732 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Off. Doc. 



crops. He is rarely affected by climatic conditions. I sliall pass 

 over the varieties mentioned as giving best results in different parts 

 of the State. 



Two varieties proving exceptionally valuable in Lebanon and 

 Schuykill counties are hardly mentioned. They are the Fox Seedling 

 and Iron Mountain. Both are white peaches of good quality, very 

 productive, ripen late. Trees are strong growers. Many mention 

 the Brandj^wine, a yellow peach, as fully the equal of the Late Craw- 

 ford in every particular and of somewhat better quality. Kipens 

 about same time as the Crawford. 



PLUMS. 



This fruit was a light crop, claimed by some as being due to the 

 heavy yield of the previous year. As usual, heavy charges are en- 

 tered against the curculio and rot. 



Vigorous jarring and destroying the "Little Turk" is the remedy 

 for the former, while spraying thoroughly with the Bordeaux mix- 

 ture and other fungicides will largely control the rot. 



An application of the lime, sulphur and salt wash in March proves 

 valuable for a fungicide as well as for the control of the San Jos^ 

 Scale. 



With the free-bearing varieties of plums, thinning the fruit, as 

 well as the pruning of the tree should be resorted to, to attain best 

 results from spraying. 



The Japan varieties should be sprayed cautiously. The foliage 

 is tender, as much so as the peach, and the solution must be diluted 

 to avoid damage. The Japans are planted most extensively. This 

 is due largely to the fact that they are practically exempt from the 

 black knot, are thrifty growers, and bear early and abundantly. 

 For some of the Japan varieties, where thinning is not practiced, 

 the curculio is a blessing. One correspondent says: "We get plums 

 when it just so happens." Before leaving this fruit let me put in a 

 good word for the class known as German Prunes. Plant them, 

 feed them, care for them, and when they produce you will be re- 

 warded with the best of this fruit. 



QUINCES. 



It appears that this fruit is receiving less attention every year. 

 Worms and blight coupled with neglect are the cause of failure. 

 To succeed with it the soil must be peculiarly adapted, and insects 

 and fungi most vigorously combated. Only a few report its cul- 

 tivation successfully. 



