THE NATIONAL NURSERYMAN. 
190 
LIVELY //V THE SOUTH . *|[ n flUtSC^ 1R0W8. 
Unusually Heavy Demand for Peaches—Two Million Peach Trees 
Planted in Commercial Orchards in Georgia this Season—Many 
Inquiries for Next Season’s Trade—Prices Inadequate — 
Spraying and Thinning Successfully Practiced. 
Augusta, Ga , April J 5 —P. J. Berckmans Company : “ In 
this section, the demand for nursery stock, especially peaches 
was unusually large in the spring ; during the month of Feb¬ 
ruary we refused more orders than we filled, the demand being 
greater than our supply. The intense heat of the last of 
August was very disastrous to many trees and plants, apples, 
cherries and roses were badly sun-scalded. 
“ Already there are many inquiries for next season’s trade ; 
prices in many lines are entirely inadequate. Unfortunately 
prices and not quality catches the eye of many purchasers, 
this in a measure tends to reduce the prices for first-class 
stock. 
“The plantings of commercial orchards of peaches and 
plums is largely on the increase. Over two million peach trees 
were planted in commercial orchards in Georgia this season. 
From reports so far received from different sections of this 
state the fruit crop is perfectly assured. In some sections a 
small percentage of the fruit was injured by frost, but there 
will be, notwithstanding the small percentage of loss, a large 
shipment of peaches from this state ; and July will keep the 
orchardists on short allowance of sleep. 
“ Many prospective peach planters are looking to Georgia 
as the field for embarking in peach culture. There are tens 
of thousands of acres of valuable land yet to be had for very 
small amounts in the most favored peach belts of this state. 
“We are pleased to state that the majority of our orchardists 
are spraying their orchards for brown rot. Last year, in sev¬ 
eral sections, spraying with Bordeaux for brown rot was most 
successfully demonstrated and many of the skeptics are falling 
into line. Thinning out when fruit is too thick is also being 
adopted. 
“Our state entomologist, Prof. W. M. Scott, is doing most 
valuable work in his department. He is thoroughly alive as 
to the wants of the fruit growers and does everything in his 
power to assist them in combatting fungous and insect pests. 
Recently the state has appointed W. F. Fiske as assistant 
entomologist.” 
Huntsville, Ala., April 18 .—John Fraser: “My spring 
sales took everything I had of standard varieties, at higher 
prices than last fall. Collections better than usual. 
“With the exception of apples, my planting of everything I 
grow is largely increased. Prospects of a stand the best I 
ever had at this date. I have no knowledge of the plantings 
made by my neighbors. I notice that Stark Brothers, at this 
point, have an immense planting of peach seed, plum and 
cherry stocks, and their stand appears to be perfect.” 
Sherman, Texas, April 18 .—John S. Kerr : “ The season 
just closed, in some respects, has been the best on record. 
Our trade has been very heavy and collections good. Prices 
have been fair, though not equal to most North-western trade 
lists. 
“Prospects for nursery stock and a good fruit crop for 1901 
were never better. Danger of frost is about over.” 
Campbell Early Grape— S. A. Beach, Geneva, N. Y., writing of 
this grape at the experiment station says : “ So far as I have oppor¬ 
tunity to observe, it ripens between Moore’s Early and Worden, and is 
a much better keeper than either of these varieties. The berry hangs 
well to the pedicle and has the advantage over Worden in that it does 
not crack or drop from the cluster. Although it becomes edible about 
a week earlier than Worden, it improves in quality if allowed to 
remain longer on the vine. Early in the season, when it first becomes 
edible, it is no better in quality than Moore’s Early or Worden, but if 
allowed to thoroughly ripen it becomes superior to either of them. 
The vine is vigorous and productive. The wood is much shorter 
jointed than that of Moore’s Early. Altogether I consider it worthy of 
testing wheie an attractive grape of good quality is desired, having 
good shipping qualities and earlier in season than Worden.” 
Pedigree Trees— In answer to a correspondent’s query regarding 
a nurser}man’s advertisement of “pedigree trees,” the Country 
Gentleman says : “ It is always best to have stock from bearing trees, 
other things being equal. It gives some additional assurance of varie¬ 
ties being true to name. Furthermore, if the propagator is careful to 
select scions from trees, which are especially prolific, he is likely to 
give some practical start toward a fruitful orchard. We think this 
matter is worth attention, though it is not of prime importance in every 
case. As much as anything else, we should feel increased confidence 
in a nurseryman who would take the pains to select his scions with 
such special care. We would expect him to be careful in the other 
parts of his business, too. It is to be understood, however, that 
‘pedigree trees’ is a convenient advertising phrase, and one must con¬ 
sider how much of the work is done for public effect, and how much 
for the improvement of the nursery stock.” 
Inspection op Ohio Nurseries— Chief Inspector F. M. Webster, 
made the following report of inspection of nurseries in Ohio from July 
9th to Dec. 1, 1900: “ Since July 9, there have been 144 nurseries in¬ 
spected and 157 certificates issued ; 13 nurseries having been inspected 
prior to that date. Total amount received from fees for nursery in¬ 
spection, $1,530; fees received for superintending fumigation, $40, 
making the total receipts from fees, $1,570. No treatment has been 
applied or property destroyed, by any person in the employ of the 
Board of Control, and therefore no fees received from that service, but 
the following numbers of trees and shrubs have been treated or de¬ 
stroyed by the owners, in accordance with my directions : Trees de¬ 
stroyed, 7,270; trees treated, 22,033: shrubs destroyed, none; shrubs, 
treated, 28,700; osage hedge destroyed, 60 rods. There were destroyed 
or treated on account of being affected, or in dangerous proximity to 
other trees and shrubs affected by the insects or diseases mentioned in 
the law, and in numbers as follows: San Jose scale treated, 50,681; 
destroyed, 6,597; black knot treated, 52; destroyed, 148; peach 
yellows destroyed, 26. The total expenditures to December 1, 1900, 
amount to $3,040.58, which covers salaries, printing, traveling ex¬ 
penses of inspectors and three spraying machines. 
©bituaiT. 
John S. Harris, prominently identified with horticultural interests in 
the Northwest, died in La Crescent, Minn , on March 24th, aged 75 
years. He served in the Mexican war under General Scott, and in 1856 
he established the Sunny Side Gardens in La Crescent, where he had 
lived continuously. 
J. Frank Norris, head of the well known nursery firm of J. F. 
Norris & Son, Brighton, died April 14th after an illness lasting about 
a week. He had been in business in Brighton for fifty years and was 
well and favorably known. The business was founded in 1842 by Mr. 
Norris’s father, and upon his retirement J. Frank Norris assumed it. 
Mr. Norris was 58 years of age. He is survived by Mrs. Norris, two 
daughters, a son, J. Frank Norris, jr., and a brother, George E. Norris, 
all of whom reside in Brighton. It is announced that J. Frank Norris i 
jr., who was junior partner in the firm, will continue the business. 
