454 
—wc RURAl. NKW-YORKER 
March 24, 1917 
Commercial Fruit Culture 
Care of An Apple Orchard 
Last Spring I came into possession of 
a ]()-aere farm, to which belongs a five- 
acre apple; orchard consisting of (Jreen- 
ing, Baldwin, King and Astrachan. This 
orchard was not plow'cd, pruned or 
sprayed for seven years, so you can im¬ 
agine it is in bad condition. I got about 
G() bushels from Baldwin and Greening, 
and nothing at all from the rest, in spite 
of the fiict that they were covered with 
blossoms, but no fruit, and the apples I 
got many of them were wormy. As I 
liiive no experience, in orchard work 
what do you think I should do? I had 
the orchard plowed and pruned last Fall. 
AVliat kind of fertilizer should I use? 
I )o you think I could sow Alfalfa in be¬ 
tween the rows? The soil is sandy loam 
with red clay underneath. Is it suita¬ 
ble? '^I'he trees ought to be at their best 
now', 20 years old. II. K. 
Williamsville, N. Y. 
You Imve made the right start in plow'- 
ing and pruning the orchard. The soil is 
probably suitable if the drainage is good; 
this is important, as an apple tree will 
not thrive nor be fruitful in too damp a 
situation. As to fertilization, I w'ould 
advise barnyard manuia;—api)lied now ; 
unless the orchard has steep hillsides 
which w'ould allow too much loss when 
the rains come. If clover does not thrive 
natui-ally it may be that lime is needed 
in addition to the manure; two tons of 
ground limestone to the acre put on at 
any time before cultivation begins. I 
would advise frequent harrowing till .July, 
then seed to Bed clover, five or six c; arts 
to the acre, with a little Timothy or Bed- 
top seed added, and sow along with it 1^/i 
bushel of oats to the aci^e for protection 
to the clover plants in Winter, and for 
additional vegetable matter. Mow the 
clover .a couple of times the next year, 
and let it lie to plow under the following 
season. Then repeat this process. You 
will in this way build up a w’onderful 
orchard and grow apples. 
Of more importance than all else is 
good spraying. You need not have any 
w'onny apples. Use lime-sulphur before 
the buds break, one gallon of lime-sul¬ 
phur to eight of water, and do the job 
thoroughly. Spray again immediately 
after blossoms fall. For 50 gallons of 
mixture use in water three pounds of 
ar.senate of lead, three-eighths pint 
“Black-leaf 40” (tobacco extract), and 
11/4 gallon of lime-sulphur. Spray with 
strong pressure and keep nozzle moving. 
And don’t be persuaded to use Bordeaux 
mixture in any form on young apples. 
Prune a little each year and not too 
much. Ask the New York State Agricul¬ 
tural Experiment Station at Geneva, N. 
Y., for bulletins on orchard subjects 
which will give you much detailed infor¬ 
mation. They will be glad to supply 
them. w. s. teatob. 
Origin of Apple Varieties 
llow are new varieties of apples 
originated? We have a young tree which 
bears annually large crops of the largc'st, 
most beautiful yellow apples I ever saw, 
but they are decidedly the poorest apjde I 
ever tasted, being hard, dry and leathery, 
even as late as strawberry time. T 
would like to have this apple just as it 
is, except improve the quality. This tree 
(I do not know the name) stands in a 
block of apples such as Wealthy, Wine- 
sap, .Tonathan, etc. If I were to plant 
the seeds of several apples of this tree 
would it be probable I would got any¬ 
thing like I want? If not, how can I? 
New Cumberland, Pa. D. A. o. 
No one can say with any certainty 
that seedlings from the apple described 
would be better or worse than the par¬ 
ent; they might revert to a totally dis¬ 
tinct ancestor whose characteristics, re¬ 
cessive in the parent, might become dom¬ 
inant in the progeny. Yet the great ma¬ 
jority of our apples are seedlings; out 
of 804 varieties described in Bulletin 
.lOl, from the Geneva (N. Y.) Experi¬ 
ment Station, not more than three or¬ 
iginated as “sports” or bud mutations. 
