90 MASS. EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETIN 159. 



Under climatic adaptations we may indicate the conditions of climate under 

 which the variety succeeds best, or, what is simpler, name the region where 

 the variety flourishes best and attains its highest excellence. Under "soil 

 adaptations" should be given the type of soil and subsoil which offers con- 

 ditions for the best development of the variety. 



Comparatively little has been said about the different methods of cul- 

 tural treatment suited to different varieties ; we are not yet beyond argu- 

 ment over soil treatment for all varieties collectively. Yet who can doubt 

 that varieties differ in this as well as in other respects, and that the ideal 

 cultural treatment for one variety may be quite wrong for another sort. 

 Space for this discussion is provided in the blank, and with the accumu- 

 lation of knowledge along this line it should find expression therein. 



The productiveness of a variety is most important, and space is pro- 

 vided for stating if the variety comes into bearing early or late, and if pos- 

 sible, the age at which it may be expected to begin to bear commercial 

 crops. Under "regularity" is stated whether it is annual, biennial or ir- 

 regular in its bearing habit, and under "amount," whether it is a shy, light, 

 medium, heavy or very heavy bearer. Productiveness, as well as the char- 

 acters of the fruit given later, depends greatly on the conditions of growth 

 under which the trees find themselves. If we are making a generalized 

 commercial description, it is supposed that the description given is for the 

 variety when growing under conditions of climate, soil and culture favor- 

 able to its complete and most satisfactory development. Under nursery 

 growth is given any marked characteristics of the variety as it grows in the 

 nursery row. The behavior of a variety in the nursery has often been 

 the determining factor in its success or failure. Under fruit the various 

 characters are to be described in practically the same way as in the case 

 of a systematic description, but only those characters that are of marked 

 commercial value find space here. We have added the characters of keep- 

 ing and shipping quality which may be appropriately described. 



The market value of a variety is the final test of its commercial worth. 

 Here should be stated the suitability of the variety to the local or general 

 market, and if the latter, the attitude of the great markets of the world 

 toward the varietv should find mention. 



