INDIANA IIORTICULTUKAL SOCIETY. 



31)7 



earlier varieties and almost obliterated the winter supply of the later sorts. 



Pears,— A fine season for pears, and, although the bulk was not so 

 large as common, yet the supply almost equaled the demand. The early 

 Catharine, Tyson, Fall Butter and Lawrence were seemingly affected 

 most by the drouth. 



Plums.— Although not so large a yield as common, yet the specimens 

 were practically free from insect ravages and other imperfections. So 

 many of the plum trees, especially of the Damson variety, are at present 

 affected with the dreaded black knot on the branches that the further 

 planting of this very important kind of fruit is likely to continue to be 

 sadly neglected. 



Cherries.— A fair yield, with fruit of a good quality and reasonably 

 free from insect ravages. The older trees did best and the supply almost 

 equaled the demand. It is hoped that more generous planting of cherry 

 trees will be had, especially throughout our cities and towns, where they 

 always bear well. 



Quinces.— Since the severe freezes of a few winters ago, the quince 

 bushes have hardly regained their former growth and vigor, and the sup- 

 ply was far inadequate. The ease of propagation of quince cuttings ought 

 to be an incentive to lovers of this kind of fruit to have more trees grow- 

 ing in their dooryards than are at present found. 



Peaches.— Trees in protected localities were heavily laden as well as 

 many others in more exposed places bore a fine lot of fruit, so that the 

 local supply was ample, and the impetus given to future peach culture 

 by the past two years' crops, will be lasting, and many new individual 

 trees, if not small orchards, will be planted. 



Grapes.— An exceptionally small yield. The vines were severely winter 

 killed, with a wet spring, followed by a dry summer, together with the 

 ravages of the troublesome berry worm, reduced the chances for a crop 

 so that at the time of ripening but few perfect bunches of grapes were to 

 be found on most of the vines. 



Dewberries.— The cultivation of this most excellent fruit has been, 

 especially in this section, almost entirely abandoned, perhaps on account 

 of its uncertainty of bearing; yet it is possible that our soils are not 

 adapted to its successful culture and our fruit growers may not have a 

 knowledge of the correct manner of its cultivation. 



Strawberries.— Within recent years the increase in the demand for 

 this staple fruit has been remarkable, and fruit men have made special 

 efforts in their endeavor to supply the home demand. The crop was not 

 so large, however, as usual, but the fruit was of good size, highly colored 

 and of fine flavor. The introduction of so many new and valuable varie- 

 ties has enabled the consumer to have a longer season of ripe berries, and 

 a larger assortment to select from, so that the tastes of all individuals can 

 be better suited. 



