WINTER APPLES. 99 



To go into detail as to the commercial value of the winter apple, 

 or to tell how they may be stored for long keeping, or to the method 

 of gathering them, are left with other members of the society. 



So we think the starting point is, "What shall we plant for?" 

 If we plant for profit, we must plant such varieties that have proven 

 reliable and abundant bearers in our locality. 



If we plant simply what might be termed an experimental orchard 

 of winter apples, then the list of varieties has no limit. 



In planting for profit in this locality (Fillmore county) we would 

 plant but very few varieties. After testing and fruiting nearly sixty 

 varieties of winter apples, we find the following list of varieties the 

 most profitable in order named : Ben Davis, Winesap, Jonathan, 

 Grimes' Golden, Genet, and Iowa Blush. 



We have all of the above list bearing for nearly twelve years 

 and the results of each variety carefully noted, and our success, from 

 a financial standpoint, is based on the k varieties in order named. To 

 illustrate : the Ben Davis, ten years after planting averaged ten bushels 

 per tree ; Winesap, ten; Jonathan, six ; Grimes' Golden, six ; Genet, 

 four; Iowa Blush, four. The Ben Davis in twelve years from plant- 

 ing again averaged ten bushels ; Winesaps averaged but eight bushels. 

 Our next large plantation, some thirty-five acres, will be all Ben 

 Davis; but were I to plant winter apples for family use I would add 

 to the above list many varieties, such as, Otoe, Ortley, Smith Cider, 

 Day, Missouri Pippin, Winter Wine, Rome Beauty, and White 

 Winter Pearmain, while many more would pay for cultivation. This 

 list would fill the table from early winter until the following season, 

 as we have preserved the Ben Davis, Winseap, Genet, Rome Beauty, 

 and White Winter Pearman until July 25th. 



After making the selection of varieties, the most important part of 

 the work is yet to come, as in order to insure success with the vari- 

 eties selected it will be necessary to properly prepare the ground to re- 

 ceive the trees, by first plowing as deep as possible and^ then finely 

 fitting the ground; by planting carefully; and good cultivation. We 

 cultivate at least four times and often six times during the season ; 

 this is necessary to insure success, as the first two years are the most 

 critical period of the young orchard's existence. So in order to suc- 

 ceed in growing winter apples, select wisely; properly prepare the soil ; 

 plant carefully and cultivate thoroughly, and success is certain. 



