68 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



crossing in nature, but if Ave know the characters which will carry over, 

 it should be easy to select parents and unite given characters to form 

 a new and superior combination without the waste of time necessary in 

 growing so many seedlings. Results already obtained show that im- 

 provement can be made by crossing varieties having these desirable 

 dominant characters, and I suggest this method of apple breeding as 

 a means by which varieties of apples may be "bred up'' or improved 

 much more quickly, and with more certainty, in the future than in the 

 past. To be sure, the work lies largely in the hands of the experiment 

 stations where the problem of time and funds is not so great as with 

 the individual, but I do not think it is out of the realm of the indi- 

 vidual fruit grower, providing sufficient care is exercised in the work. 

 In conclusion, let me say that we must improve our apples for Mich- 

 igan conditions, and I know of no one better fitted for the work than 

 the Michigan horticulturist who thoroughly understands these condi- 

 tions. Improved varieties brought to us from other localities may 

 prove to be of little value when brought under the influence of a new 

 environment, and it is doubtful whether bud selection or the use of 

 "pedigreed trees" will effect any improvement. There is, however, much 

 promise of improvement in apple breeding, and by close application of 

 the new laws of breeding which have been discovered we may expect 

 the production of new varieties which are far superior in many respects 

 to any which are now grown. 



VARIETIES FOR THE COMMERCIAL PEACH ORCHARD. 



ALBERT J. OLNEY, REEMAN. 



In the selection of varieties for the commercial peach orchard there 

 are a few factors upon which the success or failure of an orchard de- 

 pend. A study of the conditions in Michigan show that orchard after 

 orchard is set every spring with poor varieties. 



First of all we desire to raise a peach for which there is a demand. 

 A peach which is large, well colored and attractive in appearance. A 

 while peach or a cling stone is not wanted in our markets. 



The majority of our peaches are sold in the large cities like Chicago. 

 Milwaukee, Cincinnati or Pittsburg. It is highly desirable therefore, 

 to have a peach which will ship well. 



Again productiveness and hardiness are important considerations. 

 Ten years ago my father set out 200 Early Crawford trees and as yet 

 we have never had a full crop, while varieties on either side have borne 

 heavy crops every year with the exception of the present. 



We also -wish to have varieties which will ripen in as close succes- 

 sion as possible because the labor problem is considerably lessened by 

 having steady employment during the whole picking season. 



The first peach I shall discuss is the Elberta. This variety is so 

 well known that a detailed description is unnecessary at this time. 

 Fruit growers and buyers too, like the Elberta because it is a large 



