53S ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Off. l>oc. 



^ QUINCES. 



This is a fruit wbicli is very much neglected. Nevertheless, it is 

 one of the most important in the entire list; important, because 

 there is not a housewife who does not look for it in the fall of the 

 year when fruit is being "done up," as the family saving goes; im- 

 portant, because it is one of the finest of all fruits for jellies, pre- 

 serves and marmalades; important, because there is no other fruit, 

 in its green state, so thoroughly advantageous to the stouuich and 

 liver, particularly acceptable to the latter on account of its known 

 presence of {)hosphoric acid. The quince, besides, is a highly profita- 

 ble fruit, selliug at a higher price than any other; not by the 

 measure, but, m.ost frequently, by the dozen specimens, bringing 

 from 50 cents to |1.00 per dozen. Unfortunately, the quince is more 

 subject to the ravages of the San Jos^ Scale and codling moth than 

 any other fruit. 



CHERRIES. 



Cherries did well in some sections of the State, but were scarce 

 in the southeastern counties. Sour cherries brought higher prices 

 than in a number of years, selling for 10 to 12 cents per quart, 

 showing the great popularity of this fruit. While no particular at- 

 tention is paid in Pennsylvania to new varieties of cherries, it 

 would be well to foster every new kind presented, particularly such 

 as are earlier than those now commonly sent to market. 



GRAPES. 



It was hoped that the dry weather experienced during May and 

 •Tune would be favorable for the grape crop; but the wet weather 

 of July, which was general throughout the State, resulted in con- 

 siderable rot. Nevertheless, there was a good crop, almost equal 

 to that of the previous year, which was, in certain respects, a phe- 

 nomenal one. Considerably wine was made, especially where the 

 Clinton and Ives' seedling yielded well. As for table use, the Con- 

 cord still holds its own as being the most popular variety. 



SMALL. FRUITS. 



strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and other small fruits 

 were greatly cut off in their yield by the June drought. The fruit 

 was of excellent quality and commanded good prices. 



NUT CULTURE. 



More attention than ever is being devoted to nut culture. Chest- 

 nut trees are being grafted with the new varieties, which bear in 

 from two to three years after being grafted, and the fine, large 



