FKUIT IN MlSSISSim. 



the Tulip tree, the Sassafras, the Black "Walnut, and several species of the Oak, are found 

 eighty to one hundred feet in height, and having a diameter of from three to five feet near 

 their bases* In so rich a soil, the growth of all fruit trees is much more rapid and vigor- 

 ous than upon the Atlantic slope, and consequently the trees are a longer time in coming 

 into a bearing state. 



Climate. — Our winters are generally mild and open — snow seldom falls, or if so, melts 

 away under sunshine in a few hours. "We never experience so great a degree of cold as 

 to kill fruit trees. The thermometer has been known to fall as low as fourteen degrees 

 above zero, but this is very unusual. Our winters are cold enough to give deciduous fruit 

 trees a sufficient period of rest to recruit for another summer's fruit bearing; and this, 

 followed by a spring and summer of so high a temperature as to mature the latest kinds of 

 fruit early in the fall, is all that is wanted, as regards climate, to bring fruits to perfection. 

 The temperature during the months of May, June, July, August, and September, is almost 

 torrrid. The thermometer rarely falling under eiglity degrees, and often risuig to ninety 

 and ninety-five degrees. Spring frosts occur, but rarely destroy the fruit crop. Long 

 drouths are prevalent during our summer and fall months. 



Before noticing the varieties of fruits which follow, I must premise tliat aspect is of high 



importance with us, and that the best exposure for an orchard is a northern one. I would 



also state that ray ground was well prepared before I planted out tlie trees — that the 



specific mineral manures, especially for the Apple and the Pear, were incorporated in a 



well decomposed compost, and this spread over the surface of the orchard two inches deep. 



The ground was then trench-plowed, followed by a sub-soil plow; and after planting, 



the trees kept well mulched during the summer months, and the soil every year cultivated 



in root crops. 



BTEAWBEEEIES. 



This fruit is indigenous to our State. I cultivate the wild variety for its early maturity; 

 ripening first week in April. I also cultivate the Blaeh Prince^ Crescent City Seedlitu/, 

 novey''s Seedling^ and Large Early Scarlet. All these varieties bear well, and are 

 deliciously flavored. They continue in bearing during two months, May and June. 



KASPBEEEIES. 



I cultivate the Red Antwerp^ Yellow Magnum Bonum^ and Fastolff. Our climate and 

 soil is favorable to the grow^th and maturity of this fruit. T\\ej continue with me in 

 bearing two months. May and June. The plants require heavy riulching during ^our 

 hot months. 



C II E E E I E 9 . 



It is rare to find this fruit in our southern States; and the" prevalent opinion is, the 

 Cherry will not fruit in this climate. As this fruit (it is well known) was raised in per- 

 fection by the ancient Romans in Italy, and as several varieties are at the present day suc- 

 cessfully cultivated in the south of Spain and Italy, I see no valid reason why it should not 

 succeed with us. I cultivate the following varieties: 



IIeakt CirERRiES. — Bauman's May, Downer's Late, Early Purple Guigne, Graffion, 

 SparhawFs Honey, BlacTc Tartarian. 



DcTKES. — Belle de Choisy, Late DuTce, May Buke. 



BiGAiiREAus. — Monatreuse de Mezel, Bigarreau N'apoleon, Wldte B<.garreau. 



MoKELLOs. — Butner's Morello, liumsey^s Late. 



* See Additional Notes. 



