FRUIT REPORTS. 
157 
tirely prevented, injury to the roots, and, as a rule, trees upon well drained 
clay soil suffered less than upon sand. While the temperature upon elevated 
spots was generally higher than on the adjacent low ground, the trees upon 
the ridges often suffered most, especially if the snow blew away, or the soil 
was sandy. 
Where the orchards were properly handled during the spring and summer, 
the trees that survived the winter have made excellent growth and promise 
a good crop for next year. 
Very few of the states reported ' large canning, or evaporating establish- 
ments, the principal ones being in California, New York and Michigan, 
although increased attention is being given in Maryland and Virginia. While 
it is doubtful if it will pay fruit growers, as a rule, to engage in canning or 
drying on a commercial scale, the results where canneries or evaporators have 
been established show that they are not only of great value to the grower in 
taking his surplus product when the market is glutted, but that many of 
them that prepare a high grade of fruit aid in keeping up the prices in the 
local markets. 
Respectfully submitted, 
L. R. TAFT, 
Chairman. 
ALABAMA. 
BY PROF. F. S. EARLE, AUBURN, CHAIRMAN. 
In making my report as chairman of the State Fruit Committee for Ala- 
bama, I am hampered by the fact that so little interest is taken in commercial 
fruit growing in this State that of the gentlemen asked to act with me on this 
Committee all but one have failed to send in reports for their respective 
sections. It is not easy to understand why Alabama has taken so little in- 
terest in fruit growing, for the natural conditions are fully as favorable 
as in neighboring states where the business has developed to immense pro- 
portions. Signs are not wanting that this lack of interest is now passing 
away and at various points in this State, particularly in the northeastern and 
in the extreme southern portions, the planting of fruits is actively in progress. 
Apples can be grown with some success in all parts of the State but we are 
greatly in need of more knowledge as to the varieties best adapted to the 
different regions. It is not likely that southern and central Alabama will 
ever grow apples on a commercial scale, but in the northern part of the 
State there are considerable areas that are very promising for apple grow- 
ing. The strongest and moistest soils t should be selected and the trees 
should be given the best cultivation. Suitable land is now worth from $5.00 
to $15.00 per acre. There are no bearing orchards of more than a few acres. 
A provisional list of varieties would be Red June, Yellow Transparent, 
Red Astrachan, Horse, Kinnard, Winesap, York Imperial and Yates. 
Summer rot, blight, leaf rust and scab are the most troublesome diseases 
in the order named; while codling moth, green aphis and wooley aphis are 
the most injurious insect pests. Irrigation has not been tried. Apples were 
not at all injured by the freeze last winter. 
Cherries are almost unknown in this State, but it is quite certain that some 
at least of the sour kinds will thrive in the northern portion. English Mor- 
ello is perhaps the best suited to our conditions. 
