STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 143 



had proven specially hardy in certain localities, we would not now be required to 

 send to Russia to obtain hardy varieties. And it is my opinion that we will have to 

 Tcsort to this practice yet if we want to raise fruit of good quality. 



Much credit is due to Prof. J. L. Bndd for his efforts in introducing the new 

 Russian varieties of the different fruits; for the accounts of his visits to the fruit 

 growing districts of Northern Europe, (in company with my friend from Canada, 

 Mr. Chas. Gibb); for his description of the varieties of fruits found, the character 

 of the climate, the distances between certain varieties, where found, etc. From 

 the descriptions he has given 1 take it for granted that the countries visited were 

 older than ours. From these investigations and from personal examination of the 

 Russian varieties with which I am familiar, that have been propagated here, I con- 

 clude that all of these more valuable Russian varieties were produced from seeds; 

 that the best varieties are from natural crosses; that the progress made thus 

 far is due in part to gradual acclimation, and advancement to more northern dis- 

 tricts. 



It should be observed that very few varieties of special value were found in large 

 districts of country; that the farther north we go the fewer are the varieties found 

 having any merit. It is true Prof. Budd refers to latitudes and situations much 

 colder than ours. Many of the varieties found in such localities will no doubt 

 prove to be hardy enough in our climate. In fact many sorts have already proven 

 to be so, since they came through all right the last test winter. 



We have personally tested some thirty-nine varieties of Russians which were 

 fruited in Wisconsin, also made outlines of some of the best, noted the time when 

 xipe, quality, etc., etc.; but we failed, however, to find a single variety in the list 

 that was equal in quality to the Wealthy, except, perhaps, the Longtield. It 

 may be as good an apple but is not as long a keeper, and in my estimation is no 

 hardier, grown side by side with the Wealthy, as I have seen both varieties badly 

 ■damaged. 



There is no doubt that many of the new Russian varieties will prove a blessing 

 where other varieties can not be grown successfully, or where nothing but the 

 Siberian crabs can be grown. But there is a limit to all things, and many who are 

 trying to grow these varieties will be disappointed. 



Prof. Budd undertakes to predict that wherever melons and Indian corn can be 

 grown successfully, becoming fully ripe, either east or west, that most of the 

 hardier Russian varieties can be grown; not only of the apple, but also of the pear, 

 ■cherry and plum. In his estimation they are all the time improving, especially 

 those varieties which originated in that part of the country where dent corn and 

 melons have ripened. I am in hopes the Professor is right; it certainly would save 

 much time. But if he is not, then the surest and best way to proceed would be by 

 the production of new seedling varieties. 



It has been demonstrated very conclusively to my mind that nearly all the Russian 

 varieties are crosses originated in localities where varieties have been kept separate 

 by local causes, which is, no doubt, the occasion of the distinctions which exist 

 between many of these varieties. It also appears that all the improvements made 

 have been from natural poUenization and by reproduction from the seed. 



It has required the process of many years of continuous cultivation and propaga- 

 4ion to produce such fruits as they now possess and enjoy. The Russian people 



