428 BOARD OF AGRICULTUEE. 



Quinces.— For several years the supply of quinces has been far inade- 

 quate, and it is expected that later planting of quince bushes may yield 

 more abundantly. The ease of propagation of quince cuttings should be 

 an incentive to lovei-s of this kind of fruit to grow them more universally. 



Peaches.— The splendid peach crops of the past tvro years was hoped 

 to have extended through this section, but not a single bloom was seen 

 in most orchards through this locality. As a consequence our supply of 

 this delicious fruit was obtained elsewhere, and at very fair prices. A 

 number of small orchards have lately been set. 



Grapes.— Relatively a failure, as last year the vines did not pass 

 through the winter in a good state, and lessened the chances for a crop 

 to a minimum. But few perfect bunches Avere secured of any variety, 

 and where not sacked were virtually destroyed by the troublesome beiTy 

 worm. 



Dewberries.— The cultivation of this most excellent fruit has been, 

 especially in this locality, almost entu-ely abandoned, perhaps to its un- 

 certainty of bearing, yet it is possible that our soils are not especially 

 adapted to its gi'owth or our fruit growers may not be acquainted with 

 its manner of cultivation. 



Strawberries. — About fifty per cent, of a full crop was gathered of 

 choice berries. Although the set was indicative of a large jaeld, yet at 

 the time of gathering it was found that many fruit stems with uuripened 

 berries were shriveled and atrophied; the cause of which has led many 

 fruit men to differ. 



Blackberries.— The past season was especially unfavoi-able for this 

 kind of fruit, and but few crates were offered on our markets. The 

 failure of last year caused many berry gi'owers to cut down and revive 

 their patches, and another year or so Avill be necessary to secure sufla- 

 eient gx'owth to mature a crop. 



RaspbeiTies.— But few gi-owers succeeded in producing raspberries. 

 The season was not very favorable and the canes being not very vigorous 

 the crop was necessarily small. But few berry patches are to be found at 

 present in this locality. 



Ornithology.— The interest manifested in later years by the general 

 public in ornithology has been increasing, and from the number of Au- 

 dobon societies recently organized throughout our State, doubtless will 

 be productive of good results. Surely fewer birds will be killed, eggs 

 broken and nests destroyed, and a better knowledge of the value and 

 habits of our North American birds will be gained through such observa- 

 tions and study, and the horticulturist will be among those mostly bene- 

 fited by their protection. 



AVALTER S. RATLIFF, 



Secretary. 



