EXCELSIOR TRIAL STATION. 2ig 



Blight was more general than usual the past summer, the 

 Transcendents blighting nearly to death. Orchards under ex- 

 treme cultivation blighted more than those in grass. 



The interest in setting large orchards is growing here each 

 season, several tracts of over i,ooo trees being planted the past 

 spring. The trees grew well. Root grafts also did well. 



The trees of our seedling orchard, which were originated from 

 Wealthy seed planted in 1876, did well the past season. We 

 have still on hand in bushel and barrel lots four varieties. They 

 have had the same care that some Wealth3^s had, and the 

 Wealthys perished badly, while in these four varieties there are 

 no decayed apples. (Written in December). 



These trees appear to be hardy, having passed through some 

 of the "test winters," and we think will prove of value to the 

 northwest. 



Of the thousands of new seedlings only the best should be 

 selected for general planting. To be of value the new variety 

 should be hardy and the fruit of good quality, size and color. 

 The work of originating new varieties is an interesting one, and 

 by planting carefully selected seed we may originate something 

 of value to the northwest. 



LA CRESCENT TRIAL STATION. 



F. I. HARRIS, SUPT. 



Continuing the crop statistics begun in the midsummer re- 

 port : Plums were a total failure, not enough fruit maturing to 

 pay for gathering. This was also the case throughout the 

 county, and there were practically none in the market. 



As anticipated, grapes were but a meagre affair, only about 

 10 per cent of a crop and the quality poor. Wordens were best 

 in quality and Concord in quantity, but the fruit ripened very 

 unevenly. Was disappointed in Campbell's Early as to hardi- 

 ness. While they made good growth this season the fruit buds 

 were nearly all winter-killed. This, however, was without pro- 

 tection, and I presume under more favorable conditions it would 

 be near the front. 



Blackberries were about one-half a full crop and of fair qual- 

 ity. Ancient Briton is the only variety grown to any extent. 



The apple crop came to maturity without further mishap and 

 proved better than anticipated after the many calamities ex- 

 perienced, and in spite of destructive hail and wind storms, blight 



