216 ANNUAL, REPORT OF THE Off. Doc. 



FOX SEEDLING. 



A very valuable ^yhite peach, ripeniug the latter part of Septem- 

 ber. The tree is a strong, healthy grower, au early and abundant 

 bearer of beautiful white peaches; skin white with red cheek; 

 flesh melting and sweet; an excellent variety for home use and 

 market. 



There are many other excellent varieties, that are profitable in 

 many sections, but space will not permit describing them. The 

 most valuable ones are Reeves, Stump, Old Mixon, Francis, Fords, 

 Mountain Rose, Family Favorite, Niagara, Iron Mountain, Smock 

 and others. Many of these have been tried on the Paragon Fruit 

 Farm, and found wanting, therefore discarded. Some are newer 

 varieties, and are now being tested, but I make it a rule to never 

 recommend a variety until 1 have tested it myself, and none but 

 the best are good enough for the Paragon Orchards. 



PEACHES FOR HOME AND MARKET. 



In the production of this luscious fruit there are more failures 

 than in any other. Questions are being asked continually relative 

 to varieties, soil and locations suitable for their culture, the plant- 

 ing, culture and spraying. I will endeavor to give in the most 

 easily available form the A. B. C. principles of peach culture, which 

 seems to be demanded by fruit raisers. 



There are certain unfavorable locations where it would be fallacy 

 to attempt to pro'duce peaches of even the most hardy varieties, 

 but I do not believe there are large areas of territory within the 

 boundaries of our State that are considered unfavorable, in which 

 the most hardy varieties will thrive. South of latitude 40, the 

 majority of the varieties given will do well, but for such sections 

 lying farther north, in which rigorous and erratic climatic condi- 

 tions prevail, the following may be selected: Greenboro, Carman, 

 Champion, Captain Ede, Iron Mountain, Belle of Georgia. This list 

 is short, but it comprises the cream of the list in hardiness and 

 good quality, aud they cover the season from early eJuly until 

 October. l.(^t the begiiinci' in iinfavoi-abh^ sections confine liimself 

 to this prescribed list f(ir coniuiercial planting, and test other 

 varieties until he is satisfied they are suitable for his locality. 



SOIL. 



It is generally conceded that soil of a sandy nature, with a clay 

 sub-soil, are best adapted to the peach. Yet we see peaches of the 

 highest quality produced on stiff clay soils that are thoroughly 

 drained, either naturally or artificially. No tree will do well with 

 its roots imbedded in cold, water-soaked earth. The soil should 

 be fertile, with sufficient humus, but not too rich in nitrogen, yet 

 containing an ample supply of available phosphoric acid and pot- 

 ash. 



LOCATION. 



A cool western or northwestern slope is to be preferred. To a 

 very limited extent such exposures may retard bud development 

 in early spring, thus tiding them over the danger from late frosts, 

 which are so destructive where trees are forced in bloom prema- 

 turely. Light, sandy loams upon warm sunny southern slopes should 

 be avoided. A w^estern slope is preferable to a southern one. 



