406 The Canadian Horticulturist. 



The Wagener and other Apples. 



•*)*<». Sir, — I intend setting out an orchard of winter fruit next spring, and have 

 been advised to consult you with reference to the best varieties. I am in the County York, 

 north of the Ridges, where all kinds will not thrive. Our soil is sandy loam, well protected 

 with trees. What do yon think of the Wagener apple ? Could you send me a copy of the 

 latest Fruit Growers' Report '.' 



A. Ramsdex, Mount Albert. 



The Wagener is a variety of high quality, valuable for both dessert and 

 cooking. It does not, however, succeed everywhere. It is an abundant bearer 

 every alternate year, and is inclined to overload, when the fruit is small. Perhaps 

 some of our readers in York County have tried it there and will give us the 

 benefit of their experience. If Gravenstein, Blenheim, Wealthy, King, Ontario 

 and Golden Russet succeed in your district, they are excellent varieties. 



Various Questions Answered. 



587. SlR,— What are the best size fruit trees for planting, also black raspberry 

 bushes, two-vear-old stock or tips (prices considered)? Are the roots of the Crawford 

 peach more penetrating than other varieties ? If so, would not the pits of the same be good 

 to plant to bud upon 1 And is there better seed to plant than the Talman sweet apple ? 



Some say that the Sheldon pear is not a good bearer. It is with me Soil, rich clay 

 loam surface ; at a depth of about three feet there is a stratum of sand about one foot, then 

 clay. Yours truly, 



Nokris Mallory, Gttilds, Ont. 



Apple trees are easily moved at three and four years of age ; after that age 

 there is too much loss of roots in the digging. Tip plants of raspberries are 

 quite satisfactory ; the first year no crop is expected, even if two-year stock is 

 planted. 



We have never observed that the roots of the Crawford peaches are more 

 penetrating than other varieties ; and for stock we usually count it less vigorous 

 than pits of natural fruit. 



For raising apple stock probably nothing is better than the seeds of the 

 Talman Sweet. Some varieties bear more freely when this stock is used. 



The Sheldon is a scant bearer at Maplehurst. 



The "Woolverton" and Fruit Ripening. 



588. Sir,— You will he glad to learn that the " Woolverton*' strawberry plants I 

 received from the Society have been very successful. It is a fine berry. I prefer it 

 decidedly to the "Williams," or, indeed, to any other strawberry that I have. It is sym- 

 metrical in shape, firm in flesh, and good in color. It is also strong and vigorous in growth 

 and a profuse bearer. I have now a large number and am propagating only from them. 



All my fruit crops have been very large this year, especially grapes. I have also been 

 very successful in ripening my pears in the house under woollens, and I wish to ask you if 

 this mode of treatment could not be applied on a large scale to this most delicious of fruits, 

 so that it might be sent to the U.S. and the British markets ? Mine were gathered green, 

 and were in perfect condition in ten or twelve days, and if carefully handled and packed in 



