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of the different points. To discuss each of these points 

 briefly : — 



Tree. (1) Heavy Bearer. — I have rated this higher for 

 the general market than for the special, because we do grow 

 varieties for the latter which are not especially heavy bearers, 

 because their quality is such that it pays to grow them. In 

 any case it is important that we get the fruit ; nothing is more 

 discouraging than an unproductive orchard. 



Tree. (2) Early Bearer. — This needs little discussion. 

 One of the great difiiculties in getting men to set apple or- 

 chards is the length of time it requires to bring them into 

 bearing. If they came in in two to four years, as peaches do, 

 we should see far more apple trees planted. Those varieties 

 which do come in relatively early are correspondingly wel- 

 come. I have rated this the same for both markets, because it 

 seems to me that it is almost equally important. Possibly we 

 could afford to plant for the special market varieties which 

 are a little slower in coming into bearing, if their quality 

 warranted it. 



Tree. (3) Healthy and Vigorous. — This is certainly 

 equally important for both markets and needs no discussion 

 here. The common ailments which would lower the standing 

 of a variety here would be susceptibility to canker, to apple 

 scab on the twigs, a tendency to winter-kill, etc. 



Fruit. (Jf) Fair Size. — I have given this double im- 

 portance for the general market, as we frequently grow spe- 

 cial varieties, as the Lady, Fameuse and Pomme Grise, for 

 the special market, if their quality warrants it, when their 

 size would condemn them for the general market; but it is 

 certainly a fact that a fair-sized apple has the advantage, 

 other things being equal. 



Fruit. (5) Good Color. — I suppose this is practically 

 equivalent to saying " red color," but not quite, as some yel- 

 low apples are more attractive than others. It seems to me 

 that the craze for red apples is just as insane a notion as that 

 for red Short-Horn cattle, or for Jerseys with a black tongue. 

 But the craze is here, and the red apple sells better, particu- 

 larly in the general market, than any other color. 



