Mr. E. D. SMITH (Winona).—I consider this a very important question. Suppose I sell to a man in Ottawa, a carload of apples as first-class. After they are shipped the price goes down, and when they arrive, the purchaser, wishing a reduction, asserts that they are not first class. It is very difficult for me to prove that they are; but if they were branded as first class at the station, I could sell them on that brand, and the purchaser would have no excuse.

CULLING FRUIT FROM THE TREE.

QUESTION :-Will it pay to cull fruit early in the season from the tree?

Mr. J. K. MCMICHAEL (Waterford).—I have had some experience in this matter, more particularly last season. I observed quite early in the spring that a fungus had attacked a good many of the pears, both the fruit and the foliage. About the first of

July I took a step ladder and a pair of sheep shears, and went through the pear orchard, removing on an average half the fruit-all the culls and such fruit as was spotted. I went over the whole orchard very carefully, and the appearance of the trees and the growth of the fruit in a week or two afterwards was remarkable; and in the fall, at the time of picking, the fruit made a very fine show. If I had not culled it, at the time the fungus appeared on the tree, the fruit would have been nearly worthless. For my Bartletts, No. 1, I received $2.10 a bushel wholesale, and if I had not culled them, it is probable that I would not have received much over half that price. The expense of this operation is not great. It is astonishing how soon one can go over an orchard. My conviction is that it pays very well.

The SECRETARY.-I always make a practice of culling my pears on the trees, particularly Bartletts. I go over the orchard early in the season, while the fruit is still small, and remove all scabby and poorly grown fruit; and when the fruit is approaching ripeness, and attains such a size that it is possible to market it, I then go over the trees again, taking off everything that has worm holes or other imperfections, and ship it away as premature or second class fruit, and I often find that fruit will sell at that time, which would not sell when the principal crop is ready for market. The result is that I have a first class lot of pears left to ripen on the trees, fit to put up in baskets or to ship to order, and such as is a pleasure to handle, in every way. I believe it would pay well to practice this method of culling to a larger extent than we have ever done. At the same time it will not do away with the need of selecting our fruit when we are putting it up for sale. Mr. A. McD. ALLAN.-The Secretary's last remark suggests a point that is worthy of the attention of all fruic growers. A certain kind of culling can be done with very great advantage after the fruit has been picked. Those little half grown or quarter grown apples which are left on the trees should, I think, in all cases be picked off and destroyed. I fancy they are breeders of fungus diseases, and it would be well to have the trees stripped perfectly bare of everything of that sort.

Mr. F. G. H. PATTISON.-I should like to corroborate the statements of the Secretary and Mr. McMichael. I think the culling of fruit should, wherever possible, be carried on to a greater extent than it is. Indeed, if you spray your plums, this is absolutely necessary in the case of a certain kind. Last summer I had a few trees of Lombards which had been sprayed, and which were heavily laden with fruit; I culled the trees once or twice with great advantage to the fruit both as to size and appearance. So I can testify to the value of this system, not only for apples and pears, but for plums also; and I fancy the same can be said of peaches.

Mr. N. J. CLINTON.-I would like some gentleman present to inform me whether in his opinion, there is anything gained in making two pickings of Bartlett pears; that is, is it advisable to go over the orchard when the fruit is arriving at maturity and select the largest ones, and leave the others on the trees for a while longer.

The SECRETARY.-I always follow that practice, not only twice, but three or four times, gathering the pears as they ripen, just as we do in the case of peaches, and at the time when the fruit has its best color and is in the primest condition for market. By

this means it is possible to extend the season of shipping our Bartlett pears for several weeks, and we not only get the best prices for the early fruits, but for the green specimens which we leave on the trees until they can command the higher prices of the later market. In that way we get the large prices prevailing at both ends of the season. I think it is a great mistake to pick the whole crop of Bartlett pears at any one time. If they are gathered when they are quite green, they will ripen. You can ripen a Bartlett pear after it is half grown.

REPORT OF FRUIT COMMITTEE.

Mr. John CRAIG presented the following report of the Fruit Committee:

The Committee on Fruit beg to report as follows:

D. Nichol, Cataraqui, exhibits the following: A magnificent, highly coloured, large sized, conical specimen, somewhat resembling Red Canada in outward marking, but more conical in form, and more mellow and highly flavored. Somewhat lacking in sprightliness and juice; a fine keeper and evidently a good shipper, and if tree is hardy, altogether a valuable apple for the district from which exhibited.

