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SB 354.C76

ceedings of a convention of fruit g

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New York
State College of Agriculture
At Cornell University
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PROCEEDINGS

OF A

OF THE

DOMINION OF CANADA

HELD AT

OTTAW A

ON THE 19th, 20th AND 2lst FEBRUARY, 1890.

OTTAWA:

PRINTED BY BROWN CHAMBERLIN, PRINTER TO THE QUEEN'S MOST
EXCELLENT MAJESTY,

1890.

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PROCEEDINGS

OF A

CONVENTION OF FRUIT GROWERS

OF THE

DOMINION OF CANADA

HELD AT

O'TTAW A

ON THE 19th, 20th AND 2ist FEBRUARY, 1890.

OTTAWA:

PRINTED BY BROWN CHAMBERLIN, PRINTER TO THE QUEEN’S MOST
EXCELLENT MAJESTY.

1890.

INTRODUCTION.

The bringing together of the representatives of the fruit interests of the Dom-
inion, and the interest and enthusiasm manifested in the proceedings of the Conven?
tion, cannot but be a source of gratification to all concerned.

In the winter of 1887-8 the success attending the meeting of the Montreal
Horticultural Society and Fruit Growers’ Association of the Province of Quebec, held
in the city of Quebec, led the President of the Association, Prof. Penhallow, to
suggest the desirability of bringing together, at Montreal, representatives of the
various Provinces of the Dominion.

The Provincial Associations were communicated with, and were unanimous in
their favozr of the project. Application was made to the Dominion Government for
a grant in aid of the work contemplated, and Messrs, Charles Gibb, A. McD. Allan,
L. Woolverton and C, R. H. Starr took an active part in endeavouring to advance
the project, but from various causes the work was not sufficiently advanced to
convene the meeting during the winter of 1889.

The following summer further efforts were made, and the application for a
grant received the favourable consideration of the Hon. Mr, Carling and his
colleagues, an appropriation being passed granting to the Honourable the Minister
of Agriculture the sum of $2,000 “ to aid in the development of the fruit industry in
Cunada.”

Under the conditions of the grant it was found necessary to hold the Conven-
tion at Ottawa, and the organization of the meeting was, by a vote of the Provincial
Associations, placed in the hands of the Montreal Society.

A committee, consisting of Prof. D. P. Penhallow, President; Messrs. R. W.
Shepherd, jr., R. Brodie, A. Joyce, Rev. R. Hamilton and W. W. Dunlop, Secretary,
was appointed, with Prof. W. Saunders and Mr. P. E. Bucke, of Ottawa, as local
members.

The committee was greatly aided in its work by the hearty co-operation of
the various associations, and by the valuable assistance rendered by Prof. Saunders,
Director of the Experimental Farms, and others.

W. W. DUNLOP,
Secretary.

—
i]

CON VEN TION

FRUIT GROWERS OF THE DOMINION OF CANADA

HELD IN THE CITY HALL, AT OTTAWA. ON 191n, 20tu AND 21st
FEBRUARY, 1890.

First Day.

The Convention met at 3 p.m., Professor D. P. Pennatiow, the President, in
the Chair.

There were present the Honourable the Minister of Agriculture; Prof, W.
Saunders, Director Experimental Farms, Ottawa; P. E. Bucke, Ottawa; Prof.
J. Hoys Panton, Guelph; A. Mc. D. Allan, Goderich ; Thomas Beall, Lind-
say; B. Starratt, Paradise, N.S.; A. H. Pettit, Grimsby, Ont.; J. 8S. McMichael,
Waterford, Ont.; Thomas Frankland, Stonewall, Manitoba; R. W. Starr, Starr’s
Point, N.S.; G. W. Henry, Port Hammond, B.C.; R. Brodie, Montreal; R. W. .
Shepherd, jr., Montreal; R. J. Brodie, Smith’s Falls, Ont.; W. W. Dunlop, Mon-
treal; C. R. H. Starr, Wolfville, N.S.; J. Craig, Experimental Farm, Ottawa; S. L.
Peters, Queenstown, N.B.; 8. D. Willard, Geneva, N.Y.; O. B. Hadwen, Worcester,
Mass.; S. A. Bedford, Experimental Farm, Manitoba; N. J. Clinton, Windsor, Ont. ;
Linus Woolverton, Grimsby, Ont.; P. C. Dempsey, Trenton, Ont.; G. A. Drum-
mond, Roebuck, Ont.; John D. Thomson, Domville, Ont.; O. Crossfield, J. M. Fisk,
Abbotsford, Que;; John M. Denton, London, Ont.; John Croil, Aultsville, Ont.;
Rev. Thomas W. Fyles, South Quebec; Rev. R. Hamilton, Grenville, Que.; G. S.
Mason, Hawkesbury, Ont.; G. CO. Caston, Craighurst, Ont.; A. M. Smith, St.
Catharines, Ont.; Prof. R. W. Smith, Truro, N.S.; A. A. Graham, Granby, Que. ;
Hon. H. G. Joly, Leclereville, Que. ; R. Mallory, Frankford, Ont.; G.M. Farley, Belle-
ville, Ont.; D, Westover, Frelighsburg, Que.; W. L. Kerr, Beamsville, Ont.; J. W.
Harrison, Regina, N.W.T.; W. Thompson, jr., Derwent, Ont., and others.

The meeting was opened by the Honourable the Minister of Agriculture with
the following address :—

Ms. Presipent and GENTLEMEN,—It appears to me that I am a sort of
double-barrelled gun to-day. JI was honoured by the President asking me to
open this meeting, but I came here a little toosoon. While the Dairy Convention was
going on I was called upon to speak, and [said something then about the fruit as well
as the dairy interests of the country. However, Mr. President and gentlemen, I
feel it a great honour in being called upon by you to open this Fruit Growers Con-
vention, This is the first Dominion convention of fruit growers, I believe, that has
been held in Canada, and I hope that it will not be the last; that as you have made
a good commencement, as you have an excellent attendance here to-day with repre-
sentatives present from all the different parts of the Dominion—from Nova Scotia,
Prince Edward Island. New Brunswick, Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, and the North-
West Territories, and with the united action of all the gentlemen that are represeut-
ing the different Provinces, I am sure the convention cannot help but result in
great good for the country. The fruit interests are just beginning to be appreciated
by the people in other countries, as I have mentioned here this aflernoon, At the
Centennial Exhibition, held in 1876 in Philadelphia, I am told Canadian fruit was

awarded a number of medals; and, as I mentioned also, the exhibit of fruit sent to
the Indian and Colonial Exhibition astonished the world. There were millions of
people who attended that exhibition, and they were surprised at the exhibit of frutt
from Canada, I only hope, gentlemen, that you will spare no effort to produce first-
class fruits in the Dominion, We have many different climates in Canada and I trust
that in a very short time varieties of apples as well as well as other fruits may be
found ‘suitable to all of them. I am quite sure we will be successful with the small
fruits, aud I think that apples may be grown in the North-West in the same way that
they are grown in Russia some six or seven hundred miles further north than we are
at Regina, We may not be successful at first, but we are making the effort, and all
kinds of fruit trees are being experimented with at the Central Farm near Ottawa,
and also at the farm in the Maritime Provinces, at Nappan, at Brandon, and at the
farm at Indian Head, in the North-West Territories, and also at the farm in British
Columbia. With this vast extent of country in which all varieties of climate are
represented, we are testing trees in great variety from many other countries.
Prof. Saunders is in communication with the principal fruit growing countries in
the world, and we are experimenting with seeds from India, witb trees from Russia,
from Germany and from Japan. Apple trees that have been successful in Northern
Russia have been brought out and are succeeding in the Western States, and I think
that by continuing this line of work we shall suceced in finding fruits which will
stand the climate of our north-west, I think we have been successful in bringing
out a wheat, called the Ladoga wheat, from Northern Russia. That wheat has been
successful. (Applause.) It has been clearly demonstrated that it will ripen about
ten days earlier than the Red Fife wheat. So far as we can learn it is equal in
quality to the Red Fife but; supposing it should not be quite equal, the advantage
of having it ripen ten days earlier is a matter of very great importance in the North-
West. (Hear, hear.) With this acquisition, and if we can produce apples and such
fruit as I have mentioned in the North-West, 1 think it will be worth the expen-
diture that has been made in connection with our Experimental Farms. (Hear,
hear, and applause.) These experiments are being honestly made by competent
men, as I said before. We have been careful in selecting the very best men we could
get in the country to take charge of the different branches, and they are conducting
this work ; and we have at the head of these Experimental Farms a gentleman in
whom all those who have come in contact with him have confidence, and I am
sure the country has confidence in him. (Hear, hear.) With these experiments
-honestly conducted and carried out they must be of vast benefit to all sections of the
country, from ocean to ocean, (Applause.) Gentlemen, I do not know that I should
take up your time any longer, and I thank you for the honour you have done me in
asking me to open this meeting. The Dairy Convention has been successful, and
there is every appearence, from the size of the Fruit Growers Convention, that your
gathering will be equally successful, I have no more to say, beyond declaring that
this convention is now open, and I wish you every success, (Loud applause.)

THE CHAIRMAN’S ADDRESS.

The Chairman, Prof. D. P, PentaLow, of Montreal, then delivered hig opening
address, as follows :—

To the Honourable the Minister of Agriculture and Members of the Convention :

GuNTLEMEN,—Before proceeding to deal with these subjects which more inti-
mately bear upon the special work of this important convention, which, as presiding
officer, it falls to my lot to present to you, I venture to congratulate you all upon
the successful issue of these efforts which have been directed towards bringing you
together at this time and place, and under circumstances which render this the most
important movement ever instituted in the Dominion of Canada for the purpose of
promoting our very large and increasing fruit industry.

1

The present convention is the result of an effort on the part of the Montreal
Horticultural Society to secure such a meeting at Montreal last winter. For various
reasons the plans then made were not realized, but as we all felt the great necessity
for some concerted action looking to the better development of our fruit industry,
and especially of our export trade; efforts were renewed with the result now
apparent. By a general vote of all the societies interested, the organization of the
convention, with all the details relating to it, was placed in the hands of the Mon-
treal Horticultural Society and Fruit Growers’ Association of the Province of Quebec,
in consequence of which it devolves upon me, as President of that society, to preside
over the work of this meeting. We are under obligations to many members of the
House for the warm manner in which ou: application for Government assistance
was supported by them. But we are more particularly and deeply indebted to the
Honourable the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. John Carling, for the encouragement
and sympathy he has extended to those directly in charge of this work, and for the
very active and generous support he has extended in securing a special Government
grant to meet expenses necessarily incident to such an occasion. And notwithstand-
ing the many engrossing duties of his position, he has continued to manifest a
watchful and active interest in all our work up to this very date. Whatever may
be the final result of our work in the next three days, the fruit growers of Canada
cannot forget that Mr. Carling has laboured earnestly and generously for the promo-
tion of their interests,

We should also acknowledge the valuable services of those members of the
general executive and local committees without whose uniting efforts success could
not have been secured. '

On behalf of our various societies, as bere represented, I desire also to extend
a most cordial welcome to those representatives of kindred societies who have come
to this meeting from the adjoining States of the Union. It is our hope that, as our
interests are largely identical, the exchange of views to take place during the
progress of this convention may result in a large measure of mutual benefit.

This is the first occasion in the history of Canadian horticulture when there
have been assembled at one point skilled representatives of that most noble calling,
from all parts of our widely separated Provinces, We have here to-day representa-
tives from Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario,
Manitoba, the North-West Territories and British Columbia, and itis hoped that such
a convention of widely separated interests may lead to results of the greatest
importance—results which will be felt in the remotest fruit-growing district of the
Dominion, and from which, as time moves rapidly onward, new influences may spring.

Our progressive neighbours to the southward, who are ever on the alert for new
directions in which to apply an exhaustless energy to the development of natural
resources, have for some years been carrying on a work similar to that we are now
entering upon—though on a somewhat larger scale—through the medium of the
American Horticultural Society, whose function it is to move about from place to
place each year, and thus bring local interests into harmony with the general welfare.

Whether any such broader field of work will result from this Convention and
whether such work as we are now undertaking will be extended into the future,
are at present open questions, the determination of which must depend upon the
nature of the results we now achieve. At present our object is attained in this
meeting. When it was first proposed to hold this meeting the intention was to
have it at Montreal, as the great shipping port, and whence the bulk of our fruit goes
to Europe. But on consideration it was found best, for several reasons, that it should
be held here at Ottawa during the Session of Parliament, and thus give to the various
representatives here gathered an opportunity to hear and join in the discussions,
and ultimately distribute the information obtained, among their several consti-
tuencies.

Of the various Provinces represented here to-day, we regret to find that only four
have regulary organized societies, under whose direction and encouragement the
fruit interests of these various sections are fostered and promoted. In Manitoba and

the North-West, where fruit, culture is yet in its infancy, or not yet undertaken, es
reason for this is to some extent obvious. Not so, however, with Prince Edwar
Island and New Brunswick, both of which are important fruit districts. It undoubt-
edly falls within the province of this convention, and perhaps may be considered ar
of our most important duties, to inquire into the causes of such a state of affairs an :
if possible, suggest and encourage some improvement. British Columbia, althoug
not as yet a large fruit-producing country, is yet fully alive to future pose
and the necessity of giving the industry the most careful nursing while it is 1n the
stage of extreme infancy. There has been established there, within the last two
years, a society which has at its head one of the most active and highly respected
members of the Montreal Horticultural Society, Mr. J. M. Browning. Under his
guidance, we may confidently look forward to the future of the society, with the
feeling that it is destined to accomplish a great and important work in developing
the latent possibilites of fruit culture in the far west. oe oe

If we now turn to the other extreme of this widely-extending Dominion, we
find in Nova Scotia—the paradise of apples—a most active organization, known as
the Nova Scotia Fruit Growers’ Association and International Show Society. The
name at once suggests the broad basis on which the work of this society is conducted,
and our inspection of its annual reports shows that it has accomplished a vast
amount of good work.

This society was established by Act of Legislature on the 10th of May, 1864,
and the constitution was amended on 12th January, 1876. Its membership is not
large, being only 31 in 1886, but all take a most active part in the proceedings, and
feel that their personal interests and those of the society are one. :

The association had its origin in the great London Exhibition of 1860, at which
Nova Scotia apples were exhibited and attracted marked attention. In 1862 speci-
mens of fruit were sent to the exhibition of the London Horticultural Society, where
they took one silver and some bronze medals. As a result, the society was organ-
ized in 1863 by men whose names are most intimately connected with the fruit
interests of that Province,

We find it recorded in the transactions of the society that: “It had been abund-
antly proved from the very origin of the society that the best of apples could be
raised in Nova Scotia; the difficulty all along had been in placing them in good con-
dition in the British market. At first it had been found necessary even to preserve
them, that they might appear at least of their proper size and form. Various exper-
iments had been tried to overcome the formidable obstacles presented by the broad
and stormy ocean and a land transit scarcely less destructive; but the problem
was not yet satisfactorily solved. At the annual meeting of 1870 the matter was
again brought to the notice of the association, a statement being made by Amos
Black, Esq., one of its members, that he had in the preceding December sent two
barrels of apples—Hutching’s and Black Red—to Liverpool, England, and that they
had arrived in perfect order. Each apple was wrapped separately in paper.

“In 1871 the association determined to petition the Dominion Parliament to
place a specific duty on all foreign apples, green fruits and vegetables, as well as
upon all fruit trees imported into the Province. In its work, since the date of its
formation, the society has advised a wide and intelligent interest in the domain in-
trusted to its care and management. The subjects which have occupied its attention
have been very numerous and varied ; they have also been among the most impor-
tant that can engage the consideration of an agricultural and horticultural region.
Through its instrumentality information has been widely diffused; the fruits and
other agricultural produce of the Province have been brought to the notice of even
distant countries, and have created a most favourable impression as to the capabilities
and resources of the colony; it has been made apparent, by the knowledge diffused,
that the apples of Nova Scotia are unsurpassed, perhaps unrivalled, by those of any
other part of the world; the oda of the Fruit Growers’ Association have done
much towards opening up and securing a permanent market for our fruit, and thus
to render its cultivation a source of prosperity and wealth. Experiments have been

successfully made as to the kinds best adapted to our climate; the modes of trans-
portation 10 distant countries have occupied the thoughts of the society, so that now
our finest apples may be placed in the markets of Great Britain with their bloom
and flavour almost wholly unimpaired. The ravages of insects and other pests, and
the means by which they can be best counteracted, have been made the subject
of careful research, and the labour has not been in vain. So the work has been pros-
ecuted with interest, fidelity and success.” This society was also one of the most
active promoters of the Dominion Fruit Exhibit at the Indian and Colonial Exhibi-
tion in 1885.

Turning our attention to interests nearer our own immediate locality, we find
in the Ontario Fruit Growers’ Association a society of widely extended influence and
importance, having in its keeping the fruit interests of one of the most highly
favoured pomological districts in America. lts work has been of such a varied and
important character that justice cannot be done to it in the brief space to be spared in
an address of this kind, and only the more salient features can be passed in review.

The membership is now nearly three thousand. The Provincial Government
has for many years given an annual grant, which has steadily increased, from a
minimum of $500 to a present maximum of $1,800. The association was established
about 1860, and since that date has been active in promoting the fruit interests of the
Province. Meetings are held at various seasons of the year and in different parts of
the Province; annual reports, embodying the proceedings of these meetings, are pub-
lished, together with most important contributions to economic entomology.

In 1870 the society adopted the plan of distributing new varieties of fruits to
various growers, for purposes of testing, a condition being that an annual report of
the results obtained, should be submitted to the society for a period of five years.
This plan is still in operation, and under it the sum of $500 has been annually
expended. The society holds no regular exhibitions, but it offers such special prizes
as seem to be demanded from time to time.

In 1878 the Canadian Horticulturist was issued, under the patronage and by
the aid of this association. It is the best exponent of Canadian horticulture extant,
and is doing a most useful work.

In 1870 the President, Rev. R. Burnet, suggested that geological conditions
should be taken into consideration as influencing the success or failure oforchards. He
also suggested that there should be special encouragement given to exportation, and
that more intimate inter-communication should be established with other societies at
home and abroad. In 1878 he again suggested that efforts should be made to extend
fruit culture in Manitoba and the North-West.

In 1883 President Saunders directed attention to the great desirability of secur-
ing fruits of a hardy nature from similar climates in various parts of the old world.
As you are all well aware, this suggestion was acted upon the following year by Mr.
Charles Gibb, the results of whose labours in Russia and other parts of Hurope have
been of the greatest value.

The society has been directly responsible for extensive improvements in and
the extension of fruit culture throughout Ontario, as well as in the promotion of
forestry interests. It includes among its members, originators of valuable new
varieties of fruits and vegetables, in which connection the names of Saunders, Arnold,
Haskins, Mills and others are most favourably known.

Throngh this society legislation favourable to the fruit industry of the entire
country has been promoted, and it took the leading part in securing the fruit display
at the Indian and Colonial Exhibition.

The Montreal Horticultural Society was incorporated in 1849. In 1878 the
society was re-organized, under an amended charter, as the Montreal Horticultural
Society and Fruit Growers’ Association of the Province of Quebec. For many years
no active work was undertaken, but in 1876 the first annual report was issued.
These publications have beer contirued ~p to the present time, and constitute a
complete record of the fruit culture ir the Province, embracing papers of the, great-
est horticultural value.

10

At the time of reorganization the Secretary explained the reason for a change
of name in the following terms :— ie

“Strong efforts having been put forth within the last three or four years to
quicken the interest in fruit-growing in this Province, it was thought that the name
chosen for the new association should be explanatory of the work the society has
in view. For this reason the name chosen was that of the Montreal Horticultural
Society and Fruit Growers’ Association of the Province of Quebec. In purely horti-
cultural matters the influence of the society will be mainly felt in and near this city,
but in matters relating to fruit growing it is hoped that it will exert a useful and
powerful influence throughont the whole Province.” ; :

The hopes then entertained as to the future usefulness of this society have been
realized in the work of subsequent years. Meetings have been held in various parts
of the Province for the discussion of questions bearing upon fruit culture, and the
present meeting may be properly regarded as a legitimate and natural result of the
policy adopted.

The Local Government has, for some years, given an annual grant of $1,000, by
aid of which the society has, for many years, held annual exhibitions at Montreal,
which, for extent of display and character of the special exhibits, have been unsur-
passed by any similar exhibitions in Canada. The annual prize list amounts to
about $1,400, of which about $700 are given for flowers, the balance for fruits and
vegetables. ‘The present membership numbers about 600.

Five local societies for the promotion of fruit culture, viz.: Abbotsford, Brome,
Shefford, Missisquoi and L’Islet, are’operated under the patronage of this associa-
tion, and practically constitute as many local divisions of it,

Much valuable work has been accomplished in the introduction and testing of
new varieties; the introduction of Russian fruits; the introduction of valuable
ornamental and forest trees, and in the diffusion of generalinformation. The society
also took an active part in the formation of the exhibit of fruits for the Indian and
Colonial Exhibition.

It thus appears that, aside from their purely local functions, these organizations
have all accomplished a large amount of most useful work in the direction of
promoting the general welfare of the country, and I have deemed it of importance,
at this time, to call your attention to these facts, not only because they directly bear
upon the objects of this convention, but also because they are most suggestive of
work which can now be undertaken in the most thorough manner, and to the
execution of which the highest authority will give its sanction,

The work we are now called upon to perform is of an important character, and,
although I cannot attempt to give an outline of all those subjects to be presented
for your consideration, yet there are a few which, from their relation to the larger
questions of export and import, I feel should be brought to your notice in a some-
what conspicuous manner.

Government statistics show that the value of exports and imports of fresh fruits
from 1883 to 1888 inclusive, may be stated as follows :—

Export, Import.
IE: aire ence ene yey eee eRe ee Pete $499,185 $814,544
Pr ee igre en re 173,048 778,446
TSSS ssieres cies bound mares acenaee sasatstenooaeden ve 635,240 693,169
TCU sarlipaiceasa tama tacit lace. elas 499,598 681,740
LEST cccuie aesewiag wasearat dawtuset cheeses tee aca wae 871,188 797,581
TSSS: sianitotawensigns aban abenes dieiidun cadevece wen 857,995 780,269

From this it appears that the volume of imported fruits nearly equals the
export, and in some years has been more than four times the amount. An allow-
ance should be made, however, for those fruits which, like lemons and oranges,
cannot be grown here, but which are consumed in large quantities. It is apparent,
nevertheless, that while the Indian and Colonial Exhibition did much good in the

i

way of drawing greater attention to our fruits, and while, as a result, more frequent
applications from England, for the shipment of apples, have been received, it has
not resulted in that enlargement of our export trade which it was confidently hoped
might follow, This result may to some extent be due to indifference of the pro-
ducer to fluctuation of market prices both at home and abroad, and to other similar
causes ; but there is good reason for entertaining the belief, as will be shown in papers to
be presented for your consideration, that transportation constitutes the principal factor
in determining this result. As has been amply demonstrated by the Nova Scotia
fruit growers, apples can be placed on the London market in prime order, but if the
shipper feels that there is no dependence to be placed upon the way in which his fruit
is stored and handled, and that it is largely a matter of chance whether it arrives in
good order or a mass of rotten pulp, he will prefer in most cases to take his chances
with the home market, where his reputation, at all events, can be maintained. This
is one of the most important questions to be brought before you, as upon it the future
possibilities of our fruit trade wholly depend. The question, however, is one of many
aspects and requires a thorough and unprejudiced consideration of all the facts bear-
ing upon it. While on our part it is only proper to ask that the railroads shall
handle the fruit with care and forward it with despatch, and of the steamboat com-
panies that they provide proper storage and ventilation, the producer and the shipper
must, on the other hand, be willing and ready to guarantee their part in the whole
process, and see that the picking and packing are properly executed. Fruit poorly
packed will suffer injury under the most favourable conditions of transport. The
interests of the producers and of the transportation companies are one, in the en-
couragement of an enlarging export, but each must do the part falling to them, and
it has been felt that the importance of this subject deserved more than ordinary
consideration. It is with a view to making some definite arrangement that repre-
sentatives of the various railway and steamboat companies interested have been in-
vited here to discuss this matter with you, for the same reason, also, the Dominion
Dairymen’s Association will hold a joint meeting with us this evening.

Another important aspect of this question is our relation to the Uuited States.
Looking somewhat more closely into the exports and imports for the past two years
I find that in 1888 apples to the value of $197,613 were exported to the United States
and in 1889 this was increased to $284,252. The bulk of these were sent from Ontario
and Nova Scotia.

The imports of fruit during the same period were as follows :—

1888. 1889.

cacao 66,548 40,695
Blackberries )
Gooseberries
Dene. aaa 18,133 1,094
Strawberries J
Cherries
Cie. i Ssecetdut easel heat 5744 2,179
Cranberries
Plums 4 Ie RPNRAieL tore aaa ies eseeomaE eee 36,790 36,581
Quinces
Grapes, US. ancosecnateapenmmumimemmmeamrammeeees 30,452 29,532

do; -GUB) cacwexexcinemesamisaedaeereewabunizesans 22,355 22,351

52,807 51,883

An inspection of these figures in detail shows that it is not a question altogether
of import to non-producing Provinces, since sume of the largest imports were to
fruit-producing Provinces, and it is more probable, so far as apples are concerned at
least, a question of transportation and local market values. It is, therefore, a

12

i =

question if this convention should not consider some means by which any local
necessity of fruit could be met by the surplusage of other Provinces, rather than
from a toreign country. ieee

In the list of imported fresh fruits there are doubtless some—excluding, of
course, oranges, lemons and other sub-tropical fruits—which cannot be raised in
sufficient quantity to meet the demands; but this is not true of the majority. On-
tario can raise as good small fruits as New York, and so should British Columbia,
and with a good soil and highly favoured localities for fruit culture I consider that
our present import of $132,000 should not only be offset by an increasing pro-
duction, but be turned to an export. With the enormous population there is to the
south of us, with our relatively very small population, and with our ability to pro-
duce fruit, there should be no question of import at all. I would, therefore, com-
mend to your earnest consideration the adoption of means looking to this end.