In looking up the histories ''f the 804 
varieties referred to, there was no re¬ 
corded case in which a variety came from 
a self-fertilized seed. Chance seedlings 
may have occurred thus, but this is not 
considered very likely, lirst because the 
apple is more or less self-sterile, and sec¬ 
ond, because apples, in common with 
most other plants, lose vigor under .self- 
fertilization, and new varieties are not 
Kkely to be selected from feeble seedlings. 
If the inquirer wishes to secure a new 
seedling from his tree, he may fertilize 
the blos.soms with another variety of de¬ 
sirable characteristics. The process Is 
thus described by I’rof. U. P. Ili'drick: 
The blos.som of the apple needs no de¬ 
scription other than to say it is a herma¬ 
phrodite—that is, both male and female 
organs are found in the same fiower. In 
crossing, young flowers are cho.sen, on 
the plant selected as the female i)arent, 
in which the anthers have not yet opened. 
The stamens boaring the anthers are re¬ 
moved with a scalj)el or forceps. A few 
days later the stigma is pollinated with 
pollen from a flower of the plant selected 
to be the male parent. Accuracy is safe¬ 
guarded by taking the pollen from a 
fiower which has been protected by a pa¬ 
per bag. The treated fiower is then en¬ 
closed in a paper bag to protect it from 
other pollen until seeds have set. Aftep 
a week or two the iniper bag is removed 
and one of cheesecloth substituted to re¬ 
main as ])rotection for the fruit until 
harvest. The pollinating should be done 
on a bright sunny day. 
Since the tree referred to stands in a 
block with other varieties of good qual¬ 
ity, it is likely that most of its seeds are 
fertilized by them, and something of ex¬ 
cellence wjfl// originate from any of these 
crosses. What is known as Mendtd’s 
law, or the Mendelian theory, dealing 
with the probabilities of certain charac¬ 
teristics appearing in the progeny of a 
given cross, has been very helpful to the 
plant breeder, but our present knowledge 
ha.s not removed the element of chance 
entirely. 
Varieties of Tree Fruits Popular in New 
Jersey 
During 101.*? the New .Tersey Experi¬ 
ment Station mailed blanks to fruit 
growers in various parts of the State 
requesting them to exi)ress their opinion 
as to the relative commercial merits of 
the various vaideties of tree fruits gi'own 
by them. In giving a summary of these 
reports some of the new or little-known 
varieties will not appear among the lead¬ 
ing sorts, since only a few growers re¬ 
ported upon them. 
The first 10 varieties of apples listed 
according to the number of favorable re¬ 
ports were Yellow Transparent, Wealthy, 
Stayman, Grimes, Gravenstein, Baldwin, 
Borne, Duchess, Williams and Maiden 
Blush. It is certain that when some 
of the young orchaials now planted come 
into bearing there will be a considerable 
number of favor.'ible reports upon such 
varieties as McIntosh and Arkansas. 
'Seven varieties of pears were reported 
by 15 or more growers and they rank as 
follows as to number of favorable re¬ 
ports : Bartlett, Kieffer, Seckel, Duchess, 
Lawrence, Anjou and Olairgeau. 
The fii'st five varieties of peaches were 
Elberta, Belle, Carman, Champion, and 
Iron Mountain. However, growers 
reported Champion as only fair, and one 
as poor. It is certain that this variety 
will gradually lose popularity as a com¬ 
mercial peach. While such a variety as 
Lola is not mentioned by very many 
gi-owers, out of 22 j-eports, 19 rated it as 
a good commercial sort. When it is bet¬ 
ter known it will be planted by growers 
thianighout the State. 
Burbank and Almndance received the 
liirgc'st number of favorable reports as 
varieties of .Japanese plums, and Green 
Gage leads among the varieties of Euro¬ 
pean plums. 
.\mong sour cherries. Early Bichmond 
and Montmorency were preferred, while 
Black Tartarian, Yellow Spanish, Napo¬ 
leon and Windsor received many favor¬ 
able reports as varieties of sweet cher- 
rie.s. 
Orange and Champion were by tar the 
most populiir varieties of quinces. 
