2(5G BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



most highly esteemed, are the Bahlwin and Roxhury Russet. We 

 esteem apples for stock and hogs very highly. My hogs have but little 

 else than apples and the slops from the kitchen, during the winter. 

 I keep them frozen, and merely thaw them in a kettle for this purpose. 

 I do not allow the water to boil. I also give them to my sheep in a 

 frozen state, and I believe them as good as the same amount of pota- 

 toes." 



FROM JOHX S. MURCH. 



" Some attention has been paid to renovating or re-topping old apple 

 trees, and much remains to be done. When trees are in good condi- 

 tion, and properly operated on and managed, they are increased in 

 value, perhaps fourfold, and are probably as profitable as any other 

 crop. Some are setting young trees ; but aside from this, there is but 

 little done in Dayton, in the fruit line. For winter use, the Baldwin 

 stands at the head. The Rhode Island Greening, Nonsuch, and Rox- 

 bury Russet, are much esteemed. The old Nonsuch is preferred to 

 the Baldwin. Some writers represent it as a poor grower, but with us 

 it is a vigorous grower and good bearer. The Roxbury Russet keeps 

 well, but as a drawback, they are apt to grow gnarly. Some graft 

 largely with the Golden Russet. They are good growers, bear well, 

 keep well, and are of a good flavor, but of small size. For autumn 

 use, the Porter and Baker's Sweet are most generally cultivated. Grape 

 vines thrive well on our rocky soils. Apples, I believe, are thought to 

 be worth as much for swine as potatoes, particularly sweet apples." 



TROM E. B. RANDALL. 



"At present, there is great attention paid to fruit growing, and it 

 has been profitable. The varieties generally cultivated are the Bald- 

 win, Rhode Island Greening, Roxbury Russet, Hubbardston Non- 

 such, Williams' Favorite, Early Sweet Bough, Porter, and a host of 

 others. Some pears, plums, cherries, and peaches are cultivated. Apples 

 are estimated to be worth as much for stock or hogs as potatoes, either 

 for milk or flesh. I have used apples for fattening beef and pork for 

 family use, a number of years, with good success. They make good 

 fat, sweet meat, and larger than mere corn-fed animals, and are equally 

 good if fed on corn fifteen days previous to killing, which hardens the 

 flesh, and yellows the fat of beef. Apples are excellent food in the 

 winter, with dry hay, for cattle, sheep, and horses." 



FROM ORRIN FULLER. 



" There is increased attention given to the cultivation of fruit in La- 

 grange. It is, perhaps, as profitable as any other branch of farming. 

 The apples I should recommend for cultivation are the Summer Sweet, 