Among other questions to be presented to your consideration will be those
relating to disease and the ravages of insect enemies; the decline of orchard culture
in districts where formerly it was a profitable pursuit; and the extension of
orchards into those parts of the country where they are demanded by the rapid
growth of population. Fortunately for the progress of the fruit industry in Canada,
the Department of Agriculture, through its experimental farms, is pushing forward
a most valuable work in this direction, and we may confidently look for results in
the future which will be of the most important character. ;

Having thus brought before you some of the most prominent of the questions
to be discussed here, I will not further detain you from the important work of this
session, but will declare the Convention open, and ask you to give to its proceedings
that close and undivided attention that its importance demands.

HorvricurntuRAL WoRK OF THE EXPERIMENTAL Farms.

Prof. W. SaunpErs addressed the convention on “Horticultural Work at the
Central Experimental Farm.” He said: Mr. Chairman and gentlemen,—I am very
much pleased indeed to have an opportunity of appearing before this important con-
vention of fruit growers to say a few words in connection with the work of the
Experimental Farm as far as that work bears upon the important subject of horti-
culture. 1 realize the value and importance of such associations as these when I
recall what good work the Fruit Growers’ Associations have done in this country in
the way of advancing the fruit interests. Although not a very old man, my memory
carries me back to the time when, shortly after the Fruit Growers’ Association of
Ontario was organized, and before it received any Government aid, I remember
what a struggle we had from year to year when we had no resources but the fees of
the few members who paid their dollar or two dollars a year. How difficult it was
to make ends meet and to keep up interest in the association at that time and to
carry on the useful work which was contemplated. It may not be generally known
to the members, but I think it is a matter which is worthy of mention on this occa-
sion that it was the Hon. Mr. Carling, who now stands at the head of the Agricultural
Department of this country, who incorporated the Fruit Growers’ Association of
Ontario and got for it the first grant of money which it received —$500. (Applause.) I
remember receiving a letter from him then—I was president of the Entomological
Society at that time—in which he suggested that our society should organize under
the Agriculture and Arts Act of Ontario, promising a grant of $400. At that time
the Act was being introduced by the honourable gentleman. It was giving these grants
to the Entomological and Horticultural Societies which started them in their career of
usefulness, and that work has gone on ever since, to the great advantage of the whole
community, not only in Ontario, but in the Dominion of Canada. The reports which
they have printed and circulated from time to time have found their way over the
whole country, and they have had a great effect in advancing the interests of fruit
culture and improving the character of the fruit grown, and placing us ina position,
as fruit growers, of commanding the respect and confidence of the markets of the worid

18

for our products, Now, with similar objects in view, namely, that of benefiting the
whole community, the Experimental Farms have been organized and one of the objects
contemplated in this organization is to advance horticulture ; and 1 propose, during the
few moments which IJ shall occupy your time to endeavour to give you a-brief sketch of
what we are doing in this respect as well as what we hope to be able to doin the future.
Atthe Experimental Farm at Ottawa, which is the Central Farm, a large portion of the
preparatory work is done, which has its bearing on the whole Dominion, for that 1s
the distributing centre from which plants, trees and shrubs are sent to the other four
farms, as well as to other points for test. One of these farms is in Nova Scotia, the
second in Manitoba, the thirdin the North-West Territories, and the fourth is in
British Columbia. Now, at the outset here it is very important that a good
foundation be laid, and that foundation in the larger fruits consists, in the
first place, of the ordinary standand varieties of apples, such as are grown with
such advantage and profit in the western parts of Ontario. Those of you who are
conversant with the climate of Ottawa know that we have here a very fair propor-
tion of cold weather during the winter months. During the present winter two or
three hundred miles west they have scarcely had any snow; but we have had
continuous sleighing since November, and we expect it to continue until spring.
This is the usual character of our winters. Such continuous cold weather, and
especially when very low temperatures prevail, has its effect on fruit trees, and
the result is, many of the more tender varieties will not endure the vicissitudes they
are exposed to in this climate. Yet it may be said that the climate of Ottawa is
fairly representative of the larger portions of Ontario and Quebec; for, taking the
more favourable fruit areas out of Ontario, there is a very large proportion of this
Province north and east where the conditions of temperature which obtain in Ottawa
prevail to a like degree and stand in the way of very successful fruit culture. In the
test orchard of standard varieties at the Experimental Farm many sorts will be tried
which we do not expect to succeed with. This will be done so that we may be able
to give the information to those who apply for it as to whether certain varieties are
likely to succeed or not. Judging from the growth of the trees in the three years
we have had the work carried on, there is a promise of success with a large number
of varieties which it was thought likely, when the Farm was started, would not grow
in the Ottawa valley. I think a very important part of our work will be to dissem-
inate knowledge throughout the country as to what varieties will not succeed, as
well as in regard to those which are successful, and thus save the people from
spending their money in a useless manner. Beside the orchard of standard trees, we
have a larger orchard in which there are 170 to 180 varieties of Russian and north-
ern European trees. These are all being carefully watched, and although they have
only been two years in the ground there were two trees last year which fruited and
bore some nice apples. We expect during the next year that some others may be
found to bear a sufficient quantity to permit of testing the quality of these fruits
All such information will be reported on from time to time, giving full information
as to the most promising sorts. In every case the plain truth will be given
in regard to everything tested, as faras the judgment of the officers in charge
will permit, and [ think that the reports we shall give from time to time
as the Russian fruits progress in these orchards will be very important. There is
one thing that I wish to say here as a word of caution. It is this:
it is too often the case with fruit growers in the more temperate portions of the
Province, in their desire to get everything that is new, to encumber their orchards
with varieties which they would be better without, and I would say that there are
very few of these Russian varieties of apples which it is desirable to grow in those
districts where the best standard sorts can be produced, but some of them are likely
to serve a most useful purpose in those districts of the country where the better and
higher flavoured fruits, for which Ontario is now so noted, cannot be successfully
grown. If we can place eventually such information at the disposal of every settler
in the more distant settlements, which will enable him to grow fruit, even though it
is not of the very highest quality, it will be much appreciated; it will add to his

14

comfort and to the health of his family, and give him some of the enjoyments which
we are so favoured with in the older districts in which we live. Besides the tests
which have been referred to of apples, similar work is being done with pears, plums
and cherries. With regard to cherries, I think they are the most promisi ng, next to
apples, of all the hardy fruits with which we have to do. They grow very vigorously,
and judging from the few samples of fruit we have had on the trees I think they
are likely to be very acceptable indeed, and especially in those districts where fruit
is scarce, ‘The orchards occupy a considerable area. The standard varieties of
apples are planted thirty feet apart, and all the other trees twenty feet. There are
at least twelve or thirteen hundred in all, consisting of about three hundred and
fifty varieties. Careful notes will be taken of these as they fruit, and information
that is needed or thought of sufficient importance will be given to the public from
time to time in the form of bulletins, which every one who desires can have on
application. In small fruits also very much is being done. We have one hundred
and fifty varieties of grapes of the named sorts, besides a great many new seedings
which have been originated on the farm. In currants, gooseberries, raspberries and
strawberries the varieties will count probably two or three hundred more, that is,
the named varieties. These are being carefully tested and compared from year te
year, and as the results are noted and opinions formed the information is given to
the public. In addition to this, we are endeavouring to originate Canadian varieties
(seedlings produced) on the Experimental Farms. We had fruit in Ottawa last year ;
we fruited quite a number of seedling strawberries and raspberries, some of which
are very promising. Samples of some of the best of these will be found in the
exhibit when the fruit is arranged. I think I may safely say that we have among
the new seedling raspberries some red varieties of remarkably good quality, which
will do credit to the Experimental Farms. Several hundred of these new varieties
have already been produced, and each year will see large additions to their number.
After their merits have been fully investigated the best of them will be sent first to
the Experimental Farms, and after that to other points, to be tested by practical fruit
growers, as soon as the material for that purpose is available, and I think in this way
we shall be able to produce in the course of time, not only varieties that will do us
credit, but varieties that will be particularly well adapted for the colder districts,
for the reason that they have originated here, and are acclimatized to their sur-
roundings.

The continuance of such work will make Experimental Farms exceedingly in-
teresting places for fruit growers to visit, and the interest will be increased from
year to year. The Central Experimental Farm is intended to serve the purposes
especially of Ontario and Quebec; the Maritime Province Farm, situated at Nappan,
near the point of junction between the Province of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick,
and very near the centre of Prince Edward Island opposite, will serve for these three
provinces. Nova Scotia fruit has acquired a good reputation in the markets of the
world, and it has gained that name from the superior quality of the productions of
the famed Annapolis Valley. That is a valley which extends for about 100 miles,
and varies in width from two to six miles. The idea is prevalent in Nova Scotia
that if you want apples you must go to the Annapolis Valley; but recent experience
has shown that this is not the only district in Nova Scotia where good fruit can be
grown. In New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island there are promising orchards,
and there are good grounds for the opinion that many useful and good varieties of
fruit may be grown in these Provinces in sufficient quantities to supply the home
demand and leave a surplus for foreign shipment. The idea that good fruit can only
be grown in the Annapolis Valley is being gradually eradicated. Very good fruit is
grown there, no doubt; but there are other localities in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick
and Prince Edward Island where fruit can also be grown to good advantage, and
this extension in the area over which fruit is grown will lead to a larger and more
general consumption of fruits of every sort throughout those Provinces. When the
site tor the Experimental Farm was chosen at Nappan I was told there would be no
use in trying to grow fruit there; but from the way the trees are thriving | am

15

satisfied we shall be able to show that that district is capable of growing good fruit.
Passing westward, there is an Experimental Farm in Manitoba, at Brandon; and
another at Indian Head, in the North-West Territories. As most of you know, there
are serious climatic difficulties to contend with in the North-West in undertaking to
grow fruit trees. The temperature is very low during the winter, sometimes remain-
ing below zero for a month or more at atime. In looking over the records of tem
perature received from three Experimental Farms, I find that for as much as a fort-
night at a time the thermometer has remained as low as 25° to 35° below zero. It
requires very hardy fruit trees to stand such sustained cold. An occasional dip, fol-
lowed by warm weather, does not seem to have the same effect on the vitality of the
trees, as do these continuous low temperatures, especially when they are accom-
panied by strong drying winds. Small fruits can be grown without much diffi-
culty in the North-West, for the reason that there is usually enough snow to
protect them and they do not suffer to the same extent from the low temper-
ature and drying winds as do the trees Up to the time the Experimental Farm
work began, I have not heard of any trees being taken to that country
which were hardy enough to endure the climate. Some three years ago I
visited Sir Donald Smith’s place at Silver Heights, near Winnipeg, and examined
the trees which were planted there. There were apple trees of the Duchess variety,
which had been planted for some years, but every year they had been killed down
to the snow line. When I saw these trees again last year J found very little change
in them; they were about the same height as they were two years before; so that
the prospect of growing the Duchess apple there is not very encouraging. I think
that in the Red River Valley there always will be a very considerable difficulty in
the way of growing fruit trees, for the reason that the soil is so rich and strong and
deep that a late growth is sometimes induced in the autumn, and this soft new wood
will not endure growth when succeeded by severe cold. I think this will not be
found to be the case so often in those parts where the soil is lighter further west.
On the bluffs and along the river valleys there are thousands of acres which,
I hope, it may be practicable, before many years, to plant with fruit trees. We
have had two summers’ and one winter’s experience at Indian Head and a summer's
experience at Brandon, with about fifty or sixty varieties of Russian trees planted
there of the hardier sorts of apples, and a considerable proportion of them have
passed through the very trying seasons referred to and promise fairly well. Our
experience so far has, on the whole, been encouraging. The statement just made by
the Honourable Minister of Agriculture, that we may be able to find an apple, as well
as other varieties of fruit, that will endure in the North-West Territories, is quite.
likely to be verified; indeed, I think, there is good reason to believe we shall find,
not only one, but a good many varieties that will succeed there. It is scarcely to be
expected that the North-West will ever do much in the way of exporting fruit, but
. we may expect that as the taste for fruit becomes more general the demand will be
greatly increased. The people will want these hardier sorts for cooking, and will
still desire to buy the high flavoured sorts grown in the east for the tables. If they
cannot grow these hardy varieties at home, many persons will be compelled to go
without fruit altogether, and that is a very great deprivation. The success of small
fruits on the western farms has been more encouraging. I think there is no doubt
that at Indian Head, during the coming season, we shall have quite a crop of small
fruits. Gooseberries, currants, raspberries and strawberries have made fair growth,
although, on account of the dry weather, they have not reached that development
whichisusuallyscen. I must alsosay afew words about British Columbia, for there we
have a territory which, I think, will soon produce sufficient fruit for home consumption
and a large surplus for export to the mining districts and small towns in the mountains,
and to those parts of the Territories where fruit may not be so easily grown; also, to
China, Japan and other Asiatic countries. I have never seen, anywhere, such crops
of apples, pears, plums and cherries as those of British Columbia. At first I was a
little doubtful in regard to the quality of these fruits, but when I visited the fairs
last year at New Westminster and Ashcroft, and had opportunities of tasting the

16

fruit and of comparing it as well as I could from recollection with Ontario samples,
they impressed me as being very good, and if they were at all inferior in quality to
similar varieties grown in the east the difference was not sufficiently marked to
enable me tc detect it. I took such varieties as the Spitzenberg, Ribston Pippin,
Fameuse and Gravenstein, and several other highly flavoured sorts for test, and In
point of size they much surpass those grown in the east. The climate is of that
character which induces slow and regular growth all through the season, and the
growth is continuous during a long period. As a rule, the high flavoured varieties of
fruit are produced of better quality as we get further north, and with the proportion
of cold they get in British Columbia they are able to grow fruits of higher flavour
than can be produced in the more southern districts of California. We sometimes
produce large crops, but I have never seen anywhere else trees so heavily loaded with
fruit as I have there. They are also free from most of the insect pests and the pear
blight. They have the twig blight on the apples, but this is not a very serious
trouble. I think that with a climate that will produce such crops of the fruits named,
and grow, also, peaches, apricots, walnuts and many other products to advantage,
which may be shipped to different parts of Canada as well as to Asiatic ports, Bri-
tish Columbia must soon become a fruit exporting Province. The climate is not
warm enough in any part I have visited to grow good grapes; it is probable that in
many localities the earlier ripening sorts may mature, but there is not enough heat
during the summer to ripen the higher flavoured varieties of grapes. There will, no
doubt, be a great opening there for the canning industry and the drying of fruits.
Should the supply at any time exceed the demand, the surplus can easily be disposed
of by the use of fruit evaporators, as the dried fruit will bear shipment to any part
of the-world. The object in view at all the Experimental Farms is to encourage the
people to grow the very best quality of grain, and fruits and do the very best for
themselves, so that they may have products of high quality to sell, which will com-
mand good prices. At the. present time, while they grow plenty of pears in British
Columbia, there are not very many of them that are of very good quality. People
usually want, at first, something showy and big, and in almost every garden
you will find such varieties as the ‘‘ Belle Angevine,” specimens of which will some-
times weigh as much as two pounds. By boiling a long time they may be made ser-
viceable as a cooking pear, but as a table fruit it is a worthless sort. Better
varieties are now being rapidly introduced, and the people there will, no
doubt, soon be supplied with the very best sorts obtainable. An active
fruit growers’ association has been recently organized there, and a _repre-
‘sentative of that association, Mr. Henry, is with us to-day. I visited Mr. Henry’s
place last September, and was astonished at what I saw. He had Cuthbert rasp-
berries which had made nine feet of growth in a season, and he told me that they
had been gathering fruit all season off those bushes, and there was fruit still on them.
I saw grape vines that had made fifteen and twenty feet of growth, while trees in.
nursery rows showed an annual growth of four to six feet. From this it may be
inferred that orchards could be got into bearing in very much less time than can be
done in the east, and that the progress of fruit-growing may reasonably be expected
to be very rapid. A large orchard has been started at the Experimental Farm in
British Columbia, where it is proposed to test all varieties of fruit which give pro-
mise of success, so that we may be prepared to give information with respect to the
growing of fruit and other products, so thas we may help the settlers to make the
most of their products, and cultivate their land with the greatest advantage and
profit to themselves and to the country. 1 have now given you a very brief outline
of some of the features of the work being undertaken at the Experimental Farms
bearing on the advancement of horticulture.

The convention then adjourned until 8 o'clock.

17

EVENING SESSION,

A joint meeting of the Dominion Dairy Association and the Dominion Fruit
Growers’ Association was held at the City Hall, Oltawa, on the evening of Wednesday,
19th February, Prof. Penhallow occupying the chair, The Council Chamber was well
filled with members of the associations and visitors,

Tue Cuairman.—The meeting which we hold this evening is to be regarded as
a joint convention of fruit growers and dairymen. We have amalgamated this
evening to discuss those questions of common interest to us, and those questions
relate to export especially, so far as concerns the handling of fruit and dairy pro-
ducts and shipment in cold storage in steamships, As this matter concerns the
transportation companies quite as much as it does ourselves, we have made special
arrangements for the representation here of the various companies concerned. I
have pleasure in stating that the Allan Line is represented by Mr. Watt, the Beaver
Line by Mr. Shaw, the various London lines by Mr. Gedd, and the Dominion Line is
to be represented by Mr. Torrance. The Canadian Pacific Railway is represented
by their local representative in Ottawa, and the Grand Trunk Railway has also a
representative here, but unfortunately I have not the name of this gentleman at
present. The Canadian Express Company is also represented by a letter which I
have from the President, stating such features of the transportation as concern his
coripany, and which will be read in proper course. The proceedings I think we
will open by the presentation of two papers which have been prepared specially for
this subject, and on the basis of these papers we hope that the representatives of the
various companies and those particularly interested in the question of exportation
will enter upon a free discussion. I would therefore call upon Mr, A. McD. Allan,
of Goderich, to read his paper about the transportation of fruits.

Mr, A. McD, Atuan.—Mr, President and gentlemen: I have no paper on the
transportation of fruit. There was some misapprehension regarding this subject, if
it was understood that I would read a paper or lead off with a discussion of this
subject. Idid not understand it in that way until this morning. Under the cir-
cumstances, I am taken at a disadvantage. However, I am willing to do what I can
towards introducing the subject in as fair and square a way as I possibly can, and I
have no doubt there are parties here quite competent to correct me in any mus-
statements I may possibly make. I look upon the question as one of the most
important questions affecting the fruit interests of this country, and looking at it in
that way I am willing to allow the agents or representatives of the transportation
companies who may be present to take the usual method adopted by some of them
of avoiding this question, and I will begin by admitting the points that they usually
advance in order to avoid the main points at issue—that is, lam willing that we
shall take a certain proportion of the blame on ourselves, Indeed, I am willing
possibly to go further than a good many will admit. I know I find parties not
willing to go as far as J am willing to go in this respect. I believe that there are
points connected with this subject that we ourselves as growers and as packers and
as shippers can remedy to a very large extent, so that 1 am unwilling to place the
entire blame upon the transportation companies by any means. There is blame
enough resting there, as we shall see probably before this discussion has ended, and
there are a good many points, if they are willing, they can remedy. In the first
place, the blame rests away back with the fruit grower himself. The first point of
blame is that the fruit grower does not grade the fruit properly to begin with. We
have already discussed those subjects. We have discussed them in every hall and
on every corner in every town and village in this country. We have tried our best
to drum the different points into the fruit growers and farmers of this country.
We have not only then to make a specialty of fruit culture, but we must grow fruits
as they should be grown for the markets, and it is only in this way that shippers
can get fruit of such a kind and quality as can be packed for the European and
other markets. So, I say, in the first place the growers themselves are to blame for
not growing the fruit properly, and the point I make there is simply this: with that

2

18

fruit that is not supplied with the necessary elements to produce fruit of proper
quality that fruit will not carry as well as it would otherwise. Then the ee oe aa
I consider that probably one of the greatest secrets of the whole apple trade, ee

apples are the chief commercial fruit of this country. Probably the greatest sect et
in the whole trade is the simple secret of knowing when to pick the apples. There
is a point the people have not considered sufficiently. There is a right time to pick
the apples and there is a wrong time. If you leave that fruit upon the trees until
you consider it is ripe then the ripening process isa decaying process, and it has
gone so far that that fruit will not carry to a distant market—no, or it even will
not carry toa very near market. It has lost a large proportion of its proper keep-
ing quality. Now, that is a point that is well worth studying. I have found this
frequently after picking up good windfalls that of course have fallen about the time
an apple begins to get its colour, about the time the apple has reached its maturity, so
far as growth is concerned. Taking these windfalls and packing them away care-
fully in the same cellar with picked apples, I find that the culls or windfalls
will keep longer than the others. Why? Because the windfalls are picked by nature
in the windstorm in proper time, and the others lefttoo long on the tree. What we want
is to have our fruit keep for the longest possible time and reach the furthest mar-
ket. Then the packers are to blame. There is a certain amount of blame there for
looseness in packing. The packer should be a scientific man; he should understand
each individual variety he is packing, because a variety slightly spongy will re-
quire a little more to tighten the barrel properly than a variety that is crisp. There
is a certain amount of give to it, and it will require a little more to fill that barrel
and have it tight. On the other hand, a great many packers put too much ina
barrel. There is no necessity for that at all. Thatis not good packing. Then, pass-
ing from that, I would give certain points I would fix in the matter, perhaps nct
strictly according to the text given me. However, they are points that come in in
introducing the subject, and should receive a great deal of care. We have heard a
great deal about the packages in which cheese and butter are sold; we saw a speci-
men on the table to-day of a package of cheap butter—good butter made cheap on
account of the package. We want the same thing in fruit; we want a good package,
a neat package and a clean package, because when we go to the distant market the
buyer is going to judge what is inside by the package. [fhe sees a good package
that has caused some trouble and expense to manufacture, a neat package and aclean
package, he naturally concludes that the owner of that could not afford to put up a
mean, contemptible article inside. He has something worth while there, and he is
very willing to buy on the chances; whereas, in the other case they would not buy;
if they did so it would be at low prices. It is necessary in shipping that we should
have cars perfectly clean. There is a point wherein we have found very great diffi-
culty. As well as having cars clean, those cars should be supplied to us with dis-
patch. When we have fruit to ship we want the cars there, and in some sections
where we have not competition we find a great deal of trouble in getting clean cars.
I have seen shippers ship in cattle cars, in open cars used for shipping cattle, and
they were bound to get the fruit off in some way, to save it from perishing. These
are points that are necessary to be looked after, and these are points we want the
railway companies to look after. We want the railway companies to look after these
points in proper season, and they should know the fruit districts and the quantity
which willrequire shipment. They can easy know in proper time about the ship-
ping quantity from the different sections, judging from what, they can tell the
amount of car room that will be required during the season. They can get
these particulars for the summer, fall, and winter fruits, and know pretty near the
approximate amount to be furnished, and they can judge the ears they want to
supply. Itis absolutely necessary to look to the supply, and have enough of the
cars on hand to carry that fruit away. Then we have found fault frequently with
the railway companies and other carrying companies for delay. A great deal of the
delays on the railway company’s hands is owing to the company’s employees shunt-
ing the cars off here and there, where there is a car or two to be got here and more at

19

anotherstation, There isa great deal of delay in that respect. Probably these cars are
lying at the station goodness knows how long—sometimes days—and the cars will not
reach the seaboard in time for shipment on the vessel. There is a great deal of
unnecessary delay, J think, in a great many if not the majority of cases. Of course, the
railway companies claim that they cannot, unless that they have a train-load, atford
to run directly to the seaboard, Perhaps that is true. I was proposing that they
should run fruit trains on certain days of the week from certain fruit points, for the
purpose of reaching the seaboard in proper times for transhipment on certain vessels.
The difficulty can be overcome in that way, and in discussing it amongst themselves
these suggestions can be urged. There might be a remedy to some extent there at
allevents. IJ think the railway company, when they look into that matter properly,
will be able to provide a remedy to some extent. If they cannot remedy the wrong
totally, if the growers and shippers meet them half way or part of the way, we will
be doing something. We want them to try and do something. That damage in
shunting is a damage we have discussed before. I have mentioned it several times,
and that damage continues, and it isa very much more serious damage than the rail-
way companies are willing toadmit. Thereis a damage there, and a serious damage,
even if the barrels are not battered together or if they are not smashed open, They
are, however, frequently broken open. That isa very common thing, and I have no
doubt the agents here present will have noticed this at the point of transfer. They
will have noticed that on opening the cars and transferring the goods to the vessel
that there is scarcely a car without some barrel smashed open. That is done by
shunting. Thereis damage to the fruit in the barrels, owing to rough shunting. We
know how roughly they jostle us about sometimes on the passenger cars, We have
suggested the remedy adopted in England of using buffers between the cars, and it
seems to remedy the difficulty there most thoroughly, and the railway companies have
complained of the expense of this remedy. I don’t know, but I should fancy it would
save them considerable in their own rolling stock, in the damage to their own rolling
stock, by the adoption of some scheme in that line, let alone the damage to the goods
in transhipment. ;

Then there is often delay and very often damage in the transfer from the rail-
way company to the stedmships. That is a point that has been discussed often, and
is a point that some have paid a good deal of attention to. I could mention some
steamship companies that have paid a good deal of attention to this matter and have
done considerable towards remedying this defect. Still there appears to be a good
deal of damage there, which I think, with proper care, might be remedied to a
considerable extent. Then a leading point would be this: The accommodation of
the steamship companies. I believe there is a point that a great deal can be done
with respect to. The fact of the matter is, that the fruit culture of this country is
practically at a standstill, Why? Simply because we are not able to take the crop
and land it in the markets of Great Britain by means of steamships in anything like
the condition that it is when picked or even when it reaches the seaboard. There
is great damage on the ship, there is no doubt about that. There is a damage by
heating. Now, it is necessary to stick as close to nature as possible, and in order
to get a little closer to nature than we used to be, some of us are going to try a new
form of barrel, called the ventilated barrel. Some of us who have looked into the
matter have great hopes of this barrel. We want proper ventilation for our fruit.
We want fresh. air in the compartments of the vessel. That has got to be provided,
and this fan system, as I have examined it in some of the vessels at Montreal, seems to
me to be a step in the right direction, and will remedy the defect to a great extent,
if not entirely. Probably if that system be carried out to perfection it will meet the
point perfectly. Itis an atmospheric blast that we want. We do not want ice
storage. We had a test of that at the time of the Indian and Colonial Exhibition.
It carried the fruit well across the ocean, but being an unnatural atmosphere, when
the fruit leaves the vessel it perishes more quickly than if it had been all the while
in a natural atmosphere, That can be seen by keeping fruit in an ice-house. You
will find that when you take it out it will decay much more quickly than it does

23

20

when kept in a more natural atmosphere. We want the steamship companies to
provide clean accommodation. There must be nothing there that will give an odour
to the fruit, and there is nothing that will take an odour quicker than fruit. The
moment the fruit takes the least odour, that moment it begins to decay. It will not
keep under such circumstances at all. If there be any disagreeable smell on board
aship the fruit will be very apt to take it up, and anyone with a sharp taste, will
quickly notice it it in high favoured varieties. I refer, particularly, to vessels carry-
ing cattle. In vessels of that description they have to be very particular indeed—in
fact, I almost question whether they will be able to separate the cattle and the fruit
departments so as to keep the fruit free from contamination. It is possible that
they can, and I hope they can. This matter of vessel accommodation is one that we
should press very strongly, and I believe that if our steamships plying between
Montreal and British ports would pay more attention to this—and we have brought
it before them several times—it would be an easy matter for us, as members of the
Fruit Growers’ Associations, to go to the people and advise them to go into fruit
culture on a much larger scale than now. Moreover, we would be able not only to
ship our winter fruit in much better condition than heretofore, but we would be
able to ship our fall fruit and summer fruit. We ought to be able to ship those
varieties. I tell you, there is more money in summer and fall apples in Great
Britain than in the best winter apples, if we can land those apples there in
anything like fair order. The people of Great Britain want fruit at that
particular season, and they are willing to pay for it at that time. We have fine var-
ieties of summer and fall fruit that we can ship now—varieties that would take the
eye of the Britisher at once. But we must have the accommodation in order to do
that. I believe we can get that in the way I have mentioned, and also by means of
ventilated cars, They have cars enough of that description, and they would supply
us with these if the steamships plyirg across the Atlantic would give us thorough
accomodation in carrying the fruit. This is a matter lying with the steamship com-
panies. If they want to extend the fruit trade of this Dominion, that is one of the
most important points to take into consideration for the accomplishment of that
end. If they do that it will enable us to go to the fruit growers all over the Domin-
ion and advocate an increase of cultivation. There is no trouble in getting that if
we have these arrangements satisfactorily made with respect to ventilation. I
might say that the line I examined was the Beaver Line, at Montreal. I went over
one of their vessels and examined their system of ventilation, as well as their system
of cold air by the fansystem. I must say right here that I believe in giving honour
to whom honour is due, and when we are dealing with these public corporations I do
not want to put one against the other, but I wish to give honour where it is due. In
my experience, the Beaver Line has done more for fruit growers than any line ply-
ing across the Atlantic, simply because they have put that accommodation on their
vessels. Since they have done that I have not heard a single complaint nor a bill
of damages presented for a single cargo carried yet. We cannot say that of the
other lines. Against the Allan Line and others, too, bills upon bills for damages have
been presented. Cargoes that have been watched to their vessels and watched
while being taken on were found on arrival to be damaged, and badly damaged.