It is planned to secure another report 
upon varieties within the next year or 
two, and it will be of interest to make 
comparisons with the presmit one. 
M. A. BLAKE. 
Litti.e sister and brother had quar¬ 
reled. After sujiper mother tried to es- 
t,abli.sh fi-iendly relations again, and 
quoted to them the Bible injunction: 
“iict not the sun go down upon your 
wrath.” Turning to Edward, the older, 
she said. “Now Edward, are you going 
to let the sun go down upon your 
wrath?” Edward squirmed a little as 
he looked up into her pleading face. 
“Well, how can I stop it?” he asked.— 
Harper’s Magazine. 
Guidb 
fopOpchardiParm 
ASPARAGUS brings top 
rVIVAVvHJvJ prices is easily 
Krown from the extra quality roots 
we offer this year. Collins’ Guide 
tells why ; quotes remarkably attrac¬ 
tive prices on these and other garden 
roots, berry plants, fruit trees, etc. 
Get your FREE copy TOE A Y 
AKTHCR J. COLLTNS & SON 
Box 31 Moorestown, N. J. 
Worlds Wonder 
STRAWBERRY 
We believe the Worlds 
Wonder Strawberry to be the 
Iarge«t strawberry ever grown. 
It is not only big, but the most 
productive berry that _we have 
grown. Plant growth is healthy, 
strong and vigorous, quality in ev¬ 
ery way is the best—for home use or Fancy market it 
has no equal. We want {o introduce it to a thousand 
homes this spring. Horticulturist Dept. Wash.—says 
largest berry—season late, yet seen. Special Price, 50 
plants, $1.25. 100 plants, $2. 300 plants, $6. Sent prepaid. 
BIG BARGAIN CATALOG — F R E E 
Progreflstve and Superb, everbearinir planta $1.00 per 100, 
$ 6.00 per 1000. brimful of liarfiaina for the market gardener. 
E.W. TOWNSEND. R.R.25, SALISBURY, Md. 
Strawberries 
Make Big Profits 
growing strawberries. Our 
illustrated Book of Berries for 
1917 points the'way. It is a 
complete guide for the nma- 
teur;a valuable reference book 
for theexperienced grower It’s 
free. Writetoday for your copy. 
The W. F. Allea Co., 72 Market St, Salisbnry, Md. 
Strawberry Plants 
Ten of the best varieties selected out of a hundred. 
Ten varieties that are good enough for any one. 
Early, Medium and Late. Semi for onr 1917 price 
listof striiwherry an<i other pl.ants. lloniaiiceSeed 
& Plant Farm, CALEB BOGGS S CO..Clieswold,Delaware 
STRAWBERRY PLANTS 
Millions of Healthy, true-to-name plants at whole- 
ale lu'ices, including the ever-bearing kinds. Wo 
gnarantee to please you or refund your money. De¬ 
scriptive catalog Eree. E. W. JOHNSON 8 BRO.. Salisbury. Md. 
5,000,000 STRAWBERRY PLANTS 
at $1.90 to $2 per 1.000 
Prank Knowles of Ohio says " your Plants are as 
goo<] as 1 have paid f8 per 1,000 for.” Catalog free 
Write today. C. S. PERDUE, Box 21. Showcll, Md. 
fifin Everbearing- 
I mu Strawberries 
Plants $1.40 
-ly which. 25 Kverbearini 
uperi 
:Ue<l 
PoBt 
Paid 
W^Jntroduced proifroBBlve. 
it<i. <^Uiio(r 
Raa. 70cts. pontpalt 
. . njr 1<. . , _ _„ 
ull about the New Kverbearers and other important varictk o. 
C. N.FLANSBURGH&SON, Jackson, Mich. 
STRAWBERRY 
PLANTS— Best Everbeai ing. Also 
Btaiidurcl June fruiting varieties. 
VPRPTARI P<x ALL KINDS. Get my price on plants 
I kUw. I HUIaUw sent by parcel post, prciiaiu, and 
special price on large orders. 0. E. FIELD, Sewell, N. J. 
