so that the fruit becomes small with 

 advancing years. Average specimens are of medium size, rough, with a rough, russetty 

 yellow skin. The flesh is sub-acid and quite pleasant when eaten raw. When over- 

 ripe it lacks juice and is apt to be pithy. Season, Sept. 15th to Oct. 15th. Excellent 

 for canning. 



Among the most desirable of the winter crabs for which there is small demand, I 

 will mention : Coral, Meeder's Winter and Quaker Beauty. 



SMALL FRUITS. 



GRAPES. 



The past season was one of the most favourable for the thorough ripening of 

 this fruit which has occurred in this vicinity within a decade. Fungous diseases 

 were not prevalent to a serious extent, and those appearing were easily controlled with 

 Bordeaux mixture. At the Central Canada Exhibition held during the last week of 

 September, 142 varieties were shown, of which number fully 75 were well ripened. 

 Ripening continued up to Oct. 15th. 



"Farrell," a white grape mentioned in the report of the Horticulturist, last 

 year, produced in abundance enormous bunches of fruit upon vines planted three 

 years ago. The berries, which, were described as small last year, were much larger this 

 season, and while the fruit did not reach perfect maturity, yet it gave assurance of 

 good quality. It should be tested in our best grape growing districts. It is the 

 largest white grape which has fruited here. 



Brilliant. Of T. V. Munson, a cross between Delaware and Lindley, is a promis- 

 ing red variety for home U3e. It does not seem sufficiently vigorous or productive for 

 markBt. But the vines are still young. Good quality. 



Peabody— A seedling of Clinton raised by J. H. Ricketts of N. Y., is by no means 

 a new variety, but it is mentioned here with a view of dilating on its good points. 



1. It bears heavily and has been but slightly affected by mildew and to a small 

 extent by Anthracnose. 