Mr. Torrance.—I would like you to establish that.

Mr, ALLAN.—You can have the floor when I am through. Since the cold blast
was put in the Beaver Line steamers we have not received notice of one single claim
for damages. . If the representative of that line is here he can say if they have
received any such notice; but we have not. We have heard of innumerable cases
with the other lines. Then there is another difficulty when we come to the bills of
lading. The difficulties with respect to the bills of lading have no end to them.
The bills of lading of the present time were evidently invented about Adam's time
or thereabouts. Ido not know of a more one-sided contract than the bill of lading
than we are compelled to use. Itis not a fair contract. The carrying company is
not willing to undertake anything, and when there is a bill of damages they always
meet you with this bill of lading. They are protected at once, while the poor

21

shipper or fruit grower, whoever he may be, who is prosecuting this business, has no
remedy. I instanced in my last annual address to the Fruit Growers’ Association
of Ontario an actual case that occurred with the Allan Line. I took that one case as
a substantial case. Two hundred barrels of apples were bought by a firm in Covent
Garden, London. In the first place, they were about a month in transit, and the
damage upon those 200 barrels was something like £106. I know what condition
they were in, 1 saw them and examined them for the party who was selling, and
also examined them on behalf of the parties who were buying them. I say that
those apples were in the proper condition to be shipped: I saw as to the packing,
and I know they should have landed in perfect order; but the result was the report
we got back. I published that, and it will appear in my annual address with the
names of the parties concerned, The report was that there was a large quantity
of cattle manure immediately above—I presume, on the deck above—the apples.
The report said over the apples, and I take that to mean on the deck above. A
complaint was made to the steamship line, but they could not see where they were
liable. The apples were all safe. When they were taken out, however, they were
at a boiling heat. They were in cider, and hot cider at that. Still, there was
nothing wrong there. No negligence—everything was done all right. In that case,
however, I blamed the Grand Trunk more than I blamed the Allan Line. The
Allan Jine were to blame for allowing the apples to go upon the steamer in such a
state, as they were evidently not in a condition to be shipped.

The bill of lading should give us the guaranteed count. I see no reason on
earth why it should not; yet we are refused that all the time. IfI ship ten barrels
to a friend in any town in England I get a bill of lading for ten barrels. If there
is any reason why I should not get a bili for 10,000 barrels if I ship them,
they should give us a guaranteed count. We find a loss there, because we do not
get that count, We invariably find a shortage. I do not wish to suggest where
that shortage comes in; but we say this much, that we do, through an arrangement
with the agents once in a while get the count. We have succeeded in getting the
count, and never knew a shortage under the circumstances. I presume there was
no shortage. In fact, the report we got from the vessel was, that there was no short-
age. I have not known a case yet where they had a count where they did not get
the proper number of barrels of apples; yet, on the other hand, where there is no
count but the shipper’s count marked on the bill of lading there is a shortage almost
every time. It scarcely ever happens that we find the correct thing. They naturally
say our account is astray then. I see no reason on earth why the railway or steam-
ship companies should not give us acount. It is very little trouble, and it would
encourage us to go on in the shipment of fruit, and encourage us to go on in the
growth of fruits. We have, on the whole, lost in this very matter. It is quite a
heavy loss.

Another point that works against us is this: I believe the railway companies
and the steamship companies here have considerable difficulty in getting the rail-
way companies in Britain to give the rates corresponding with the through rates
that we get here. In other words, as “I understand it, the railway companies
in Britain charge local rates, and we can get no advantage, therefore, in going
to the inland market anywhere. Frequently where we want to ship to Manchester
or Birmingham or a market of that description, where it has to go from the sea-
board by rail, the companies here almost always, so far as I know, repeat to us that
the rate will be so-and-so, and it is local freight from the water delivered to the

oint where we want to ship. That is one point, but how best to call for a remedy
there I don’t know. I believe our companies here could do a good deal towards
remedying that by working with the companies there. Probably they could do a
great deal more than we could, because we cannot get hold of them on the other
side of the Atlantic. That is one point. Then the bills of lading seem to be all on
the side of the company. I have one here—one used by the Grand Trunk,
They are not liable for delays in the carriage of perishable goods; neither are they
liable for shortage. Take, for instance, a case: If you ship a car-load of apples and

they are shunted off at a station, a hundred and fifty miles away, it is a simple
matter to open these cars. They are simply sealed with a little lead button and 7
is an easy thing for anyone to help himself to a barrel or two barrels of apples, an:

there will be a shortage then. It is found repeatedly that this is actually bee
We have counted carefully at the shipping point and found a shortage at Montrea :
What other way can we account for it? The parties say they are perfectly cer Vaid
of their count, that itis correct, and it comes back that there isa shortage at Monti eal,
The goods must have been taken out in the meantime, somewhere during the
shunting. I cannot see that it is fair that they should ‘not be liable for the delays
to some extent. It would not be fair that a railway company should be liable for
delays in every case, because there are some delays that cannot be avoided, but
there are some delayssurely that they should be liable for—unnecessary delays.
There are unnecessary delays; we know that. Another drawback is heat. A
steamship company is not liable for heating the apples. If they packed them right
around the boiler, they would be in fine condition when they got to the other side,
yet, I presume they would tell us they are not liable for anything. They are not
liable for shortage. We have heard a good deal of stealing going on up the Thames,
and a great many complaints have come to us. We find that shortages are
increasing in the Atlantic trade. We have wondered how that could occur. I do
not know, but I do know that shortages have occurred and damages have occurred.
Well now, I think I will leave it at that, in the meantime, except this point, that I
think probably it is possible to lower the rates, I would like the representatives of
the’ companies present to consider that matter. Are the present through
rates on apples as low as the rates upon other corresponding goods—for instance,
on flour? I understand the rates are very much lower on flour. I under-
stood that, but Ido not know how itis, and I would like some of the gentlemen present
to answer that question. Are the rates not lower upon flour than upon apples? If
this is so, I think that is wrong, because I think apples are a much closer freight to
handle than flour. I should say apples should be much lower. The gentlemen
present will be able to tell us whether they are at present. I have been told that
this was so, Taking even these points I have mentioned from simple jottings I have
made, I think the representatives of the railway and steamship companies should
look at this matter fairly and squarely, and meet us like men, and do something
towards remedying some of these difficulties. Let them do what they can. We are
willing to wait. We are willing to put up and be satisfied with some improvement
if we can see some improvement going on. We do want to see some improvement.
We cannot go to-morrow and ask people to extend their orchard area, We cannot
advise them to do such things unless we get the accommodation necessary to place
that fruit in competition with other countries in Great Britain, We must come into
competition with other countries. We have the fruit here. We know that there is no
country in the world can grow a commercial apple, a winter apple of as high a flavour
as we can in this Canada of ours, The finest apples in the world are Canadian apples.
We challenge the world to meet us in any market for apples. We have the flavour,
and some seem to have struck the happy medium in apple culture. We want the
carrying companies to assist us in building up this trade to which there is practically
no limit. After the British market is supplied I can understand that there are other
markets we can go to. We are willing to meet with the fruits of other countries in
all these markets and compete for a place, and I believe we can compete successfully
if we can get the arrangements to suit us for fruit in transportation. (Applause).

Mr. P, C. Dempsey.—Mr, Chairman and gentlemen,—The selecting and packing
of fruit for the market is something like the old fashioned recipe for cooking the
bear— catch him first;” so we want to consider what we are to do to get the fruit
first. If we cannot get good fruit it is nonsense for us to talk of selecting and packing
properly for the foreign market, because our foreign markets don’t want our fruits
unless they are good. Attention should always be given to the thinning of our fruits.
The fruits are easily thinned now, and in dealing with it we can accomplish two or three
different points. One is, that when we thin out the branches and remove a large propor-

tion of the fruit buds and a large proportion at the same time of wood buds we are accom-
plishing two objects. Another is, that we prevent our trees from exhausting themselves
in blossoming. We hear so many people say when we are looking over the country in
the spring of the year: “We are not likely to have a good crop of fruit this year.
We have an abundance of bloom, but the bloom is pale.” Why is it pale? The
tree is actually exhausting itself in blossoms, and the result is there is no vitality in
them or in the tree to induce the flower to properly seed. This accounts for the
failure and people can see it in the paleness of the blossoms. The petal of the
blossom does not properly develop. Again, the colouring of our fruit comes through
the foliage. The flavour, or that saccharine matter which gives to our fruit its good
flavor, comes from the foliage, and by thinning the wood buds, we lessen the quantity
of foliage and by this mcans increase the size, the strength and the health of the
foliage. So this 1s the season of the year to thin out our fruit. We have more time
to do it now and it is easier done. I could not see how I could get at my subject
without laying the foundation first. Now, when we get the first quality of fruit we
can calculate that we are quite safe and can depend on fancy prices. I will just
quote a few of the fancy prices that have been obtained this year for certain
varieties of apples in Covent Garden, London. Qualities of Newton Pippins on the
same day varied from thirty shillings to eighty per barrel. Why should there be
such a difference? The one lot evidently was properly selected, properly packed,
and arrived in good order. I have seen barrels of apples opened there, and you
would see one barrel from which they had neglected to pick out the blemished
apples—those not fit for that market. These blemished apples ought tot to be
sent there at all. Perhaps every apple in the other barrel is perfect. It does
not matter so much about the size of the class so much; consequently we
should carefully pick over our apples if we are going to ship them to England
and put in nothing but first-class specimens, uniform in size throughout the barrel
and as uniform in colour as possible. Under no circumstances should we allow our-
selves to be influenced to have poorer apples in the centre of the barrel than the
barrel is faced with. So much for selecting our apples. Now, if we go there we will
see how careful they are—that is, the growers—even in selecting their potatoes
for market. ‘he potatoes are never sent to market in England without being rid-
dled. They send none but perfect specimens; nothing but comes up to a certain
style. All the smaller ones are out. By this means the purchaser has confidence
in the potatoes without examining them—confident that they are all going to be like
the sample. We want to have our apples all like the sample that appears on open-
ing the barrel. If they open one barrel, let that be used for an index of our ship-
ment. Now, in preparing the barrels for packing where we are packing in barrels,
for foreign shipments, we want to cut the stems off. We must not pull it out. |
have in my hand an apple from which the stem has been pulled, and the result is that
the apple has begun to decay where the stem was removed. That is invariably the
result. Ina short timeit will spoil. They will lay it to the bruise that always takes
place at the end of the barrel, that is caused from pressing the head on. An apple
scarcely ever takes injury from the pressing it gets. The injury is caused from
pulling out the stem. Now, by taking a pair ofscissors and cutting off the stem, we
prevent the stem from pressing on the apple or cutting the skin, and we also pre-
vent it from rotting by the pulling of it out. Then they should be carefully
placed in closing the barrel. Allow me here to say, that it pays to line the
end of the barrel with paper; and white paper is better than any other. It
does not cost much. If we line the end of the barrel with paper, simply
getting this light building paper and cutting it out to the proper size of the
head of the barrel, and place it in first, they will open up very much pret-
tier and the bruises will not show as much as if you had not used the paper at
all. When we get this done, we try for foreign shipment to set our barrel ona large
flat stone or plank, so that we can shake it every time we put in a peck or halfa
bushel of apples in the barrel. It does not get the same jar if it be not on something
hard, We continue this shaking until we get the barrel full, and by thoroughly

24

shaking them we do not have to raise the applies so high nor to press them 80
heavily, and consequently not to bruise them in putting on the head. Where these
points are observed we find no difficulty with respect to slacking. [ did have one
shipment that was twenty days on the Atlantic, and they were all slack when they
arrived, I fancy that accounts for a great deal of slack packing, and what will
apply to forfeign markets will apply to our own as well. At our home markets we
can afford to take less for second quality apples. I should not ship any seconds
across the Atlantic, but I would ship nothing but firsts. There is a market for
second quality here, which does not amount to so much, and they can be sold cheaper.
I have noticed in our markets that there is very little difference in what we realized
for first and second quality. We generally mark our apples in three qualities: X,
XX, XXX. The XXX is generally only fit for the foreign market. The XX we
ship to our markets in Canada, and we find very little difference between the receipts
from them and from the better quality. But the X, of course, has gone down so
that the difference is noticed. Here is a point we want to notice very particularly
in packing fruits. A certain quantity of apples went from one part of the country to
Montreal this year. They were all seconds or thirds, but were marked firsts. Now
this should never be done, from the fact that it has a tendency to lead dealers to
suspect that all fruit growers are rogues. They are not all that. There are honest
men among fruit growers as well as among other classes of people; but that man
who would mark a second quality barrel of apples as first should not be countenanced
by this association or anybody else. (Applauce); because he demoralizes the trade
and his conduct has a tendency to arouse suspicion against other fruit growers who
wish to be honest. Now as to theform of package. J noticed in London the French
people were shipping pears in boxes—a certain number to each box. The boxes
were made to hold a certain number in proportion to the size of the fruit; but only
one tier of pears was put in each box. The boxes contained 4, 6, 8 or 12 pears.
Twelve was the most I saw in one case. You may have noticed from quotations in
the London markets this year that a great many cases of pears were sold from 3s.
6d.—that is the lowest I heard of in selling at—to 16s. per case. Now I saw in one
instance between Christmas and New Years, where a case containing four Glout
Morceau pears sold for 1és. There is 4s. apiece for pears. Will it pay us to grow
them carefully and pack them carefully in any style of package we see fit to use and
ship at that price? It will pay at 3s. 6d a case well. The way this is done is to
have a shallow case made, which they get up very neat and nice. They line them
with cotton batting and place the pears in, and put a little tier of batting between
each specimen, so there is no chance for the pears to move while in this little case.
Then there is a layer of batting put over them again and tissue paper cut ornament-
ally put about the border. There is a little lid with wire hinges and a hvok to hold
it down. This little box is easily opened and easily closed; it looks very neat, and
the pears are very attractive when it is opened up. These cases are packed in larger
crates, so that they are quite easily shipped—just as easily as barrels of fruits, I
fancy it would pay us to send our finestapples that way. It would pay us to grow the
very finest. You may have noticed that somewhere between the 12th and 15th Janu-
ary the last English apples were sold there. Take Cox’s Orange Pippin. It is a small
apple; yet these apples sell for 4 pence each. That amounts to $25 per bushel. Only
calculate for a moment if it will pay to grow apples at just a quarter of that
price. We can grow in our orchards here just as fine Cox’s Orange Pippins with
ordinary cultivation as they can in England and Wales. I know this to be a fact,
because I have shown Cox’s Orange Pippins grown in my orchard against the same
variety grown on the wall in Engiand. I could not see any difference, and they
acknowledged they could find no difference in the flavour. Those which wero grown
in the open orchard there were very inferior to ours both in flavour, form and colour.
Now, what applies to Cox’s Orange Pippin applies to any other variety. A question
arises right here, which we had better settle at once, because it is important. Why
is it there are not more of Cox’s Orange Pippin and fine varieties grown in this
country than there are? Do not misunderstand that question, Why is it thereare

no more? I will tellyou. It takes a nurseryman four years to raise one of these
trees four feet high. It is a little growing thing then. It is quite hardy, but it
grows so slow that farmers will not have them. If an agent came to deliver Cox’s
Orange Pippin, such as the best nurserymen grow, the farmer would kick him off
his premises. Thus the farmers are destroying their own trade by wanting an extra
fine looking tree. They simply compel nurserymen to grow worthless varieties
because they make the finest tree. We want to do away with this idea.

A Mrmprer—W hat is the season for Cox’s Orange Pippin?

Mr. Dempsry.—December and January. It may be kept easily through Jan-
uary with care. It is avery fine apple in November. From all the accounts that I
have been able to gather, the fruits grown in the interior of Russia are dwarf-grow-
ing. They grow low. I have a tree in my garden that is very hardy, It origin-
ated in the north of Scotland and has been producing a good crop of apples every
year for the last 12 or 15 years; yet itis no bigger than a currant bush now. It
makes a healthy growth every year. It is a very hardy variety, and would grow in
Ottawa or anywhere in Canada. The snow protects it. Nearly the whole tree is
under the snow. The apple is also very fine; but we do not want to grow such
little trees. We can grow something that becomes larger and more profitable—not
more productive on the whole, because you could grow these trees four feet apart,
and I believe an acre of them would be remunerative. Now, I have it in my mind
that nothing woull pay us better than to adopt the principle of packing our fruits
in these little boxes ready for the retailer to sell in this market or the Montreal
market, or in any other marketin the world. Iam satisfied we cannot getsuch prices
here for fancy pears and apples as in Covent Garden Market, London; but we can
certainly get better prices by shipping them in that shape. The cost would not
exceed ten cents for a box that would hold a dozen Bartlett pears or a dozen Flemish
Beauty pears, Supposing that box would sell in our market at 30 or 40 cents,
would it pay us very much more than the prices we receive by the barrel, even
by leaving out all our culled fruit to feed to the pigs, such as we sometimes ship
in barrels? I fancy that these little boxes can be gotten up for perhaps four cents
apiece, because they can be made ofa thin stuff, such a8 we make baskets of, and
cheaper than the crate basket holding the same quantity. Now, for shipping in
baskets I find invariably that the basket that is a little slanting keeps the fruit
better and stands shipping better than one that is perpendicular. It should be alittle
slanting to the bottom and arranged some way that that part is always kept down.
The fruit is wedged in that way, and if that one side can be kept down, the
apples can never roll and chafe about. You can understand the advantage of hav-
ing a package a little slanting where there is more than one thickness or one tier deep.
Now something has been hinted about perforated barrels. I don’t want to oppose
any enterprise of that kind, It may be proved to be of very great advantage to us
to use the perforated barrel or the open package, but that is not in accordance with
my experience. I find that if our fruitis packed a little warmer than the temperature
is likely to be when it leaves our hands in a close package it invariably carries better
and is safer than where it is in open packages and the fruit cooler than when we
pack it. When the fruit is cooler than the surrounding atmosphere, you will almost
invariably find condensing moisture from the surrounding atmosphere, and the pack-
age becomes wet, and the result is decayed fruit. Almost invariably, I fancy, ifour
fruits could be packed in the same temperature that they would have when they are
put in the hold of the ship they would carry perfectly safe, but as a general thing
they go to the hold of the ship cool and they are put in this warm place. They
condense a large amount of moisture, and in a short time you will,find water running
out of the package on board the ship. I have seen this thing, and [ know what the
effect is exactly. My friend, Mr. Allan, was speaking to you about delays in ship-
ping. Just here I want to give you an idea. The steamship companies are not all
to blame, and a practical illustration is better than any other way for you to under-
stand how these things work. A certain gentleman whom I know started out with
a carload of apples last fall to come to Ottawa with them. He had a stove in the

26

oo eS

car, and when he got to Brockville he was shunted off. He was out of wood and
could not get any wood. The fellow evidently had not ever been very far from
home, or something else. He was the owner of the carload of apples. They let
him there until his whole carload of apples became frozen, and he had the pleasure
of looking at it. He did not know how to get the wood. He did not know how to
keep the fire up, although it was easy for him to smash the head out of a barrel and
treat the men. Another man started out with a carload of apples, and I said to him.
when he was starting out: “What are you going todo?” He replied: “lam filling
up these two baskets just fcr the men’s account. I am not going to be stopped along
the road at all.” Sure enough, he had a few baskets of apples with him. When he
got to Brockville he was shunted off. Some cars were going to Montreal and his
car was going to Coteau around to Ottawa. When he was shunted off he said:
“Gentlemen, you ain’t going to leave me here; are you coming in to eat some apples
with me?” They had a jolly time there eating apples, and his car was hitched on and
he came on, while the other fellow was left there. He got out of wood, when he got
on his coat and said: ‘Here men, come in and have some apples.” In a few
minutes he said: “Iam out of wood,” and in a few moments more he had plenty
of wood thrown in. If you send a car of fruit it is shunted off at Brockville, on its
way to Montreal, and it stands there four or five days for these fellows waiting to be.
tipped. That is the result of my experience. There is no doubt that barrels have
suffered considerably after they get on board the ship, though I must confess that
all I have ever shipped went in perfect order, with the exception of some that were
twenty days on the Atlantic. They were all black and bad.

The Prusipent.—We have now listened to these two papers on the transporta-
tion, selection and packing of fruits. The gentlemen have each noted in their own
way important points for consideration. The most important points that we have
to take up, I think, in connection with them, are those which concern the railroad
and steamship companies, and so we have representatives of these companies here
who are prepared, no doubt, to give us their views on the matter. I hope that we
may arrive at some satisfactory result. In discussing those papers I will ask you
to hear in mind that it is our object this evening to arrive at some mutual under-
standing by which the difficulties presented to you may be overcome, and that the
transport of fruit may be facilitated, and that the large foreign market which is
now open to us, but of which we cannot avail ourselves at present, may be rendered
valuable. I will, therefore, ask you to consider the points raised in these papers,
and I trust those representatives of the transportation companies who are here will
favour us with their views on the matter.

Mr, Wartt.—Mr. Chairman and gentlemen—I have never had occasion to attend
so large a convention as this, but I have been at conventions of the kind, in which
the steamship people were made butts more or less; but there is one thing—nothing
like show. A short time ago I was amongst some flour gentlemen, and there was
nothing wanted but flour. The cattle men in Montreal just now are having con-
siderable discussion. In fact, there is nothing to transport across the Atlantic but
cattle and cheese. Mr, Allan objects to sending fruit with cattle. I have heard
men object to sending their flour with fruit, cheese or other commodities. Hach
gentleman thinks his commodities are all that we have or should have. The ship
is the final deliverer, so to speak. She has to stand the trouble of all previous
carriers who have carried the commodities to port by rail. The goods are carried
partly by rail and partly by steamship, and the steamship happens to be the last
one, and she generally gets the kicks. That is her experience on that sco:e. There
is nothing which we carry as carriers which is more perishable than fruit. There
is nothing more likely to suffer in course of transit. The difficulty we have is its
short-lived character. The steamship people have, as a matter of course, to estab-
lish the steamship service. We begin at the beginning of the season and carry on
business weekly or fortnightly the year through. You gentlemen are not ready to
give us anything in May, June, July or August. You have nothing to vive us in
September; but in October and November you expect the whole steamship service

wo
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at Montreal to be placed in the service of fruit. This is a very difficult thing to do
—a very difficult thing, from the steamship point of view. Last year, 1889, I think
we shipped only 140,000 or 150,000 barrels of fruit out of Montreal, while the pre-
vious year we shipped 260,000 barre.s.

Mr, Atian.—The rest went by New York.

