PEACH GROWING IN NEW ENGLAND. 31 



Our fruit is superior to the bulk of that coming from the South; 

 it can mature on the trees, getting color and flavor, if the right fer- 

 tilizer is used; for you can breed flavor into a peach, good or bad. 



Today we have more difficulties to overcome than we had fifteen 

 or twenty years ago. The peach has now come to be a necessity with 

 all classes of people, where it used to be a luxury. Peach growing 

 offers a vast field for study and we have the Experiment Stations 

 that are ever willing to help us over our difficulties in solving new 

 problems. Beginning with the tree from the nursery we must give 

 the most careful attention to all the details. 



Peach trees talk to us through their leaves ; their color tells the 

 whole story; and the observing planter will soon notice any trouble 

 and find the cause and remedy. 



It is strange that people are not making the best of their opportuni- 

 ties. Where the peach can be grown it is more profitable than the 

 apple, for it bears fruit when three years old. The Elberta is 

 adapted to all sections and in my opinion it is the best market 

 variety, the best for canning purposes, and is a very good eating 

 peach. 



I have an experimental orchard in which I have two hundred 

 kinds at the present time. There are several varieties that are 

 valuable for the market. I shall be glad to answer any questions 

 as to my methods." 



In reply to inquiries Mr. Parker stated that he had now two thou- 

 sand peach trees which had been growing about fifteen years. During 

 that time he had had three failures. He marketed last year 700 

 baskets; three years ago he had a crop of 2000 baskets. They 

 brought from $1.00 to $1.50 per basket. In addition to Elberta 

 he grew Early Crawford and Carman. 



William N. Craig asked the lecturer to name desirable varieties 

 for the Worceater County region. 



Mr. Hixon replied that he was partial to the INIountain Rose; 

 it is a small, nicely colored peach and suitable to put up whole in 

 jars without cutting. The Greensboro, Champion, and Foster 

 were also to be recommended. The Champion is a good home 

 variety but it is tender to handle and liable to rot. It is imposible 

 to put it on the market in good shape; it is too large. The Craw- 

 ford is one of the best but it is rather tender. Both the Earlv and 



