INDUSTRY OF COUNTIES. 
455 
Oar first efforts in fruit-raising were unfortunate, from selecting unsuita¬ 
ble sites, most of wliicli were of the rich, moist, valley land; also, from at¬ 
tempting to cultivate the tender varieties of those grown in warmer cli¬ 
mates. That we can grow fruit here is no longer a problem, and what kind 
to "plant, and how to cultivate, are now the questions to be solved. The 
ridge lands are found to be far superior for apples and grapes to the val¬ 
leys. The snow falls deeper on the hills, remains longer, and the frosts are 
not so late in spring. The ridge lands are particularly productive in the 
plum, and pears are grown with success. The richer, moist soil of the 
valleys are well adapted to the growth of currants and.other small fruits. 
On all soils throughout the county, and on all sites, the Siberian apples are 
proving perfectly hardy. The improved sorts are fast gaining a superiority 
over the smaller and more astringent kinds. 
From numerous experiments it has been ascertained that the following 
varieties of apples are the hardiest and best adapted to our soil and 
climate, viz.: Duchess of Oldenburg, Gros Pomere, English Golden Russett, 
Fameuse, Red Romanite, Sweet Pear and Alexander. 
Of plums, no variety has yet succeeded well in the valleys, but on the 
high lands the Washington, Green Gage and Peach plum have done well. 
Of grapes, the Concord is the best, but at four years of age, the 
Delaware is preferable; the Clinton is found to be hardy and productive, 
the Rogers’ Hybrids seem more promising than any other, though the 
Northern Muscadine is much valued by those best acquainted with it. 
The wild grape of which there are several varieties growing spontane¬ 
ously upon the hill sides, are of an excellent quality, which furnish the 
pioneer a rich and delicate dessert. 
Strawberries have proved an excellent fruit, the different kinds have 
been cultivated with success and profit; the best are the Green Prolific, 
for light soil, and the Wilson for rich soil. 
Raspberries and currants seldom fail, and uniformly produce well with 
comparatively little care, more than to plant and protect them. 
From the successful efforts already made it is evident a great variety of 
fruits can be cultivated in this section of the country with profit. 
KOCK COUNTY. 
BY HON. ALEXANDER GRAHAM, JANESVILLE. 
• 
This is one of the oldest counties in the state, the first settlement being 
made in 1835, and in 1839 the county was organized, the seat of justice be¬ 
ing established at Janesville. It now contains a population of about forty 
thousand. 