Mr. Warr.—Not at all. It was not in the country to ship; you had not the
fruit to ship this season—that is perfectly well known. The New York shipments
are precisely to the same effect. I only give these facts to show’ that the steamship.
people have to take a wider view than the fruit people, the cheese people or the
flour people. They have to formulate their rates to all classes of traffic, and they
have to assimilate their space to all classes of traffic, and do their best with this
multiplicity of business that comes to accommodate the freight. In the autumn it
is especially difficult. The freight, so far as material is concerned, is confined to two
months, during the time during which the harvest crop moves, and the dealers in
every special expect just the same service as the freight which has been giving the
service during the whole season; so we have to cut down our best customers, in a
certain sense and disappoint and shove them out in order to make a service for that
two months’ business. We want to encourage all the business we can in the St.
Lawrence of this varied character, because if one class of business fails another will
keep up. We want to assimilate the fruit, just as cheese, flour or other products of
the country. Ido not think I need answer the complaints made by Mr, allan, as
they are matters of detail that can be discussed by the parties. I believe it is true
that the railway companies prefer giving bills of lading at shippers’ risk; but we
receive fruit on the steamships just the same as other things. We count the pack-
agés and give receipts by the package. So far as the steamship companies are
concerned, I think I may say we will do our best to serve the interest of fruit
growers.

Mr. Bucke.—What is the difference between the freight on a barrel of flour and
a barrel of apples ?—A. I do not think we have carried flour in barrels for five or
six years: but the prices in October would be about the same. You might suppose
that the apples would be cheaper, but they occupy the same space, I think we
would carry it no cheaper. Ido not think we would ask any less, unless there were
a great many barrels of apples and no flour. Broadly speaking, I should say the
freight was the same.

Mr. Torrance.—Mr,. Allan—I believe that is his name, although I have nut
the pleasure of his acquaintance—has made some statements which I call in
question. He says he visited Montreal, I suppose in the interests of the Fruit
Growers’ Association, and had gone on board a steamer of one of the lines, That
was all right. He did not callon me. I had not the pleasure of a visit from him.
As the representative of the Dominion Line, I should have been only too glad to
have gone on board one of our ships and shown him the accommodation; but he
evidently did not think it worth his while. I leave it for this meeting to say if his
business was in the general interest, and if he did the right thing in thus acting. He
made some strong statements about the shipment of fruit. Did he ever ship a barrel
of apples? The bills for a great many thousand barrels of apples have passed
through my hands, and I have never seen his name. Does he ship any?

Mr. McD, Ati.an—I think the fruit growers of Ontario will answer that.

Mr. WooLterton—He is one of our largest shippers.

Mr. Torrance—That is news to me. He made a statement about the damage
from boilers. Was he ever ov board a vessel, and has he ever seen where the
boilers are? I think if he had taken the pains to look into that question he would
have seen that the chance of damage from that is very slight indeed. Then he made
another statement about the place where cattle are kept, and the chance of damage
there was from smell. Well, I simply want to say, as far as regards the Dominion
Line, we never make a practice of putting apples where we put cattle. Then about
the handling of apples in Montreal, he gave the impression that they were handled
better by one company than another. I would simply state the handling is the

28

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same by them all. The fruit is delivered by the railway to the steamship companies
in the usual way, and each company handles apples alike. Then he made another
statement of the very great number of claims. Now, I may say, as far as I am con-
cerned that the claims we get are very small indeed, I do not think this yeara
claim has come for ten barrels, as regards quantities. Then there is another state-
ment I would like to make. The receivers of apples on the other side have
frequently made the statement to the Dominion Line that no steamers arriving
in Liverpool deliver their fruit in better condition, The fact is, that this winter
from Portland, thousands of barrels per week were going forward by this line in
preference to any other. Mr. Watt has made a statement that the steamship com-
panies were only too anxious to do everthing in their power to facilitate business,
and make it as pleasant as possible for shippers. I can only say the same thing.

Mr. McD. Atian.—I am called upon to reply to these remarks. The first remark
was that he wished to know the reason I did notvisit the Dominion Line. I was not
invited, I was invited to visit the other lines. He says I made a statement that
apples were placed where the cattle were. I made no such statement. I do not
profess to know exactly the names of the various compartments of the vessel; but I
never presumed that apples were put in precisely the same compartment with cattle.

Mr. Torrance.—I did not mean that. ;

Mr, AuLan.—They are placed in the same vessel, and what we are afraid of, and
according to our reports, is that the apples are damaged in flavour. We get these
reports from the other side. We get them, we think, from reliable sources, and a
simple denial is not sufficient. We get these reports and we infer that there must
be some way ot the stench from these cattle reaching the fruit. I do not know
whether the compartment is close enough or not. There must be some way of clos-
ing it, so that this stench will not reach the fruit. Ifthere is any crevice and the
smell reaches the fruit, 1 can assure you that it will damage it. I merely throw
that out, There is no insult offered, and I think it was unmanly to get up and make
the statements we have just heard, to try and creep out of this matter in the way
endeavoured. We put the thing fair and square, in the hope that these gentlemen who
are here representing the steamship companies will see that no crevices are left open
by which the stench from the cattle could possibly reach and damage the fruit. It
is of no consequence whether I know where the boilers are or not. We have the
reports that the fruit is heated on arrival, and that the heat has come from the boil-
ers. Whether the fruit has been packed exactly up to the boilers or not 1 do not
know; but I presume it must have been sufficiently near to do a certain amount of
damage. The fruit has certainly been damaged by heating. It is possible it may be
in some other part of the vessel. where it is surrounded by other things, but at all
events we know it has been heated, If some system of introducing the atmospheric
blast, that has been spoken of, were adopted in that part of the vessel, it might remedy
that. Ifit is cheap, it is a good thing in any case. It would satisfy the fruit grow-
ers and shippers. It would bea boon tous. It would help to carry the fruit in
proper shape. There was another point that occurred to me, while one of the gentle-
man was speaking, that there must be considerable damage to the apples from piling
them tier on tier inthe hold. We have heard that complaint frequently. I intended
to suggest that the steamship owners should look into that, and see if there is not
some simple remedy ; by relieving the pressure by means of cross bars—something
that would bear up the pressure from the barrels beneath. We have had reports
that the apples in the lower tiers could only be sold as “ wets.”

__ Mr. Torrancz.—As fur as regards the placing of cattle, they are placed on a
different deck from the apples. It is water tight and must be tight, and it is utterly
impossible for the effluvia to get down.

Mr. AtLan.—There is no doubt but that the damage is there.

The Presipent.—The object is to present these facts to the shippers, in order
that we may have an impartial discussion, so as to endeavour to arrive at some means
of meeting the difficulty. I trust that no statement will be made to reflect on any
one,

29

Mr. THoms,—When you were good enough to invite the representative of the
Beaver Line to be present we felt it was a good opportunity to meet the fruit
growers of the Dominion, and I am here to-night. Mr. Watts seems to have covered
the steamship ground pretty thoroughly, and before going into anything further in
that direction I desire to thank Mr. Allan for the kindly way he spoke of the Beaver
Line. I have no bones to pick with him; anyway, not just now. It had been
mentioned before that the handling of fruit at Montreal did not compare favourably
with New York. Now, I have had considerable experience in New York as a
steamship man, and I have no hesitation in saying that I consider the handling of
fruit in Montreal is equal if not better than at any other port along the Atlantic
coast. I think every care is given to it. I am satisfied that steamship men are
only too glad to bring all the fruit by way of Montreal and not allow it to go to New
York. They take special care in the handling. I think my friend Mr. Allan felt, a
couple of years ago, that there was no place like New York, and he ventilated his
ideas pretty freely. It was then I first took up the subject and introduced fans into
our boats. As regards claims, we have not had a single claim for apples. The
question was asked and that is the answer. Mr, Watt stated that apples were
received and a receipt given on the actual count of the packages. The railway
companies put in “ shipper’s count,” but we pay no attention to that when once the
reach us. You say that ventilated cars will be provided, and I am satisfied that the
steamship companies from Montreal can carry the fruit forward in as good condition
as it can possibly be taken across the Atlantic. It has been suggested to me that I
‘should mention that the St. Lawrence route would compare favorably from the fact
that we have several days after the steamer leaves Montreal before you are at sea,
whereas you are at sea in an hour or two after leaving New York and Boston.
With reference to apples, the rate being higher than on other cargoes, I think the
rate on apples, considering that they take the same space, is just as low and
just as cheap other cargoes. There is one point I would like to call the attention
of shippers to. They do not realize the necessity of advising the steamship agent
when shipments are made. A man will ship five cars, and the first intimation that
the steamship company has is that there are so many barrels of apples for us at the
Canadian Pacific or the Grand Trunk yards. They cannot expect that the fruit can
be attended to in a hurry unless they give us some advice. If the steamship com-
panies had advice by wire or by postal card that they had shipped the goods it
enables the steamship companies to trace these cars, and the railway companies are
only too anxious to assist us in getting these cars forward. In many cases they
have gone to a great deal of trouble to get them forward in time for our steamers.
I have no doubt the railway companies will do all they can to get these cars forward.
We have every desire to get them away, to keep up our reputation on the St.
Lawrence as against any other port. Regarding the statement of Mr. Allan about
the tiering of apples, I might say that apples are in no case stowed in the lower
hold of the steamer. The decks are 6 ft. 6 in., 7 ft. 2in., and I think the Lake
Ontario is 8 ft.2 in. That is exceptionally high. It is not possible to get over four
tiers in, and I don’t think four tiers too much. They are never stowed in the lower
holds. You cannot possibly get more than four on the decks, I don’t know that I
have anything more to say, but to thank the fruit growers for having suggested to
the steamship people better modes of carrying forward their fruit. I am sure we
will only be too glad to carry out their suggestions as far as we can. I thank you
for the opportunity of being present.

Mr. Attan.—I may mention one point. When the agitation was got up some
years ago for shipping by New York, I believe there was quite a large amount
going by New York. The New York railways were exceedingly good to us, and
forwarded everything with a view to drawing traffic. Since then we have noticed
that the handling at Montreal has greatly improved. That fact shows just what
agitation has done. We have done it by agitation. We want this agitation to bring
us some gain.

Mr, McMituan.—There is another thing which ought to receive attention here.
I find in the western part of Ontario, in a locality that has no railway competition,

30

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that we do not get the same favourable rates as those localities which have com-
petition receive. I ship a considerable quantity to the seaboard. After I ship my
freight I get back from the men who receive it the way-bills. People to the north
and south of me where they have competition, pay 95 cents per barrel, while we pay
$1.05. That is 10 cents a barrel difference on a lot shipment of barrels, Whenever
I ship apples to Montreal I advised the steamship companies and my apples were
transported more rapidly than if I had not done so, I ship all my apples by the
Donaldson line, and I made an arrangement that the apples were to be shipped in
the front or the rear of the vessel. 1 am perfectly aware that the apples packed in
the centre of the vessel, unless on the upper deck, will spoil. I have crossed with
fruit and with cattle, and I am satisfied that unless apples are away from the boiler
you cannot adopt any means to have them perfectly safe. All the apples I shipped
arrived in perfect order, and if all those who ship apples will adopt the system of
notifying the steamship companies their apples will be forwarded without being
kept by the railways. I think the localities which have no competition should have
the same means of getting as cheap rates as those which have competition.

Mr. Gepp, representing"the Donaldson, Temperley & Thomson Lines, said: This
is the first time that I have had the pleasure of addressing a meeting of this kind. I
was much pleased at hearing the last speaker mention one of the lines I represent in
such a favourable way. As regards the rates which he spoke about, I may say that
ocean rates from Montreal during the whole of the fall of the year are fixed weekly
by the agents of the several lines meeting together, and this rate, in the case of apples,
was made early last September, I think it was at a minimum rate of 35 cents. This
was maintained during the whole season, notwithstanding that the rates on other
cargoes pointed to an increase. We recognized the fact, amongst the whole of us, that
to try and increase the shipment of apples to the old country it was necessary that
we sbould have a regular rate, I can assure the gentlemen present that the rate
from Montreal to the other side is the same for all shippers. There is no discrimina-
tion between any of the lines, as far as I know. There isa point or two that has been
brought up by the discussion this evening, andI may mention the packing. Last fall
we had a number of barrels of apples come to Montreal, and they were mostly chime
hoops, and it is not possible for either the railways or the steamship companies to do
justice to the shippers in these. ‘They should see that the barrels are properly
headed and the heads sufficiently strong that they won’t break, because I have known
a number where it was impossible to handle such barrels without knocking out the
heads. The handling in Montreal is the same by all lines. We all take equaily great
care to see them properly handled while in our custody and to see that they are
properly handled by our separate stevedores. There has been something said regard-
ing ventilation on board steamers. This has been an important factor, and we have
considered it as fully as the Beaver Line, as has been stated by Mr. Allan. They pro-
vided for ventilation in the lower holds, by which not only flour but butter and cheese
are kept as cool as it is possible with the outside air. I don’t say we keep ice chambers
but we do try to keep the holds of the vessels as pure as the outside air. Regarding
the shipment of cattle, they have an impression that cattle and the cargo always go
together. Only a few ships out of the port of Montreal donot carry cattle, Of the steamers
sailing out of the port of Montreal the only ones that don’t carry cattle are the mail
boats. The other boats all carry cattle, and we make it a point to keep the cargoes
separate from the cattle. Invariably the steamer going out has cattle on one or two
decks, and the cargo is placed below, as Mr. Thoms tried to explain to you, the oar-
lock deck. It is perfectly water-tight and air-tight, and no effluvia nor any of the
dung from between decks can reach the apples. With regard to the complaint about
delays with the railway companies, the shipper, in notifying the railway company
should take care to have the numbers and the initials of the cars, giving us the route
by which they are shipped. Ifthe shippers do this they will find that the agents at
Montreal are always ready to see that their freight receives proper dispatch. But
this very important item is very often left undone. Sometimos it requires repeated
telegrams to tell the initials of the corporation owning the cars, so that we can trace

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31

the cars and see that they do arrive in Montreal in good time for the steamers, It
has already been mentioned that we guarantee the count, and if there is any short-
age we pay it. —

Mr. Attay;—Would your agents throughout the country, at the different points
on the bills of lading taking the goods by rail to Montreal ?

Mr. Gzpp.—All the railway companies, as far as I know, will grant you guaran-
teed bills of lading, provided you load your cars at such a station where they have
a tally on your barrels. We get the repeat bills of lading guaranteed, and the
steamship company checks the goods with the bills. Sometimes, as I understand
it, these apples are shipped at out, of the way stations, on the siding, and they are
simply loaded into the cars at the shipper’s direction and sent two, three or four
hundred miles, and may come on the bill of lading “shippers count.” I think, Mr.
Chairman, these are all the points necessary for me to bring up. We shall in every
way try and forward the interests of the fruit growers and shippers of Canada, and
anything you want done we will only be too happy to try and do it, as far as prac-
ticable.

Mr. Hugston, of the Canadian Pacific Railway.—I cannot state what our com-
pany can do further than what they have done in the past. If there is any sugges-
tion that any of the gentlemen wish to make that they think will facilitate the
shipping of fruit we shall only be too glad to adopt it, as far as it is practicable
todo so. There have been a good many points raised by Mr. Allan. One was that
there was a shortage of cars. That is a matter which theoretically looks very easy;
but when you come to a practical solution it is sometimes a little difficult to meet
the requirements of all the localities, We have car distributors at different pointe
along the road, and as this is perishable freight we give it the preference over other
freight. In regard to the question of granting bills of lading at shipper’s count, I
do not know that there is any objection to giving a clear receipt in any case, where
it is practicable to count the shipment of apples. There may be some exceptions
where apples ure shipped from sidings where it is not practicable for our men or
agents to count them; but in no case where it is practicable for them to be counted
is there any objection to giving a clear receipt. I have listened with a great deal of
interest to the remarks of Mr. Allan with regard to the transportation of fruit, and I
shall take pleasure in placing the views expressed by him before our manager. I
have no doubt that, as far as itis practicable, everything will be done to facilitate the
shipment of this important freight. Ido not know that there is anything further
that I can state, but I shall be pleased to answer any questions that may be asked
me with regard to freight,

The Presipent.—We interviewed the Canadian Express Company with reference
to such transportation of fruit as they are in the habit of dealing with, and J have a
letter here from the President touching upon that point. It may be of some inter-
est in this connection, although the whole volume of freight which they carry is com-
paratively small. The letter is as follows :—

“ MonrreaL, 17th February, 1890.
Prof. PennaLtiow, McGill College, Montreal.

“ My Dzar S1r,—I understand there is soon to be a meeting at Ottawa of those
directly interested in horticulture and fruit growing, the different parts of the
Dominion to be represented. Iam glad to know this, as it can scarcely fail to increase
the interest in this important industry. For many years I have felt much interest
in our local association for the Province of Quebec, and have done whatI could in my
small way to encourage it, and I feel sure that anything to awaken the interest of
the general public will be in the right direction. I believe that the finest fruit can
be grown at a profit in many parts of the Dominion. Iam not aware what parti-
cular points will be discussed, but presume the growth of the different kinds of fruit,
the mode of packing, the transportation and the markets will be considered.. These
seem to me important.

32

“As for myself, I do not feel competent to deal with this, except perhaps to say
a word on transportation for such as may besent by express. The Canadian Express
Company, which I have represented for many years, have done much to facilitate the
quick and safe despatch of the smaller and more perishable fruits, furnishing venti-
lated cars with proper shelving for packing the larger shipments to most distant
points, all fruit being forwarded on fast express trains at rates consistent with cost,
and we shall continue to do so, and will be glad at any time to meet authorized repre-
sentatives in the trade for conference as to future transactions. The whole amount
cartied by express, however, as compared with other modes of transportation, is very
small, and may not claim the attention of the meeting; but should shipments for
Europe be sent vid the St. Lawrence, we will be glad to offer the best facilities from
inland to shipping point, in quantities consistent with our mode of forwarding.
“ Hoping you will have a successful meeting,
“JT remain, yours very truly,
“G, CHENEY,
“ President.”

The Prestpent.—I think we have heard pretty fully the views of the transportation
companies concerning what facilities they offer, but it seems to me that it would be desir-
able if we could reach some definite conclusion with reference to the improvement of
existing methods, so far as that may be possible. Undoubtedly, as far as we can
judge from the evidence that reaches us from abroad, some improvement may be
made at least, and if such can be made within reasonable bounds it seems to me one
important object of this meeting will be accomplished. I should like to hear from
some of the representative shippers, both of fruit and dairy produce, what they
would suggest in connection with what has been said, and then we may possibly
get from the representaves of the transportation companies some statements as
to future movements.

Mr. McD, Atian.—In speaking of the express companies, that is one of the
points we had not touched upon before at this meeting; but it is a point which has
been touched upon at other meetings. It is an important point. I do not know
any other way by which you can get your basketed fruit, or fruit in boxes, more
completely smashed up than by sending by express. They do it most beautifully.
I remember at the time of the Indian and Colonial Exhibition, the Dominion Gov-
ernment had their fruit all over the various Provinces, and dispatched to the sea-
board by express, thinking, in the innocence of their hearts, that because the express
companies charged a high rate they would take better care of the goods. What
was the result? We did everything in our power to induce them to take care
of the goods. The packages were labelled “To be handled with care;” “This side
up.” They were packages that had been specially prepared for easy and safe hand-
ling. We appealed to them personally and by letter, as Canadians, as men
interested in the welfare of this country, to do what they could to place the
products of this country before the world at the Indian and Colonial Exhibition in
good shape. The result was, that out of two tons of grapes that might have been
handled easily, and would have arrived there if handled properly in very good order,
we had a mass of pulp and juice. The baskets were turned and twisted, and any side
up or any end up. We saw that ourselves. We saw the agents handling them, I
saw them at Goderich handling these goods, and called their attention to the fact
that they were handling them as if they were stones, flinging them about in any
sort of rough way. Our experience with express companies has been terrible, Our
experience at that exhibition, in regard to the handling of the fruit, was most dis-
couraging. We find the same experience has been met with by some of the shippers
of small fruits. Parties sending packages of peaches or pears, how often do we get
them as they were sent? How otten as full as they were sent? This last summer
I got three or four baskets of peaches, as we had no peaches or very little fruit of
any sort in our section. The baskets were full of good fruit when they left, but
when they reached me the gauze was torn off and quite a number of the peaches

383

extracted. We do not find the packages specially opened and the fruit extracted in «
that way but we do miss packages in the count. As some of the gentlemen have sug-
gested, if the steamship companies will give the count, and if the agents of the rail-
way companies at the stations will take these goods and give us bills of lading on
that count it willbe all right. You cannot get the railway agent or any of his men
to give the count; they won’t do it. They have done it on rare occasions, under
pressure; but as a rule they won’t give you the count.

Mr. J. T. McBripz, of Montreal_—I have made money out of apples, and I can
make more. I think, perhaps, we are a little too hard on the steamship companies
and the express companies. I have shipped fruit to Liverpool and other ports, and
have never asked a favour of a steamship or an express’ company that I did not get.
Last year I had $48,000 worth of the finest California fruit. My claims for the year
were $76. This year 1 shipped to Liverpool, and my claims were only $10. They paid
it at once. Ifthey knew what we wanted, I think they would give it tous. For
several years the California fruit coming down to Montreal was badly handled. For
years it was badly handled in the west, and they ran aspecial car. They cannot always
getgood men, | cannot get good men in my warehouse; I make rules, and every day
they are broken. I cannot get good men to pack my apples, although I pay them
all they ask. Over 2,000 barrels of apples got to Liverpool rubbish. I have orders
from the biggest house in Britain for apples, and they say: “ If you cannot ship by
Montreal, don’t ship me any apples.” They won’t have them from New York. I
have had thousands of barrels of apples arrive in New York, and I never had them
handled as well as in Montreal. I think the steamship companies can keep the bar-
rels where there is no heat. They cannot afford to give us thecattle decks, because
the cattle pay far better. I have worked in the ships all night and all day, and
where they knew what we want they have always given it.

Mr. Starr.—I have been very much interested in the discussion so far. I will
not detain you with any remarks at any length. While I agree in the main with the
first two speakers, there are some of their views to which I take decided objection.
In view of the fact that so many steamship representatives have been heard to-night,
possibly I might not have the same opportunity of meeting them again. I would like
to ask one or two questions which possibly they can answer. One is with reference
to the bills of lading. I have observed that the bills of lading contain a clause that
a charge of 1s. 6d. per ton was made on all fruits of a certain class—that bears upon
apples—tfor discharging at the docks in London, I would like to askif this is custom-
ary with you in Montreal. Another-question I would like to ask is with reference
to a clause which I find in the bills of Jading used by the steamship companies, that
the freight is payable ship lost or not lost. This is the usual clause. If this is the
case is it fair play to the shippers to insert such a clause in any bills of lading ?
Reference has been made to the difficulties and delays in the handling at ports, and
soon. I may say thatthat don’t apply to many cases in NovaScotia. We have more
fault to find with the steamship companies or their agents on the other side than
we have with our agents in Nova Scotia, in the handling offruit. We can ship
our fruit in Nova Scotia and in four or five hours they have it in the boat,
In cold weather we usually accompany the fruit and look after it. We have
no fault to find with the handling of the fruit going into the boats, but we
have a decided objection to the way the fruit is handled when it is being taken out
of the boats. Take, for instance, a shipment of 3,840 barrels a short time ago, at
London; there were 130 barrels broken open. This, it appears, was done in the
discharge of the cargo, in the hurry. They handle them from six to ten at a time,
and hoist them by steam winches. Coming up through the hatchways, if they catch
anything they break off the hoops, the heads come off, and the apples are scattered
to the four winds of heaven. If a claim is put in the steamship company claims
that it is not responsible. I instructed my agents in London to enter suit against a
steamship company at a cost of $300. A short time ago an opinion of the best
counsel in London was taken upon the matter. I have the written opinion of
Aberley Muir, the celebrated counsel in London, as to the case in hand, that in view

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34

of the bills of lading which were presented and the claims made, that he could not
advise us, under any circumstances, to prosecute, as we had nota leg to stand upon—
that, so long as we accepted these bills of lading we should have to bear the loss.
There are times when we can put up witha loss of this kind. When fruit is bringing
high prices, we don’t mind if we lose a few dollars, but when fruit is comparatively
low it is a serious matter, and if it is a matter that agitation will do anything to help
I should say continue the debate, and let us have a remedy if it is possible. There
are many other points in the addresses that were made which | should like to
discuss, and possibly I may have an opportunity at a future session; but I shall not
take ap any more time to-night. I hope to hear a reply from some person present
as to the question I have asked with reference to bills of lading.

Mr. Wart.—I am quite free to confess I can throw very little light on the ques-
tion asked. The ship,has no rights at London. She goes into port and is fastened
up alongside the wharf. The dock companies discharge her and put the goods into
their own storehouses and deliver to the consignees. They charge the ship so much
and the shippers so much; but we are perfectly powerless. The clause referred to
is put in at the instance of the receivers there. We can do business fairly well at
Liverpool, but at London we can only do business as the Londoners choose to do
it. If ships will consign to London they will be continually under these disabilities.
As to the payment of freight whether the ship is lost or not lost, that applies to
freight prepaid. If you prepay your freight, then the losses rest with the shipper.

Mr. Starr.—We are not in the habit of prepaying our freight.

Mr. Wart,—Then the clause is inoperative.

Mr. Starr.—I would gather from these remarks that Mr. Watt wishes to in-
timate that better facilities are offered at Liverpool than London. That has not
been our experience, either in marketing or shipping. I am not here to stand up
for any port or house; still, 1 am free to state that I have represented respectable
houses in London, and my experience has not been, as it has been hinted, that if we
are sending fruit to Covent Garden Market we will have to pay dear for our whistle.

Mr. Gepp.—There is just one question asked by Mr. Allan that I would like to
reply to: that is, as to shipping apples to Montreal and getting a clear receipt. If
Mr. Allan will take out a local shipping rate and send it to any one of the steamship
companies, we, on receipt of it, will always be happy to give the shipper a clear bill
of lading for what we receive. Then we guarantee quantities.

The Presrpent.—Have any of the shippers of dairy produce anything to say?

Mr, Broprz.—The rough handling the fruit gets in Montreal is between the
railway station and the ship. I have seen apples carted along in trucks at a rate
that would shake the apples to pieces. My opinion is that there is no better way
of carrying apples than in spring waggons. When these carts are loaded, these
barrels roll off sometimes, and they generally have a cooper there to fix them up.

