156 The Canadian Horticulturist. 



$ Q\)t\) Letters. , $ 



BLENHEIM ORANGE APPLE. 



Sir, — The letter published on pages 72 and 73 of the March number of the Canadian 

 HoRTRTLTCRisT Stating, in effect, that the Blenheim Pippin apple is not worthy of cultiva- 

 tion in this province must have surprised a great many apple growers, as this variety is 

 well-known iu many sections, and regarded as one of the best in (juality, as well as one of 

 the most profitable for market. The article as much as says that the editor of this journal, 

 the fruit committee who prepared the district fruit list, the president and directors of our 

 Association, and all who speak on horticultural subjects at Farmer's Institutes should 

 denounce this apple. I think, Sir, this wouM be a very serious mistake, for I am certain 

 that hundreds of practical apple growers thioughout the country are unanimous in their 

 opinion that the Hlenheiin Pippin can lie profitably grown for market. 



The committee of the Fruit (irower's Association referred to was composed of P. C. 

 Dempsey, A. McD. Allan and the writer, the majority of whom, /. <•. the two gentlemen 

 named, are as well qualified as any one can be to say what variety of apple can be grown 

 in this province. The committee unanimously reported the Blenheim Pippin as profitable 

 for cultivation in five of the thirteen electoral districts in Ontario, and this report was made 

 after consulting with and obtaining the approbation of the directors of the said districts ; 

 who, in turn, before sending in their recommendations, con.sulted with from thirty to forty 

 of the principal apple growers in their respective localities. 



Since writing the foregoing, I have received a letter from Mr. F. B. Edwards, bar- 

 rister, of Peterboro', who is secretary of the local Fruit Grower's Association of that town. 

 In speaking of the Blenlieim Pippin, he says : " We have grown the Blenheim Pippin for 

 many years successfully, both as regards the growth of the tree and the (juality of the fruit 

 produced, and it has been a profitable variety. We have always regarded it as being, in 

 many respects, our best apple. It has not been, bj' any means, a shy bearer, and for sale, 

 it is always in demand before all others, excepting, perhaps, the Northern Spy ; and, with 

 those who know the apple, it is sold in advance of the latter variety." 



Tnos. Beal, Lindsay. 



THE SAUNDERS PLUM. 



Sir, — In the January number of the Canadian HoRTicrLTURiST, Mr. Race claims to 

 have found the original Saunders plum, and states that it is a late variety. Now this is not 

 the case. The plum is an early variety. In the year 1S8.S, I introduced the Saunders 

 plum at our summer meeting. We then could only get a few of the most inferior specimens, 

 the crop having been gathered and marketed, and it was with ditiiculty that we kept them 

 for exhibit at that meeting. Mr. Morris, of Messrs. Mori is. Stone & Wellington, came 

 down and I went with him to Mr. Ahren's place, and helped him to 3ut buds from the origina/ 

 tree. Liist year, when I went to get buds, the fruit was over ripe ; I have not the date. 

 One of the most important claims for this plum is its earliness. It is the earliest plum I 

 have ever seen, hence its wonderful market value. 



P. C. Demi'SEY, Trenton, On(. 



THE BLENHEIM ORANGE APPLE. 



Sib, — I have two Blenheim Orange trees, fifteen years, from nursery. One, on south 

 em aspect, bears well and large apples. The other, on northern slope, with windbreak to 

 wegt, bears better and larger fruit. I'.oth trees have borne well for some years — tlon't 

 remend>er how many -but the last two seaHons they hail wonderful crops. As an eating 

 and cooking apj>le, it is about perfect, and keeps till about the New Year. 



(iKo. H. PRKsaiTT, Halt, Ont. 



