V 



loo The Canadian Horticulturist. 



the bottom as well as the top of the basket every bunch was well ripened, 

 and an ornament on any fruit plate or stand. Such would be the case with 

 apples and pears, as soon as a brand was a guarantee of uniform excellence. 

 If mature, well-ripened, palatable, wholesome fruit only was offered in our 

 home as well as distance markets, it would so increase consumption that 

 fruit growers could use their best efforts for years to supply the demand. 



During the closing session, the following information as to the newest 

 grapes was brought out from various members. Lady Washington is too 

 late for this section as is also the Downing. While the Eldorado is not 

 worthy of culture, the same seeming to be true of the Woodruff and Jeffer- 

 son. The Prentiss was delicate and not suited for Vineyard purposes. 

 The Pocklington had done well, as had the Mills. The Niagara was gener- 

 ally recommended, while the Empire State was not profitable. The Hayes 

 was~3>dry bearer and weak grower. The Early Victor was well spoken of. 

 The Diamond was satisfactory. Other varieties well recommended were 

 Ulster, Vergennes, Wyoming and Green Mountain. 



As to hardy peaches, i. e. such as were more exempt from injury by 

 frost than others, it was stated that Early Rivers, Hills Chili, Rareripe and 

 Hine's Surprise were nearly always sure to produce a crop of fruit. 



THE DOMINION CONVENTION OF FRUIT-GROWERS.— II. 



A CONFERENCE WITH CARRYING COMPANIES— COMPLAINTS MADE AND 

 GOOD RESULTS EXPECTED. 



THE attendance on the evening of the igth was very large, consisting ot 

 fruit-growers, dairymen and representatives of the steamboat, rail- 

 way and Express companies. 

 The subject of transportation was ably introduced by Mr. A. McD. 

 Allan. He began by allowing that growers did not always pack their fruit 

 properly, and that they often delayed gathering and packing for shipment 

 until the fruit was altogether too ripe, and consequently would not carry 

 well. A packer needs to be a scientific man, and know something about 

 the varieties he is handling, and treat them accordingly. He referred to 

 the great importance of a good clean neat package to ship in, because this 

 was very helpful in the sale of the contents. 



Next in importance, after the fruit was put up in proper shape for ship- 

 ment, was prompt despatch on the part of the railway companies, both in 

 the supply of cars and in speed of transit. Frequently shippers had to wait 

 a very long time for cars, and then. When once the fruit was on the way, the 

 most serious delays occurred on the road, all of which combined to ruin 

 perishable goods and discourage shipments. Surely the companies could 