General Lavrire.—I shall not have an opportunity of speaking again, and I
must ask you to pardon me if I say a few words now. I have spent a considerable
time in England during the last winter, and in passing around constantly among the
green grocers I did not see as many good-looking apples anywhere as I have scen
here to-night. I do not say this to butter up the fruit growers, but to warn them
that they are not taking the means to get their apples to London properly, If it
pays to wrap up every orange in paper, which is afterwards sold for a half-penny
in London, it would pay to pat an apple in paper and sell it for four pence. To put
a piece of paper at the top and bottom of a barrel is not, however, enough.
The apples that are exhibted in London have been addressed to shipping companies,
and are not acceptable because of spots and bruises. That is the fault of the
shippers. A more miserable lot of apples than those offered for sale in J.ondon I
have never seen, I grant you that they are nearly all labelled “ American Apples,”
and it is in your hands to see that all apples are delivered in London go that the
name of Canadian apples will rise. Have them properly marked. Nine out of ten
apples are bruised or spotted this year. I have been at the Army and Navy co-oper-
ative stores, where a very large business is done, and also at the Civil Service

35

co-operative stores, and they told me they knew very little about Canadian goods.
The quantity of American goods there is very large. One of the gentlemen told me,
icking up a spotted and bruised apple, that that was as good as they could get.
hy, if Canadian goods are as good as it is stated, cannot Canadians send them
home in decent shape? I have taken the liberty to speak of this, having but
recently returned from England. | do not know enough of apples to speak of sorts;
but the vast majority of apples offered are sold as Newtown Pippins. There are as
many different sorts as there are on these tables sold as Newtown Pippins. Now,
I repeat, if it pays to pack oranges separately in paper and sell them for a half-
penny, it would pay us to get eight times that price by taking care that our apples
arrive in good shape.

The Prusrprnt.—It has impressed me, as this discussion has progressed, that
one of the great difficulties of getting fruit to England properly is that our packages
are too large. It strikes me, if the size of the packages were reduced by one-half,
and were square in shape, it would pay us better,

Mr, Saergerp.—My experience has been very limited as compared with that of
the large shippers in Montreal. For three years past I have been shipping fine
table apples of the highest class, such as the Fameuse and Wealthy, which any
gentleman would care to have on his dinner table. Ido not ship in barrels. I class
my apples as Al, and these are put into cases. These cases aresuch as were produced
by the Cochrane Patent Case Company some years ago, I think it was patented,
but I have manufactured boxes, notexactly like it, but which answer the purpose just
as well, and they are packed as eggs are packed, in the cases, with pieces of paste-
board, with twelve to sixteen dozen apples in acase. Last year I shipped, I think,
sixty or seventy cases of Fameuse and Wealthy that brought $3 a case in Montreal.
I think it pays to take special care in packing your fruit. We took the precaution
in some cases of wrapping each apple in tissue paper, and the reports I have
received of the condition in which the fruit arrived in England are very favourable.
I received a letter a little while ago from a gentleman, stating that the fruit would
be worth in Covent Garden, London, from three to six shillings a dozen. I shipped
on the order of the Montreal agent, and he shipped to his agent in London, who
sent back an answer to the agent in Montreal, and I saw the letter, in which the
London agent stated that that fruit would be six shillings a dozen in Covent Garden.

Mr. Autan.—I believe the question of the package is an important one. I
think a two-bushel barrel would be large enough, and 1 think a one-bushel barrel
would pay better still. If our law, instead of requiring a three-bushel barrel, would
require a two-bushel barrel, or part of it, we would be in a better position for
shipping. The neater the package the better. A square package is not so good, in
my opinion, as the barrel package—that is, if you are going to fill it and make it
tight, and with a closed top. I would not approve of a box package.

Mr. SuepHerp.—Of course, in a compartment case there is no possible chance
of the fruit being disturbed at all. Itis just like an egg case. There is no possible
chance of the fruit being moved about. Of course, it would not pay to pack these
cases; except with the highest quality of fruit, and mark the case A No. 1.

Mr. Srarr.—There is a difficulty of crushing in these pasteboard boxes.
During the summer of 1886 there were some apples sent to the Colonial Exhibition
packed in these boxes, and the result was very unsatisfactory indeed. We found
entire boxes in which the fruit had decayed, and the box was weakened and the
fruit was crushed together. Have you found much difficulty?

Mr. Saepuerp.—I cannot say I have experienced anything of that kind. We
were particular in seeing that the case was secure, and that the apples just fitted in.
You must be careful that the apples fit the squares, and they must be just of the
exact size to fit the squares. That is why much time is taken up filling the cases.
If it were not for that you could fill the cases much quicker. There is another
advantage in it, for the reason that the purchaser knows there are no smallones in
it or no extra large ones. They can be perfectly well assured that the bottom layer

33

36

is the same as the top layer. Ihave never experienced the objection you mention
at all. I never had any complaint made about shipments in cases, and I have
shipped apples for three or four years in cases. ;

Mr. Starr.—I would like to see the smaller package. We in Nova Scotia are
accustomed to using barrels of the same size as the common fruit barrel. This is the
standard our law requires. We have used half barrels, half the other size, to a con-
siderable extent, but they are not received with favour for some reason or other. We
have attempted to use the square cases. You cannot pack the boxes, and press them
in and have them tight, and have them turn out in good condition. With half barrels
there is no difficulty of that kind, but a very limited number of half barrels will do in
London.

Prof, Barnarp.—A very important matter is the barrels. I don’t fancy that the
twenty-four gallon barrel is very much too large, I don’t think the difficulty arises
from that; but if you notice the law says that they shall be as nigh cylindrical as
possible. The barrels are always made of light material, and have no centre hoops,
and sometimes accidents will occur while loading them on board the ship when some-
thing will give way and the barrel willroll down. If the barrel is made strong with
good hoops, so that the barrel always rolls on the hoops, there is very little reason
fordamagesfromthem. Ifthey are packed five or six deep there is very little danger
of their flattening on account of the weight on the bottom ones. I contend that it is
our own fault if we allow coopers to make barrels with too large a bilge. They
should be made as straight as possible, so straight that the barrel always rolls on the
hoops, and noton the staves. Then we will hear little complaint of bruised or slack
apples in the barrel. We did not have many to ship this year, but we did ship some,
and I am proud to say they arrived in perfect order. We selected the barrels. We
would not use a barrel with a big bilge, and we decided not to use a barrel at all which
had a large bilge after that. Ifthe coopers don’t wish to make them strong enough
we don’t want them. Let them keep their barrels.

Rev. Canon Funrton,—There are one or two points that have been omitted by
the gentleman who has spoken. One point is as to the non-keeping of the apple.
The apple on the tree, and when it is taken off, is a live, breathing thing. Our grand-
fathers used to put the apples in two-bushel barrels; but the greed of the consumers
insisted on three bushels, and to have as large a bulge as possible. These apples are,
very often packed on a warm day in the fall of the year. They are heated up by
the sun and then put ina hot car. From that time forward they are rapidly matur-
ing, and by the time they are taken off the vessel they have begun to decay. I must
say of the Allan Line, that I have shipped as early as any man in this room, and Mr.
Smith, of that line, years ago took great pains to see that there was coldstorage. I
went to him two years ago and told him Iwas going to ship as an experiment an
early apple, and wished to have a cool place provided. I shipped some of the Duchess
apple, and they went home and were received in perfect order, and I was very well
satisfied with the return. There was one point which Mr. Dempsey made about
clipping the top of the apple. You can see, however, Mr. President, and understand
that the stem being plucked out it allows the microbes to get in and begin the work
of decay in the apple. If we could sterilize the apple and pack them in medium size
packages there would be no trouble in taking them across the ocean. I have used a
package—one of the first, I suppose, that was shipped—that held half a bushel. I
packed them first in oat hulls, but the apples being of fine quality the flavour was
affected. It requires a great deal of trouble—in fact, almost 2s much as Mr, Shep-
herd’s package—to have them perfectly level and prevent bruises, It needs great
care to get them in all right. Across the pond they say: “We much prefer to have
a barrel;” but I got very nearly as much for halfa barrel as they would have given
me for a barrel, Iam satisfied that all this difficulty would not occur if proper care
were taken in putting the apple into the barrel. There is one other point I wish to
speak of, although not personally interested, and that is the shipment of butter, I
must say that when I was at the Paris Exhibition I got one of the creamery men to
send me over twelve packages, and out of the twelve there were three that were

37

broken. I feel perfectly satisfied that unless you get an air-tight package and one
that is secure it will be a great detriment to the community. I have been appointed
lately as Protestant chaplain at the penitentiary, and there is an ingenious man
there—one of my students—whom I told I was coming here, and asked him to see if
he could not invent some sort of package that would do for butter. I have here two
boxes that it would be worth while for any shipper to look at. They could be made
-of maple or some other suitable wood, aud are perfectly air-tight. This box is made
without a single screw. He has made an estimate of the probable cost, and I do not
think it would exceed the cost of the ordinary package. It can be made in shooks
so as to fit, and if you cover the butter with a layer of paraftine paper it will be per-
fectly air-tight. If we had as good a package as that for our apples I am satisfied
that it would be a great blessing and benefit to the country.

The Presrpent.—Considering all the facts that have been brought forward this
evening, it appears to me we may reduce the requirements of the shipper to the
following terms: First, there should be special freight trains provided that will give
rapid transit and gather the cars from various stations along the route, and when the
train reaches proper dimensions it will go straight through. In the next place, these
cars should be provided with buffers. In the next place, lower rates, and then modifi-
cations in the billsof lading. It strikes me these are all the points we can appreciate
and reach a common understanding about. It also strikes me that it would be quite
proper to have a committee, or any other body, appointed to take this matter in
hand and make such representations in the name of this convention to the transporta-
tion companies as may be necessary for the satisfaction of the shippers in these
respects. It is desirable that something should come out of this discussion. We do
not want to leave it where it began. I take leave to move a committee on transporta-
tion, to report to-morrow. That committee will consist of Messrs. A. McD. Allan,
R. W. Shepherd, jr., A. M. Smith and C. R H. Starr.

The Convention then adjourned until the following morning.

Tuurspay, 20th February.
MornineG Szssron.

The Convention assembled at 10 a.m.

The Presipent.—We have received since last session a letter from the Grand
Trunk Railway Company, from the traffic manager, with reference to the points
that were raised. I will ask the Secretary to read that letter for the information
of the meeting, and then, I think, we may refer it to the Committee on Transporta-
tion for action.

The Secretary read the letter, as follows :—

“Granp TRuNK RaILway CoMPANY OF CANADA.
‘“Trarric MANAGER’sS OFFICE.
“ MontreaL, February, 17th, 1890.

“Dear Sir,—At a recent conference with Messrs. Penhallow and Shepherd,
reference was made to the meeting of fruit growers proposed to be held at the City
Hall, Ottawa, on 19th inst., and two following days.

‘“You are no doubt aware that as regards the more delicate and perishable des-
criptions of fruit we are able, in connection with the Canadian Express Company, to
give as satisfactory despatch as practicable by passenger trains. To accommodate
the friit growers we have also organized fruit specials, to commence running so
soon as the apple, &c., season sets in. These specials can be increased in number as
the traffic requires and the necessary arrangements made to prevent delay in transit.
We purpose this year to continue and, if needs be, extend the system, and 1 hope
that the requirements of the case may thus be satisfactorily met.

“There are considerations connected with the gathering and packing of fruit
affecting its condition on arrival at destination with which the fruit growers can

38

alone deal; but speaking for the Grand Trunk, I may assure you that any reasonable
transportation requirements will be met by the company, and when the time arrives
for resuming this year’s operations we shall be happy to confer with representatives
of the association, in view of meeting their wants, and making Montreal the port for
fruit shipments.
“Yours truly,
“TL, J. SARGEANT,
“ Trapfie Manager.

“WW. W. Duntop; Secretary, City.”

Mr. Bucke—In regard to shipping rates: We have heard a good deal about
shipping to the old country but there is one point that has not been touched upon,
and that is the shipping of fruits from Ontario to Manitoba. The Canadian Pacific
Railway rates are so high that the people cannot ship from Ontario to Manitoba, and
this is a question that should be ventilated by this meeting. ,

The Prestpent.—I think that is an important point, and 1 think the committee
will keep that fact in mind. I understand they are to have a special conference with
the transportation agents and the agents of the other companies, This matter will
be discussed at that conference. We will refer that letter to the Committee on
Transportation.

Mr, L. Wootverton.—Would it not be well to express some appreciation of the
kindness expressed to us in that letter—our appreciation of the efforts made by
the Grand Trunk Railway Company in making arrangements for this special train.
I move that a reply be made by the secretary, expressing our appreciation of the
efforts being made to accomodate the fruit shippers.

The Presrpent.—That might properly come in with the committee’s report.

Mr. A. McD, Attan.—Would it not be in order to move now to add to that Com-
mittee on Transportation? We only have four members on that committee. I think
we should have more. Further, a desire has been expressed on the part of the
steamship companies here to meet with that committee and discuss the whole sub-
ject. I think it would be proper to ask the Chair to extend an invitation to all the
representatives of the railway, steamship and express companies to meet with us.
I think it is nothing but fair and right to all concerned that we should meet together
and discuss the whole matter before we frame our report for the general meeting. I
would suggest that the name of Mr. A. H. Pettit be added to the committee, and I
suggest that some one else would name other gentlemen who would be serviceable
from other districts.

Several other gentlemen were numed, and the following added to the committee:
Messrs. A. H. Pettit, W. L. Kew, A. G. Thorburn, Thomas Frankland.

The Presipent.—In view of Mr. Allan’s suggestion, I will notify the representa-
tives of the companies interested to meet with the committee for aconference. [may
say just here that in the very short space of time that was allowed us to interview
these various transportation companies before leaving Montreal there were one or two
of the express companies notincluded, unfortunately, especially the Dominion Express
Company. Now their representative is here, and I hope he will take this as a special
invitation to represent his company at this conference between the committee and the
transportation agents. Mr, Shepherd was on the committee—the interviewing com-
mittee—in Montyreal.

Mr. A. McD. Attan.—Some of the representatives of the various carrying com-
panies, I understand, cannot make it convenient to be with us here this forenoon. We
want the committee to meet and discuss the different points this forenoon. As it will
take some time, I suggest that we proceed with work on the report in the meantime,
and we can then meet the agents and go over the report. We would like to have the
conference with the committee before the report is finally presented to the conference.

(The suggestion was agreed to.)

Mr. J. T. McBripz, Montreal, read the following paper on “Tue Export oF
Winter AppLes—Prorits AND DRAwBacks”:

39

Regarding the profits and drawbacks in connection with the export of winter
apples, allow me, as briefly as possible, to give you a few facts gained by fifteen
years’ practical experience in British and foreign markets.

“The most profitable apples for export are: King’s, Cranberry Pippins, Bald-
win’s, Gravensteins, Bishop’s Pippins, Ribston Pippins,and Golden Russets. Occasion-
ally Spies and Greenings make money abroad, but, as a rule. they sell for more
money in Canada.

All apples should be picked and culled with the greatest care. We are
advancing in the department yearly, but still there is room for improvement. The
more care in this respect the better name will our fine Canadian apples gain, and
they are second to none, and the more profit will be obtainable for either local or
foreign buyers. Cease to purchase fruit that has been carelessly culled before being
eat Many a buyer.has ordered his men away from an orchard where the grower
has carelessly picked his apples, and wisely so, for no packer can make first-class
shipping stock with such fruit.

Only No 1 standard sized barrels should ever be used. They ought to be
kept perfectly clean and when packed should be head-lined and distinctly branded.
A fancy package will command more money than one with which less care has been
taken. It is better to mark our apples No. 1 and No. 2; I mean, use a different
stencil. No.1 should be strictly choice apples; No. 2 ought to be good, clean, sound
selected apples ; the balance should be dried, evaporated or made into cider, for all
of which a market can be found.

All shipping apples must be carefully faced, well shaken and lightly packed.
A barrel that shows the least slackness on this side the Atlantic will make no money
for the shipper on the other side, where they often make and sell as slack, what
here would be considered tight and in firm order. Now, we have our fruit properly
gathered and packed, the question is, where had we better sell. Our advice would be
to sell to some one on this side of the water. When we require foreign fruit we are
compelled to buy. So, if Europe wants our grains and fruit we would say come across,
examine, buy, and we will ship and draw for amount, ailowing no claims whatever.
Take your risks, as we are compelled to do when we purchase oranges, lemons,
grapes, &c.

When consigning, our apples as a rule are shipped io Liverpool, London, Glas-
gow and Bristol. They generally go into a dealer’s hands, who hands the bill of
lading to an auctioneer, by whom they are offered at first sale after being landed.
The auction system is all right in itself, but the charges are far too high. Six-
pence per barrel to the consignee, sixpence per barrel to the auctioneers, to which
they add cartage, dock and labour dues, postage, bill stamps, cables, &c., &c., which
together make another sixpence. So it costs generally 1s. 6d. to sell a barrel after
it is landed, to which we would have to add 3s, 6d. to 4s. 6d. per barrel freight. Asarule,
we have to pay more freight from Montreal than our neighbours have to do from New
York, Boston or Philadelphia. Why is thisso? Some ofour worthy steamship friends
will no doubt explain, but we hope soon to see a 2s. 6d. freight from Montreal to
Liverpool.

Another drawback in Britain is the law, which allows a buyer to refuse any
number of barrels (out of any purchase in the sale room), which he calls slack.
Almost any barrel can be made to give somewhat after the way they are piled on
their docks, two and three high, on their ends; also, after a rainy night or heavy
fog any barrel showing the slightest moisture is called damp and wet, and sells from
2s. to 10s. per barrel less than dry tight barrels, The Canadians who have made
money by consigning apples can be easily counted; those who have lost money
by the same practice, their name is legion.

Our railway companies have done considerable for us by supplying better
cars, in greater quantity, and granting through bills of lading; but still greater
care could be taken in the loading and unloading. They should not be unloaded until
the day the steamship company is ready to load, for frequently we have seen
thousands of barrels on our wharves, some inside and often outside of the sheds, 1o be

40

wet, pilfered and generally disfigured, sometimes frozen, which, of course, rae
heavy loss to the shippers. Our steamship companies could also assist shippers i
making profits by more careful handling and judicious stowing, many a thousan
barrels of apples have been ruined by being misplaced in a steamer. Wherever pos-
sible, the steamers should be ventilated, and apples should have the coolest and driest
compartment on the ship, because they require it; also, because they pay a first-class
freight rate. We are not complaining of our steamers friends; they have ne
greatly during past few years, and are still willing to do all in their power to tee e
wants of our ever-growing trade; but we demand better positions, better ventilation
and lower rates, and I believe we will secure them. There is a British law against
American apples being shipped under Canadian marks and names, but last fall
thousands of barrels of Michigan apples were shipped and sold as Canadian apples.
This ought to be stopped. Some Maine apples, shipped this winter in the same
manner, were detained in Liverpool, and thereby a loss made. Next season this
ought to be looked after and prevented. Let all fruit be shipped and sold under
true colours. If so our apples will command more money. ont

Our friends in Nova Scotia have grand apples and unsurpassed facilities for
shipping. We think if they used a more modern, better barrel their fine fruit would
bring still higher prices. Their apples as a rule are shipped by local speculators and
growers to London and Boston to be sold on commission. ;

Regarding when to sell or ship apples, we would recommend, after a suc-
cessful experience, sell as soon as apples are ready for shipment, or, if convenient,
ship as soon as packed, and regularly. The first to market of all fruit makes most
money, not the last. Then, if we wait until the close of navigation, and forward by
Portland or Boston, there is great danger of frost. It is almost impossible to ship
in winter without doing some damage to the apples. A frosted or heated apple will
never make any money, either here or in other markets.

Mr. L. Woonverton (Grimsby).—I would like to ask Mr, McBride where the
change in the brand of apples was made?

Mr. McBripz.—-Last year I brought in a great many apples from St. Louis and
Michigan, in bond, and shipped them through to Montreal. A great many of the
dealers, when the apples arrived at Montreal—between the unloading from the train
and loading on to the vessel—would put on their own brands, and these apples were
shipped on Canadian steamers as Canadian apples. These apples were not as good —
as ours, and when it got to be known over there what had been done, it did usa
great deal of harm. ‘The apples went to Edinburgh and sold as Canadian apples, and
the sellers had to take them back, because they could not prove that they were
Canadian apples. I think that this is a practice which should be stopped, and could
be stopped. I am bound to say that seven-eighths of the Montreal men will not
stoop to this kind of thing.

Mr. R. W. Starr (Cornwallis, N.8.)—Did you handle any Nova Scotia apples
last year?

Mr. McBrrpr.—I was in your part of the country last fall.and tried to see you;
I went there to place an order for 25,000 barrels of your apples, but my order said
they must be put up in Canadian barrels, which you could not get made in time.
Our people in Liverpool would not take your apples in the Nova Scotia barrels. Your
barrels are good and strong, and will do very well, but they are not presentable.

Rey. Canon Futton.—The most important thing that has come before this con-
vention, so far, is what Mr. McBride has just stated in reference to the propriety of
having some distinction made between the Canadian and the American apple. We
are troubled here by the importation, in the spring of the year, of the Missouri and
Tennessee apple, which are really not fit for human food. They have the same
names as our own apples; they are used as quotations, and are on our market from
the beginning to the end of the season. If we are to have any credit for our apples,
as we have for our cheese, these importations of American apples, which are shipped
vid the St. Lawrence route, should be branded by the officers of the Canadian
Customs as they pass through.

41

Mr. Wootverton.—I think we should have a Committee on Legislation. As
these points come up this committee would be able to take them into consideration
and suggest to us the best method for dealing with them. The sooner we have such
a committee appointed the better. I would move that such committee be appointed.

The PresipEnt.—Would you nominate such a committee, Mr. Woolverton?
. Think over some names, and we will then put the motion to the meeting later on.

Mr. Broprz.—In connection with the packing of apples, I would suggest that all
the apples should be branded with the packers’ names. Our millers have brands for
their special grades of flour, which is sold according to those brands, and why should
not our apple packers have bra:ds established, so as to enable them to get up a
reputation for their apples?

Rev. Canon Furton.—The only trouble with that would be that some of the
barrels would be re-packed with apples that did not come from the particular orchard.
The only way to obviate such a difficulty would be to put a card at the bottom of
each barrel, inside the barrel.

Mr, A. McD. Attan.—l have listened to Mr. McBride’s paper with a good deal
of pleasure. The points he makes are most excellent. ‘They are golden points,
which should be remembered by all. His advice regarding the packageis good. In
my opinion we should be most particular about the package, and have it neat, tidy
and clean, and presentable in the market. Such a package means money on the fruit.
The point he raises about the American apples passing through Canada and going
forward to British ports as Canadian apples is one that we have had a good deal of
controversy on. It is a most important point indeed. I do not know whether there
are any of our American friends present, but we are always willing to meet them,
and we find them very fair in discussion on this point. We do claim, and I think
fairly and rightly, that we have, within the limits of this Dominion, in the different
sections of the country, taking all things into consideration, the finest apples in the
world. It is unfair to us, then, to allow American apples of inferior quality to pass
through here and be re-branded at Montreal as Canadian apples and shipped to
England as such. I have known Canadian dealers who have purchased apples in
Michigan, and these apples have gone forward as Canadian apples. This is a very
serious injury to this country. Perhaps no one here would be able to explain scien-
tifically why it is that Michigan apples are not as good as ours, but the fact remains
all the same that they are not. They are different in grain. They grow them beauti-
fully, they are fine-looking, probably to look at them they seem the best apple. They
appear hardy and fine apples when picked, and in all external points may be equal
to and sometimes excel ours, but when it comes to quality and flavour they are
away behind us. It is certainly time, as Mr. Woolverton states, that this point of
false branding was looked into, aud if a Legislative Committee could be formed we
might bring the matter to the notice of Parliament, so that it could be made law,
that in passing through the Customs, or in some other way, these fruits could be
branded, so as not to go forward to British ports as anything else but what they are.
It is no credit to us to have them known as Canadian apples; but, on the contrary, it
works us positive injury.

Mr. C. R. H. Starr, Secretary Nova Scotia Fruit Grower’s Association.—In this
connection I may say that we have reason to believe that Nova Scotia apples have been
shipped to New York and re-shipped from there as American apples. That is putting
the boot on the other foot. Butinregard to re-branding American fruit as Canadian
—if they wish to take credit for our apples as their own, to do us injury thereby, it
is not a very desirable state of affairs; but I do not know that we can control this in
any way.

Mr, B. Srarrart, Annapolis, N.S.—I was in London three years ago, and I saw
there Nova Scotia Golden Russets, shipped from Annapolis County to London in
barrels, re-packed and put into boxes in a fruit shop, and branded as French apples.
They have an apple in France which closely resembles our Golden Russet. Whether
it has the same points or not I do not know; it is the same in shape, colour and
flavour, and it is apparently the same. These apples are shipped largely from France

42

: ; : d
to England. They are put up in boxes, 56 apples in a box. The boxes are arrange
in ied layers, is lower lever consisting of four rows, with 7 apples in eke
making 28 apples in the lower layer, and the upper layer is the same. These app es
are exactly alike in shape, size, colour, and everything. You may pick Wot sie
apples and you could not tell one from another apart. Fifty-six apples just fi bad 18
box. Seven apples go into it lengthways, and I have seen our apples re-packed In
these boxes as French apples.

Mr. McEway.—In regard to the subject of branding barrels, I do not know
that we could decide upon any plan to prevent the re-branding of American apples,
I think that question should properly come under the consideration of the Committee
on Transportation. I think the committee consulting together and studying the
matter seriously would probably recommend some plan to overcome the difficulty.
I merely make that as a suggestion, so that the Committee could take it into con-
sideration as one of their subjects.

Mr. Broptz.—Why should not we have an apple inspector, as well as a flour
inspector, in our shipping ports?

