290 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Off. Doc. 



GRAPES. 



Ijiis,t winter proved very destructive to the grape vine. In many 

 instances the vines were killed down to the ground. In others, the 

 buds were damaged. While this obtained to a considerable extent, 

 it was not general, for some correspondents report crops of the best 

 quality. 



It seems that thorough spraying of the vine is essential to secure 

 perfect fruit. The Concord still stands at the head. Niagara, 

 Moore's Di.nmond and Worden are frequently mentioned. Camp- 

 bell's Early seems to be disappointing. 



SMALL, FRUITS. 



The majority of the correspondents report a satisfactory yield 

 of small fruits, especially the strawberry, but prices were generally 

 too low to leave a margin on the venture. 



In many instances the canes were winter-killed of the raspberry 

 and blackberry. 



Drouth in some localities cut the raspberry yield. 



VEGETABLES. 



About two-thirds of the correspondents report conditions favor- 

 able for vegetables. In fact, only a few speak of this crop as a 

 failure. Either the early summer or late summer was satisfactory 

 in nearly every instance. Potato blight was probably more de- 

 structive than usual, and it seems that Bordeaux mixture, even 

 though applied early and often, did not save the vines. 



STRAWBERRY PLANTS AND FLOWERS. 



There is obviously constant progress in the planting of shrub- 

 beries and flowering plants to adorn the country home. True, it is 

 not general, but by the introduction of nature studies in the schools, 

 the homes of the rising generation will be adorned with flowers and 

 plants. And this is as it should be, for no people should be more 

 lavishly surrounded by the beautiful in nature than the dwellers 

 in the country. 



SPRAYING FOR FUNGI AND INSECTS. 



With few exceptions, the benefits resulting from spraying for in- 

 sects and fungi are conceded; but, judging from the reports of corre- 

 spondents, it is not practiced to a great extent; not to such an ex- 

 tent as would prove profitable to the fruit growers of the State. Re- 

 ports come from portions of the State that the crop was large, of 

 good size and color, but very wormy. Now. a wormy apple is never 

 a first class apple, no matter how large or finely colored. To attain 



