Sept. 1894.] EXTRACTS FROM DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR 89 



REPORTS. 



peach crop. From 1888 to 1892 the average acreage in peaches 

 has been about 55,000 acres. In 1892 it was 53,848 acres, an 

 increase of nearly 2,000 acres over 1891. During the five years 

 from 1888 to 1892 the vahje of the peach crop is estimated to 

 have averaged about 250,000^. In 1892 it was 267,000^. Texas 

 enters the western markets with peaches as early as J une. They 

 can be sold at 25s. per bushel, and this State has the almost 

 entire monopoly of the western and north-western peach market 

 until nearly August. 



The crop next in importance to peaches is the melon crop. 

 During 1888 to 1892 the average acreage under melons was 

 about 12,500 acres, and the average value of the crop 96,700^. 

 The acreage in 1892 was 15,067, and the value of the crop 

 89,060L 



Apples grow all over north Texas in great variety and 

 perfection. During the past five years the average acreage 

 under apples has been about 10,000 acres, and the average value 

 of the crop 53,330^. The acreage in 1892 was 9,882, and the 

 value of the crop 40,370^. 



The European varieties of grape are chiefly grown near Rock- 

 port, and can be successfully cultivated from Port Lavaca to 

 Brownsville. They are ready for market early in June, and 

 fetch on an average ll^d. per lb. They yield from 30 lbs. to 

 100 lbs. per vine, and are grown without any expense for wires or 

 training in any way. The American variety of grape flourishes 

 all over the State, and with proper attention yields over 20^. 

 per acre. The coast district of Texas is said to be particularly 

 favourable to American grapes, such as the Delaware and Con- 

 cord varieties, especially as the dreaded black rot is little 

 known. 



The average value of the grape crop in Texas from 1888 to 

 1892 was about 29,160L ; in 1892 it was 32,065^. 



The acreage of pears has risen steadily from 878 in 1888 to 

 2,950 in 1892. The average value of the crop during these five 

 years was 11,6661. As a specimen of what can be done, Mr. 

 Nugent mentions a pear orchard in Galveston county, the pro- 

 prietor of which last year sold 9,127 bushels ofl" 13 acres only ; 

 he paid out nearlj^ 20^. per acre for services and harvesting 

 expenses, and yet the crop netted him 1,092^. 



Plums are extensively grown in Texas and pay well. The 

 average acreage from 1888 to 1892 was 2,800 acres, and the 

 average yearly value of the crop about 10,410^. In 1892 the 

 acreage was 3,399, and the value of the crop 11,667^. 



During the five years from 1888 to 1892 the average acreage 

 in gardens all over the State was about 33,000 acres. In 1892 

 it had risen to 48,211 acres, an increase of nearly 14,000 acres 

 over 1891. 



During the same five years the average annual value of the 

 garden crops produced was about 520,833^. In 1892 it was 

 533,760^ 