The Prestprnt.—I may say that when the committee set about arranging for
the work of this convention, we felt that we ought to have some expression of
opinion, not only from our own exporters, but from some one who handled our apples
on the other side of the water. The Secretary was therefore instructed to com-
municate with some of the large importers in England to get their views and
opinions. As a result of that, we have the opinion of a large firm of importers,
Messrs. Wood, Ormerod & Co., Edinburgh. The paper will be read by the secretary.

Mr. Duytop, Secretary, then read the following paper on

‘CAPPLES FOR EXPORT.

“In what follows we address growers only, believing that there need be no
medium between them and the distributor to the retail trade.

“We would urge on growers to select one or more reliable firms (according to
the quantity of fruit exported) who are in contact with the retailers, and to send
regularly to said firm, or firms, all the season through. The advantages are, that
such consignments are not left to the mercy of the auctioneer (sometimes competing
auctioneers), the market gluts are largely avoided, and, where growers pack practi-
cally the same each consignment, the brand becomes known within circles where
(always supposing the fruit merits it) a demand for it, more or less steady, is created,
and a good standing price secured.

“The grower is also brought into immediate contact with the distributor of his
goods, and is therefore sure to be advised of any defect therein, when a remedy can
be applied and the defect guarded against in future.

“We think there are three headings under which we may arrange the few
remarks we have to offer, viz.: Quality, Packing and Varieties. And here permit
us to remark that pressure on our time forbids any elaborate production and neces-
sitates our confining ourselves to a few practical suggestions.

“ Quality.—Whatever may be his wishes, the grower knows right well that he
cannot grow fruit to order. Even with his best efforts to produce fine fruit he finds
that each season brings him a proportion which does not fall under that heading.
This brings in the question— What shall I ship, and where ?

“The market prospects at home and abroad, as far as he can ascertain them, are
before him, and many considerations must influence his decision.

“In shipping to Britain, however, the consideration of freight and charges,
competition and the small attention paid to second-rate goods, should lead growers to
be wary of shipping hither that class of apples.

“From all our experience, during the last eighteen years, we can with con-
fidence say: If you wish to secure good results, ship only good, reliable fruit, and
where chotce can be added, so much the better.

43

“ Under this heading we may include ‘Condition ’—that is, condition on arrival
at destination, which, of course, is due to condition on leaving and packing (the
latter we shall speak of later). This is all-important. The choicest fruit. out of
condition, is of small value,

“Tt is a point, moreover, on which few suggestions of value can be given—
what will and what will not stand the journey, etc., being matters which experience
only can teach, coupled with careful observation.

“ Here again direct communication from the distributor would be a great gain.

“We may remark, however, that neither very green fruit nor fruit almost ripe
—that is just ripe—should be packed.

“ The former meets a bad market because of its appearance; the latter is almost
sure to be bruised and ‘chippy,’ and also sells at a low price.

“ We now come to ‘ Packing.’

“ Tt is not likely that the ‘barrel’ can be improved upon as a package, though
the barrel itself may.

“ We hear of a ventilated barrel recently invented in America, which, if all said
of it is borne out in practical experience, bids-fair to supercede the present close one.

“ There is only one thing perhaps which may prove an objection. We refer,
however, to its peculiar feature, fearing that the free passage of the air through it
may cause shrivelling of its contents when kept in it for any lengthy time, and as
this point is more for the retailer to decide it would not show till, say, the next
season, so that growers may find it useful not to ship all their early consignments
in this new package—should it come into use—until they are satisfied as to this
possible objection. Honesty of packing, that is, ‘the same quality thrcughout,’
cannot be too strongly urged. The grower who persistently—yea, occasionally—
transgresses this rule, will have cause to repent his folly. We observed a strong
case in point only last month. The apples of a well known shipper were badly
topped. <A high price was paid, not only because of the top, but because of the
brand which usually ensured good packing. On finding out their condition below
the confidence of the buyer in that brand was thus rudely shaken, and he will not
be inclined to bid for the next lot shown. This is only one case in many, but it
shows the necessity of always packing honestly—for confidence is a guarantee of price.

“ We know an English grower who, with every package, sends a small printed
ticket affixed, which runs ‘This fruit is packed, as far as is practicable,the same
throughout,’ his name following; the result being—tardy, perhaps, but sure—that
wherever his goods are marketed a good price is secured. Of course, the packing
bears out the label. Some of our Canadian friends may emulate this idea, though
with a brand instead of label, and where due care is taken we believe whoever does
will not find it labour in vain.

‘“‘ Another thing is the ‘grading’ of the fruit. This should not be over done,
but where the quantity of any one variety admits of it, a judicious selection of sizes
and colours will be to the advantage of the exporter.

“ Hach lot should be distinguished by the brand, and so advised on consign-
ment note.

“ Another point of great importance is ‘tight’ packing. This doubtless most
growers are aware of, yet we must urge it again, as some either do not know or do
not practice it.

“We remember a small lot of apples sent by a private party from New York
to our care. No doubt the fruit must be crushed (so thought the sender), so when
opened the barrels were but three parts full, and fit for little but the manure heap.
Even with consignments of experienced shippers do the hateful ‘slacks’ appear,
which tell so severely on the average returns. We presume that hydraulic presses
are the best means for forcing the bottoms of the barrels into their places, but where
they are not available we have no doubt that the ingenuity of the Canadian farmer
will devise the means on being acquainted with the necessity.

“We now come to our last head, on which we shall have little to say.

“Variety is a wide subject, and one into which many considerations enter with
the grower. Having informed himself (and this should be before a tree is planted)
of all or most of the varieties suitable to the climate and soil of his farm, and of the
cropping qualities of each—which with the Canadian Horticulturist in his hands,
and the co-operation so willing given, of its editor and staff, he ought, with com
parative ease, to do—his next consideration in choosing his stock of trees is the
marketable values and keeping qualities of their produce. There are many vari-
eties which are so well known that we need hardly mention them, such as the ‘King
Pippin,’ ‘Northern Spy,’ ‘Baldwin,’ ‘Russet’ ‘Greening,’ ete. F

“We would urge, however, that of these quality rather than quantity should be
aimed atin their production. For while quality always commands the market,
quantity alone often drugs it. ; :

“The early varieties often reach this country in a soft, sometimes almost
‘mealy’ condition, and many have been the disappointments over the beautiful
‘Blush Pippin’ and kindred varieties. : ;

“To grow these crisper and juicier should therefore be the aim of our American
friends.

“These remarks also apply to that much-prized apple the ‘Snow Pippin,’
which when bright, clean and sound always commands a good price; but how often
does it show far otherwise.

“The ‘Ben Davis’ deserves more attention, being showy and a fair keeping
variety, but it needs flavour. Notwithstanding this defect, however, it secures good
prices when colour and size is right.

“The ‘ Ribston Pippin,’ too, does well when samples are fine, as Nova Scotian
shippers know to their advantage.

“ Another variety we should like to see more of is the ‘Spitzenberg,’ a really
good market apple, and one in great demand, when fine as to size and colour.

“The ‘Seek no Further’ is a good variety also, though apt to be small.

“Then the ‘Cranberry Pippin’ deserves special mention, with its finely streaked
cheek and agreeable flavour and good market qualities.

“Amongst the culinary sorts the ‘20 oz. Pippin’ ‘Fallawater, and kindred
varieties command a good price when size is right.

“«Sweets’ seldom if ever do well, and should be discarded as indigestible
rubbish by the farmer.

“To our mind there are too many varieties, and whatever the grower for
private use or local consumption may think and do, we would counsel the producer
for export to limit his production to comparatively few well-tried kinds, believing
he will be the gainer thereby. :

“We must now close our paper, conscious of many shortcomings in our hand-
ling of so large and important a subject; yet, if what we have said “ helps one single
fellow traveller o’er the sands of time in his life-battle,” our little labour is well
repaid.

“The demand for fruit is steadily increasing, Fruit as an article of food, and
not merely of luxury, is rapldly going into consumption, bringing its own results.

“The field is a wide one, and the intercourse between countries and nations
thus engendered cannot fail—where each conscientiously meets each—to bring a
measure of prosperity and happiness to all within its pale. With our best wishes
to all present.

“We are, Sir, Yours faithfully,
“WOOD, ORMEROD & CO.”

Mr. P. E. Boone, Ottawa.—A great deal has been said about packing in barrels
tightly, shipping in boxes, and all that kind of thing. I would like to ask if the
experiment has ever been tried to ship apples from this country in baskets? Would
it be practical to do that? I think the baskets could be made ina very attractive
shape and that people would buy them,

45

Mr. Wootverton.—That would be a difficult question with a large quantity of
apples. Thousands of baskets of apples would be difficult to handle. [I believe,
instead, that it would be better to have the half barrel, I have tried that quite
extensively in shipping to the old country and I think it is better than the basket.
The half barrel for extra choice apples has been a great advantage. That has been
my experience, although evidently it has not been the experience of Mr. Starr.

Mr. AttAn.—The only way to test the basket would be by re-packing the apples
in Britain. When the fruit arrives there it could be put into smaller packages of
different shapes or sizes. Certainly, if you put a nice sample of fruit into a fancy
package containing a small quantity it commands a higher price proportionately
than in bulk. Of course, in re-packing this point has to be taken into consideration,
that even with good qualities you find a few specimens which are bruised, though
not hurt to a great extent, but sufficient for them not to be re-packed in the fancy
packages. However, a large quantity of the fruit could be repacked, and I have
known instances where fruit has arrived at its destination in such poor condition
that by re-packing and placing it in fancy packages a good profit has been realized ;
whereas if the barrel had been sold intact for a small price it would have involved
a loss to the shipper. I have known of instances where that loss was obviated by
repacking the fruit in smaller packages and seliing in that way. A good price has
been obtained for the good fruit; whereas, in the other way a lower price would
have had to be taken.

My. Gro, Jonnson, Deminion Statistician, Ottawa.—I was in London, some few
years ago, Mr. President, and a friend of mine in Nova Scotia sent twenty or thirty
barrels of apples to me to dispose of there. I knew nothing of the apple trade, but
it occurred to me, as I was cognizant pretty well with the requirements of the
average London householder, that there was no place in his house for the barrel of
apples, but T thought there might be a place for asmaller package. I therefore
hired a room near the Monument on Fish Street Hill and set a lot of boys to work
to open the barrels, pick out the poor ones, and carefully sort out the better class.
They were Nova Scotia apples, and I put them into little boxes which would hold
about 25. My friends passed the word round, and the apples went off like hot cakes,
and J do not suppose that any consignment of apples from this side paid better than
those did. They met the wants of the London householder, inasmuch as he had
room in his pantry to put themin. The English people are accustomed to buy
about two,dozen apples at a time, living from hand to mouth, as it were. The price
at which I sold them was much less than they had been accustomed to pay for their
apples, but the experiment was a successful one. While 1 am on my feet there is
one matter which I would like to bring before the members of this association. We
are now engaged in making our arrangements for the census of next year, and I
have thought that perhaps it would not be a poor plan if the members of the asocia-

‘tion would communicate with me by letter, giving me their views as to what points
they would like brought out in the next census. We will, in twelve or fifteen months
from now, begin the work of collecting. At present we are at work on the schedules,
and making our arrangements preparatory to giving the enumerators the material
upon which to work. Iam not sufficiently familiar with the details of the apple
trade, or of the fruit trade generally, to know what would be useful information for
the people of this country and for the fruit growers to possess, but if the members
of the association who do know these things, and are experts in the matter, would
communicate with me, I think we could tabulate all their information, and in this
way obtain a fruit schedule which would be useful to the community at large, and
particularly so to the members of this association, as a standard by which to judge
future efforts and as a means for getting this information which possibly they would
not be able to obtain in so compact a form in any other way.

Mr. SHEPHERD.—I was glad to hear from the paper just read that the Fameuse
sells well in England when it is crisp. I understand the English consumer wants
his apple crisp; and that an apple, such as the Fameuse, is here at Christmas time,
or in January, has not the particular crispness which the English consumer desires

46

Now, I am of the opinion that it is impossible to ship the Fameuse to arrive in
England in that crisp condition, It is impossible to ship that variety in the barrel
to retain that crispness. I, therefore, still reiterate what I said last night, that the
compartment case is the best package to adopt in shipping the higher qualities of
apples to England—that is, apples of tender flesh, which can be easily bruised, such
as the Fameuse and the Wealthy. I shipped a number of cases of the Wealthy to
England. I do not know that they had ever been shipped there before; but the
report I received was that the Wealthy was a superb apple. That is the English
verdict, It is a delicate apple, of high flavour, and the pressure which is brought to
bear in packing them in barrels destroys them; therefore, such apples as the
Fameuse and the Wealthy do not carry well in barrels. I have adopted a compart-
mént case which seems to meet the object in view. I have also shipped the winter
St. Lawrence in cases. That apple will not travel 100 miles ina barrel. It is of
tender texture, and does not keep very long—perhaps until Christmas. The Winter
St. Lawrence, when shipped in cases, were very highly spoken of. The point I
wish to make is, that for shipping the high quality apples to England one has to
discard the barrel. We want to get the highest price in England, and we cannot
get that unless the fruit is in first-class condition; and we cannot put these par-
ticular varieties on the English market in the condition necessary to command a high
price if they are sent over in barrels. The prices which I have received for my
apples in cases satisfies me that it is the right method to adopt. I grow only high
class apples, and always ship to England in cases. I draw particular attention
to the case, believing it is the best thing. I have no interest in it; it is not
patented, but is just like an egg case, with interior compartments, holding from ten
to fifteen dozen.

Senator Rezsor.—Is it a square case ?

Mr. SaHepHerD.—They hold seven by seven, and there are four layers of them in
one case, which makes about sixteen dozen. A case of that size takes an apple of
the size of a good-sized Fameuse. The twelve dozen cases take the winter St.
Lawrence and the large Wealthy. I get the pasteboard made at the factories in
Montreal, where they make the interior of the egg cases, marking the square of the
size [ want it to be on a piece of paper as a pattern for them to go by. I tell them
I want so many in the trays. They furnish me the trays and the squares. The case
costs me 50 cents.

Mr. Jounson.—Do you wrap them up in paper before putting them into the case ?

Mr, SuepHerD.—I have done so when I want to be very particular, although I
do not know thatit is necessary. The chief thing we have to look to is that the
apples fit the squares. It takes some time to fill up the cases in the orchard. The
plan I have adopted is to put two cases between a row of trees; the largest apples go
into the cases, and when the men bring the baskets of apples to pack into the barrels
we put on one side those that are to go into the cases. It is essential that the apples
fit the squares exactly, If they are fitted in too tightly the apples are bruised on
the four sides. If they are too small they rattle about in the cases, and that does not
do. They have to be nicely fitted.

Senator ReEsor.—Do the cases hold about half a barrel ?

Mr. SHepHEerp.—Yes; about half a barrel.

Senator Pertey.—What do the cases cost ?

Mr. SurpHerp.—I have got them at about 50 cents, A man has a small planing
mill near me, and I contracted with him last year at $30 a hundred for the boxes
themselves. Itis half-inch stuff, with about an eighth of an inch nailing on the
boards all round. The interior will cost about 15 cents.

Mr. Starr.—Do you have the interior perforated at all ?

Mr. SuerHerp.—There is a tray putin, and the squares are put on it with
the pasteboard tray over it. The tray only is perforated. There is a sufficient
circulation of air through the slats in the boxes. I do not think it costs much to get
up the interior in that way. Of course, the less work you give to the box
manufacturer the less the cost will be to you.

47

Mr, Buckz.—What will those half-barrels, or cases, fetch in the English
market ?

Mr. SuepueRD.—I have never sent any over 4s a speculation. The fact is, I
have never had enough cases to dispose of; the demand has been greater than the
supply. I sold forty cases to one man in Montreal—to a gentleman who has a
business connection in England. Ile used to ship his Montreal Fameuse always in
barrels, but he has discarded shipping in barrels since the cases have been used. He
bought forty cases of Fameuse and Wealthy last year, and paid me $3 a case for them
at Montreal.

Mr. Buckxs,—That would be about $6 a barrel ?

Mr. SHzpHerp.—Yes; but you must remember that the packing’costs more.

Mr. Bucxz.—I think that would pay very well.

The Presipunt.—I have a motion which has been placed in my hands. Itreads
as follows :—

“Moved by Mr. L. Woolverton, seconded by G. C, Caston, that the following
gentlemen constitute a legislative committee, to whose consideration all matters
requiring legislation shall be referred: Rev. Canon Fulton, P. Q.; Hon. W. D.
Perley, Wolsely, N.-W. T.; A. McD. Allan, Goderich, Ont.; G. W. Henry, Port
Hammond, B. C.; B. Starratt, Annapolis, N. S.; L. Woolverton, Grimsby, Ont.

Is it your pleasure to adopt the motion?

Motion carried.

Mr. Wootverton.—There is one subject which should be referred to this com-
mittee at once, and that is with regard to the statistics mentioned by Mr. Johnson. I
think at present the statistics of fruit culture, garden and orchard products are very
imperfect. We have no means of knowing the number of apples, pears and peaches
produced in any of the Provinces, and although we have some knowledge of the fruit
product in bulk we have nothing in detail. We know everything about wheat,
barley and other field products, but with regard to the garden and orchard products
we are almost ignorant, and I think that the Government should obtain this informa-
tion for us. I move, theréfore, seconded by Mr. A. M. Smith, of St. Catharines :

“That in the opinion of this Convention, the present statistics of the garden and
orchard products of the Provinces are exceedingly imperfect, and should be under-
taken upon an-entirely new basis, to include a detailed statement of the various fruits,
large and small, grown and exported, as well as the quantity of each imported into
the country.”

The PresipEent.—I may say that when Mr. Johnson was speaking on this matter
I considered it one of the most important subjects that could be brought to our atten-
tion. Anyone who has had to deal with the question of fruit culture, and especially
in its relation to disease, orchard extension, or decline, &c., must recognize the fact
that we have absolutely no statistics on the subject that we can rely on. Now, if in
the next census we can have a statement in reference to orchard area in the different
Provinces and the amount of produce from each, it would accomplish a vast amount
of good. I hope it will be possible for us to obtain some legislation looking in that
direction.

Mr. Surra.—In seconding the motion, I would say that I have been trying to get
at the commercial value of small fruits for a long time, but I have had little or no
SUCCESS,

Mr. Gro. Jounson.—They were all bunched together in the last census, so much
go that they are really of no value. I am at present in communication with the
authorities at Washington with respect to the mode in which they deal with this
question, and also with respect to dairying matters, so that in the next census we
may get a detailed statement, rather than the bulk statement we have had hitherto.

Mr. Bropiz.—In connection with the census of wheat and field products, many
people feared that it was simply a plan to get increased taxation, and I believe in this
‘case it will be a pretty hard matter, in some sections of the country, to get at the
facts.

48

Mr. Jounson.—I think the growth of education, during the past ten years, has
been so great that we will not have the trouble which we had at the last censu In
inducing the people to furnish the information that we want. With the gentlemen
around me to educate the agricultural communities on the subject, we will be pretty
sure to have a fair statement of our fruit and other products.

Mr. R. W. Srarr.—One industry has been left out of all past censuses, which I
think should be taken notice of in the coming census—that is, the nursery trade. It
is a great industry in the Dominion. We hope to see it larger than it is now. I
think in the past we have been depending too much on our neighbours for our fruit
trees, much to the detriment of the fruit growers of Canada. We want northern
grown trees; we want to know what our capabilities are for growing them and what
we are doing. The census should give us full returns, if a column is inserted in the
schedules asking for this information.

Mr, FrankLanp.—At the end of the annual reports published by the conventions
held in the United States the association gives a list of nurseries within the bounds
that the convention represents. Ido not think it would be a bad idea if we were to
adopt a similar plan in Canada,

THE DEVLOPMENT OF THE NOVA SCOTIA APPLE TRADE,

The Prestpent.—I will now ask Mr. Starr for his paper on “The Development
of the Nova Scotia Apple Trade with England.”

My. C. R. H. Srarr.—Mr. President and Gentlemen,—I must apologize for not
having a written paper to present to you. Circumstances have prevented me having
anything more than a few notes, and you will be kind enough on that account to
bear with me for any imperfections in the remarks which I might make. I assure
you that as far as any figures or statements that | may present are concerned I shall
endeavour to be within the mark, at all events. I find by the programme that I am
to speak on the development of the Nova Scotia apple trade with England. I would
say, Mr. President, that the export of apples from Nova Scotia to England began in
a very small way about the year 1860. There may have been a few barrels sent over
by private parties previous to that date, but they were very few. The first shipment
of any large quantity was in 1867 or 1868, when four or five thousand barrels were
sent to England in a sailing vessel. These, as you will observe by the reports of the
Nova Scotia Fruit Growers’ Association at that time, were thrown upon the London
market, rather to the astonishment of the London people. The agent, who accom-
panied the cargo, met with a great difficulty in procuring brokers who would under-
take the handling at that time, as they would not look at Canadian fruit, and
although he insisted upon it that they should be sold as Nova Scotia fruit, it was
not until the third cargo had been landed that he got the name of “N ova Scotia
Apples” on them, The first two cargoes the brokers insisted upon calling them
American fruit ; otherwise, they said, they could not sell that quantity on the market;
but the third cargo was put out as Nova Scotia fruit. Notwithstanding the diffi-
culties of this experiment in the way of packages and suitable ships ‘the whole
venture proved satisfactory, and from that shipment arose the present, trade in apples
from Nova Scotia. I may just say here, that although Nova Scotia apples have been
sent in small quantities to Liverpool, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and even to the continent
in some cases, London has been ourchief market. In comparison with the circulars
of sales from the various other markets, we find, as a rule, that we make better prices
in London than our friends do elsewhere. Whether this is owing to the quality of our
fruit or not Iam not prepared to say, but I think, probably, that has something to
do with it, although I am free to confess that our Nova Scotia apples in many cases
are not what they ought to be, and we have the same difficulties which I have heard
mentioned this morning, and have felt them from the commencement of the export
trade up to the present, of getting the fruit packed and delivered on the market in an
improper condition. Every one here, doubtless, knows of these difficulties, and I need
not take up your time in discussing them further. I, myself, began shippin ina
small way to London by sailing vessels from Halifax. We had at that time Ps Pena

5

49

trade direct with London in various commodities, and we frequently secured the
poop-deck in sailing vessels to fill up with our apples. Sometimes they would carry
500 or 600 barrels and sometimes less, when they were carried in this way.
For the benefit of those gentlemen present who do not know much about
shipping I may say that the poop-deck is merely the quarter deck
above the main deck, where we obtained much cooler storage than was possible to
get in the hold among other cargo. These shipments proved very satisfactory, At
that time we sold “Blenheim Pippins” and “ Ribston Pippins” as high as 30s. to
35s. per barrel for the lots, and while these prices have fallen in some cases, even now
we get them sometimes when we send consignments by steamships. I have a tabu-
lated statement here, Mr. President, of the prices which we have obtained for our
Nova Scotia apples in London during the last ten years. I know figures are rather
wearisome, but as they will enable you to make a comparison with the prices received
by shippers from other parts of the Dominion, in the discussion which follows I shall
be glad to know whether we are in advance or behind other sections of the Dominion
in this respect. I have mentioned here certain leading varieties of Nova Scotia
apples—that is, Gravenstein, Ribston, Blenheims, Baldwins, Kings, Golden Russets
and Nonpareil. [have taken the average price from sales of large quantities, but I have
not considered fruit in bad condition or delivered under unfavourable circumstances,
as I do not think that would be a fair criterion. I have taken the last average figures,
not the highest figures by any means, because we frequently find odd barrels that
run up into the “forties.” A shipment of Gravensteins in the year 1880 realized, at
that time, from 16s. to 16s. 6d. This price continued about the same until the year
1884, when they rose to from 17s. to 20s. on the average sales, and last year for No. 1
Gravensteins we got 22s. for the bulk of No. 1’s. During the present season, [ am sorry
to say, Mr. President, we have been unable to supply the London market with
Gravensteins, owing 1o their early maturity and the want of shipping facilities at
the moment they were ready. This wasa thing we were warned against in 1887-8,
and ag a consequence most of our Gravensteins went to New York. We were warned
by our London friends that we were in danger of losing our customers in not con-
tinuing to supply the demand created in years gone by. The Londoners ask for Nova
Scotia Gravensteins, and we were told if we could not supply them they would have
to go elsewhere to try toget them. As a result, they immediately succeeded in find-
ing them in Germany in plentiful quantities, and they secured enough to supply the
demand which we failed to meet, owing to our fruit maturing too early and being
too soft to ship at the time we had expected. This may apply to other leading vari-
eties at some other time, and I therefore mention this as a warning that when we
have leading varieties, for which we have created a demand, that we must not let go
the main chance by simply for that season grasping at it elsewhere. Our experience
has been the experience of others with different commodities in the past. Take the
case of the onion. A few years ago a syndicate attempted to corner the market in
onions, and they woke up one fine morning to find Egyptian onions on the market,
and the result is, we have had Egyptian onions on the market ever since. That may
be the case with Gravensteins in London, hereafter.

