778 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Off. Doc. 



CHERRIES. 



Forty-three correspondents report a successful crop. The Feb- 

 ruary freeze and late spring frosts reduced the yield, but very few 

 report a total failure. Reports show that it is not planted exten- 

 sively for market. With the proper selection of varieties, cherries 

 are, undoubtedly, profitable in many localities and there are evidences 

 of increased interest in this delicious fruit. The depredations of 

 insects and diseases can be controlled. Some complain of the birds 

 getting a large percentage of the crop. We can do nothing better 

 than repeat the good advice of the former chairman of this committee^ 

 Mr. Snavely, namely, to protect the birds and produce <'nough cher- 

 ries to satisfy the owner as well as the birds. 



The sour varieties are the most generally successful. The Early 

 Richmonds heads the list, being favorably mentioned by 23 corres- 

 pondents. Ten growers report Montmorency as an excellent sour 

 cherry. Black Tartarian is the most popular sweet cherry, being 

 mentioned 19 times. Governor W^ood is also a favorite. Napoleon, 

 May Duke and Windsor are named as excellent varieties by a num- 

 ber of correspondents. 



GRAPES. 



The past season was unfavorable to the development of grapes. 

 Late spring frosts, early fall frosts and cold wet weather at various 

 periods reduced the yield. Notwithstanding these facts many cor- 

 respondents report satisfactory crops. Erie county and the Chau- 

 tauqua belt produced large crops- Many growers complain of the 

 rot and mildew. 



Concord is grown more largely than all other varieties combined; 

 practically every correspondent gives it favorable mention. For 

 certain profits it easily takes first place. Niagara is mentioned 25 

 times, Worden 18, Moore's Early 13 and no other variety is favorably 

 mentioned more than 4 times. 



SMALL. FRUITS. 



Reports show that the culture of small fruits is only slightly on 

 the increase. They may be grown with entire success in every 

 county, but notwithstanding this fact, hundred of farmers do not 

 produce enough to supply the home table. The small fruits are 

 not appreciated as they should be and greater efforts should be made 

 to extend their culture. 



More than 30 varieties of strawberries are mentioned as succeed 

 ing well. Sharpless is named the most frequently, followed by Bu- 

 bach, Clyde, Cumberland, Wm. Bolt, Candy, Sample, Nick Ohmer, 

 Bismarck and Tennessee. 



