300 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



SWEET CHERRIES. 



Mainly due to the birds and their cracking when nearly ripe, the 

 sweet cherries are not mnch grown. We find only two varieties, the 

 Napoleon and the Windsor, worthy of any extensive growth. 



Napoleon is a yellow cherry with a slight red cheek. Its form is 

 somewhat globular, and its quality is moderately good. The tree is 

 vigorous and bears well except that in some seasons it rots badly. 



Windsor is later than Napoleon, and of better quality and appearance. 

 It is dark, handsome, red, or liver color, and short,, heart-shaped in 

 form. The size is generally good but some seasons it is only medium. 

 It often cracks badly when nearly ripe. The tree is productive and 

 a moderately vigorous bearer. For a fanc}^, sweet cherry, this variety 

 is the most promising. 



The large early yellow sweet. Governor Wood, is good to set for the 

 birds. They generally get all of the crop of this variety. 



Schmidt's Bigarreau is good for the size, attractiveness and qua- 

 lity. It is of a dark red color with flesh the same, and is very large. 

 The tree, however, lacks productiveness with us and would only be 

 suitable for home use. It is a very thrifty grower and a light soil 

 would undoubtedly increase its productiveness. 



A light sandy soil well elevated is best for all sweet cherries as it 

 lessens their liability to rot and crack. 



PLUMS. 



The plum crop was generally quite good. Due to the unfavorable 

 weather at the time of the early sprayings, which usually are ef- 

 fective in controlling the curculio, there was considerable fruit stung 

 by this insect; the dry weather later, however, kept the rot in check. 

 The following varieties bore this year : 



ArchduJce. A large;, firm, dark blue plum ripening early in Sep- 

 tember. Not being as productive, thrifty or large as the Grand Duke, 

 it should be discarded in favor of that variety, unless earlier fruit 

 is wished. 



Black Diamond. This is of the large, dark blue type with firm fruit 

 of handsome appearance. The tree is quite thrifty and bears well. 

 One of the earliest ripening varieties of the large blue plums. Good 

 for market, but not good for dessert purposes, as it is too acid. Good 

 for cooking. Has considerable bloom. 



Bradsliaio. Probably the most popular purple plum. Of good size, 

 moderately firm, with good flavor. Quite productive. Ripens August 

 15. Deserves the popularity it has. Its only drawbacks are that it 

 is rather late in bearing and the fruit is subject to rot. 



Biirhank. One of the best Japanese plums. Large, roundish, yel- 

 low nearly covered with an attractive red; quality good. The tree is 

 of a very spreading habit and is quite productive. Not quite as hardy 

 as Abundance, but seems to be more productive. An ideal market 

 and dessert plum. Rather tender for canning, as it does not hold 

 together. Season later than Abundance. 



Coe (Golden). A large, late plum of the Yellow Egg type. Qual- 

 ity very good, being much like that of the Green Gage plums. The 



