GENERAL FRUITS. 145 



earth within two or three inches of the surface in our vineyard, and 

 the g-round was as mellow as ashes. 



I am more than ever impressed with the importance of a judicious 

 thinning- out of all surplus shoots early in the season, followed up 

 with a reasonable amount of summer pruning. 



We think that grape growers should not be discouraged at the low 

 price the past season. The demand for this excellent fruit is con- 

 stantly increasing-, and we believe that those who have vineyards in 

 favorable locations will generally receive a fair remuneration for 

 their labor. 



The apple crop in this district was generally a failure, but we 

 noticed very little blight; trees made a fine growth, and the prospect 

 for a crop of apples next season is encouraging. 



GENERAL FRUITS. 

 THIRD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 



D. F. AKIN, FARMINGTON. 



Having been appointed one of a committee on general fruits for 

 the third congressional district for the year 1893, and having an as- 

 sociate in the west end of the district, it being a shoestring district, 

 I herewith according to custom submit my report, which will con- 

 sider more particularly the east half of the district. The early part 

 of the growing season was very wet, making a rank and tender 

 growth in all the small fruits, both wild and tame, such as strawber- 

 ries, currants, raspberries, and cranberries, till the young fruit was 

 set. Then a drought set in and continued till the earth was dry far 

 below the roots of the plants, causing them to wither in many 

 places, and the heat apparently cooked the young fruit before it was 

 nearly mature. These conditions of the seaton caused a great dimi- 

 nution of the small fruit crop. Strawberries were nearly a failure; 

 currants a fair crop on heavy, moist land; raspberries gave a two- 

 thirds crop. Considering the weather conditions and the crop of 

 small fruits, we may say that it is a success to such an extent that 

 every person owning an acre of land can have with a little exertion 

 a supply of small fruits in their season and some to sell or give 

 away to their landless friends or neighbors. Grapes did not appear 

 to suffer as much in numbers, but were in size less than usual, 

 though giving a very satisfactory return. 



It is not intended in this report to go into any details as to the 

 best varieties for any particular location or to point out the best lo- 

 cation for each, nor to tell the novice the particular time to set the 

 plants so they will have a supply of fruit without any further exer- 

 tion on their part; but it is to assure every person who will try that 

 small fruit culture in this state is a grand success, not only in quan- 

 tity but in quality, which is superior. With the experience of 

 thirty-seven years we may assure every person who has a chance to 

 raise small fruits in this state, and does not have any, that he is to 

 blame for it himself. It is not the climate nor the soil. Let me say 

 to all, you can raise all the small fruits you have a mind to. Begin 

 at your first opportunity; don't deprive yourselves of such luxuries 



