9 



and Michigan the following are the peaches most often named 

 as having the softest and sappiest wood: Early Crawford 

 and Late Crawford are named by practically all correspondents 

 as being most succulent in growth, following which, named 

 in order of degree of succulency, come Chair's Choice, St. 

 John, Niagara and Surprise. 



13. Are Young or Old Trees Hardiest? 



Beyond all question young trees suffer most in severe winter 

 freezes. Practically all fruit growlers agree to this, and as 

 proof, growers give their experience in the several severe 

 freezes that have occurred during the past few years in which 

 young trees universally suffered most. It is probable that 

 young trees are injured most because they make a much 

 greater and much ranker growth than the older ones, and 

 hence more sap remains in them during the winter. The 

 formation of buds in the older trees is helpful, too, in maturing 

 the wood. There are, however, many exceptions to the state- 

 ment that young trees are less hardy to cold than old ones. 



Old trees can be forced to produce large quantities of new 

 wood susceptible to winterkilling, while, on the other hand, 

 the superabundant growth of young trees can be kept down 

 by orchard treatment. It is fair to assume, too, that old 

 trees possessing very low vitality are less hardy than vigorous 

 voung trees. Thus it is often to be noted that old trees which 

 have suffered from the ravages of insects and fungi are easily 

 killed by cold. 



While young trees are more susceptible to freezing than old 

 ones, yet they are much more likely to recover, if recovery is 

 possible, and their return to a normal condition is more rapid. 

 This is probably true because of the greater vigor of the 

 younger plants, and because of the possibility of an entirely 

 new covering of bark foi; small trees often impossible with 

 larger ones. 



■ 14. Name the Varieties Most Hardy in Wood. 



There was, as would be expected, great difference of opinion 

 as to the sorts most hardy. The following peaches, in order 

 named, are possibly most hardy: Crosby, Hill's Chili, Gold 

 Drop and Wager. Carman, Belle of Georgia, Elberta, Cham- 



