No. 6. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 213 



have on more than one occasion passed through winters when the 

 thermometer registered 10 to 15 degrees below zero, and had bounti- 

 ful crops. We also had open blossoms and young fruit frozen solid 

 without injury, when all surrounding orchards had the prospective 

 crop destroyed, in some instances even the wood being killed. The 

 hardiest type are the Xorth Chinese cling type, or group, and 

 varieties from this group are the safest to select. 



The question may arise. Have we a sufficient number of varieties 

 from this group to fill the season from early to late? The planter 

 generally selects too many varieties, thereby getting too large a 

 proportion that are not profitable. From my observation and expe- 

 rience, I find that the larger proportion of the catalogued varieties 

 had better be let alone. It is well to test new and promising 

 varieties, but do not plant extensively of any variety until it has 

 earned a reputation; and it should be borne in mind that a variety 

 that is profitable in Delaware may be of little worth in another state, 

 as the environments modify the variety, and each one needs to be 

 thoroughly tested under widely varying conditions before its value 

 can be judged. 



In giving a list of peaches, a great many of the old varieties will 

 be omitted, not because they are worthless, but because they have 

 served their time, and are superseded by others of more merit. 



Varieties which I consider the best for commercial purpose will 

 be given in the order in which they ripen. My list will be short, 

 as there are few dependable money-makers. Those of the North 

 China type will be noted thus (N. C). 



SNEED. (N. c.) 



This variety has for several years proved the earliest by one day. 

 It is remarkable for its vigor and low spreading growth, with its 

 very large foliage. It is a ver}- prolific bearer, and unless the fruit 

 is well thinned on the trees it is apt to remain small and lack flavor; 

 but when properly thinned the fruit attains a size about medium; 

 color, greenish white, overlaid with a bright lively red; skin is rather 

 delicate; the frnit must be handled with care; flesh is greenish white, 

 red beneath the skin on the sunny side; juicy, not high flavored or 

 quality; a thorough clingstone. At tlio Parntren ordinrds we have 

 for several years commenced picking this variety on the fourth day 

 of July. I would not recommend extensive planting of this variety; 

 but a limited number of trees for a near market are very profitable. 



VICTOR. (N. c.) 



This variety is later than the Sneed by about one day, but it con- 

 tinues in ripening for a longer period, often requiring a week to 

 ten days or more to mature its crop; but in all other respects it is 

 vastly superior. The tree is a healthy grower, a regular annual 

 bearer, having its fruit ovenly distributed over the tree. Fruit is 

 medium in size, roundish, when fully ripe it becomes red over the 

 entire surface; dots small, pink, down short, flesh creamy white, 

 sometimes tinted rod. melting, jucy; flavor subacid, with a slight 

 almond flavor; quality very good. This peach is very valuable, not 

 subject to rot; semi-cling. 