SEEDLING APPLE, locally named MALLORY. -In color strongly resembling Louise, although in form more flat; cavity and basin fairly deep, the latter corrugated, close; color, yellow with bright carmine blush; flesh, white and in quality much resembling Fameuse, to which it would seem to be related. Attractive, about season of Fameuse, and would seem to be a good early market sort.

SEEDLING APPLE-GIBSON.-Said to be hardy; flat, large, strongly resembles, Black Detroit in color and in flavor. In character of flesh, the Wine Sap. Rather too tender to make a good shipper, but might be profitable for near market. Mr. Nichol's apples give evidence of good cultivation and thrifty

trees.

SEEDLING APPLE-PARROTT.-Medium, round conical, greenish, covered with red, on the sunny side with light red, cavity wide, basin deep, calyx open; evidently a good keeper and shipper. Unless the tree is extra hardy it could scarcely be commended for extensive propagation.

E. C. FEARNSIDE, Hamilton.-Plate of Talman Sweet, plate of Glout Morceau pear, plate of Easter Beurre and Lawrence, plate of Winter Nelis.

G. C. CASTON, Craighurst.-Exhibits fine specimens of Haas, fair specimens of Wealthy, extra fine specimens of Pewaukee.

P. C. DEMPSEY, Albury.-Exhibits magnificent specimen of Pewaukee.

P. C. DEMPSEY-SEEDLING.-Large, yellow, round, cavity deep, irregular, with the peculiar sutuse of Talman Sweet; flesh, greenish-white; flavor, juicy and aromatic, but lacks character.

S. D. WILLARD, Geneva, N. Y.-Exbibits fine specimens of that queen of winter pears, Josephine de Malines, and the thanks of the Society are due to Mr. Willard for the interest he shows in our meetings as shown by his presence and exhibit of fruit.

GEO. JOHNSON, 350 Jefferston Street.-Sends in three specimens of pears, which are Beurre d'Anjou. Collection of apples grown in township of Morris, Huron county, exhibited by A. M. Smith. Specimens: King, Blenheim Orange, Northern Spy, Golden Russet, and one apple for a name, greenish-white, sweet, but would not seem worthy of cultivation unless as a keeper.

HENDERSON-SEEDLING-Medium size, early winter, but nothing striking in character.

GRAPES-Exhibited by M. PETTIT, Winona.-Vergennes, well presserved and magnificent bunches; Catawba, in finest condition as to ripening and preservation, and the attention of this Association is called to the fact of these grapes being so well ripened in the Niagara District. Rogers' 43, Barry; Rogers' 4, Wilder; Rogers' 44, Herbert; Rogers' 36, Aminia; Rogers' No. 1, Goethe; Lady Washington; Centennial, a grape of the Deleware type, not so valuable; Concord; Champion; Moyer, too small; Niagara; Iona, very fine; Rogers' 39; Isabella; Dracut Amber, very foxy; Prentiss; Rogers' 13, Agawam; Rogers' 15, Agawam ; Pocklington; Jefferson; Rogers' 41, Essex; Rogers' 28; Empire State, small bunch. HENRY KRONSTEIN, Hamilton.-Fine plate of Vergennes.

A sample of apples was exhibited to illustrate country packing and the facility with which the small. and inferior apples find their way to the centre of the barrels.

ALEX. MOD. ALLAN,
JOHN CRAIG.

On motion, the report was received and ordered to be printed in the proceedings.

OTTAWA EXPERIMENTAL FARM.

The Secretary presented the following report of the committee appointed by the Association to visit the Experimental Farm at Ottawa, in response to the request of the Director of that institution :

Your committee appointed to examine the fruits then in season at the Central Experimental Farm at Ottawa, beg leave to report that they visited it on the 22nd of July, 1890, the day appointed by Professor Saunders. We first examined a large plot of nearly all the standard varieties of raspberries in cultivation, and found many of them succeeding admirably. We then went to a plot adjoining, where there were several hundred varieties of new seedlings and hybrids; we carefully compared them with the tested varieties and found many which we think in many points, such as earliness, hardiness, productiveness, render them superior to those now cultivated, and we have recommended them for further trial, propagation and dissemination. We also found many currants and gooseberries which we consider an improvement on the standard sorts from which they originated.

On motion, the report was received and ordered to be printed in the proceedings.

HARDY APPLES.

