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The principal orchard section of the Province of Quebec is the island of 

 Montreal. Its soil produces the sorts of apples chiefly consumed in the city, in th e 

 greatest perfection. They are of large size, fine texture, glowing colour, and deli- 

 cious flavour, and are produced in great abundance. And, proximity to the city, the 

 great centre of consumption, must naturally lead to ever-increasing areas being 

 given up to the production of this most important fruit. 



Besides the counties of Jacques Cartier and Hochelaga, which, together, com- 

 pose the Island of Montreal, outside of the city, the Counties of Huntingdon, Beau- 

 harnois, Chateauguay, Eouville, Missisquoi, Shefibrd and Brome, contain many 

 large and valuable orchards. Rigaud, on Two Mountains also contains some fine 

 isolated orchards. 



Of orchards in the neighbourhood of Montreal, undoubtedly the finest are those 

 of the Upper and Lower Lachinc roads. There the soil and situation seem to suit 

 them admirably, and fruit of the highest excellence is produced. 



The number of varieties to be found in Quebec orchards is very large. Upwards 

 of 150 have been collected. Still, the commercial apples are comparatively few in 

 number. I believe that nearly the half of all the apples produced in the Province 

 are Fameuse, and the remainder are, in great part. Strawberry (of Montreal,) Peach 

 (of Montreal,) St. Lawrence, Eed Astrachan, Alexander and Duchess of Oldenburg, 

 and, in recently planted orchards. Wealthy. In some districts a few other sorts have 

 been pretty widely planted. Amongst others are the so-called Winter St. Lawrence, 

 Decarie, Eoseau, Pomme Barr^, Golden Eusset, Ben Davis, Swazie, Pomme Grise, 

 Cellini and the King of Pippins. 



What are the principal commercial apples of the Province of Quebec ? 

 Twelve years ago the consensus of opinion said, first, Fameuse. If a vote were 

 taken to-day I believe that decision would be reversed ; for, while that fine sort is 

 of as high a quality as ever, and as productive, it has become so subject to spotting as 

 to be in many places, almost worthless, and can no longer be depended on for a crop. 

 As it is only a biennial bearer, and eveiy other crop, at least, spots, it can only be 

 counted on for a crop about once in four years, except in specially favourable 

 localities. 



Duchess is in the opinion of many, a much more profitable sort. It comes into 

 bearing, profitable bearing, earlier than almost every other sort. It is almost always- 

 good, that is, saleable. Its season is, for an early apple, a long one; it bears few 

 culls' it hangs well on the tree, and carries well, even for long distances. Takeik 

 one year with another, it is one of the most productive and, best feature of all, for 

 our Province at least, it is unsurpassed in hardiness. It has yet other points in its 

 favour : Being of compact growth, it may be planted more closely than most sorts. 

 Again it seems to have fewer insect enemies and to be less subject to injury through 

 atmospheric changes than most of the sorts with which we are acquainted. Taken 



all in all, it has few equals. , ,u -n i. • . t. • i 



Strawberry (of Montreal) approaches the Dachess in many respects. It is only 

 second to it in hardiness. It is as thrifty and as healthy, but it does not bear so early 

 or so heavily. But, on the other hand, the fruit is of better quality, and Montreal 

 fruit men say sells 'better. It is slow in coming into bearing, but bears well once it 

 sets started and the fruit is beautiful and of good quality both as a dessert and 



P«ich fof Montreal) is another hardy, vigorous and fruitful variety, that in those 



ots leaves little to be desired. It also has few insect enemies and is not liable 



t^^d'sease Like the Duchess and Strawberry, it is an early sort. Unlike them, it 



'11 not carry well and must be grown near to market ; but put up in nice shape it 



^11 wpU It is of very fine quality, whether for eating or cooking, and is superior 



?® ^ . , 'f productiveness to the Strawberry, though not equalling the Duchess. 



Yellow Transparent, another very early apple, perhaps the earliest of all, 



beinff often ripe in the end of July and always by the 10th of August. It is an 



■Iv bearer a heavy bearer, and a continuous bearer, taking its off year about once 



^n fOTir years at least such has been my experience with it. It is probably the most 



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