334 State Board of Agriculture, &c. 



Nortlifield, says he remembers distinctly of eating fruit from 

 it^over sixty years ago. My young trees are very hardy. 

 All this speaks much in favor of this variety. A fruit 

 grower in Wisconsin to whom I sent a few samples of the 

 fruit wrote me thus : 



" I suppose you are anxious to know all about the An- 

 drew's Favorite. I remember you wrote me that it would 

 keep well until January, but I shall set it down as a late 

 keeper, for I kept one of those you sent me until yesterday, 

 April 21, and it had retained its flavor beautifully.'' 



In regard to the crab varieties 1 am sorry to say that a 

 great many of our farmers have been deceived, and those 

 that have more than one tree have got too many, and those 

 thai have not one have not enough. Every fanner should be 

 the owner of one good Transcendent Crab, and as they are 

 constant bearers it would furnish a supply for any family of 

 ordinary size. The Hyslop was highly recommended but a 

 few years ago, and is one of the handsomest crabs that 

 grow, but is not worth harvesting when grown. 



In regard to the cultivation of fruit, much has been said 

 and more written. Nevertheless, there are many foohsh 

 notions still existing among our farmers in regard to this 

 matter. Lest I weary your patience, I will endeavor to be 

 brief in stating my views in regard to it. The plat of 

 ground on which to set your orchard demands careful con- 

 sideration, and either extreme of too dry or too wet should 

 be avoided. For the good of the tree the ground should be 

 heavily manured, plowed and cultivated certainly two years 

 before your trees are set, thoroughly and deeply working 

 the soil each year, allowing your manure to entirely decom" 



