Summer Mcctins:. 83 



'C5 



There seems to be, then, a correlation between the hardiness of our 

 peaches and the absence of purple coloring matter in their twigs. In 

 order to determine whether or not this supposition is of any economic 

 nnportance, we are now attempting to breed varieties possessing light 

 colored twigs. In order to do this we have begun a collection of as large 

 a number of the light twigged sorts as possible. These light twigged 

 sorts and their seedlings usuall}^ do not produce the finest fruits ; from 

 them, the peaches are not only usually small, but usually pale in color. 

 Furthermore, they do not produce quite the high flavor of some of the 

 purple twigged varieties. For that reason we are crossing the light 

 twigged varieties \\i\h such purple twigged varieties as produce the 

 finest fruit. We wish to determine whether or not we can obtain varieties 

 from which the purple color will be eliminated and which may yet pro- 

 duce as good fruit as do our purple twigged sorts. It remains to be 

 seen whether or not this can be accomplished. 



Weston, Mo., June 2, 1903. 

 Friend Goodm.an — You are aware of the situation that surrounds 

 us. Water bound — no trains to Kansas City. Two a day only with 

 mail and way passengers to St. Joseph reach us. I send the paper by 

 mail; it may reach you in a round-about way. My full intention was 

 to meet with you. Just now the outlook for travel is uncertain. Hop- 

 ing that those who can meet will have a good and profitable time, is 

 the wish of Yours truly, 



J. A. DURKES. 



THE PEAR. 

 (J. A. Durkes, Weston, Mo.) 



The most desirable situation for the pear orchard is on elevated 

 sites, sloping to the south or east, on a loamy, sandy clay, that is open 

 sufficiently to admit of free drainage, and yet where the roots extend- 

 mg deeply and freely in it, reach moisture in very dry seasons. Cold, 

 wet stifi: clay is a very undesirable subsoil, perfect drainage being verv^ 

 important. 



We have records of localities in many states where the pear seems 

 to succeed perfectly, continuing to increase in vigor and productiveness 

 from year to year ; and doubtless many 'Other sections in due time will 

 be added to the list of those now become famous. 



