776 ANNUAL, REPORT OF THE Off. Doc. 



the newer sorts superseding them in tlie near future. Altliough 

 there are several very promising, but comparatively new or little 

 known, apples now offered by nurserymen, it will require years of 

 testing to establish sufficient confidence for these sorts to be largely 

 planted. The establishment of an orchard requires time and money 

 and growers are becoming more and more reluctant about planting 

 new varieties until their real merit is fully determined. The Bald- 

 win is reported by 38 growers as one of the best varieties. York 

 Imperial is favorably mentioned 31 times^ Northern Spy 18, Smith's 

 Cide 17, Ben Davis 13, Fallawater 7, Grime's Golden G, Smokehouse 

 5. The York Imperial is planted most largely in commercial or- 

 chards, particularly in the southeastern countries. 



PEARS. 



The 1903 pear crop was unsatisfactory. Thirty-one correspon- 

 dents report a light yield, eleven a medium crop, and only four a 

 good crop. The quality was generally fair or medium, althojigh 

 quite a number report good quality. The late yield was generally 

 caused by late spring frosts. 



There is great difference of opinion regarding different varieties. 

 Bartlett receives favorable mention 43 times, Kieffer 34, Seckel 11), 

 Olapp's Favorite 15, Duchess 6. If the blight could be fully con- 

 trolled the Bartlett would occupy a much more prominent place in 

 pear culture. Kieffer has been most largely planted for commercial 

 purposes, but its inferior quality is a serious objection. Pears are 

 not grown as extensively as they should be, either for home use or 

 for market. The great barrier to increased planting is the blight. 

 But it is encouraging to note that its ravages the past few years 

 have not been so serious as formerly. Many growers call attention 

 to this fact, although a number of orchardists complain bitterly of 

 this disease. 



PEACHES. 



The peach crop the past season was a disappointment. Sixty-six 

 correspondents report on the yield. Eighteen report a total failure, 

 38 a light crop, 7 a medium crop and only 3 a good crop. Winter 

 freezes and late spring frosts were the most potent factors in caus- 

 ing failure. Scale insects, borers and diseases are mentioned as 

 having an influence on the small yield. The use of the knife and 

 wire are universally recommended to control the borers. Trees 

 should be examined in Ma}', and again in September or October. 

 Mounding about the tree with ashes or soil is an excellent preven- 

 tive measure practiced by some growers. . No definite conclusions 

 can be drawn from the reports regarding the yellows. A few coun- 

 ties are probably free from the disease. Ten correspondents state 

 that the disease is on the decrease, while 11 say it is increasing. 