Mr. Bucke—Are these German apples as good as your Gravensteins? _

Mr. Srarr.—-I do not think they are, but they supplied the market this year at
fair prices. I believe, also, that a quantity of Gravensteins from Denmark was sent
to London, as well as from Germany. Now I come to the prices which we obtained
for Ribston Pippins. During the past ten seasons they have run somewhat as fol-
lows: In 1880, from 17s. to 20s.; in 1884, from 23s. to 30s.; in 1887, from 20s. to 378. ;
and during the present season they run from 23s. to 30s. Our Blenheims in 1880
brought from 1%s. to 23.; in 1884, from 25s. to 29s.; in 1886, from 16s. to 248,; in
1887, from 20s. to 27s.; and this season from 20s. to 28s. Our Baldwins‘in 1880
brought from 15s. to 18s.; in 1882-3, from 22s. to 24s.; the year following from 22s,
to 25s. ; in 1886, from 14s. to 21s. In 1887-8 the Baldwins were very poor; they were
scabby, and sold as low as from 8s. for No. 2 and very few went above 12s. The present
season they are realizing from 13s, to 25s. Our Kings in 1881, fetched from 23s,

4

50

~

6d, to 30s.; the next year, from 25s, to 30s.; in 1884-5, from 16s. to 21s,; in 1886-7,
from 15s. to 20s.; in 1888-9, from 13s. to 21s.; and during the present season, from
15s. to 30s. Golden Russets in 1882-3, brought from 26s. to 288.; in 1884-5, from
16s. 10 21s.; the year following from 14s. to 23s.; in 1886-7, from 18s. to 28s.; in
1887-8, from 20s. to,35s.—a few going as high as 40s., and during the present season
Golden Russets are bringing from 20s. to 25s. Our Nonpareil, which is a splendid
apple for the table, is perhaps not generally known in Ontario and other sections of
the Dominion. For a long time we have regarded it as one of our best Nova Scotia
apples for late shipment. The apple is much smaller than the Roxbury Russet; per-
haps it is not quite so highly flavoured, and it is a question in the minds of our best
pomologists whether or not it is the same apple, which has changed a little through
propagation, or cultivation, or climate, or some other cause. Probably Mr. R. W.
Starr will tell you later on that Mr. Downing, in his day, examined it thoroughly
many times, and he pronounced it in every case not a Roxbury Russet, while the
habit of growth of the trees and other things about it would indicate it almost to be
the same. This apple we have frequently shipped from this side as late as the
month of May, and we usually realized very high prices for it from April on into
June. Unfortunately, however, this state of affairs does not exist now, owing to the
competition which we have to contend with in green fruit from Australia, the first
of which arrived in London in the summer of 1886, and has continued to ar-
rive there in larger quantities each year, ‘They begin to arrive about the
middle or the latter part of April, and being green and fresh at that time,
for us to put our previous season’s fruit alongside them is like putting a fresh picked
apple alongside one of those which are here in the room now. Naturally, therefore,
we have a strong competitor in the Australian green fruit. We have therefore
found it to our advautage to ship off the whole of our Nonpareils and put them on
the market before the arrival of the Australian apples. The possibilities of the
trade in Nova Scotia apples with England are very great indeed. We have a great
many advantages in Nova Scotia over, perhaps, all the rest of the Dominion, from
the very fact that our apples are grown, you may say, on the pier. During the
discussion last evening on the question of transportation, and the delays of rail-
ways, etc., we Nova Scotians could not but congratulate ourselves that we were not
troubled with these difficulties, As I remarked last evening, we can load our apples
on to the cars in the morning and have them on the steamer in the afternoon. By
running special trains for this purpose, which our railway companies are usually
disposed to do, we are able to do this in the coldest of weather, even although we
have not the shipping facilities at Haliiax that we should have. We have been
endeavouring for a number of years to procure frost-proof warehouses at the railway
terminus there in order that we might send our paples to Halifax in mild weather
on days previous to the arrival of the ship, so that we might know we should not be
subjected to the risk of frost; but even with the lack of these facilities which we
have to-day, by putting fires in the cars we are able to ship in the coldest weather
and have the fruit exposed buta veryshort time. This is one of the advantages of fruit
growing in Nova Scotia, Our seaports are open the entire winter, and we can ship
our apples on the very day that the ship is ready to sail or when the fruit is just
ready to ship. ‘That is another very great point. As for our capabilities of fruit
growing, I am sorry that our collection here is not larger, as we might have shown
you something better as samples of Nova Scotia fruit. I may say, however, that
we should be glad to have any of our friends visit us during the autumn and see
the orchards. You could then better judge for yourselves than I could tell you as
to what our capabilities are, what sort of a climate and soil we have for growing
apples. We are pleased to know that our fruits stand second to none in the English
markets, where we have taken proper care in packing and putting iton the market
in good shape. My own experience iu this line has been considerable. I began
with my first shipments to consign, as many of you do, to brokers in the English
markets, who place them on sale at auction, where they were sold for whatever they
would fetch at the time they were offered. Finding this not to be very satisfactory,

51

we succeeded in making much better arrangaments. It came about in this way:
It happened to be my privilege and duty to go to London with a large consignment
of potatoes. Atthe time when the cargo arrived »otatoes were a glut on the
market and prices were very dull. Things looked very blue for me. For some
days previous to the arrival of the ship I was looking about me and found potatoes
selling at auction at ruinously low prices. I made up my mind that if 1 had to
sell the potatoes at the ruling prices I would be unable to pay the freight. I also
looked about the markets and found large quantities of potatoes being sold at private
sale—to the jobbing trade. This naturally induced me to place my potatoes in the
hands of men who, I felt sure, from what I had seen, could realize the highest price.
I found that by selling at private sale the prices realized were much better than by
selling at auction on the same day. This led me to inquire why our apples were being
sold at auction, and it ocenrred to me thatif potatoes could be sold at privaté sale
our apples could also be sold in that way, and we should make much better prices.
No one could answer me in any other way than that it was the custom to sell apples
by auction as well as other kinds of fruit. In talking with parties who were selling
to the retail trade at private sale, they said they know these men who were buying
potatoes also dealt largely in apples. They came to buy their supply of potatoes at
private sale and then went over to the auction sale to purchase their apples. They
told me that they would talk the matter over with them as to whether or not they
would purchase apples at private sale—whether they were willing to buy apples in
that way. The matter was discussed with their customers in my presence, and when
they were asked if they would buy apples by private sale the reply invariably was,
“ Certainly if you Nova Scotia people or Canadians will send apples here where we
know what we can get and can select what we want at private sale we should prefer
doing that, and buying our supplies at any time that was convenient to us, rather
than that we should go to the auction sales at certain hours and simply judge from
samples as to what the bulk would be.” The result was, that the next autumn we
consigned our apples for private sale. This happened ten years ago. The result is,
that to-day at least one-third, and in some seasons considerably more than that, of
our Nova Scotia apples is being sold in England at private sale, instead of by auction,
and the figures which I have given you will compare, as far as my knowledge goes,
favourably with the average sales of those markets. That is one of the favourable
points to our Nova Scotia apple trade, one that I think we have reason to be thank-
ful for, and it is nothing but what any man can adopt or make arrangements for. I
think the question has been alluded to before in reference to other matters in this
line. Now, Mr. President, in Nova Scotia we have plenty of room for double and
even treble the number ot orchards that we have now, and we believe that in a very
few years the quantity offruit that we shall produce there will be double or treble our

resent product, which, up to the present time, our exports to London alone have
fon 113,000 barrels. This quantity in a few years we expect to double, and double
over again as the years roll on. Thousands of young orchards are being planted to-
day, and have been during the past few years. And here I may remark that I was
glad of the reference which our satistician, Mr. Johnson, made to the coming census.
We find a great difficulty in getting at anything like a correct statement of our fruit
or orchard development. We have no means whatever of getting at the quantity
of trees brought into the country. I endeavoured a few years ago, at the request of
our association, to obtain some information on this point, but found it utterly imprac-
ticable to get at anything reliable. The suggestion to do this in the next census
is undoubtedly a good one, and will be of great use to us if carried out effectually.
Allusion has been made to the ventilated barrels for export. Ifyou allow me a word
upon that matter I would say that I have examined this ventilated barre] particularly
and I quite endorse the statement made by some gentlemen here last evening, that
our experience has not been in favour of an open barrel for shipping apples. If we
had ships thoroughly ventilated and the circulation of pure air through the vessels,
possibly the ventilated barrel would be satisfactory. But with our present facilities
I imagine the air in the hold of a vessel would be much more injurious to the fruit

43

52

—s

in an open barrel than if the barrel were closed. Another question with reference
to the use of this same barrel is the danger of the fruit being frozen In an
open barrel, whereas the tight barrel might be sufficient protection during
the railway journey. I quite endorse the idea that for railway shipments
or transportation on the decks of steamers the open barrel would be bene-
ficial, but it is doubtful whether it would be so in the hold of an ocean ship,
The varieties named here we find to be the most profitable in Nova Scotia, although
there are several other varieties which are being grown in our Province, and perhaps
some of these may, in years to come, prove to be quite as profitable as the varieties
I have named. Mr. Dempsey last evening referred to Cox’s Orange Pippin as being
a desirable apple to sell. We have had some experience with it, and it is not an
apple that is a satisfactory grower with us. What few we might have down there,
even if they were to get a high price for them, would not be as profitable as other
varieties which yield much more in quantity and are better in quality as a whole.
The same thing will apply to the Newton Pippin, an apple which brings the highest
price in the English market, but which varies very much, that variation being
explained by many varieties being branded Newton Pippin, which are not. There
are very few Newton Pippins to be had, and they are getting less and less every
year, and we find them so subject to black scab as to be almost useless, although they
will stand more black scab than any other variety shipped—so much s0, that pur-
chasers look for the black spot by which to identify the apple. That is the opinion
of the English dealer. Mr. Allan or General Laurie spoke of the fruit of the Army
and Navy stores. I examined the Newton Pippin there, and got all the information
possible from them with reference to the kinds and style of package and so on. I
could plainly see that there was little chance for any radical zhange with reference
to our varieties. I quite endorse the fact that Mr. McBride mentioned this morning,
that we in Nova Scotia do not use as good a class of barrel as we should. It has
been my aim to induce our farmers to use a better class of barrel, but with few
exceptions the difference in the cost will more than overbalance the cost in any
other way. If they can secure a barrel for 15 cents or 18 cents they will
Pay that, instead of getting a first-class barrel. Perhups I have said enough on this
subject. ;

Mr. SuepHEerD.—I do not think you gave us the prices for the Nonpareils. Will
you kindly do so? .

Mr. Starr.—Certainly. In 1882-3 we obtained frorn 22s. to 30s.; in 1883-4,
from 21s. to 25s., a few selling as high as 30s. a barrel; in 1885-6, from 15s. to 22s.;
in vee from 17s. to 27s8.; in 1888 9. from 10s. to 16s.; and this season from 1s.
to 25s,

Mr. SuzerHerp.—Now, will you give us the varieties in the order of their
importance and value.

Mr. Srarr.—We would place at the head of the list, as the most profit-
able variety, the Gravenstein. Next, in some quarters, comes the Ribston. It is
necessary that the Ribston Pippin should be planted on heavy clay loam. They do
best on drained soil; they do not do well on gravelly or light soil. Golden Russets
King of Tomkins and Blenheims, perhaps, would come on a level with the Ribstons.
The Nonpareil, in Annapolis County, I think Mr. Starratt will bear me out, is one
of the most profitable varieties with the Gravenstein. As to the Baldwin it is an
open question with us. In some seasons it will grow very profitably, but unless the
season is a long, dry and hot one, Baldwins are not as satisfactory as we would like
to have them. They seem to require a longer and hotter season than we are always
sure of getting. Consequently, we do not pin our faith to them always, although
they are enormous yielders, In reference to the packing in cases, I think I men-
tioned last night that our experience with packages, other than barrels, has not
been a success, although we have tested it on several occasions. The ereat difficult
with the case is, to secure the fruit so as to put them into squares , so that they will
not move, We have not found it much of asuccess to put up apples in smaller packages
as they uppear to be only saleable at good prices about Christmas time. Asa general

53

rule they are not wanted. Mr. President, I can only say that if the fruit-growers of
Ontario or any other section of the Dominion, or of the world, wish to make any
change in their fruit orchards and get clear of any disadvantages they may be suf-
fering under now, by living in the interior of the country, along way from ship-
board, I would like them to come to the Province of Nova Scotia, to the Annapolis
Valley, and to other valleys that are now being opened up and provided with such
facilities as to enable us to export our fruit readily. Thousands of acres of land
available for fruit growing are now lying in pasture or bushes. We look upon apple
growing in Nova Scotia as being the leading industry, and a great industry, that will
pay any practical man who devotes his whole time and attention to that business, or
even a general farmer who devotes a portion of his time to it. We are glad to know
that many friends are coming into the country exclusively for this purpose. One
gentleman from Ontario who is sitting before me now, a gentleman who lives in
Ottawa, bought a large orchard in the immediate vicinity of Grand Pré, in the land
of Evangeline, which he hopes will be a great success, Alongside of him Judge
Weatherland’s plantation is one of the wonders to visitors. He has made it a great
success; it is an orchard among the bushes. To a great extent he has succeeded by
cutting away and making room for his trees, and clearing up as time will permit.
He is very enthusiastic, and although not a practical horticulturist, I think he bids
fair to make a success of orcharding. These are but samples of what is going on in
our Province; and, as I said before, we have plenty of room for thousands more to
adopt the same plan and make Nova Scotia a continuous fruit orchard from one end
of the country to the other.

Mr. AuLan.—There was one point in Mr, Starr’s observations which I could not
help noting. It was a very excellent one. It was the establishment at the seaboard
—I think it would be better there than inland—of convenient storage houses for the
purpose of storing the fruit in as natural a condition as possible. For this reason, it
does not pay to ship all the varieties of fruit at the time of picking, as, for instance,
the Russets. They are not wanted for immediate consumption; there is no demand for
‘them in a British market at that particular time, and if we could regulate the traffic
so as to ship these varieties in the proper season for consumption to the. British
markets, when they are wanted, we could, upon the average, receive a much better
price. The Russet, as a rule, is not wanted until after the new year and towards
the spring, so that our storage houses would come in very useful in that way. That
is a matter which requires a good deal of consideration to perfect it.

Mr. C. R. H. Starr.—wWill you allow me to say that a few years ago an English
firm built an expensive and fine fruit house at Annapolis for this very purpose. It
has, as a warehouse, been a great success. Unfortunately, the success of shipping
from that end of the valley has not been as great a success as we would wish, for the
reason that it is always better to get the ships to come for apples alongside the
wharf. Iam rather surprised you have no such facilities at Montreal.

Mr. SaepHerp.—In this connection I may say that when you and I, as a deputa-
tion, visited the representatives of the steamship and and railway lines, Mr. Sargeant,
of the Grand Trunk Railway, suggested this. We mentioned the points that Mr, Allan
made two years ago in regard to the port of Montreal being inferior to the port of
New York; that the extra handling at Montreal—the cartuge from the railway to
the steamer—militated against the port; and Mr. Sargeant then said they would send
the cars down to the wharves and sometimes the ships were not prepared to take
them, and they had to bring the cars back again, He said they had sent the cars
down three or four times before the ships were prepared to take the fruit on board.
He therefore, suggested this: He said they had acquired large warehouses in Mon-
treal alongside of which the track ran, and he suggested storing the barrels in these
warehouses until the ships were prepared to receive them, and then they could be
lightered down from the canal basin to the harbour. He thought less damage would
be done in that way to the fruit and the cartage would be saved.

Mr, AttAN—That would necessitate an extra expense, however. The expense
of it might be serious, but it is hard to tell.

54

Mr, R. W. Srarz.—I would like to make afew observations on this matter.
Only two years ago, in sending a lot of holiday fruit, I put among them a few barrels
of extra Fallawaters, well coloured and handsome. These apples sold for 16s. a
barrel; that was the highest rate I could get for them. In the latter part of Febru-
ary, about the 25th, I shipped some more barrels of Fallawaters, and I had three
qualities. My few barrels, the extras, brought me 32s., the number 1’s brought 30s,
and the No, 2’s 26s.; so you see what it is to keep the apples and send them to the
market at the proper time. J had a fruit cellar where I could keep them; but many
of our farmers having no warehouses or places to keep them, had to send them to
market at the time when prices were lowest. The British consumer does not buy
ahead, or the jobber does not hold heavy stocks. The result is, that if you send apples
to market earlier than they are wanted they must be sacrificed. We have no such
risks down by the sea as you have, only the risk of freezing, because we have only
four or five hours in getting from the orchard to the ship, that is, if the cars are ready
and can get them down in the proper time. The only thing we are lacking is roll-
ing stock for the railway. We want, for the early season, ventilated cars during the hot
weather, cars that will carry the fruit with the least possible liabilityto to overheating.
Then, when it gets colder we want frost-proof cars, cars that can be heated by means
of lamps, stoves or some other means, in order that the temperature in the car may
be kept a little above freezing point. Then we want a better and more careful
system of handling and stowing, both on the cars and steamers. Then better ventil-
ation, and greater care in discharging on the other side. Wehave most fault to find
with the way cargoes ure delivered, not the way they are taken, because almost
invariably we send an agent with the cars to the steamers, and it makes a vast
difference the way they are handled on arrival. With fair handling, more com-
petition in freights, and frost-proof warehouses at the point of shipment, we should
be all right.

The Presipent—I think these are important points, which we might refer to
the Committee on Transportation. In that connection I would make another sug-
gestion with reference to the sale of fruit on the London market by private sale. It
struck me that if there was an authorized agent there to act as agent to the Cana-
dian fruit growers, so that all Canadian fruit could be shipped to him and under
proper regulations, each man having his own brand on the barrels, and that agent
instructed to effect private sales, I think the question of market price would quickly
settle itself. I think that isa matter which would be worthy of the consideration
of the Committee on Transportation.

Mr. Geo. Jounson——May I be allowed to state that during this year, in anticipa-
tion of the census, it will be very important that all persons growing fruit for export
should be very particular as to the quantities and value of the fruit that they raise,
more particularly so this year than in any other year. Another point I might
mention is, that any letters addressed to me at the Department of Agriculture,
Ottawa, should be marked “free.”

4 os Prusipent.—I will now call upon Mr. Fisk to give us his paper on Russian
pples.

Mr. J. M, Fisk, of Abbotsford, then read the following paper :—

ADAPTATION OF RussIAN Fruits To CANADIAN REQUIREMENTS.

Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen,—No portion of the American continent is
likely to be more benefited by the introduction of the Russian fruits than the north-
ern part of the Dominion of Canada, especially that portion which lies north of par-
allel 46, which requires trees, not only of the very hardiest types, but those which
mature their fruits early in the season,

This is characteristic with most of the Russian varieties, for they prepare for
the winter by thoroughly maturing the season’s growth, having well-ripened terminal
buds, which seldom fail to start in the spring. Our earliest and most profitable
summer apples are those of Russian origin, among which are Yellow Transparent,

55

Charlottenthaler, Red Astrachan and Duchess; and while many growers south of us
speak of the Russian varieties as being of little value, those north will continue to
sing their praises, for the reason that the trees will survive the cold winters and
ripen their fruits before the early frosts.

The north is essentially the home of the Russian apple; and when we come to
consider that many of the varieties lately imported were selected from Northern
and Central Russia, where apple-growing is made a commercial industry in a
climate much colder than our own, being in a latitude six hundred miles farther
north than the city of Quebec, we can readily understand the possibility of extending
the area of apple culture in the Dominion much farther north than it was possible
to do with our old varieties. Hence their value to us, and climates of like
character.

The Duchess of Oldenburg has, for a number of years, been generally cultivated,
and so widely popular has this variety become for its productiveness and hardiness,
that it is often referred to as a standard in comparison with other varieties; and
yet, among the later importations there are several varieties quite as productive,
and ty more hardy than the Duchess. This is not only my experience, but others
as well.

A test case of 65 varieties was given by Mr. Gibb in a paper read at Quebec
two years ago, in which he said:

“To test the hardiness of the Russian apple trees, at their worst, in bleak open
pene exposure, at the Minnesota State Experimental Station at St. Anthony, near

inneapolis, 65 varieties were planted. The soil was rich; and under good culture
they made a growth, in 1886, up to 20 and even 26 inches, which, however, ripened
well before winter,

“The winter of 1886-87 was unusually severe. Not one variety started from
its terminal buds.

“ Sixteen varieties lost 1 inch or less of growth. Duchess killed back some-
times to old wood, but usually started buds from the base of the new wood. The
verdict was—16 varieties hardier than Duchess.”

This test was a more severe trial than anything we can give in the same
latitude, owing to the fact that after making a forced growth through high cultiva-
tion they were subjected to an exposure that we do not experience in our elevated
and hilly country.

We have on exhibition to-day the Arabka—with us, a midwinter fruit of good
size and attractive in appearance, but coarse in texture; and like many other of the
Russian apples, will prove a profitable market variety. The tree is hardy, produc-
tive, and an early bearer.

Among the Russian varieties that have fruited so far, we have failed to find
what we have long been in search of, and that is, a long keeper of really good
quality. Many of the most promising could be greatly improved by crossing with
some of the best long-keeping varieties of good quality which are not sufficiently
hardy for our needs.

This is a work that should be entered upon at an early date by our Experi-
mental Stations.

“ Our friends of the United States are ahead of us in this respect, as they have
already entered upon this work,

During the past season several of the State Experimental Stations have
pollenized some of the hardiest of the Russians with old varieties of better quality,
with what results time will tell. In any case, we are likely to share the benefit of
their experiments; but it is a work that we, too, should enter upon, and be in a
position to provide, from our own resources the needs of our country.

T have confined myself thus far to the Russian apple, with the view, and belief,
that it will fulfil, to a large extent, the requirements of the more expose parts of
the Dominion ; but I do not feel as sanguine in regard to the Russian pear, plum and
cherry—partly for the reason that I have seen less of these frnits than the apple,
and partly from the fact that what I have seen is less encouraging. True, many of

56

the pears are quite as hardy as the Duchess apple, and will make good stock to
cross with other and better varieties.

The Bessemianka pear, which is thought by Mr. Gibb to be one of the best,
fruited with me last season; it was ripe in August. Small in size, coarse in texture,
and very perishable; not desirable for a market fruit.

The plums have not fruited with us yet, and I fear we have not yet received
the best of these; while the cherries are more promising. The Vladimir is,
without doubt, one of the best and, I think, will prove valuable in this country.

Before closing this short paper, Mr. Chairman, I feel it will not be amiss to
refer to the noble work done by our friend, Mr. Charles Gibb, in his efforts to benefit
the fruit interests of the Dominion. He has twice visited Russia, at a considerable
sacrifice of time and means, in search of suitable fruits ; and it is through his efforts
that we are now in possession of many promising and new varieties. Ever ready
with pen and counsel in all work pertaining to horticulture, his absence at this, our
first Dominion Convention, is to be regretted by all who know him. “ Honor to
whom honor is due.”

Mr. Wootverton.—I am glad to make the statement here that the Ontario
fruit-grower is doing something in reference to Russian fruits. We have had some
correspondence with an eminent Russian authority, and we are expecting to
receive from him a large box of some fifty varieties of specially valuable Russian
apples, and these are to be carefully tested, both by our members and at the Experi-
mental Farm here at Ottawa, and we are very hopeful that some excellent results
will come from these experiments. As soon as we have sufficient varieties we will
distribute them among our members, and of those that we have not a sufficient
quantity to go round they will be tested at the Experimental Farm. We are
sending a consignment of our hardier fruit trees in return.

Mr. Frankianp.—From what part of Russia are these coming, and are they
most suitable for the severe parts of the Dominion ?

Mr. Woonverton.-—They are being collected from all parts of Russia. They
are being collected by a Government officer, so that we shall have them from all
parts,
_ Mr, Autan.—The consignment will include not only apples, but pears and cher-
ries as well ? t

Mr. Wootvertron.—Yes; and Russian apricots, too.

Mr. SHepuerp.—The question raised is a very important one. To meet the

wants of Manitoba and the North-West we must look to the Russian varieties. We
must get the best of apples from northern Russia. My experience with the Russian
varieties is that the quality is not what they ought to be and what we expect. Ido
not think that they can compare with our Canadian apples in quality. Mr. Fisk
has not mentioned the Switzer, which is the only apple, I think, of good quality.
It is not the best, but it is a good apple, and corresponds with the St. Lawrence, and
looks something like the Fameuse. 1t bears heavily, and is very hardy, The Yellow
Transparent I do not think will pay us to grow.
_ Mr. Autan.—Referring to that point, my belief is this: That the value of the
Russian varieties is going to be only in the colder sections, To many of us, who
live in the most favoured sections of Canada, the Russian varieties will be of little or
no value, because of their poor quality, generally. In the colder sections they will
do better, and it is for this reason that the test is being made, I believe, even in
the colder sections, although some of the fruit-growers think they are going to
supply their own market, I do not think it is possible. The time may come when
they will supply their own markets with early apples, but the real test of these
varieties will not be reliable until you bring them right into bearing. It may bea
hardy tree up to bearing, and then may not be hardy, because there is a drain on
the tree in the bearing. No time is allowed for the tree to recuperate from the
strain of bearing betore the cold weather comes right in.

Mr. Bropir.—My experience with the Yellow Transparent is different from Mr.
Shepherd’s. I have marketed them two years in succession, and averaged $5 a
barrel.

57

Mr. Wricur.—How does the Yellow Transparent compare with the Red
Astrachan ?

Mr. Bropre.—I began selling the Yellow Transparent in the last week in July.

Mr, Saepuerp—I could never understand how the Yellow Transparent got the
reputation of being an extremely early fruit. I never.saw one on the 28th July fit
to be sent to market at that time.

Mr. Bropre—Tney are early, like the Red Astrachan. There is a demand for
cooking apples at that season, and they seem to meet the demand. When we get $5
a barrel for them I think that is a pretty good test.

Mr. Henry—With regard to the Switzer, it is quite as hardy a tree as the
Yellow Transparent; its season is late in the fall, and the appearance of the apple is
a beautiful one. It has a freshness about it, and it is quite solid.

Mr. Harrison—With regard to the possibility of Russian fruits in the North-
West, unfortunately I have not been able to verify my opinion, but I have heard on
reliable authority from several sources that there is near Pilot Butte a small planta-
tion of Russian apples which have been bearing fruit regularly for several years. I
know that in our neighbourhood there are two or three apple trees which have been
planted, and I think it is simply owing to the bad cultivation that they have been
cut down year after year. If they had been properly planted and treated I see no
reason whatever why they should not do as well as the apples at Pilot Butte.

The Convention took recess until afternoon.

THuRsDAY AFTERNOON,

The Presipent.—Before asking for the papers this afternoon, there are one or
two other matters that call for our attention. A question has been presented which
it is desired should be answered, so that the parties asking it should obtain an
authoritative decision pro or con on this point. The question is one that has been
frequently asked and involves a matter of import duty. It is: ‘“ What are toma-
toes-fruit or vegetables?” There are two points of view from which we can regard
that question. Scientifically speaking, the tomatoe is a fruit. There is no doubt
about that. Commercially speaking, however, the tomatoe is usually regarded as a
vegetable. The question is, of course, being asked by the President of the Canadian
Canned Goods Association just where the line is to be drawn. They would like very
much to have tomatoes classed as fruit; but I will ask for some expression of
opinion, and we may enter it upon our records as an authoritative decision.

