52 



in an open barrel than if the barrel were closed. Another question with reference 

 to the use of this same barrel is the danger of the fruit being frozen in an 

 open barrel, whereas the tight barrel might be sufficient protection _ during 

 the railway journey. I quite endorse the idea that for railway shipments 

 or transportation on the decks of steamers the open barrel would be bene- 

 ficial, but it is doubtful whether it would be so in the hold of an ocean ship. 

 The varieties named here we find to be the most profitable in Nova Scotia, although 

 there are several other varieties which are being grown in our Province, and perha,ps 

 some of these may, in years to come, prove to be quite as profitable as the varieties 

 I have named. Mr. Dempsey last evening referred to Cox's Orange Pippin as being 

 a desirable apple to sell. We have had some experience with it, and it is not an 

 apple that is a satisfactory grower with us. What few we might have down there, 

 even if they were to get a high price for them, would not be as profitable as other 

 varieties which yield much more in quantity and are better in quality as a whole. 

 The same thing will apply to the Newton Pippin, an apple which brings the highest 

 price in the English market, but which varies very much, that variation being 

 explained by many varieties being branded Newton Pippin, which are not. There 

 are very few Newton Pippins to be had, and they are getting less and less every 

 year, and we find them so subject to black scab as to be almost useless, although they 

 will stand more black scab than any other variety shipped — so much so, that^ pur- 

 chasers look for the black spot by which to identify the apple. That is the opinion 

 of the English dealer. Mr. Allan or General Laurie spoke of the fruit of the Army 

 and Navy stores. I examined the Newton Pippin there, and got all the information 

 possible from them with reference to the kinds and style of package and so on. I 

 could plainly see that there was little chance for any radical 3hange with reference 

 to our varieties. I quite endorse the fact that Mr. McBride mentioned this morning, 

 that we in Nova Scotia do not use as good a class of barrel as we should. It has 

 been my aim to induce our farmers to use a better class of barrel, but with few 

 exceptions the difference in the cost will more than overbalance the cost in any 

 other way. If they can secure a barrel for 15 cents or 18 cents they will 

 pay that, instead of getting a first-class barrel. Perhaps I have said enough on this 

 subject. 



Mr. Shepherd. — I do not think you gave us the prices for the Nonpareils. Will 

 you kindly do so ? 



Mr. Starr.— Certainly. In 1882-3 we obtained from 22s. to 30s. ; in 1883-4, 

 from 21s. to 25s., a few selling as high as 30s. a barrel; in 1885-6, from 15s. to 228.; 

 in 1887-8, from 17s. to 27s. ; in 1888 9. from 10s. to 16s. ; and this season from 17s. 

 to 25s. 



Mr. Shepherd. — ^Now, will you give us the varieties in the order of their 

 importance and value. 



Mr. Starr. — We would place at the head of the list, as the most profit- 

 able variety, the Gravenstein. Next, in some quarters, comes the Eibston. It is 

 necessary that the Eibston Pippin should be planted on heavy clay loam. They do 

 best on drained soil ; they do not do well on gravelly or light soil. Golden Russets, 

 King of Tomkins and Blenheims, perhaps, would come on a level with the Eibstons. 

 The Nonpareil, in Annapolis County, I think Mr. Starratt will bear me out, is one 

 of the most profitable varieties with the Gravenstein. As to the Baldwin, it is an 

 open question with us. In some seasons it will grow very profitably, but unless the 

 season is a long, diy and hot one, Baldwins ai'e not as satisfactory as we would like 

 to have them. They seem to require a longer and hotter season than we are always 

 sure of getting. Consequently, we do not pin our faith to thorn always, although 

 they are enormous yielders. In reference to the packing in cases, I think I men- 

 tioned last night that our experience with packages, other than barrels has not 

 been a success, although we have tested it on several occasions. The great diflEiculty 

 with the case is, to secure the fruit so as to put them into squares , so that they will 

 not move. We have not found it much of a success to put up apples in smaller pac'kao-es 

 as they appear to be only saleable at good prices about Christmas time. As a general 



