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Cecilton, Md., Feb. 23, 1888.

E. F. Smith, Esq.

Dear Sir: - Yours of the 18th received.
Cecil County is divided into nine election districts,
beginning in the South on the Sassafras river and running
towards the Penn. line and thence westward to
the Susquehanna.

This, the first district has about a half million
peach trees.  Scarcely a farm that has not an orchard.
The second Chesapeake district has perhaps half as many
and the third, Elkton, a few about Iron Hill.
The remainder of the county has scarcely any,
none for market.

The first peach orchard of which I have any 
knowledge was planted quite near me on the Cassiday
farm, in 1836.  I have been engaged in
growing peaches since 1855.  During that time
there has been some "yellows". As to its cause
or cure I know nothing.  A few years since
it began in the orchard of my neighbor.
Mr. Hurlod; the next spring [1884*] it
crossed the road to one of mine and spread
like fire from row to row, so that I
cut it down in the Summer [How many
acres?]. This is my only experience
[begin right bracket [illegible]. B.]
with it. Some years ago nearly every tree
sent out one spring from a certain nursery
was affected by it, since then all, I think
have been healthy. ['If possible trace this a little closer']
[end right bracket [illegible]. B.]
*[begin right margin text] 
Mr. Biddle's own state,emt om reply to
my questions as to year.
[end right margin text]

At times I have thought that the yellows
and starvation were closely allied. I do know
that my best results have been where I used the
most fresh stable manure and bone and 
potash. <s>I</s>

I will gladly answer any question on this subject
as all here are more or less interested
in it.

It does not relate to you subject but perhaps
I had best say that while I think stable manure
good for peach trees, I do not for the pear.

I am very truly yours.
George Biddle,
Cecilton, Cecil Co. Md.
[V.P. for Cecil Co. of Peninsula Hort. Society]
        