Mr. G. C. CASTON (Craighurst) gave the following address on the subject of hardy apples for the north and for export:

The question of obtaining hardy varieties of apples which are clear-skinned and altogether free from fungus scab, and at the same time of such a size and quality, as to be fit for export, is a very important one. I do not know why it is that the fungus scab has so severely attacked some of our old varieties. In our section, the Snow Apple used to be one of the finest apples we could grow, but it became so generally attacked by the fungus scab that other varieties have had to take its place. This fall the Snow Apple

trees were the most heavily loaded, but it was almost impossible to find a specimen free from the scab. That destroys the market value of the apple. Some of the newer varieties, such as the Duchess, are entirely free from this defect; I am not aware that our scientific men have told us the reason.

Now, in speaking of the varieties I recommend, I refer primarily to the county of Simcoe, though I think my remarks will apply to other counties as well, because there is no place where the climate varies so much as in this province, owing probably to its geographical position and the influence of the lakes. The counties bordering on the lakes are the most favored fruit districts, while in the north-western, or inland counties, it is difficult to grow anything but the most hardy varieties. To begin with summer apples, I would recommend only one variety, that is, the Yellow Transparent. I cannot speak from experience of it as yet, because it is just beginning to bear in our neighborhood, but I have great hopes of the trees, which have a healthy, dark-green foliage, which is an evidence that they are going to succeed. The only objection I have to it is its color; I would prefer a red apple. The Early Harvest I would not recommend, nor would I plant the Astrachan any more. It is hardy with us, but it is a short-lived tree, and the fruit is subject to the fungus scab and is uneven in ripening; on the same tree you will find apples very green, and others dead ripe, and, when ripe, they will not keep more than two or three days, and will not stand transportation. The Yellow Transparent is the only one I would recommend, and that for the home market. As an early fall apple, the Duchess is the very hardiest variety we have. It is not fully ripe till well on in September, although it is fit to market before then. Besides being hardy, it comes

into bearing about the earliest, and is the most productive of all, and, from recent events, I have reason to hope that good summer and fall apples, like the Duchess, will be the most profitable that we can grow. I believe the time will come soon when they can be placed on the British market in good shape, and, if so, a demand will be created for all we can grow. I know that this year the Duchess was sent to the British market, put up in fancy cases, and as the fruit reached there in good condition it realised fancy prices. Of course that was only an experiment, but if the steamship companies will supply the right kind of storage, I have every confidence that that trade will grow to large proportions. When a man asks me whether I think an orchard would succeed in a certain locality or not, I always tell him, "Try the Duchess, and if that does not succeed you need not try anything else." Another fall variety that succeeds very well with us, is the Alexander. Then, I think the Red Bietigheimer is going to be successful. It is a large, clear-skinned variety, and has a healthy foliage. I have been told that it has the fault of dropping from the tree before maturity, but I cannot speak as to that myself. The Haas, or Fall Queen, is a great bearer, and I think quite as hardy as the Duchess; it is quite free from scab, and although I do not call it a first class apple as to quality, yet I would recommend it as a good cooker, and for dessert ahead of the Ben Davis. I think it could be got to the British market in good condition. That completes the list of fall apples. I might mention the St. Lawrence, which is one of the finest dessert apples we have, but unfortunately the fungus scab makes deep cracks in it, and spoils it for market. Coming to the winter varieties, I would mention first the Wealthy. New beginners need not be afraid to plant plenty of this variety, whether they intend to grow for the home market or for export. The fruit is perfectly clean-skinned and of high quality, and is well fitted to take the place of our old favorite, the Snow, besides, it will keep longer than the Snow. I find that the farther north you can produce an apple, the longer it will keep. In some parts the Wealthy would be classed as a fall apple, but with us it is decidedly a winter apple. I am satisfied that it will take well with the Britishers; it has that fine, crisp flavor that they like. Mr. Shepherd reported at the Ottawa meeting that he shipped it extensively, in cases similar to egg cases, having little square compartments into which the apples fit separately, and they brought a price equivalent to $6 a barrel, net. This apple is equal to the Duchess in hardiness, is an early and prodigious bearer, and does not produce many culls. Next, I come to the Pewaukee, which originated somewhere in the North Western States, and is said to have been grown from the seed of the Duchess. It has all the hardy quality of the Duchess, is a good cooker and is very fair for dessert; it is free from the scab. With proper storage there should be no difficulty in keeping it till the latter part of March, or perhaps till April. I think it would meet with favor in the British market. The next variety I would mention is the Golden Russet. Mr. Nichol to-day spoke of it as being too small, and as not taking well in the Old Country. Well, if you try to eat a russet too soon, you will perhaps not care for it; it does not get its best flavor till spring, and as a long-keeping variety I do not think we have anything to beat it. The tree is comparatively hardy, and as it is a shy bearer at first, it needs to be considerably pruned; then, when it starts, it will produce very well. The apple is not subject to scab, and is free from the codling moth. We have another apple in our district, called the Scot's Winter, a kind of a green russet on one side and with a red cheek on the other; it is perfectly hardy, and keeps till the spring. We have another, a large red apple, known under three different names-Baxter, Larue and Red Pound. It grows very large; it is not of first class quality for dessert, but is a fine cooking apple, and one of our best varieties for the local market. It will keep in good condition till February. I think I obtained for it the best price of any I had, but this year it was badly spotted for the first time. I do not know what to say about the Ben Davis. In our district I would call it about half hardy. Up to the severe winter of 1884-5, there were several varieties which we considered perfectly hardy, but which we are unable to so regard now. That winter took all my Ben Davis trees, and left me nothing but some top grafts on seedlings. Those which were not killed outright were so damaged in the crotch that they died afterwards. Even a good many of the Golden Russets were killed, but the Duchess and some of the other hardy varieties I have mentioned were not injured at

