ORCHARDS. 39 



the Rhine. The western portion of Ontario has been 

 pronounced by authorities to be the most suitable part 

 of the American continent for grape culture. There is 

 ample sun to ripen the fruit, and the vines can stand the 

 frosts of winter without artificial protection. Vineyards 

 require too much labour for a new country, but in process 

 of time no doubt Canada will be able to make its own 

 wine. Peaches, apricots, and nectarines ripen in the ex- 

 treme south and west I mean as orchard crops. In 

 favourable situations these fruits ripen in gardens here 

 and there all through Canada West. 



The apple orchards of Ontario, both as regards the 

 quantities and qualities of the fruit, are second to none 

 in the world. The export of apples has been found such 

 a profitable business, that farmers through the province 

 have been adding largely to their orchards during the 

 last few years. A ten-acre orchard is not an unusual 

 sight, and I have seen orchards as large as forty acres- 

 Many of the so-called American apples that we see in the 

 shops at home are grown in Canada; the following are 

 some of the favourite kinds: Ehode Island Greening, 

 Northern Spy, Baldwins, Swurzes, Pomme Grise Fameuse, 

 Duchess of Oldenbnrgh, Swaar, Gravensteins, Blenheim 

 Orange, Keswicks' Codling, Holland Pippin, Alexander, 

 American Golden Russet, Red Astracan, Ribston Pippin, 

 Esopus Spitzenburg, and King of Tomkin's County. 



The Fruit-growers' Association of Canada recommend 

 the following varieties, viz. : " For summer, the Early 

 Harvest and Red Astracan, as sour apples ; and the Sweet 

 Bough. For early autumn, the Duchess of Oldenburgh, 

 Gravenstein, Primate, and Jersey Sweet. For late autumn 



