41 J ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Off. Doc. 



soil is rich in iron, calcium, magnesia, phosphoric acid and potash, 

 with but little nitrogen. 



Whatever the other characteristics may be, it should be deep to 

 allow extension of the roots; well drained, either naturally or arti- 

 ficially, to prevent injury from stagnant water below the surface, and 

 ^rwi, and not peaty or spongy, to preclude injury or destruction from 

 frosts. Just here I quote from a letter received from Mr. Edward 

 T. Ingram, of West Chester, a fruit grower of large experience: 



"In considering the varieties of fruits to plant, the character of the 

 soil and elevation are the most important points. From my observa- 

 tion I would formulate, on general principles, as follows: 



"1st. On heavy soil, retentive of nitrogen, the fruit will be larger, 

 and have more w^ater in its composition. 



"2d. That on soils not retentive of nitrogen, but rich in potash, the 

 fruit will be smaller and of higher flavor, with more sugar in com- 

 position. 



"3d. That varieties of fruit of high flavor are of better quality when 

 fully grown; that large, fine specimens are delicious, w'hile smaller 

 ones are acid and unpleasant. 



4th. That varieties of low flavor, when overgrown, are insipid and 

 poor in flavor, but are much better when smaller and with a higher 

 development of sugar. 



"5th. That varieties that bloom early or require a longer season 

 for development, will frequently fail at comparatively low altitude 

 and be successful at high ones." 



II. VARIETIES. 



It is a mistake to plant many varieties. The most successful prac- 

 tice is to select the best of its kind for each season, and have only 

 one, or at most, two varieties of any kind of fruit ripening at the 

 same time. 



The first question to consider in this connection is, "Where do we 

 expect to sell our fruit?" We have the world for our market, and ex- 

 cellent facilities for reaching any part of it. The display of fruit at 

 the Paris Exposition has started inquiry in regions heretofore un- 

 tried, and the limits of the foreign market are being indefinitely ex- 

 tended. So also is the demand for home consumption in the various 

 mining and manufacturing towns all over our own and immediately 

 adjoining States. 



The foreign market demands winter apples that keep well, ship 

 well, and stand up for a reasonable time after being taken from 

 cold storage, and seem to prefer red color. 



The home market will use a good baking apple at any season of 

 the year. Care should be taken, however, not to plant too many 



