628 



EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 



7 GEORGE V, A. 1917 



Americana Plums: The Americana pliixns, althoug'Ti not in a class with the 

 European varieties for quality, have been improved considerably the last few years 

 and offer a few good varieties for table use and culinary purposes. The chief objection 

 to this class of plum is its thick skin and in very many instances its watery flesh, 

 which is distinctly dffierent from the thin-skinned, meaty European varieties. Amon^ 

 the best of this group are : — 



(1) Brackett, which is of good quality, large in size, firm, but with a tough 

 thick skin, very good for dessert use. 



(2) (Admiral) Schley, of very good quality, good size, skin thinner than 

 Brackett. Probably the best Americana in quality. 



(3) Terry, this variety is well worth a trial, being classed with the two 

 previous varieties as of good quality and size. It possesses the advantage of a 

 thin although tough skin together with handsome appearance, firm flesh and 

 good quality. 



Nigra Plums. — The varieties of the Nigra group are distinct from the Americanas 

 by the fact that they possess a much thinner and more tender skin. They are more 

 useful on this account for culinary purposes. On the other hand, their flavour is not 

 so pleasing for eating out of hand. On this accourrt, their value is often overlooked 

 by people who gauge a plum's merit only by its dessert qualities. The IS^igra plums 

 are also earlier than the Americanas. Among the best is Cheney, a large plum with a 

 moderately thin skin which is only moderately tough, good quality and moderately 

 rich in flavour.. 



Hybrids. — Among the Hybrid plums is one which is a distinct acquisition to the 

 hardy fruits of North America. This is Omaha, a plum of medium size, handsome 

 appearance, early, very good quality, thin and tender skin, hardy and productive. 

 This variety is one that should be largely planted by the plum growers who are obliged 

 to depend upon the hardy sorts. It is excellent for both dessert and culinary 

 purposes. 



APPLES. 



Red June. — As an early hardy apple of good quality, Red June stands out quite 

 prominently. As grown on this Earm, it is an excellent keeper for sucli an early 

 fruit, thus rendering it possible to ship this variety with comparative safety. Its 

 deep red colour is also a noteworthy feature for such an early variety. Its average 

 season is about two weeks later than Crimson Beauty, the next mentioned variety. 

 It is generally ready for shipping during the first week of August. A description 

 follows: — Medium in size; conical; yellow, almost completely covered with a deep, 

 crimson red; skin smooth, thin and tender; flesh mellow, tender and moderately 

 juicy; flavour sub-acid, very pleasing. Further experience in'regard to hardiness is 

 required. 



Crimson Beauty. — ^Probably the earliest variety of apple tested at this Farm. 

 Although rather coarse and poor in quality, it is noteworthy on account of earliness 

 and high colour. 



Description. — ^IMedium in size; obl-ate, slightly angular; green covered with bright 

 crimson especially on sunny side; skin tough and thick; flesh yellowish, coarse; 

 flavour acid; quality medium. 



GRAPES. 



Peahody. — Among the numerous varietie." of grapes tested at Ottawa few are 

 sufficiently early to ripen every year in the short season of that district. One of the 

 best of these short seasoned varieties is Peabody, which is a blue grape of medium size; 

 quality good; flavour briskly sub-acid. This variety is well worth a trial in the 

 northerly districts. The skin is thin and robins are very fond of it and often destroy 



many fruits. 



Ottawa. 



