124 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY'. 



ideas about fruits. Some think the Spy a better apple than the 

 Baldwin, but to 1113- mind the Baldwin is still chief of the winter 

 market, although the Sp}- is a fine apple. Some object to them on 

 account of being slow bearers ; however, it is proving a profitable 

 apple on high ground for Somerset County. 



I cannot say much in regard to pears in this county, as they are 

 rather hard to raise. I have noticed that where they do succeed in 

 raising them it is on a rather dry subsoil on slaty ground. I have 

 some trees that have been set out for twenty years and the}- have 

 never borne twenty good pears in that time. The Flemish Beauty 

 cracks badly with me, while a neighbor of mine raises ver}- fine ones, 

 as his soil is different from mine. 



We hear but little said about plum trees in this count}', yet they 

 are easily grown, and I think it would be safe for me to say the fruit 

 is a favorite with everj* one. I have noticed in riding over the county 

 horse-plum trees in clumps in door-3'ards and orchards. They can be 

 easih' grafted to Washington, McLaughlin or any of the Gage family. 

 They are all good. Last fall I sold Red Gage at $3.20 per bushel, 

 and if a large amount had been at mj' command could have sold them 

 all. Later I learned parties sent to Boston for them and paid $4.00 

 per bushel ; so it is evident plums can be grown in Somerset Couuty 

 at paying prices. All it needs is a little care and enterprise to grow 

 them anywhere in the old ''■Pine Tree State." 



Fairfield . 



