11 



or the consumer learns more of those qualities and greater demand is 

 created. 



For these reasons, in making this report of the past season's expe- 

 rience in the college orchards and fruit plantations, we shall not ouh' 

 sum up the merits of new varieties, but also note any change in the 

 standing of the older varieties. 



This summary will be based principally upon observations taken 

 on our own grounds, but we may also note the standing of varieties 

 in other sections of the state. 



THE APPLE. 



The crop in this state will probably prove one of the largest re- 

 corded. The fruit is large and fair generally, but less free from 

 codling moths than for several years. Should the crop in other sec- 

 tions prove as small as reported, good prices will prevail, if the 

 growers will not allow themselves to be frightened into putting their 

 fruit upon the market too rapidly. To obtain the best prices more 

 care must be given to sorting and packing of the fruit than is usually 

 given. 



VARIETIES. 



Yellow Transparent. This is one of the best Russian varieties yet 

 introduced. In time of ripening it is in advance of the Early 

 Harvest or Red Astrachan. Its color is against it as a profit- 

 able market apple, even should it prove as vigorous and product- 

 ive as the latter varieties. Tree only moderately vigorous. It is 

 a very promising variety, but further trial must be made to 

 establish its value. 



Early Harvest. The fault of this variety of producing few perfect 

 specimens in many localities, especially under the "• no care " 

 system by which a great many of our orchards are managed, 

 has increased so largely in this state as to seriously injure its 

 value. Its color and tender flesh are so objectionable that it 

 can no longer be recommended as a market fruit except in 

 favored localities. The only way any profit can be expected 

 from it is to pick it several weeks before the larger and better 

 varieties like the Astrachan are colored enough to market. 



Red Astrachan. This variety, which has always been profitable, is 

 growing in favor as a cooking apple. It reaches large size early 

 in the season, and by picking the largest and most colored speci- 

 mens very early good prices may be obtained. 



