1899.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 83. 18 



Ben Davis. — It has been stated on good authority that 

 more of this variety were sold in the Boston markets and 

 on fruit stands during the winter of 1897 than of any other 

 kind, almost the entire amount of which w^ere imported 

 from the western States. In quality and beauty this apple 

 is far below any of the varieties above mentioned ; yet its 

 perfect form, uniform size, good keeping qualities, and 

 its very lirm, but somewhat elastic flesh, render it less 

 affected by handling and shipping than almost any variety 

 in cultivation. It is very productive, but, as grown in New 

 England, unless thinned, w^ll be of medium or small size. 

 From its behavior thus far it would seem that, if a variety 

 of so poor quality is to be demanded by our markets, it 

 may be grown quite as successfully in many sections of the 

 State as in any other section of the country. This, how^- 

 ever, is not necessary ; for, if the previously named varie- 

 ties are well grown, there will be no difficulty in securing 

 the local markets for them, if they are properly sorted and 

 delivered, 



Gano. — This variety was introduced as an improved Ben 

 Davis, and, as far as tested, has proved superior to that 

 variety in color, and perhaps to a very slight degree in 

 quality. As yet it has only been produced on young trees, 

 so that its real value cannot be determined without many 

 years' further trial. 



Pears. 

 With the large number of kinds of choice fruit that is 

 now competing with the fruit grown in New England, the 

 pear seems to be less in demand than formcrh\ Fewer 

 varieties also are found profitable than a few years ago. Of 

 those that stand at the head of the list, the Bartlett, Bosc, 

 Sheldon, Seckle and Hovey are the most generally grown 

 and bring the highest prices. 



Peaches. 

 The interest in peach growing in this State seems on the 

 increase, and the growers are coming to see that it is use- 

 less to plant the peach for profit except on high land, 

 where a moderately vigorous growth can be maintained, and 



