262 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



uiaii.y of their apple trees' and planted the peach instead. Few apple trees 

 have been planted, but train-loads of other kinds have been set. I would 

 not under-estimate other fruits, nor would I forsake the apple. 

 . This year, bright sunshine has returned to the apple with unexampled 

 brillianc}', the largest crop in quantit}, and the best in qualit^^, in its 

 history in this country. The present of apple culture is full of experience, 

 observation, instruction, and admonition which are calculated to produce 

 its future. We may judge of the future not so much by the past as by 

 the present. Apple culture is destined to have a prosperous future. 1 

 note some present indications of it, and will suggest some things neces- 

 sary to it. 



I lay no claims to special originality, and promise no new and startling 

 discoveries on this subject. The topic has been considered and discussed 

 again and again by our brightest minds and most experienced fruit- 

 growers. If 1 can but emphasize what has been better said or written 

 before, it may be of some use to some persons. On this as on other sub- 

 jects, we need line upon line and precept upon precept. 



The people are becoming better informed with reference to the causes 

 ■of failure in the past and the conditions of greater success in the future. 

 Discussions in horticultural meetings, state and local bulletins from our 

 agricultural colleges and experiment stations; our horticultural journals 

 and kindred literature, experience, and practical and scientific investiga- 

 tions, are all important educators. These instructions are not in vain; 

 thej' are being applied iu practice, I greatly acknowledge my indebted- 

 ness to all of these agencies. Appreciating these advantages, I am here 

 as a learner today, and also a constant reader of several journals on this 

 subject. Whoever improves such opportunities is a gainer, whoever 

 neglects them does so to his great loss. 



The planting of an orchard lies at the foundation of success in each 

 individual case. A suitable location and proper selection of varieties 

 first claim attention. Whether for the family or for commercial pur- 

 poses, the loeation as to the soil, altitude, and air drainage are the same. 

 The selection of varieties is quite different. In the first a succession of 

 fruit ripening through the season ; in the second, few varieties and these 

 mostly of winter sorts. In the first, quality should be specially consid- 

 ered; in the second, adaptation to the purpose should determine. In the 

 latter case, an orchard of large size has advantages. More system and 

 better equipments are likely to exist. Attention is more likely to be 

 engaged from abroad, and dealers can better afford to come, examine the 

 stock, and purchase. The qualities most desirable are color, hardiness, 

 good bearing, good shipping, and long keeping. Where possible, quality 

 should be added. One having most or all of these points, and lacking 

 somewhat in quality, would be more profitable for market orchards. 

 Such an one is Ben Davis. If one wishes to criticise it, he should judge 

 of it before it is ripe, which is at or near spring. I do not claim for it 

 first quality even when ripened, but it has many excellencies, it stands 

 high for commercial purposes. 



This fall, a firm of wholesale fruit dealers desired all my Ben Davis 

 stock and wished no other, but would take the entire crop, as so large a 

 part of it was of this variety, should prices be satisfactory. 



