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Delaware City, Jan. 17, 1888.

Prof. Erwin F. Smith,

Dear Sir:

Yours of the 11th inst. came duly to hand.  It
was several days before I had an opportunity of interviewing
the Messrs. Reybold and several others of our peach growers.
I have sent you in my note what I deem the most reliable information
that I can obtain at this late date in this locality.

The few persons, who were engaged in early peach culture
in this county, yet living are very old men, and in most
cases their memories are very bad.  Mr. Reeves is an exception,
likewise Col. Bowen.  When the disease first made its
appearance here I was but a lad and too young to take much
interest in peach culture, yet I well remember the sad havoc
it made in our orchards.  My own experiments have been made
in my own gardens here and upon my farms in Kent Co., Md., and
principally between the years 1865 and 1886.  If there is
any information that you think can be obtained here give me
the form in which you wish to have it and I will be happy to
obtain it for you.

Respectfully yours,

F. S. Dunlap.
        