426 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Off. Doc. 



better. This may have been true when such varieties as lona, Diana, 

 Catawba and Isabella were the leading market sorts; but since the 

 introduction of Concord, Niagara, Moore's Early and Moore's Dia- 

 mond, it has been found that just as good grapes can be grown in 

 the Susquehanna Valley and along the foothills of the Allegheniea 

 and Blue Ridge as can be grown anywhere. At the same time, in- 

 sect pests and fungus diseases are becoming very troublesome in 

 the Erie grape belt and growers there find that they are obliged to 

 resort to the same methods for protection that have been found 

 necessary in other places. So it would seem that this industry may 

 now be extended to many other parts of the State, with equal profit. 



Varieties. — The number of varieties of grapes found in our mar- 

 kets has been much reduced within the past few years. The leading 

 varieties in all commercial vineyards are: Concord, Niagara, Moore's 

 Early, Delaware and Moore's Diamond. 



PLUMS. 



The general market is easily overstocked with plums. No one 

 should make a large plantation of this fruit unless he has easy access 

 to a canning factory. A reasonable amount can be sold in the city 

 markets at profitable prices, but the canning and preserving factories 

 must be depended upoo to take the bulk of the crop. The industry is 

 in its infancy in Pennsylvania. A few large orchards of Japan plums 

 have been planted, but it is too soon to state results. Some of our 

 commission men think the Japan plums will grow io favor with the 

 people. Others say their market does not want them. This is 

 notably the case with Pittsburg. 



What is known as the York State Prune, has been grown with 

 profit in Lackawanna county for the local markets. 



Ydlotv Gage, a native of Westmoreland county, is a medium 

 sized yellow freestone of excellent flavor. A good and regular 

 bearer; is propagated by sprouts from the roots; it sells better in 

 the local markets than any other. Recommended by Wm. F. Bar- 

 clay, of Mt. Pleasant Mills, Pa. 



CHERRIES. 



The sweet cherries have proven a very uncertain crop. It is easy 

 to grow trees; they thrive on soils that are too thin and dry for any 

 other fruit and seem to do better without cultivation than with it; 



