338 



THE CANADIAN HORTICULTURIST. 



soils, the texture and flavor are important 

 elements in coming- to a decision. 5 points. 



In the class Peaches, plums, etc., the im- 

 portant elements are size, form, color, flavor 

 and condition. 5 points. 



In Grapes we must consider and compare 

 the form and size of the bunches, the size of 

 the berries, their, color, ripeness, and flavor 

 and condition. 3 points. 



In Currants we shall have to examine the 

 perfection and size of the bunches, and of 

 the berries, their flavor and condition. 3 

 points. 



In Gooseberries we shall look at the size, 

 color, flavor and condition. 4 points. 



In judging- Cherries we have as our guide 

 the size and form, color, flavor and condi- 

 tion. 4 points. 



In judging^ Strawberries we shall compare 

 the size and form, color, flavor, firmness 

 and condition. 5 points. 



They shall be shown with stem and calyx. 



Red Raspberries may be shown with or 

 without the calyx. In this fruit we shall 

 have to judg-e of the size, color, flavor and 

 condition. 4 points. 



Blackcap Raspberries must have size, 

 color, flavor and condition. 4 points. 



Blackberries must be tested according as 

 they present size, color and form, flavor and 

 texture, and condition. 4 points. 



In all cases it is well to have a convenient 

 scale of comparison, for which the number 

 ten is found to be easily managed. The 

 highest figure denotes perfection for the 

 variety, and five is mediocre ; below that is 

 condemnatory. The total of the marks 

 should exceed fifty per cent, of the possible 

 number, or the entry must be passed as un- 

 worthy of reward. 



Seedlings ^having once been presented and 

 failing recognition under the rules of the 

 Society, should not again be presented. ^ — • 

 Report Nebraska State Horticultural Society. 



THE WESTERN NEW YORK FRUIT GROWERS. 



fHE following questions and answers 

 are from the report of the meeting 

 of this body, which was held last 

 January : 



Which are the most valuable Japan plums 

 from a com.m.ercial standpoint? 



Mr. N. C. Smith — The best plums we have 

 are the Burbank and Wickson for commercial 

 purposes. Our experience has not been very 

 broad with the Wickson — only three years. 

 We find it produces an unusually good crop, 

 provided it is thinned. We thin out to at 

 least three-fourths. We have not deter- 

 mined whether it is a stand-by or not. The 

 Burbank has proved very well, and we con- 

 sider it one of the best. It is like growing 

 KeifFer pears. We want to grow less in 

 quantity and more in quality and get more 

 for it. The Wickson is not so large and not 

 so showy as the Burbank, A great many 



who are growings the Wickson are not satis- 

 fied. I understand Mr. Willard is one. 



Mr. Willard — I should say from my own 

 experience that the Red June and Burbank 

 are my most valuable varieties. The Red 

 June, in consequence of its clear, cherry-red 

 color, and of it ripening so early, (July 17th 

 we had them this year), good size and fine 

 appearance, sells extremely well. But, as 

 Mr. Smith says, which is true of almost 

 all, they need thinning. My experience with 

 the Wickson has not been so flattering as 

 Mr. Smith's, but the past year's was a little 

 more in its favor. I know of no more pro- 

 ductive variety, or one that pays so well as 

 the Burbank. This year, where they were 

 thin upon the tree, they grew so large that 

 the canning factory didn't want them. Like 

 the cherries I told you about, you could take 

 several bites out of them. It is a very fine 



