DISCUSSION ON VARIETIES. 4^ 



Discussion on Varieties. 



Several tables were covered with a good display of apples and 

 pears, embracing most of the standard fruits grown in the State, 

 as well as a considerable number of newer sorts less disseminated. 

 There were also some seedlings which attracted attention from 

 their fine appearance, among which may be named a pear grown 

 by Mr. H. G. Williams of Sidney, from a seed of Louise Bonne de 

 Jersey, closely resembling the parent in outward appearance, 

 rather larger and handsomer, but decidedly inferior in quality. 



An apple called Smith's Favorite, which originated in Winthrop, 

 was also very attractive in appearance, and the note accompany- 

 ing the specimens spoke of it as productive and profitable as a 

 market fruit. The Committee reported that although of good quali- 

 ty there was not evidence of sufficient superiority to warrant recom- 

 mending it over other well known sorts of the same season, and the 

 same remark applied equally to several others which were shown. 



With a view of facilitating the objects designed to be reached 

 by the discussion, a circular had been previously prepared and 

 issued, inquiring of cultivators their preferances as to the three 

 best apples for Summer, Autumn and Winter use, as well as 

 some other questions. A committee having been appointed to 

 examine and collate the answers received, reported that a much 

 smaller number of replies had been made than was expected. 

 There was, however, a considerable degree of uniformity in the 

 lists which had been sent in, and a considerable majority of the 

 suffrages indicated as the favorite sorts. For Summer — Red 

 Astrachan, Williams and Early Sweet Bough. For Autumn — 

 Porter, Gravenstein and Nodhead. For Winter — Baldwin, R. I. 

 Greening and Roxbury Russet. 



The committee stated that other varieties had been named, some 

 of which, although less generally known, and as yet little dissem- 

 inated in this State, they believed to be worthy of more extensive 

 culture, and of displacing some now commonly cultivated. They 

 recommended that these be taken up severally for discussion, and 

 that the experience of those present be solicited in relation to 

 their value, either for home use or for market purposes ; which 

 was, accordingly done. 



Primate. Friend Taylor had raised a few from scions procured 

 from Western New York and deemed it the most delicious apple 

 of its season. The tree is thrifty, hardy and of spreading habit. 



