FRUITS FOR THE FARMERS GARDEN. 233 



though this is not always the case. During the last few years I 

 have visited most of the farm homes within a radius of ten or fifteen 

 miles of my nursery and have had interesting experiences. I found 

 the majority of them had little or no fruit growing in their gardens 

 at all. I mention my business as "fruit tree agent," and they im- 

 mediately endeavor to discourage me. Many say "fruit raising is 

 impossible, I have tried it and failed ; spent from $25.00 to $100.00 

 or more for trees and plants and have nothing to show for it. We 

 can't raise fruit here ; the climate will not allow it." But I have 

 talked a good deal and recommended such varieties as are on the 

 horticultural list and have succeeded to a considerable degree in 

 getting them to try again. A good many have found that they can 

 have an abundance of fruit. They all agree that fruit for the 

 farmer's table is all right, and when it can be supplied from the farm- 

 er's garden it is still better. 



How many times I have heard this remark: "We. can buy it 

 cheaper than raise it." When the fruit season comes, how many of 

 these buyers have fruit even once or twice a week? Very few ! But 

 those who have it in their garden may have it every day and as often 

 as desired. I do not think the only reason they have failed is that 

 the stock is in poor condition. Too many farmers think to plant 

 the trees and plants is all that is necessary. But fruit plants need 

 proper care as much as stock, grain or anything else, and the re- 

 sults are just as profitable. 



The space allotted to fruit need not be large, and the time re- 

 quired for its care is not much. The farmer should plant such 

 varieties as are hardy. I think this is an important item. Tender 

 .raspberries must be covered before the ground freezes, and at just 

 a time when most farmers are busv they are left to the last, and then 

 it is too late. They freeze to the ground, and no fruit next season 

 is the result. But such varieties as Loudon in red and Older in 

 black are hardy and should be planted. Strawberries are all right 

 in that respect, for they need to lie covered after the ground is froz- 

 en, when there is more time. 



I think it should be our aim to plan for the farmer as well as the 

 professional fruit raiser ; recommend such varieties as are suited to 

 his surroundings, urge him to buy of home nurseries and be sure 

 of good stock. Give it proper care, and then, as I said before, the 

 farmer's fruit sfarden can furnish fruit for the farmer's table. 



