286 Editor's Letter-Box. 



Cider Mills, etc. — A correspondent inquires, " ist. Where can I obtain the 

 best cider press and mill that will mash finer, and press dryer, and produce a 

 greater quantity of cider from the least apples, and what would be the probable 

 cost for one that would make fifteen or twenty barrels per day? 2d. Is there 

 any process whereby peaches, pears, apples, and cherries can be put up in glass 

 jars for future exhibitions, and retain all their beauty and color .-* " 



We are unable to give a definite answer to the above queries, and therefore 

 print them in full, as usual in such cases, hoping that some of our readers may 

 be able to answer them satisfactorily. There are many patterns of cider mills 

 offered by different makers, each one claiming that his own is the best ; but as 

 \ye have had no occasion to test them, we cannot say from experience which we 

 should choose. One of the best cider-makers we know prefers the old-fashioned 

 nuts, and another prefers the more modern grater, and both make the very best 

 cider. We have no doubt that in the hands of an energetic, industrious man, 

 who will use care and cleanliness, either will produce a satisfactory quantity of 

 good cider, and without these quahfications neither would give satisfaction. 



The only way we know of preserving fruits for exhibition is in alcohol ; but 

 they do not retain their beauty and color. 



The Pear Crop at Norfolk, Va. — Through the kindness of Hon. Mar- 

 shall P. Wilder, we have been favored with the following extracts from a note 

 from one of the largest pear growers at Norfolk. Under date of July 28, he 

 says, " This is an extraordinary year for fruit. At this date last year I had 

 marketed about one eighth of my Bartletts. I have now marketed seven eighths 

 of that variety. Louise Bonne of Jersey and Duchesse will follow within fifteen 

 days. The Duchesses are taking on quite a red cheek, which I am unable to 

 account for. The Winesap apple is as red as ordinarily the last of August. I 

 hope I may be able to place some Duchesses on the table at Richmond, but fear 

 that they will be too far advanced. 



" I think this will prove to be the best pear section in the United States, cHmatic 

 influences and marketing facilities considered. Observation teaches me that our 

 stiffest soil only should be selected for pear culture. Clay that is so hard in time 

 of drought as to completely resist the plough or cultivator furnishes the most 

 vigorous growth to the pear. 



" The pear crop in this section is perhaps an average one ; apples scanty. 



"G. F. B. L." 



The Fruit Crop in Kansas. — G. C. Brackett, Esq., Lawrence, Secretary 

 of the Kansas State Horticultural Society, writes us that the fruit crop is splen- 

 did in that section ; peaches a very heavy crop ; grapes very promising ; apples 

 abundant. The season has been one remarkably favorable for the horticulturist 

 and farmer. Fine spirits seem to prevail. 



W. W. H., Rutland, Meigs Co., O. — We regret that we are unable to give 

 you the address of the originator of the Hale's Paper Shell Hickory, or any in- 

 formation concerning it, beyond that contained in our May number. 



