146 bTATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



desirable, whether we know what they are called or not. But this would require 

 two years more time and a little practical knowledge and skill, which all do not 

 possess, and still less arc willing to practice. 



CHOICE OF VARIETIES. 



Let us now notice some of the varieties which seem to be the most de- 

 sirable, beginning with the first in the order of ripening. There are several of 

 the newer kinds, such as Alexander, Beatrice, etc., whicli I have not yet fruited, 

 and which are said to ripen some time before Hale's Early. From what I can 

 learn I think tliat some of them will prove desirable, and will head the list, as 

 it is well to extend the season both ways as far as practicable. Of Halo's Early I 

 would set a few, not because I consider it very excellent, but rather because at 

 the time it ripens I do not know of a better one. Its size and appearance are 

 good enough, and it is productive, but the standing objection to it is its liability 

 to rot ])rcmaturely ; but in seasons and places where it escapes tliis dillicuUy it 

 generally proves ])roritable. It is thought by some to do better on light dry 

 soils, not too rich, but probably the season often has very much to do with its 

 rotting in any soil. After Hale's and before the Early Crawford and Barnard, 

 there soonis to be no standard variety that is generally recommended, but there 

 are several sorts grown for tlie purpose of lilling up tliis part of the season. 

 Among these might be mentioned Early York, Coolidge's Favorite, and a 

 peach known by some as Honest John, but it does not answer the description 

 of that variety as given by Downing, as it has yellow llesli. It is of medium 

 size, is somewhat slender and slow in its habit of growth, and a prolific bearer, 

 and like others of that class liable to be small from over-bearing. The Moun- 

 tain Kose was said by some to bo a variety ripening at tliis time, and if it had 

 proved to be so, I think it would have been a valuable acquisition, as after hav- 

 ing fruited it for two years, I consider it an excellent peach, better than any 

 of the others I have mentioned as ripening at this season. But with us it has 

 ripened about with the Barnard and Early Crawford, and hence only adds 

 another good peach to a time when we have a good supply. This is the part of 

 the season which has sometimes been spoken of in the market as the "Craw- 

 ford glut," ])ecause the peach season is then at its lieightj and the market more 

 fully supplied than at any other time during the year, provided it is a year when 

 Crawfords bear well. This brings nie to a point where I may differ from 

 many. 1 would not set largely of Crawfords, but in their place would substi- 

 tute Barnards, because they are more certain and abundant bearers. The 

 Crawford has undoubtedly not obtained its good popularity without some de- 

 serving cause, but it is perhaps owing to the api)earaiice of the fruit, without 

 much regard to the dithculty of producing it. This might not be of so much 

 importance if in a place where peaches were considered about as certain as 

 apples or other hardy fruits; but in Micliigan, and also in many other peach 

 districts, it must be admitted that the peach buds are liable occasionally to 

 1)0 partially or wholly destroyed by severe winters. The Crawford is generally 

 considered one of the tender varieties, and if buds of that variety escape the 

 cold unharmed most others are usuaLy thought to be safe. Now I would not 

 advise the cultivation of seedlings or any inferior peach because so good a fruit 

 as the Crawford happens to be a little tender. 



But the Barnard is not an inferior peach. When well grown and properly 

 thinned it is nearly, if not quite, equal to the former in quality and appear- 

 ance. Indeed, I have seen them preferred in market on account of their color, 

 wliich many think looks richer and riper because it is more red. 