all. The Ben Davis is a great producer, however, and if you graft it on a seedling, or a
scab, you will get a great stock of fruit. I would advise anybody in that section of
the country to plant a number of hardy stocks, and when they get large enough for
grafting into the top limbs, you can grow on them almost any variety you wish.
The King of Tompkins County was planted in our district a few years ago, but now
I doubt if you could find one in the county of Simcoe; but it does very well grafted on
a hardy tree. The same rule applies to plums; the best way to grow tender varieties in
cold sections of the country is to graft them on hardy seedlings. With regard to nursery
trees, the greater number of those offered for sale in our section of the country are
brought from the other side of the line, and I think we ought to patronise our own
nurserymen more than we do. I have a very friendly feeling towards the Americans,
but at the same time I think we ought to patronise our own nursery men.
I have no
interest in any nursery, directly or indirectly, I merely speak according to what I think
would pay our people best.

Mr. DEMPSEY.-Respecting the Pewaukee, the tree comes into bearing very early, and as it becomes of age the fruit becomes more certain and larger, attaining double the size it shows when it first begins to bear.

Mr. HOLTON. Can any gentleman tell me about the McIntosh Red?

Mr. NICHOL. It is as hardy as the Wealthy, and is an excellent dessert apple at this time of the year. But I do not recommend it, because it is slightly subject to the spot. It is not nearly so bad as the Fameuse, but I dread the disease getting worse, and for that reason I am not planting it extensively.

THE FRUIT GROWER'S PACKING HOUSE.

Mr. GEORGE CLINE (Winona) delivered the following address on this subject: I have been building a new packing house on the cold storage system, of which I have been requested to make a drawing and give an explanation. In the first place, I would locate the building on a gentle slope. The site of my packing house slopes to the north. The easterly side is a foot and a half in the ground, and the other side is about six and a half feet in the ground. The wall is eighteen inches thick, built of common limestone. The floor of the cellar has about eight inches of gravel, with two coats of cement to make a smooth, hard floor. The ceiling of the cellar is lined with inch boards, and is plastered with an inch of mortar on the top between the joists. On the top of that is a two-inch matched floor. The sides of the building are five inches thick, boarded up and down, with the cracks battened, and with two thicknesses of tar paper under the sidings. The inside is not finished yet, but my intention is to have two thicknesses of tar paper under a lining of matched stuff, and to have the ceiling lined in the same way. The upper floor is made of matched stuff with tar paper beneath, and the upper story will be lathed and plastered. With just one thickness of tar paper, we found the building very cool this fall, much cooler than I had anticipated, and our pears were kept there in very good condition. On the east side of the building I have provided a driving-shed, into which we drive our waggons, and deliver the fruit to the packing house by a door opening from the shed. This shed is eight feet by thirty-six feet, and the main building is twenty-four feet by thirty-six feet. The first story above the cellar or basement is eight feet high, and the second story five feet high to the roof. Inside the building I have a small office in the north-east corner, and the rest will be fitted up with shelves between the windows and doors, capable of holding six and a half tons of grapes around the sides of the building, leaving the main body of the floor free for the packing of barrels or storage. The shelves will be thirty-two inches wide, and will hold two ten-pound baskets end ways. I have no ventilation other than through the windows. In warm weather the fruit can be put in the cold storage chamber in the cool of the evening. The outside shed will be very cool.