STRAWBERRY PLANTS^”” 
'SALE 
60 varfetias to select from, including the Fall-bearinir AnparaKus 
roots, iiaapberry and Dewberry plants, etc. Send for Free 
Catafoff. Dept. 2. J. KEIFFORD HALL, Rhodosdale, Md. 
CAMPBELL’S EARLY STRAWBERRY 
The Best First Early Variety, A new one and a 
money maker. Oirenlar E’ree. 
WILLARD «. KILLK . Swedesboro, N. J. 
CTRAU/DCRRV PI IHITQ Sixteen Vtuietiesati#»..'>0. 
OinAnDtnnl rLAnlO 1 , 000 . Descriptive 
Catalogue I'rots Basil Ferry, Georoetown, Delaware 
^ WHOLESALE PRICES - 
I To the planter of Strawberry and Kaspberry plants. I 
I Other kinds at low prices. Catalogue free. I 
l<li. C. WESTON & CO., BRIDGMAN. IWICH. 1 
Cfrawhprrv "NO VEGETABLE PLANTS. All leading va- 
011 anuGi I ] l ieties in their season, including tlio Pro- 
grc.ssivc Kail Hearing Send for Cat. David Rodway, Harlly, Del. 
STRAWBERRY}!! 
0. TLNULU 
Hox 9<>, PItUvilIc, Md 
Qtroufhai’t'u Dlanle Overdo varieties. Strong 
OllaWIJoriy r la ms plants. Moderate prices. 
Catalogue free IL II. BENNIX G, R. fi. Clyde, Id.Y. 
CTRAU/RCRRV Dl lUTC Everbearing and June vnrie- 
dlnAnDtnnl rLANIOties. Also Raspberry ami 
lilackbei-i-y plants, Asparagus roots and Sweet Potato 
seed. Catalogue free. M. M. UOKGO.VIiioluiid, N. .1. 
Raspberry Plants 
and other hardy small fruits. Send for catalog. 
«EO. D. AIKEN - Box M, FUTNEV, VT. 
STRAWBERRY PLANTS 
and Price list Free. V, R. ALLEN, Box 153, Seaford, Del. 
ForSa[ 0 -EarlySeedPofatojs stte Fa*s! 
Early Bovee, Early Eureka, Early Bliss, 
Howe’s Frize, Burpee’s Extra Early, Early 
Ohio,New(Jueen. Geo.W.Austin, Sr .Eaole Bridge, N.Y. 
When you write advertisers mention 
The Rural New~Yorker and you’ll get 
a quick reply and a "square deal.” See 
guarantee editorial page. : 
u 
FRUT TREES 
PEACH — on Natural N. C. Stocks 
CHERRIES — on Mazzard Stocks 
PLUMS — on Myrabolan Stocks 
APPLES—on Best French Crab Stocks 
Small Fruits. Blackberries—Raspberries (red 
and black) Gooseberries—Currrants—Grapes 
— Strawberries including Superb everbearing. 
Nut Trees. A full line including Budded North¬ 
ern Hardy Pecans. 
Ornamentals. We issue a special catalogue of 
Roses, on their own roots, and Rhododendrons 
and Evergreens. Send for out catalogue. 
JOS. H. BL/tCK, SON & CO, 
HIGHTSrOWIV, l)i. J. 
Millions of Trees 
PLANTS, VINES, ROSES, ETC. 
The oldest, largest and most complete nursery in 
Michigan. Send for catalog. Prices reasonable 
I. E. ILGENFRITZ’ SONS CO. 
THE MONROE NURSERY MONROE, MICHIGAN 
Contains 1917 prices. Lists a wide variety of 
all the paying fruits. Every shipment back¬ 
ed by the strongest guarantee. 37 years 
experience and five Kelly Uros.’ person- 
nal supervision insure your satisfaction. 
Kelly Bros. Wholesale Nurseries 
liS.-i Milin Kt. Dullsville, N. Y. 
MALONEY TREES 
Fruit and OinnmentalB, Vines, Shruba 
Slaloney A-1 quality selected from the 
choicest stock grown In our tOO-acre 
nurseries. Direct to you at cost plus one 
profit only. Ilai dy, fresh dug, healthy, 
true to name—Write for free wholesale 
catalog in colors giving valuable information 
about nursery stock and Folder on * * Caro of 
Trees and Shruba." Free. 
