The Question Box. 259 



drawbacks. The currant worm is one, but it may be easily con- 

 trolled. There are some other insect pests, some of them of re- 

 cent date, that can not be so easily fought. There is a growing 

 demand for the fruit, however, so that the grower can afford to 

 be vigilant. 



Will Dr. Van Slyke tell us what is the most hardy plum for this cold 

 climate (Springville)? 



Dr. Van Slyke. — I don't know everything. You will have to 

 write to Prof. Beach, the horticulturist at the Geneva Experimeht 

 Station, for an answer. 



Mr. Fenner. — I think that some of the Japan varieties would do 

 best in this locality. 



Mr. Converse.- — These Jap plums are quite hardy with u.s in 

 .-southern Jefferson county. 



I desire information about grapes. Mine are on low, black soil, but do 

 not bear fruit. But the vines make a large growth every year. Why do 

 I not get more fruit? 



Mr. Stevens, Mass. — That is a text for a long sermon. Un- 

 doubtedly the conditions of the soil are not good. Too much 

 nitrogenous foods in the soil, or it may be the rose bug chafer. I 

 could tell better if I could see the vines in foliage. A black soil 

 is not fitted for the grape. Fertilize well with potash and phos- 

 phoric acid, and avoid too much growth of wood and foliage. 



Mr. Van Alstyne. — What is the variety? 



The writer of the question. — Rodger's Hybrid. It is a black 

 grape. 



Mr. Van Alstyne. — Write to the Geneva Experiment Station 

 for their bulletin describing the various varieties and giving some 

 directions for caring for them. 



Is there any danger from an overproduction of good apples? 



Mr. Van Alstyne. — As a rule, there is not an overplus of good 

 apples. The " overplus,"' is of poor fruit. Sometimes a lack of 

 proper distribution causes an overplus in some one place; but, 

 during the last three years, we have had good, profitable prices, 

 and the outlook, to me, for good prices, is still better. The Ger- 

 man and southern markets is now opening up, and the rates of 

 transportation are lower. Beside that, there is a constant in- 



