22 FKUIT GKOWING FOR HOME USE IN THE GREAT PLAINS. 



FURTHER COMMENTS ABOUT VARIETIES. 



As late spring frosts cause much injury to fruits in this region dur- 

 ing tlie blossoming period, it is important to select for planting- 

 varieties that blossom relatively late so far as it is possible to do so. 



Very few currants and gooseberries are grown in the Panhandle 

 region and correspondingly little information is available as to what 

 varieties are adapted to this section. Hence, no sorts are named in 

 the lists of fruits for planting there. It is probable, however, that 

 the varieties suggested for the central section would be as satisfac- 

 tory in the southern portion as any that could be named. 



Juneberries have been successful at some points and are probably 

 worthy of planting throughout the portion of the Great Plains under 

 consideration. Other small fruits, such as raspberries, blackberries, 

 strawberries, etc., are occasionally grown but frequently suffer from 

 drought, especially if it comes early in the season. Not much can 

 be said at this time, however, as to varieties. The Kansas blackcap 

 raspberry, the Kittatinny and Dallas blackberries, and the Mayes 

 (Austin) dewberry have been mentioned as giving satisfaction, 

 especially if they are given some irrigation. The fruitfulness of cur- 

 rants is also said to be greatly increased, in some instances, if they 

 are Avatered early in the season. 



In some of the colder and more exposed locations the cane fruits 

 require protection to prevent winterkilling. This can be given by 

 laying the canes down and covering with earth during cold weather. 



It will be noted that in the lists of varieties suggested for planting 

 in the central and southern Great Plains, many sorts are listed for 

 both sections. This naturally follows, because of the similarity of 

 the conditions existing throughout these sections. In fact it seems 

 quite probable that the same varieties in nearly every case might 

 prove satisfactory in both the central and southern sections. At 

 least, a variety that is proving satisfactory in the central portion 

 would doubtless be a promising one for trial farther south. Lower 

 winter temperatures sometimes prevail in the central portion of 

 this redon than in the southern. There is more rainfall in the 

 southern than in the central portion. Because of these differences 

 varieties that can be grown successfully in the Panhandle of Texas 

 might not, in all cases, prove sufHciently hardy and drought re- 

 sistant for eastern Colorado and western Kansas. 



In the majority of cases, those who have set out orchards or other 

 fruits have not kept any record of the varieties planted. The variety 

 labels or other marks of identification soon become detached and the 

 names of the different sorts are forgotten. In a section like this, 

 where little is known about the adaptability of varieties, it is very 



[Cir. 51] 



