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Farm. Very important results are hoped for in connection with the development 

 and introduction of new and ^desirable fruits as the outcome of the tests and 

 experiments being carried on here. A wonderful field is open to the student of 

 horticulture along these lines, and the value of work of this character is difficult 

 to estimate. It may take a number of years before any definite results may be 

 secured, but the discovery and distribution of even one variety of fruit of superior 

 excellence, will justify years of patient effort. There is abundant opportunity 

 for the production of many such improved varieties. 



In connection with the St. Catharines Company, which is recognized as 

 one of the most successful co-operative associations in the Province, a commo- 

 dious and well equipped mechanical Cold Storage Warehouse has been con- 

 structed where fruit may be stored and cooled awaiting shipment to its inal 

 destination. 



Along the banks of the Niagara river from Queenston to Niagara, are to 

 be found some very fine and extensive peach orchards, in fact this section may 

 be said to be the natural home of the peach. The orchards of Messrs. Fisher 

 and Sons, Wm. Armstrong, Major Hiscott and others, will well repay a visit. 



Near St. Catharines the splendid fruit farm of Wm. W. C. McCalls, known 

 as Sunny Acres, is to be found. This farm is an outstanding example of the 

 application of brains and energy towards the renovating of what was at one 

 time a run down, unproductive farm, until it has become one of the show pro- 

 perties in the county, and is of course producing satisfactory returns to the 

 enterprising proprietor. 



While fruit land all through this district has greatly appreciated in value 

 during the past few years, it is an open question, whether, based on the actual 

 returns derived from the land under good management, it has yet reached its 

 full value. 



A feature to be noted, is the large number of canning factories that have 

 been established at convenient points in various parts of the Peninsula. The 

 Dominion Canners have no less than ten large factories in active operation, 

 and in addition there are some nine or ten independent factories, all engaged 

 in canning and preserving the fruits and vegetables, which are produced so 

 abundantly through this territory. 



There are several important fruit- areas in the western part of the province, 

 of which perhaps the county of Norfolk during the past few years has most 

 rapidly been brought to public attention. Here is another example of the 

 influence and value of an energetic forceful man in a community. A few years 

 ago the orchards in this county, planted during a wave of enthusiasm which 

 afterward subsided, were being looked upon rather as an incumbrance to the 

 farm on which they were located than an asset, and were being absolutely 

 neglected, and in many cases cut down and destroyed. 



Mr. J. E. Johnson, however, arrived on the scene at an opportune time. 

 This gentleman having imbibed some of the ideas of the 'New Horticulture', 

 and being possessed with a strong conviction as to the latent possibilities of 

 these orchards, began a campaign of demonstration and practical education 

 in connection with a few kindred spirits whom he enlisted with himself in this 

 wor . 



This campaign was carried on with such energy and was so well directed, 

 that in a very short time the result of the work was very much in evidence. 

 Public attention was arrested, a co-operative association was organized, and 

 to-day in this county, the apple orchard is counted as the most valuable asset 

 to a farm. Large plantings of young trees are being made, and transfers ofj 

 orchard property are taking place at what would have been considered fabulous 

 prices a short time ago. These values are not by any means fictitious or extra- 

 vagant, but are based on the actual returns from the orchards when carefully 

 operated under approved methods of culture. 



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