the settlers sometimes left very fine hickories. When they were grown they bore "shucks," but no "meat." 8. He told me that his father had a solitary plum tree which bore little or no fruit. A nurseryman wanted to sell him some more trees, but not unless he would take several-I understood of several varieties. He took them, and they bore well. 9. I have been repeatedly told that a single corn-stalk growing accidentally by itself seldom has any corn on it. 10. Nurserymen recommend only two or three varieties of the quince. As they give the preference to the apple or orange quince, probably few of those who cultivate have more than one kind. I have scarcely seen a quince in Kansas, and would be glad to know whether any one succeeds in raising them, and, if so, whether he has one or two varieties. 11. When I see an apricot tree, it is usually alone. I have hardly seen a tree bearing much fruit. 12. In 1878 a solitary chestnut tree in Lawrence had a few burs, but the nuts were very small. 13. The persimmon is diecious, and a pistillate tree alone should not be expected to bear fruit, but last year I was shown some fruit from such a tree growing alone. The persimmons were not half the usual size, and had no seeds. This case and some of the preceding, as of the heart cherries, chestnuts and hickories, seem analogous to the case of eggs laid by hens without any rooster. On the other side, currants, gooseberries, the Concord grape, and perhaps many other fruits and berries, seem to do well when there is only one variety. If this communication is deemed worthy of a reading before your Society, I hope it will draw out from the members any facts which may bear on the subject. P. S.-It occurs to me that I have often seen pears and grapes that were deficient in seeds. Can this be owing to a similar cause with some of the above? VOTED FRUIT LIST FOR KANSAS, FOR 1880. Circulars were issued from this office, on January 5th, 1880, giving the voted fruit list for Kansas, as published in Vols. VII and VIII. Following the lists, these suggestions were made: "If any new features have developed within the past two years with reference to any of the varieties named in the lists, which make it desirable to rearrange the order of preference, please indicate the same, in a change of number; or, if any desire to substitute for any one of these in said lists, please erase the objectionable variety, and write the name of substitute on same line to the right,* and in the margin state your objections to the rejected varieties, as well as the merits of the substitute." These circulars were sent to a large number of thoroughly practical men, prominently identified with fruit growing in Kansas from its first settlement. From their responses are compiled the tables found on pages 444 to 453, inclusive. BEARING ORCHARDS, ETC.. Embodied in the circulars above referred to, were a series of questions relative to "Bearing Orchards," "Vineyards," "Handling Fruits," "Small Fruits," etc. These questions, with a summary of the answers received thereto, are herewith given: BEARING ORCHARDS. What is the character of soil most productive? First choice, upland limestone, combined with clay; second choice, black, sandy loam; third choice, black loam, with an admixture of clay. Several instances are reported of successful productiveness in orchards planted on bottom lands, near streams of water. Subsoil preferable? First, a porous clay; second, sandy; third, gravelly. (NOTE.From the foregoing, it will be seen that any subsoil which affords ample drainage is essential to success.- -SEC'Y.) Presentation of location—north, east, south, or west? First, northerly; second, easterly; third, southerly. Comparative altitude, as to the general surface of the country? First high (some say highest); second medium; third, bottom, rather than none. General management of bearing trees-shelters? in favor of shelters on the south and west sides. Cultivation? Plowing every third or fourth year. Recommendations are very largely Pruning Number in favor of pruning, fifty-one; not in favor, one. Should be done while the trees are young, so as to shape and open the heads to light and air, and remove water-sprouts and crossing and chafing limbs. Time for pruning, the latter part of winter, and early spring. * BLANKS were left for making the changes referred to. 3 Manuring? Nearly an unanimous recommendation of using well-rotted manures by surface dressing. Mulching? It is strongly recommended, the only objection being its liability to form harbors for mice, which will gnaw the bark. To avoid their work, remove the mulch from around the trees, shoving it back three or four feet from the bodies during winter. Do you recommend growing crops of any kind in a bearing orchard, or seeding to grasses or clover? If so, what kinds? Red clover is very largely recommended. Mowing, and allowing it to fall and rot on the ground. A very few recommend orchard grass, or English blue-grass. Have your investments in fruit-growing paid? Very largely reported in the affirmative, and the present indications are quite encouraging for the future. Under what circumstances have orchards fruited in 1879? Only the late-blooming varieties escaped the late spring frosts; nine-tenths of the apple crop was produced by the Rawles Genet. What varieties produced a full or fair crop in 1879? (Name in the order of quantity of fruit borne.) Of apples, 50 of the reports name the Rawles Genet as the most productive; 19, the Willow Twig; Winesap and Ben Davis, 18 each; 16, Maiden's Blush; Rambo and Northern Spy, 14 each. Peaches were almost an entire failure. Pears (in the order named), Bartlett, Duchesse d'Angouleme, Seckel, Flemish Beauty. Plums, Wild Goose and Miner. On what kind of stock do you find cherries producing the heaviest crops? The Morello is very largely preferred to either the Mahaleb or Mazzard. Do you observe any new features in blight of the apple or pear, and what treatment has been adopted? Very little has appeared since 1875; no new developments as to cause. As a prevention with pears, do not cultivate; sow to grass; protect the bodies from the hot sun of summer by wrapping, or otherwise; select well-drained land, and as a surface dressing, liberally apply coal ashes and salt around the trees. One reporter recommends washing the bodies of pear trees with the following compound: 3 gals. wood ashes, one-fourth lb. salt, 2 oz. sulphur, mixed with warm water to the consistency of common whitewash; apply three or four times during the season. Picking and Handling of Winter Apples: What, from your observations and experience, is the best method of gathering and storing winter varieties of apples, with reference to 1st. Early or late gathering? 2d. Handling, between gathering and storing? 3d. Rehandling and assorting? 4th. Periods at which particular varieties should be marketed? 5th. What varieties prove to be the best keepers? Early picking, and placing in heaps under the orchard trees, covering them with some material, as hay or straw, until endangered by freezing; then sort and place in barrels, or in shallow bins in a cool, dark and dry cellar. A very few recommend storing in pits in the ground, well lined with hay, and covered against freezing as winter approaches. Marketing as soon as ripe is strongly recommended. Best-keeping varieties of apples: Rawles Genet, 33 votes; Gilpin, 27; Willow Twig, 23; Winesap, 18; White Winter Pearmain, 8. VINEYARDS. What varieties have been successful? The Concord receives 50 votes; Dracut Amber, 26; Clinton, 12; Ives, 11; Delaware, 7; Martha, 6. At what time do you cultivate? Early spring is strongly recommended. Trellis for support. To what extent do you prune, and at what time? During warm days in February and forepart of March; to long arms and spurs. What successful methods have you adopted to prevent rot of the fruit and rust of the leaf? Good drainage and ventilation. Does grape culture pay? Thirty-nine report favorably, and six unfavorably. SMALL FRUITS. Soil preferable? First, sandy loam; second, black loam; third, light or mulatto. Presentation of location — north, east, south, or west? First, northerly; second, easterly. Comparative altitude, as to the general surface of the country? First, high to highest; second, medium. Shelters? Are recommended as beneficial. Cultivation? Thorough and clean cultivation, and the oftener during a drouth the better. Manuring? Most soils of small-fruit plantations are benefited by an application of well-rotted manure. Mulching? A very strong recommendation in favor of mulching during winter and fruiting period. Shade? A partial shade is beneficial, and especially with currants and gooseberries. Have your investments in small-fruit growing paid? Have generally paid a handsome profit. Which class has been the most profitable, considering the expenses of production? (In the order named.) Blackberry, Strawberry, Raspberry, Gooseberry. |