REPORT OF EXCELSIOR TRIAL STATION. I25 



the Haas apples which grew near Siberian crab trees, and from this 

 planting he got varieties of very small crabs up to hybrids as large 

 as the Whitney No. 20, but not any large apples. By this planting 

 was originated our Prolific, which is now a tree measuring forty 

 feet spread and has become quite noted in the northwest. 



The year 1876 he planted a lot of Wealthy seed that were saved 

 from a barrel of Wealthy apples that grew on three top-worked 

 Siberian crab trees that were somewhat removed from other trees, 

 the adjacent trees having killed down in the early seventies. By 

 this planting of Wealthy seed he originated an exceptionally fine lot 

 of seedlings, which are nearly all of the large type of apples. Many 

 of these are of good quality and high color, and a few are late keep- 

 ers; nearly all are as late as their parent. Of those set in orchard 

 there is but one crab. 



Why so marked a difference in these two lots of seedlings? As 

 evidence of the value of these "Wealthy seedlings" I could call your 

 attention to the premiums they have taken at the state fair since 

 they have been exhibited, beginning in 1896. 



In the years 1896, '97, '98, '99, 1900 and 1901 these seedlings, 

 each time a new variety, have taken first premium as "best fall 

 apple" over all other exhibits, an unusual record for any one lot of 

 seedlings. In this lot there are three sweet varieties which are valu- 

 able trees, one of which is of very high color. These sweet apples 

 appear to be very hardy varieties ; in fact, this lot of seedlings, 

 being over twenty-five years old, have passed through the "test 

 winter" of '84 and '83, which is somewhat a guarantee of their hard- 

 iness. 



Wouldn't the result of this planting of Wealthy seed lead one 

 to believe that the Wealthy is a thoroughbred and not from Cherry 

 crab seed, as some believe? 



This work of originating new varieties is a very pleasant one for 

 any one who is interested in this work. With what anticipations 

 the veteran horticulturist watches his promising new varieties as 

 they come into bearing for the first time! 



We have many seedlings that are the third generation from 

 Wealthy seed; that is, they are grown from seed of a "Wealthy 

 seedling." One of these took a premium at the state fair the past 

 season; many have not fruited yet. By carrying this work forward 

 we hope to yet bring out many good things for the apple interests 

 of our state. 



We hope to have the pleasure of showing these apples again 

 at the coming state fair, and those who are interested in seedlings 

 will be given an opportunity to judge as to their value. 



