Summer Meeting. 47 



"Secure your trees from the nearest most reliable nursery" should 

 be the rule ; and it goes without saying that this is "best" — yet this 

 rule is often ignored. Instead of buying trees from nurseries nearest 

 home, from people we personally know to be responsible and reliable, 

 orders are often made at long range at exorbitant prices, to nurseries 

 who have extensive catalogues and the finest fruit in pictures, but 

 who have also smooth talking canvassing agents. This I consider an- 

 other great mistake. 



As to the "best varieties," I speak strictly from a business stand- 

 point when I say "the leading commercial varieties best suited to your 

 soil, location and climate." "Leading commercial varieties" refers to 

 those most in demand, and which are healthy growers, prolific bearers, 

 and possess shipping and storage quality. We have many commercial 

 varieties in this land ; but because the Baldwin or the Northern Spy are 

 a commercial success in New England and Canada, is not proof that 

 they are equally good and successful in Missouri. 



But we have now in Missouri successful commercial varieties, such 

 as the Jonathan, Ben Davis, Gano, Winesap, Huntsman, Missouri Pippin 

 and some others. Although these are well known varieties which grow 

 successfully in this State, yet the location and quality of soil, as well 

 as the markets where we expect to sell the fruit, must be considered, 

 and this should help to determine what varieties to plant. 



The Ben Davis is perhaps the best known and most extensively 

 planted apple in Missouri, and possibly up to a few years ago it has 

 paid the grower best. There was a time when we could not get enough 

 of this showy variety to supply the demand, especially for the southern 

 markets. But changes have taken place, and the* trade now demands 

 other varieties of better quality, and hence the Ben Davis is no longer 

 the leader. 



But after all, this question of variety is best answered by a plain 

 business proposition, that which is in demand and brings the most 

 money is the best. We must know the demands, by studying the needs 

 and tastes of those to whom we expect to sell. Handsome, attractive 

 appearance and good quality will always appeal to us and please the 

 buyer, but we also need good shipping and storage quality. 



The varieties I have named perhaps best combine these needed 

 qualities for commercial planting in Missouri, and if I were limited to 

 six varieties, those named would be mv choice. 



