78 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



the tree ; and second, to produce a large and more uniform fruit. As to 

 the proper heiglit to form the head of the young tree, there is a great 

 diversity of opinion; but the tendency seems to be toward lower heading, 

 and this plan is adopted by our most experienced growers, because, first, it 

 conforms to the natural tendency of the tree, which is to branch out very 

 low; second, the trees are not affected so much by the high winds and the 

 fruit is more easily gathered. 



" The results so far have been very satisfactory to the growers, so much 

 so that the coming season will see the peach orchards of Oceana county 

 doubled in size." 



A DISCUSSION OF VARIETIES. 



• 



Mr. MoERiLL: Will Mr. Sessions name his choice of eight sorts of 

 peach? 



Mr. Sessions: So far as they have been tested here I would choose 

 Waterloo, Hale (very successful here, not better anywhere in Michigan, 

 and none pays better), Barnard, Early Crawford (some are setting Crane's 

 Early Yellow and Lewis), Stump, Oldmixon, and Hill's Chili. None 

 later than these can be regarded as successful here. Some also do well 

 with E-ivers and Jacques. 



Mr. Farnsworth asked for a description of the Lewis and it was given 

 by the secretary, together with its history. It resembles Hale in appear- 

 ance and quality, but is much larger and a free-stone. About fifteen years 

 ago, N. W. Lewis got of H. J. Ray of Coloma, Berrien county, trees of 

 what was called St. Joe sugar peach. They were seedlings of Hill's Chili, 

 and all came true to name except one, which was the parent tree of the 

 Lewis. It is not valued for quality but because of its season, no other 

 peach ripening with it. Hence it is valuable for market. 



President Lyon made some disparaging remark concerning the quality 

 of the Lewis, whereupon said 



Mr. Morrill: The fact is, Mr. Lyon has a too fastidious taste. To 

 him a good Red Canada apple is scarcely good enough, yet to many it is 

 acceptable ; and so it is with the Lewis peach. No other ripens at its time, 

 and to the general public it is satisfactory. 



Mr. Lyon protested that while the Lewis has certain commercial merits, 

 and its season is in its favor, it is not desirable to plant sorts that will pall 

 the public taste and make people think all peaches bad. 



Mr. Farnsworth: Were I now to set a new orchard, I would choose 

 Hale, Yellow Rareripe (the earliest yellow peach, hardy and of good 

 quality), Large Early York, Snow's Orange or Barnard, Red Cheek, 

 Stump, Oldmixon and Hill's Chili. Of the latter sorts, the three preced- 

 ing Chili are white peaches, but if thinned well they will be large and sell 

 high. Don't look on the groiuid when thinning, or you will be frightened 

 and stop. I would set a few Susquehanna for fairs, etc., for it is the 

 largest and finest peach grown in the United States. 



Mr. Morrill: Why omit Mountain Rose? 



Thos. Braman: At the time Lewis ripens here we have also much finer 

 peaches, though it does well with us. I would plant Crane's Early Yellow 

 instead of Yellow Rareripe; and in place of Lewis, Burrill's Yellow, a new 

 peach. 



E. J. Shirts commended Jacques. 



C. A. Hawley gave as his choice, in setting an orchard, either Alexander, 



