TiiK CJan.mhan Horticulturist. 



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< )\\ cas\ a matlur ii is lo provoke llie (jULry. ''Who shall 

 decide when the doctors differ?" This interrogatory adage 

 suggested itself to my mind when looking through the 

 HoRTicuiTiRiST of February, and finding therein an ex- 

 tract, taken from an English magazine, in praise of the 

 Blenheim I'ippin apple. Had the extract been taken and 

 presented to the readers of the HoRTicui/rURiST for just 

 what it was worth from an English standpoint, it would not have attracted any 

 particular attention, but when it was copied without note or comment, we are 

 naturally led to the conclusion that it was copied approvingly ; that everything 

 said was endorsed ; and that the Blenheim Pippin apple was recommended to 

 the Canadian fruit grower without qualification. 



If I understand the purpose of the Ontario Fruit ( irowers' Association 

 aright, it is to encourage, as far as practicable, such varieties of apples in the 

 several districts most likely to prove profitable to the grower. It was with that 

 sole object in view that the Committee on Apples labored for two years in the 

 prejjaration of a report for the guidance of growers in the several districts of the 

 province, which report was presented to the public but a few months ago. That 

 report does not give an unciualified endorsation of the Blenheim Pippin as an 

 apple for profit in this country. 



I agree with the English authority in all that is said of the Blenheim Pippin, 

 so far as its individual ([ualities are concerned. It is a very desirable apple to 

 have in one's own cellar, and upon one's own table, but when we keep in view 

 profit, as the main object in growing apples, some of the most desirable, or at 

 least the most pleasing, for their individual (jualities, have to be passed by. 



One year ago 1 met with the Blenheim Pi[jpin — some very fine specimens 

 of it — in the County of Middlesex. The farmers brought tiie apple to their 

 Institute meetings to inquire concerning its name and rating. The objection to 

 it was invariably that it was too shy a bearer for profit. This year I met with it 

 again in the southern counties, along the Michigan Clei.tral Railway, and south- 

 ward from Simcoe. In all these localities it vied with the King as a pleasing 

 and attractive apple : but I met with one man only w - was satisfied with its 

 productiveness. I carried a samjjle of the Blenheim a...ong my other specimens 

 and at all the meetings I pointed out to the farmers its merits and defects^ 

 emphasizing especially the high favor accorded it in the British market. If the 

 farmers, knowing its high <|ualities, are satisfied with the prospect of one good 

 (Top in every six or eight years — which is as much as can be expected from the 

 King they plant knowing what they are to reap, and will not be disappointed. 

 One man in South Norfolk had intended j)lacing an ord.r for iwini\fi\e 



