QIALITY OF NEBRASKA APPLES. 105 



kets of the larger cities of our state. A study of these shipments shows 

 that they were largely composed of varieties which can be grown in our 

 own state. We find the following varieties represented in these ship- 

 ments: Winesap, .Jonathan, Gauo, White Winter Pearmain, Grimes Gold- 

 en, Missouri Pippin, Arkansas Black, Lawver, York Imperial, and Rome 

 Beauty. , 



Of course we also find a limited niiml)er of Newton Pippin, Delicious, 

 and Stamen Winesap, and quite a large shipment of Spitzenberg. 



The point that the writer wishes to clinch is that Nebraska can pro- 

 duce and does produce apples of the same varieties above mentioned, 

 with the possible exception of Newton Pippin and Spitzenberg, which 

 are of much better quality than the western grown apples. By better 

 quality we mean that Nebraska's apples have a finer texture, more pal- 

 atable flavor, and that they retain these qualities through the markets 

 to the consumer. 



Perhaps it is true that fruit from the West, one year with another, 

 can be made to take on a more attractive color, though the writer is not 

 prepared at present to even concede this point. 



When Nebraska's orchards are properly pruned, the trees'headed to 

 admit free access of air and sunshine; when Nebraska's apple trees are 

 properly sprayed with a liberal use of lime sulphur; when Nebraska's 

 orchards are properly cultivated so that the moisture conditions for 

 growth and development of the apple are more nearly under the control 

 of the grower; when the fruit buds of the apple trees in Nebraska's or- 

 chards are protected] by the intelligent use of orchard heaters; and when 

 Nebraska orchardists learn to select and grade and to give their apples 

 decent care in harvesting and marketing, it is doubtful if the western 

 states would be able to excel in a single character of the many which 

 compose the quality of our apples. 



It is interesting to note that at least a dozen of our apple growers 

 have observed the necessary steps in the practice of orchard manage- 

 ment, as outlined above. These men have brought the fruits of their own 

 raising from orchards handled under up-to-date methods. We are making 

 an exhibit today for our society which is the result of our efforts during 

 the past season, and I wish to state that those apples on exhibition over 

 at our fruit show contain some of the finest specimens ever produced in 

 the United States. We have always been able to produce specimens 

 which did excel in flavor and texture; this year we have the color. It 

 will also be interesting to note in studying our exhibition of fruit that 

 we are able to produce the size and uniformity. Our fruit show is open 

 to the public; it is the intention of the Society to make this educational. 

 If wa could only reach a small per cent of the consumers of apples in 

 Nebraska, if they could be brought here to view this beautiful exhibit, 

 and, better still, if they could be allowed to taste and compare the quality 

 of Nebraska apples with those grown in the western states, the thinking 

 public would command the apple growers of Nebraska to put this fruit 

 within their reach. 



