REPORTS OF COUNTY SOCIETIES. 349 



storms occur frequently northwest and south of west of us where there 

 are such cold snaps so early in the season, fruit-growing is very uncer- 

 tain. 



Take it all in all, Holt county is as good and healthy a climate for 

 mankind and fruit as can be found anywhere. Horticulture paves the 

 way for knowledge ; she leads us to the well of wisdom, and if properly 

 directed delights in teaching us to appreciate the wisdom and good of 

 Him who created all things. 



Wm. Brodbeck. 



CLAY COUXTY. 



Smithville, December 2, 1889. 

 Mr. L. A. Goodman : — 



Your favor is at hand. We have in this county fine fruit land. 

 Strawberries, raspberries and grapes do well. There is quite a stir 

 among the farmers as far as ten miles out from Kansas City in the 

 cultivation of strawberries and raspberries. 



Grapes do well, but are somewhat neglected. Any of the rolling 

 land is adapted to fruit-growing. 



Blackberries are not as sure as the other fruits named. Still the 

 hardy Snyder is almost sure, and I suppose in the course of time there 

 will be many more raised than now — when we learn what varieties to 

 plant. The wild blackberries did well here. 



As I said before, the people are taking an interest in the small 

 fruits near Kansas City, but being a stock-growing country, there is 

 but little attention paid to the small fruits after you get beyond the 

 range of the market wagon, although now and then you will find a 

 little more enterprise, and even where neglected there is always as 

 many berries as can possibly be expected under the treatment, and 

 where properly cared for bear fine crops of fruit. But we raise large 

 crops of apples, plums and cherries. 



Peaches are not a sure crop. In my residing here twenty- one 

 years, I have taken particular notice of the fruits named. Peaches 

 have averaged about three crops in five years. I see no particular dif- 

 ference in varieties. 



Cherries, I plant only the Early Richmond. They are hardy and a 

 good bearer. 



Plums, I raise the " Wild Goose," which do well here. There are 

 few grown for sale, of cherries or plums, shipped out to market. Some 

 peaches are sent out because the natives can not atford to pay what 

 they will bring on the market. 