Maloney Bros. & Wells Co., 50 East St., Dansville, N. Y. 
fjansvitlc'o Pioneer Wholesale NurterieB 
NUT TREES 
start right with my hardy 
Pennsylvania grown grafte<l 
trees and avoid disapiioiiil- 
ment. Handsome catalogue 
free. 
J. F. JONES 
THE NUT TREE SPECIALIST 
BoxR, Lancaster, Pa. 
New Peach-Wilma 
A Seedling of Elberta, with Elberta foliage, Elhev- 
ta fruit and Elberta productiveness. Extends 
the Elberta season ten days. 
W. B. Cole, Nurseryman, Painesville, O. 
450,000 
200 varieties. Also Grapes, Small Fruits, etc. Best rooted 
stock. Oeiiuine. clicap. 8 sample currants mailed for 10c. 
Catalog free. LEWIS E0E80H, Box L, Fredonia, N. Y. 
REES at HalFAsents ftices 
Baldwin Apple 8 to 7 ft. ® 89-00 per 100 
Bartlett Pear 6 to 7 ft. @ 11.00 " “ 
Elberta Peach 6 to 7 ft. @ 9.00 “ “ 
We Prepay Freight and Guarantee safe deliverv. 
Free Catalog. Complete Line. 
THE W.M. J. REILLY NITKSEKIEM 
67 Ossian St. - DANSVILLE. N. y. 
Guaranteed by Certified Grower- 
F. A. GUERNSEY & CO.,Inc.,Schoharie, N.Y. 
LARGE WHOLESALE CR|1|T ’TUPTIT'Q and Orua- 
GROWERS OFrhUII 1 n, 
Established 27 yours. ASK FOR OUR I’RIOE.S. 
m Leaiting Varieties ofSmall Fruits, Plants 
or money back. Benj. Barrett, Blue Anchor, N. J. 
TOMATO SEED-NewStone >n<i6reaterBaltiniore 
Pound postage paid, Hooking orders for Sweet 
Potato and otliei' Vegetable plants. Send for de¬ 
scriptive list. H. AU.STIN, Felton, Delaware 
Get ALL Your Fruit 
I A step ladder is best for low fruit treea, 
ft but you want the topmost fruit, too.*‘Berlin” 
ft Extension Step Ladders do the trick, 
ft Write today for interestine ladder facts, 
m FREE. 
.V THE BERLIN FRUIT BOX CO. 
Berlin Heights, Ohio 
EXTENSION STEP LADDERS 
I 
PEACH 300,000 
100 lots. 6-6 ft. no; 4-5ft. 8c: 3-4 ft. 6)^c; 300,000 apple 14c; ll^c: 
8hlc; 6?^c. Thousands of pear, plum, cherry, grapes, roses, 
shrubs, etc., boxed free. The liest stock we ever grew ami we have been at it 84 years. 
No Cold Storages, evcrytliing FRESH DUG and you get the varieties you order, our 
Guarantee Protects You. A trial order is all we ask. Money refunded if you are not 
perfectly satisfied. Order now, pa.y after you liavc received and examined stock. You are the judge. 
Catalog free to everybody. TIIOAIAH E. ^IIEEKIN, NURSERYMAN, 11 Main St., llunevlUe, N.Y. 
I 
HARDY NORTHERN GROWN TREES and PLANTS 
HUNDREDS of THOUSANDS of strong, thrifty trees, plants, shruijs, small fruit plants and vines, 
gi own In our own nursery in nortliorn Ohio. Send for catalog. 
T. B. WEST, MAPLE BEND NURSERY. Lock Box 1 lO, PERRY, OHIO 
Fruit trees and plants of all kinds. Reli.able, true to name 
stock at reasonable prices. Catalogue free; also booklet, 
“How to Plant Trees,” if you ask for it and mention ibis 
paper. 
The Barnes Brothers Nursery Company 
Box & Yaletville, Conn. 
TREES 
APPLE 
PEACH 
PEAR 
