13 



land can be found for the growing of hardy winter apples, where educational 

 facilities are more convenient, or where transportation is better, than in the 

 St. John River Valley at the present time, and it may reasonably be expected 

 that the development of this section will be one of the horticultural features 

 of the next decade. 



MONCTON. 



Our next stop was at Moncton, in the vicinity of which the large orchard 

 of Mr. H. L. Steeves was visited, a portion of which has also been selected as a 

 demonstration orchard for this district. Conditions here show careful management 

 on the part of Mr. Steeves and he was reaping the reward of his energy in the 

 shape of a magnificent crop of fine, beautiful fruit which showed practically 

 no blemishes of any kind. 



THE WELLING ORCHARD. 



In this district probably the largest individual orchard in the Province is 

 to be found, owned by Mr. Geo. L. Welling. It comprises about three thousand 

 trees, is well taken care of, and has proved a very profitable portion of the farm. 

 Mr. Welling practices clean cultivation, and adds phosphoric acid and potash 

 from time to time; he also pastures his orchard with sheep every fall. He is 

 one of that rare type of men who have been able, while working alone and upon 

 their own individual responsibility, to conduct their orchards along lines of 

 improved management. His orchard shows careful attention extending over 

 a period of years. Men of this stamp would be invaluable in any community 

 if they could be persuaded to take a general interest in the welfare of the sur- 

 rounding country, and impart to others the practical knowledge which they 

 have gained by close observation. 



There are several points in northern New Brunswick, such as Chatham, 

 Bathurst and Newcastle, where fruitgrowing has been attempted to some extent 

 and is proving more or less successful. 



Before leaving New Brunswick a word or two might be said with regard to 

 several features that have come to our attention. The general tendency, as 

 already stated, is to allow the orchard to remain in sod from year to year, remov- 

 ing annual crops of hay and adding little in return. Wherever this custom 

 has been practiced the trees show the result of it in weakened vitality, unthrifty 

 appearance and lack of productiveness. In addition, insect pests and fungous 

 diseases obtain a foothold, spread rapidly and become a menace to the neighbour- 

 hood. The apple maggot was found in some orchards of this character, with 

 little attempt made to control it or prevent its spread. No doubt steps will be 

 taken to remedy this state of affairs, as interest in horticulture is likely to increase 

 under the campaign which has lately been inaugurated in the Province to improve 

 the present orchards and induce larger plantings of approved varieties. 



The following -list of apples is recommended by the Provincial Horticulturist 

 as likely to give satisfaction and prove profitable. 



Crimson Beauty 



Yellow Transparent \ Early 



Duchess j 



Dudley October, November 



Alexander 



Wolf River 



Wealthy 



Fameuse 



November 



to 

 March 



Mclntosh Red 



Ribston Pippin Best top grafted 



Bishop Pippin Top grafted keeps into April 



Bethel Keeps into May 



