No. 6. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 779 



Gregg heads the list of bku;k cap raspberries. It is mentioned by 

 28 correspondents. Kansas is second in popiihirity, although only 8 

 correspondents mention it. Cuthbert is the leading red raspberry. 



Snyder is far the most and profitable blackberry. Kittatinny 

 takes second place. Erie, ^^'ilson, Taylor and Ancient Briton are 

 also favorite varieties. Currants and gooseberries are little grown 

 for market. 



VEGETABLES. 



The past season was not favorable for the production of vegeta- 

 bles. Late frosts, early drouth, followed by very cold, wet weather, 

 reduced the yield. Nearly all the reports concerning the profits of 

 market gardening are favorable and some are very enthusiastic. 

 There are many towns in the State, however, where only a small per- 

 centage of the produce consumed is supplied by local growers. 



ORNAMENTALS. 



It is a pleasure to note that nearly all the correspondents report 

 a decided increase in the planting of ornamentals. This is partic- 

 ularly true in and about the towns and cities. 



NATURE STUDY. 



Twenty-five correspondents report that Nature Study is receiving 

 attention in the public schools and an equal number report that it 

 receives no attention. By referring to former reports of this com- 

 mittee, there is reason to believe that this branch of study is receiv- 

 ing increased attention. 



SPRAYING. 



Reports show that spraying is not generally practiced. Most of 

 the large growers find spraying absolutely necessary to protect both 

 tree and fruit from the ravages of insects and diseases, but those 

 growing fruit for home use and some for market give the subject 

 very little attention. 



SAN JOSE SCALE. 



Thirty-five correspondents report that this scale insect is known 

 to be present in their counties and it is possible that there are but 

 few counties in the State where the insect is not at work. Com- 

 paratively few people are able to detect its presence, for they have 

 no knowledge as to the appearance of the scale. Many growers com- 

 plain of its serious ravages. Entire blocks or even orchards have 

 been destroyed by this pest or by the owner to get rid of the scale. 

 One firm in Berks county has lost 5,000 trees through the ravages 

 of the San Jos<5 Scale. 



