REPORT OF MR. THOMAS A. SHARPS. 467 



SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 



MULBERIilES. 



All of the named varieties of ihe mulberries fruited freely this year, as they al- 

 ways do. Several seedling trees have grown to a considerable size, but have not borne 

 any fruit. This fruit does not appear to have any insect or fungous enemies. It is 

 too soft for sliipment, but is pleasant to eat oflf the tree, and is used in a number of 

 ways, and as the fruit commences to ripen early in July and continues to the last of 

 September, a tree or two are a useful addition to the home supply of fruit. As tested 

 here there is not much choice between Downing, Hicks, or New Americaji, all are meri- 

 torious. 



GRAPES. 



The grapes this year have been almost a total failure. A few varieties fruited, 

 but in every case the bunches were open, many of the berries small and very many 

 of them had been cut into or holes gouged in the skin by the cut-worms. Those sorts 

 which produced a few clusters of ripe berries, ripened in the order named, Jessica, 

 Saunders' No. 4, Delaware, Moyer. 



GOOSEBERRIES. 



The gooseberry bushes were sprayed with Bordeaux mixture early in the spring 

 before the buds opened, again just after the leaves began to form and after blooming, 

 and once again later in the spring, but perhaps partly owing to the frequent showers 

 which so often wash the mixture ofF before it has time to effect the purpose for 

 which it is applied, or from some other cause, mildew was not subdued this season. 



The few bushes planted on the upper bench lands ai-e practically free of the 

 disease, and have never been sprayed. 



STRAWBERRIES. 



The strawberry crop has not been quite as good this year as usual. Twice during 

 the winter the plants were badly heaved by frost which came immediately after heavy 

 rain when the soil was filled with water. Then during the blossoming period there 

 was light frost and a deal of cold rain whicli prevented the fertilizing of the flowers, 

 and heavy continuous rains during the ripening injured the crop. 



16— 30| 



