The Canadian Horticulturist. 211 



Asparagus was quoted at a high price on May ist, in Montreal. This 

 vegetable is one which fruitgrowers might well plant in a young orchard, or fruit 

 ga rden, because it grows easily and is harvested before the' orchard tree makes 

 m uch growth. It also brings in a little money at an early part of the season, 

 when expenses are heavy and no fruit crop is ready to harvest. 



The Wilder Grape. — To-day, the 25th of May, 1896, we have opened 

 a box of Wilder grapes in perfect condition, sent us by Mr. E. B. Edwards, of 

 Peterboro'. They are rather under size for this variety ; perhaps they do not 

 grow as large in that section as south of Lake Ontario. 



Mr. Edwards writes that apples promise a heavy crop so far this season, 

 especially the Blenheim Orange, which look finer than ever. This apple is a 

 favorite with Mr. Edwards, and has proved one of his most profitable varieties. 



Japan Plums. — Mr. John Craig speaks of the hardiness of these plums as 

 follows : "The Russian plums are fully 25 per cent, hardier than the Japanese 

 plums and some of them are equal in quality The majority of those which I 

 have tested are not nearly as handsome in appearance, but in this locality the 

 Japanese plums are absolutely valueless, as the trees will not stand our climate. 

 In portions of Ontario, British Columbia and Nova Scotia they are destined to be 

 of great value. The Russian sorts as a rule have not proved productive thus 

 far, although, as before stated, the trees are hardy and vigorous. 



An amusing anecdote is given respecting the late Duke of Leinster, who, 

 upon one occasion having run across one of his farm laborers, is reported to 

 have said to him : " I regret, owing to a report made by my steward, at having 

 to dispense with your services, as there is not, I believe, sufficient work for all." 

 Upon hearing this the man innocently remarked " Faith, your Grace, there is no 

 necessity to dismiss me on account of scarcity of work, as very little would 

 keep me busy." The duke was so much amused by his ready wit that he vetoed 

 the advice of his steward and kept the laborer in his service. 



I 



The bloom of fruit trees of all kinds has been exceptional for two seasons 

 first, its earliness, and second, its abundance. We in Southern Ontario had 

 cherry bloom before April was over, and our apple bloom was at its height 

 about the 9th of May, earlier than ever within the " memory of the oldest in- 

 habitant." Usually the even years give the great apple crops in Ontario, and 

 from present appearances 1896 will break all records, and every tree is doing 

 its best, especially of such standbys, as Baldwin and Greening. Cranberry 

 Pippins are light ; they have taken to bearing at Maplehurst in the odd years, 

 when most needed. Astracans are heavy. Of pears the Bartlett is well loaded, 

 and clean, indeed most varieties show well ; cherries are also setting a most 

 abundant crop. Even the peach shows up well about Grimsby, while about 

 St. Catharines, and in Niagara district there are very few if any buds which 

 escaped the winter's frost, and the same is reported from the State of New York. 

 Altogether the indications are, that fruit growers will have a successful seasoi , 

 which will help make for recent failures. 



