SMALL FRUITS IN EASTERN OREGON 



By JuDD Geer, Commissioner for Fifth District. 



There ai'e few section in eastern Oregon where the farmer cannot 

 grow almost the entire list of small fruits that can be grown in a 

 temperate climate; cherries of everv known variety as well as berries of 

 every kind; the red, yellow, and black raspberries, strawberries, black- 

 berries, loganberries, gooseberries and currants, as well as a large number 

 of novelties which are of no commercial value. 



The question is not what we can grow, but what shall we grow, that 

 will be of commercial value? So easilv ai-e these fruits produced that I 

 feel that it is hardly necessarv to treat the sub.iect for the benefit of the 

 family table, as whatever applies to the commercial phase of the question 

 applies likewise to the producer for home use. 



The object of the Horticultural Board is to aid in developing an 

 industry, hence too much thought and consideration cannot be given to the 

 monev-making side of the question, as it has been proven in many places 

 that it is only where fruit has been grown of highest quality and the best 

 methods have prevailed that the most money is made. I feel that one of 

 the leading points in view in building ud an industry is the money side of 

 it. It- appeals to the practical man when all the theorles of scientific 

 research fall to move him. 



The Chei'ry. — Cherries most easily take the lead over all small fruits. 

 The grower who is seeking something which will yield him good money 

 early in the season can make no wiser move than to plant a cherry 

 orchard. The climate and conditions seem made for this fruit in Eastern 

 Oregon. The early rains mature the crop without irrigation; yet, I have 

 never known a crop to be iniured to anv extent from Cracking because of 

 rain. The dry season usually begins at about the time of the harvesting 

 of this crop. The cool nights of our high altitude produce a fruit which is 

 very solid and firm and will bear shipping long distances, some specimens 

 of which I have known to be two wecks in transit and the fruit remain 

 sound. 



No crop save strawberries brings returns so early in the season. 

 While we cannot hope to get the big prices realized by the California 

 grower, still we have a "good thing" and that should satisfy any reason- 

 able grower. 



For mv own use in growing for profit, the list has practically narrowed 

 dovra to three varieties, the Bine". Lambert and Royal "Ann; although 

 there is a large list of very choice cherries which are equal and perhaps 

 superior for family use, there has proved to be little or no money in 

 growing them. We are too far from market to consider the sour cherry 

 as a source of income. The Bing cherry is a wonder; it seems not to have 

 a fault. It is ahead of anv known variety for this climate. The Black 

 cherry, however, will not bring so good a -orice by 25 per cent when sold 

 for canning or preserving and when the fresh fruit market "goes to 

 pieces" as it sometimes does the fruit must then be sold in bulk for such 

 purposes. For this reason I would plant largely of Royal Anns. During 

 the past cherry season an eastern firm bought the bulk of the Royal Anns 

 in Grande Ronde and shipped them in large barreis containing some liquid 

 preservative. They were to be made into the famous Maraschino cherrv 

 of commerce, so much used for flavoring and decorative purposes where 

 choice ices and drinks are served. 

 Sie. 4 