Mr. W, Bou.rer, Picton, Ont.—As the one who asked that question, I may say
that we, as packers, feel it would be a good time at this convention of Dominion
Fruit Growers’ to definitely decide upon this matter. As you have justly stated, this
matter affects us very much with relation to the tariff. The question has also been
asked with respect to apples: Is an apple really a fruit all through, when it is
picked or when it has gone through the hermetically sealed process, as in canning
fruits? The tomatoe has always been looked upon at first thought as a fruit. Com-
mercially, as you stated, would it be changed by any process that it may be sub-
mitted to in the ordinary hermetically sealing method. This association, composed
as it is of the leading fruit growers of Canada, and one that we should look up to
with a certain degree of respect, may properly be appealed to on this question. Our
interests are identical, and I should like this association to come to a definite con-
clusion, As many of you know, we are interested here in regard to the operations
of the present tariff. We, as packers, are interested in that matter as well, and if this
association should decide that the tomatoe is different from what has been sup-

osed it would make a material difference with regard to the effect of the tariff upon
our business. ; ; ;

Mr, Srarr.—This question came up-before the Nova Scotia Fruit Growers’
Association a few years ago, in connection with our fair, and the decision then
arrived at satisfied some of the exhibitors. The decision was to class as fruit such
of the family as tomatoes, melons and cucumbers as were eaten raw, It was a line
drawn on that basis, to class as fruits such as were placed on the table.

f 58

Prof. SAunDERS.—This question is important when looked at from the stand-
point of the duty, because if a tomatoe were a fruit it would come in free, and as a
vegetable it would be chargeable for duty. It has always appeared to me, while
there is no question about the tomatoe being botanically a fruit, that commercially it
is a vegetable, for the reason that a very large proportion of the tomatoes are used
cooked. I think there are comparatively few eaten raw, and even if there were, I
scarcely think we could regard them commercially in any other sense than asa
vegetable. If we class tomatoes as fruit, we must class cucumbers, squashes, and a
number of other things ordinarily used as vegetables in the same way. I think it
would be unwise on the part of this convention to take any action that wculd look
like straining a point in the way of bringing in as fruit an article that would not be
regarded by the ordinary public in any other light than as a vegetable.

The Prestpent.—When the prize list was being made out by the Executive
Committee this very point was under discussion, and we took the ground then that
according to the use that was usually made of it a tomatoe must be regarded as a
vegetable. Hence it was excluded from the prize list.

Mr. Dempsry.—I have seen persons using potatoes as vegetables, and under the
same head they would be counted as fruit,

Mr, Granam.—lIs there not one variety of tomatoe used specially for preserving
purposes ?

Mr. Bucxs.—I think the Solanum has always been classed as a fruit.

Prof. SAunpERS.—That tomatoe, however, is too small for cooking purposes. It
would be too troublesome to handle, but it must come in under the general head of
vegetable, although usually eaten in the raw state,

The Presipent.—I think we might decide the question one way or the other,
for the sake of the parties interested.

Prof. SaunpERs.—To facilitate matters, I would move: “That in the opinion
of this convention tomatoes, although botanically a fruit, should be regarded, on
account of the uses to which they are put, as vegetables.”

Mr. Dempsey seconded this resolution, and it was adopted.

ORGANIZATION,‘

Mr. P. C, Dempsey,—It has occurred to me that it is very necessary this con-
vention should be changed into a Dominion Association—the Dominion Association
of Fruit Growers—and therefore I would move, without saying anything further,
that a committee on permanent organization be appointed to consider this matter
and to report to-morrow morning.

Mr. Bropiz seconded the resolution.

After a short discussion this motion was adopted.

PLANT PARASITES, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THOSE AFFECTING THE GRAPE, BY
Pror. J. Hores Panton, M.A., F.G.8., Ontario Agricultural College, Guelph.

Mr. President and Gentlemen,—I am much pleased to have the opportunity of
standing before you this afternoon, and for a short time trying to interest you, and
to some extent instruct you, along the line of obscure plant life. I was very much
pleased with the remarks of the Hon. Minister of Agriculture yesterday afternoon,
when he said that he hoped the time was not far distant when he would hear more
of agricultural science in the schools, The plan he suggested of having a talk once
or twice in the week, say an hour spent for that purpose, I think was a most
enjoyable one. The great difficulty at the present time is to have teachers that are
able to do that; but I believe that difficulty will, to a considerable extent, soon be
obviated, I know that there will be a text book on Agricultural Science soon in the
common schools of Ontario, for it is now in press. When the teachers get that, and
make this subject one of study, I can scarcely realize anything more interesting toa
band of scholars than that a teacher for a portion of an afternoon take up and discuss
some subject along the line of agricultural science. I am here to-day to give a talk
upon some parasites, and it may afford asample of the way in which a person could

59

address a number of scholars. Of course, I may be permitted, before such an
intelligent class of men as are here, to be a little more technical than I would be if I
were addressing pupils of say 12 to 15 years of age: but even before you, I shall try
to escape being too technical for I believe, that has been the great trouble in the
past in relation to the teaching of science. Men that have undertaken it have paid
too much attention to the incomprehensible technical terms sometimes used, so that
students and the public are apt to go away thinking that science can only be studied
by'those who make it a special work. Now the subject that you have set apart for
me to discuss is one that until within the last few years very little was known of,
But the discovery of the miscroscope and afterwards the simplyifying of the manu-
facture of it has placed it within the power of nearly all persons to be able to possess
such an instrument. In fact, you can get a miscroscope now for some $17 or $18
that will magnify up to 600 diameters. This is a high power, and will show all the
things and far more than what I intend to speak about this afternoon. Here, at the
very outset, let us try and locate where these plants are in the plant kingdom. When
we look abroad we find there are two great classes of plants. There is a class that
flowers and a class that does not. With those that flower we are all familiar; but
it is of these obscure forms which do not flower that a great many persons are ignor-
ant, and up to the last few years even botanists pushed them aside,
saying that their life history was too complicated for the ordinary
student. But now, you will find that the study of these obscure forms
is becoming far more attractive to the students of plant life. I know in my
experience as a teacher of science there is no subject that the student likes to hear
discussed with better relish than what relates to the fungi or these forms of flower-
less plants. Among these flowerless plants you find such forms as the ferns, the
mosses and the sea weeds, and what I have called here the fungi. The fungi, then,
belong to the flowerless plants. What makes the great difference between the flow-
ering and the flowerless plants, aside from the great external characteristics that
present themselves the moment you look at them, is this fact: that the flowering
plant arises from seeds, while the flowerless plant rises from spores. Now, what is
the difference between a seed and a spore? Here (pointing to the diagram) I
have outlined some figures to show that difference. A seed, as a general
thing, is large. It is readily seen with the naked eye. It has a distinet, covering,
and contains an embryo—a miniature plant. Sometimes the covering is very thick
and much developed, but when the seed is surrounded by proper conditions it will
grow and develop, and finally become a plant like that which bore it. Then, again,
when it commences to grow, it always grows from a particular part. You would
not find it growing in this seed of wheat at one end and in another seed at the
other; but in all the grains of wheat you find that the tiny rootlet, the radicle, will
start from a particular end. When it grows it assumes that form of plant life that
we are all familiar with, bearing leaves and stalks, and green colouring matter. Now
let us look at the spore. In the first place, you cannot seeit. We have to get art to
give us help here, and by means of a microscope we see this tiny microscopic thing
called aspore. The protoplasm is surrounded by a very thin membrane. We do
not find a thick case there asan external covering. Sometimes it is naked, and is
then merely a clump of protoplasm (a jelly-like substance, the physical basis of life).
We find when we look into it no embryo, as we see in the seed. When it begins to
grow you cannot tell where it is going to grow from. It may be on the right side
or left side, or underside or the upper side. There is no definite point of growth, as
in the case of a seed. Then, having germinated it begins to develop a peculiar
series of thread-like structures, As it grows the difference between it and a flower-
ing plant widens, just as much as the mushroom widens from the rose, the rust on
wheat from the plant upon which it grows. So you have these four points of dis-
tinction between a seed and aspore: the seed large, with a good covering, with an
embryo, and growing from a distinct part; the spore minute, thin covering, no
embryo, and indefinite growth. When we consider these fungi—this great compre-
hensive group, in which we find so many of the parasitic plants—we find plants that

60

are entirely different from all others. They do not possess green coloring matter—
this fact shows they must feed in an entirely different way from the plants that have
green colouring matter. The plants with green colouring matter can take in gases from
the atmosphere,and from them elaborate products for their nourishment ; or their roots
going down into the soil absorb substances, and from dead inorganic matter work up
componnds of a moreor less complex nature. The fungicannotdo that. Having no
green colouring matter they must depend onsomething else to make their food, and their
food, therefore, consists of what we call organic material—that is, something that has
been elaborated by plants before them. Thus, at the very outset we have two classes
of the fungi—those that live on what may be termed dead organic matter, such as the
mushrooms, living in soil very rich in manure, and another class that live on living
matter—on the organized material in living plants. It is in this class you find the
injurious types of fungi that are: to occupy our attention for the remainder of the
time. For convenience sake, those that live on dead organic matter have been called
saprophytes and those that live on living matter parasites. I have thought it would
be wise that we should fix our attention on some particular forms of these parasites
and not wander over the whole division of the fungi. Consequently, | have taken
those that affect the grape plant. But do you think for a moment that this after-
noon, in half an hour or more, I could discuss the various forms of parasites in plant
life that affect the grape? No; for they have made out some 104 species of fungi
that affect the grape. I have just selected three, so that we might focus our
attention upon these and leave the others for future study. The first one is what we
call the Downy Mildew, or, technically, the Peronospora Viticola. Those who prefer
the long name can adopt it, while those who prefer the simpler can call it the Downy
Mildew. Let us look into the life history of that and see what a complicated thing
it is. At a certain season of the year—in the summer months—in June
or thereabouts, you may notice on the upper side of the leaves of
the grape yellowish spots, having a sort of downy, white-like appearance.
This is all you can see, but if you should place a thin section of this
downy-looking spot under a microscope you then find that you have a beautiful
little plant. Everyone of these clusters of wooly-like structure are masses of little
plants. That is what is called the peronospora, and it is closely allied with the
parasite that causes the potatoe rot, both belonging to the same genus until lately.
There is a slight difference in the shape of the spores, so that latterly the potatoe
rot is put in another genus (Phytophthora) and is not called the peronospora any
longer. Let us look at this diagram before us. The spores full upon the leaf,
germinate and work their way in between the cells, as represented here. Here in
this figure are several cells, and here is one of the threads of this obscure plant
working in between them, Some of these fungi work into the cells, and others
work between. This one works between the cells. Every here and there it throws
out little threads. You can eall them roots, but we technically call them Hanstoria.
These dip into the cells and sap the juices of the plant. It is only a-question of time
when this parasite that has got into the tissue of the leaves has so exhausted the
plant’s vitality as to injure its vigour and finally cause its death. Now, after it has
permeated between the cells and reached a considerable growth at the little openings
that are found in the leaves—the openings we call Stomata—it throws up its fruit
bearing branches that you see. This is one of the Stomata. Here coming up are
five or six httle structures and on these a sort of fruit-like arrangement, That is
the fruit-bearing portion of the plant. In the potatoe rot you would only have one

stem, while in this Peronospora you have sometimes four and five, and even eight.

Let us look at that. It may affect the leaf, or it may affect the green twigs, or it
may affect the fruit. Here is some fruit that has been affected. Thatis drawn and
enlarged somewhat from nature. Here you have some of the fruit intact and some
that is affected. Here is what we might have expected if it had not been attacked
by this parasite. On the upper branches of this fruit-bearing portion of the plant
you see asort of oval-like structures. These are what we would call the spores,
They will give rise to plants of that nature very shortly. This little thing here is about

61

the fiftieth part of an inch in length, while the little spores or re-productive part will
be about the two-thousandeth part of an inch. It is exceedingly minute. Now, let us
follow the history further. These drop, after they have reached the mature condition.
One is generally called a Conidium while many are called Conidia. Afterit has fallen on
a leaf or some other part of a plant, ifthe conditions are favourable it will pursue
further development; but if the conditions are not there it will get no further.
Now, what are the conditions? For this genus, in the fungi, they are moisture and
warmth. It wants a good deal of moisture. If there is no water present the spore
is not going to be able to develop. It is not merely a little moisture, but something
that these spores can floatin. After it has rested awhile it begins to divide up, as
you see in the drawing. Shortly after that these break out of this sort of structure
and assume that form—a little rounded body with a couple of tails. Then this
rounded body begins to move; the hair-like structures help it to move about, and if
there is no water present that is not sufficient moisture to work in, it can go no
further in its development. So you see how necessary it is for this form to have
moisture and warm temperature. If the conditions are favourable and they are able
to spin about, these little spores, technically called Zoospores, drop their tails and
assume that form. Then it throws out a sort of tube, and you have the whole thing
starting into growth. If it is upon the leaf or fruit, or any part, it will grow and
develop into the plant we have already seen. But here is something peculiar—we
notice there are no less than three ways in which this Conidium can develop. One
way I have described, and the second way is represented here, where the whole of
the contents pushes out and commences to develop in the way you see in these two
figures. It does not break up into five or six parts, but it comes out and assumes
this form and developes. Another form is where the whole of the protoplasm, the
whole of the matter in the Conidium, comes out into the form of a tube and permeates
the tissue of the plant, and repeats the life history of the fungus, as I have already
described. So, from aConidium you have three different ways in which it may
develop itself: but the most common way is the one that I have described some-
what minutely at the beginning. Now is that all? That explains the development
of it through the growing season, and that form of development is very rapid, so
that the fungus soon spreads lover a very large area. But there is another form of
development. In among the tissues of the plant you will find some of the rounded
bodies such as you see there. Ido not like to mention the technical names, yet it
seems to be almost necessary and not out of the way before intelligentmen. It is here
called Oogonium and the other organ Antherridium. The protoplasm of the one
mingles with that of the other and you have a germ cell produced—another form of
reproduction altogether.

The form J described at first when referring to spores is termed a sexual and
what I have described now the sexual. This latter form carries the plant into an-
other year: the other is a form for rapid propagation. Here is a section and these
little black spots are the Oospores, or germ cells, prepared for growth next spring
or summer. So much for the life history of the Peronospora viticola. Now, the
question of greatest importance to you is how to fight against it. I cannot help but
think there is a great deal of interest in knowing the life history of these parasites.
It is very well to know how to kill it, but when a person knows all the outs and ins
of the complicated history af these obscure forms of life it gives an interest to his
labour which he otherwise could not possess. Howare we going to battle againstit?
Many remedies have been tried and some of them have been successful. This fun-
gus is in the tissues of the plant, so that you are not very well able to get at it.
Consequently, whatever course you may pursue, it must be along the line of preven-
tion rather than cure. You must prevent it rather than fight it when it has got
there. On general principles the remedy for all these things is to have the plant
vigourous. Vigour in aplant, as in the animal and in the human being, has a wonder-
ful power to resist the attacks of disease of any kind. So on general principles we
always speak of trying to have the plant as vigorous as possible. It has been found
that lime has a very destructive effect. So if you have a solution of lime—of hydrate

62

of lime—or what is more commonly known as lime water, syringed upon the plant at
the time you think these spores are making their appearance it will have a tendency
to diminish their numbers. It has also been found that the use of sulphate of copper
is productive of excellent results—either taking sulphate of copper alone, or it is
particularly effective if it has lime with it. In that mixed form it seems to be pro-
ductive of very satisfactory results. We combat them, therefore, by the use of
lime or by the use of sulphate of copper and lime. Of course, one would take the
precaution to remove all leaves that may be lying around and decayed fruit that
has resulted from the attacks of the spores and have them destroyed ; because they
are carrying these spores in them, By adopting these remedies the injurious
effects of this fungus may be greatly prevented,—that is, the application of hydrate
of lime at the proper season of the year, the application of sulphate of copper and
lime, the application of sulphate of iron, lime and sulphur, the removal of affected
parts, and having varieties of plants that are not found to be liable to attack.

Let us now look at No.2. We have what is called the Powdery Mildew, or
what is technically termed Uncinula Spiralis, an entirely different fungus, Here
you have a fungus that has quite a different form of reproduction for the propaga-
tion of the species. We have types of the fungi here well worthy of our consider-
tion, because they appear on other plants as well. In the first place, this is not in
the plant. It is on the plant; it is on the leaf, on the outside. 1t does not get into
the leaf like the first did, or get in among the tissues among the cells. and shove its
little thread-like structures into them, permeating the whole leaf and affecting it
until it is destroyed. ere you have the spore falling on the leaf and growing as it
were on the outside, and throwing down little sucker-like arrangements into the
leaf and feeding upon its tissue. These spots when they first appear have a sort of
greyish look. They have not the clear, white look that you see in the Downy
Mildew. But as the time rolls on the plant has its vitality greatly impaired. What
has happened? Some of these spores have got on to the plant, and as soon as they
have rooted it grows in stalk-like form, not in the pretty tree-like structure that you
saw in the other mildew; not coming up through the holes in the stomata, but
growing from the surface, and the end of the stalks become somewhat contracted,
taking a sort of oval shape. One drops off and then another, and so on. That is
one form in which these reproduce themselves, A little further on in the life
history of the fungus where two of these threads happen to overlap they begin
there to form a peculiar structure—a sort of nut-like form. If you open up that
seed-like body you will find inside of it structures as are here representéd rolling
out. Inside of these are innumerable spores. ‘You see it is quite a different growth
from the former. The first is a form of spore that is produced during the earlier
scasons of the year to carry on the rapid growth of the plant. The last is a little
later on, and is to carry the trouble into another year. In this centre you have the
peculiar flask-like bodies that [ described, containing spores. The former may be
termed a secuul form, and the latter the sexual. How are we going to combat
against this? Those who have made it a special study have found that there are
certain chemicals that have a very desirable effect. One of these is sulphur. When
sulphur is thrown over the leaf it has a tendency to destroy the vitality of these
spores and to keep them in check. Not only sulphur, but they find that this
sulphate of copper and lime is very productive of good results. To scme extent
also, sulphate of iron. So there are three chemicals that have been productive of
good results in the case of this Powdery Mildew. Sulphur alone, or lime and
sulphate of copper, or sulphate of iron. Then, again, the same remedy would come
in here of destroying everything that you might imagine was affected with these
spores.

We now come to our third type, Laestadia Bidwellit, or what is known as the
blacix rot in grapes. This attacks more especially the fruit. The others may attack
the leaves or the young shoots or the fruit, and generally the small fruit; but this
comes on after the fruit has got about two-thirds its size, and the result is that it has
a very injurious effect. Let us look into the life history of this. Here is an affected

63

branch or cluster, showing grapes that have been destroyed or injured by its attacks,
as well as those that have escaped to a certain extent. It is found that at one season
of the year, usually the spring, a class of spores appears; when the tissue of the
grape is examined at this time we find short, thread-like structures rising, the ends of
them becoming more or less contracted and finally dropping off. But there is another
form: on the grapes you find blackish pimples forming at times, and the grape
becomes more or less shrivelled. If you examine these pimples you will find that
there are two classes of conceptacles or cavities in them. Here I have them repre-
sented as Nos. 1 and 2. When you look into No. 1 closely you will find a sort of
thread-like structures, which, as they advance in growth, by-and-by give rise to these
little rounded bodies. These are the spores, and there is a little opening here. They
roll out, and when they reach a proper condition, give rise to fungus. You have
receptacles here asin No, 2, They give rise to thread-like structures that develop
into another class of spores. Sometimes these have apeculiar form. Little rounded
bodies appear on the grape and issuing from them comes a sort of thread-like mass
of these spores. They come squirming out like so many worms. Further on you
find another class of spores in these somewhat large cavities ; these bodies are some-
what flask-shaped. Inside of them are eight or nine spores and when these break up
they give rise to the spores you see represented in that figure. In this black rot you
find there are no less than four kinds of spores known as Stylospores, Spermatia,
Conidia and Sporidia or Ascospores. The two last forms of fungi belong to the same
group as the plum knot on the plum tree. This black rot presents an exceedingly
complicated life history indeed. Here you find the threads rising from these spores
becoming interlaced. They dive into the cells, not, as up here, between the cells, and
they are more or less interlaced. The thread-like structures have divisions, not as
here where you had a long thread-like structure without division. Now, having
looked into the life history of Laestadia Bidwellii, what remedy canbe pursued? It
has been found that sulphate of iron has a good effect. It is when the grape has got
about two:thirds its size before the attack is made; taking advantage of this, many
have followed the plan of bagging the grapes—that is, putting bags, usually of paper.
about them. Those keep the spores off, and by that means the disease is avoided.
Whenever grapes are affected destroy them as far as possible.

We have now discussed three of the most common and most injurious parasites
that affect the grape plant. Ido not think itis necessary for me to go any further
into the subject ; your attention has been very close and to me the task has been
pleasant. I have referred to the division into flowering and flowerless plants, the
difference between seeds and spores, the two great types of fungi, those that live on
dead and those that live on living matter, and then fully discussed these three living
forms illustrated by the large diagrams before you, and I hope I have succeeded in
making the subjects clear, interesting, instructive and practical. (Applause.)

The Presipent.—I think I am expressing the sentiments of this meeting when
I say we are greatly indebted to Prof. Panton for the extremely lucid way he
has explained this most difficult and most intricate subject. It is a question of the
greatest importance to fruit growers, and it is one that is deserving of a very large
attention on the part, not only of the fruit growers themselves, but those who are
officially interested in promoting the industry. I hope there will be a good discus-
sion on this paper. i

Mr. Wootverton.—\ found during the last summer some specimens of grapes
affected with a very similar fungus to the last one described. The grapes, however,
instead of being black, were brown, and. I believe it is known as the brown rot on
the grape. Some samples from the Province of Quebec were sent to me, and perhaps
Prof. Panton could say a word with regard to that. I do not know of its being
found in any partof Southern Ontario. Indeed, I do not think we have either black
or brown rot to any extent in our section of the country.

Prof, Panron.—It has not come under my observation.

Mr. WooLvERTon,—I may say that the powdery mildew is quite common with
us in the Niagara district. This last season it was very injurious. It has had a very

64

injurious effect on our vineyards, but we are meeting it with a good deal of success
by the free use of sulphur that Prof. Panton has just recommended. We have used
it quite freely and very largely in some of the vineyards, and with a conséderable
amount of success. Quite early in the season the first application is made and it is
repeated during the season. It was found to be very effective when the sun is
shining upon the plant, as then the fumes of sulphur will rise more readily and have
the effect of destroying the fungus,

‘Mr. Bucke.—How did you apply it?

Mr. WooLverton.—It was scattered over the vines or underneath them. I be-
lieve it is sufficient if sown freely on the ground underneath the vines. The sulphu-
rous acid, as I believe it is, will rise in sufficient quantities to destroy the fungus,
We apply it freely with the hands. I believe that when the temperature is above 77
degrees that the sulphur is then found to be most effective. We are not affected
to anyextent with downy mildew—at all events, I have not observed it in Southern
Ontario. :

Mr. Bropiz.—Has any one used the Bordeaux mixture?

Prof. Panton.—That is the mixture of lime and sulphate of copper.

Mr. FLercuer.—Have you tried spraying sulphur on the vine?

Mr. Wootverton.—No; I have not.

Tue Rexation or InsEcts to Fruit Cutture, By Rev. THomas W. Fyuzs, Sours
QUEBEC,

The subject of' the relation of insects to fruit culture is worthy the consideration
both of fruit-growers and entomologists. It presents a vast field for research. The
more [ have studied it the more its significance has widened before me, and the
more conscious I have become of my inability to deal with it adequately.

Many persons regard insects simply as “bugs,” in the original acceptation of
the term, 7. e. terrors, and terrors to be, if possible, relentlessly and expeditiously
put out of the way. Such persons are under a great misapprehension. Probably
there is no kind of insect but will be found to perform a useful part in the system of
nature broadly viewed; though to the fruit-grower some kinds are inimical.

Insects seen from the fruit-grower’s point of view may be grouped into five
classes :

I. Insects favourable to fruit-culture.
IL. Insects directly hurtful.

III, Doubtful and neutral insects.

IV. Insects directly benefical.

V. Insects indirectly injurious,

Of insects directly favourable to fruit-culture, various kinds of bees are among
the most note-worthy. ‘hey predominate in the crowd of insect forms, with which,
on sunny days, a fruit-tree in full blossom is enlivened.

The purposes for which the bee frequents the blossoms are the gratification of
its own appetite with the sweet exudations from the nectaries, and the obtaining of
a supply of pollen or bee-bread for the use of the larvee of its species.

' But while the bee is carrying out its own ends, it is helping forward materially
that all-important process, the fertilization of the flowers. A reference to the ac-
companying diagram of a simple hermaphrodite flower will show how its work in
this respect is accomplished.

At A is shown the stigma of the blossom; at BB dehiseing anthers charged
with pollen-grains ; at CC the nectaries. A bee working amongst the flowers comes,
dusted over with pollen-grains, to a particular blossom. To get at the nectary O, it
has to thrust itself between the stigma A and the anther B. In so doing some of
the pollen-grains with which it was covered are transferred to th» viscid surface of
the stigma, where they adhere. After lapping up the supply of nectar from O, the
bee quits the blossom, carrying away a fresh supply of pollen from B. From the
abundance of this, other blossoms are fecundated. At intervals the insect pauses,

65

and passes its legs over its body to collect the still adhering pollen-grains. These

1t proceeds to pack into the hollow shanks of its hind legs, the corbulae or baskets

‘inan which nature has provided it, that it may be able to convey its plunder to the
ive.

The bodies of bees are particularly fitted up for the conveyence of pollen from
flower to flower, for they are clothed with short, bristly hair, which hasa marked
set towards the point of the abdomen. In backing out from the flower a bee can
hardly fail to dislodge the ripened pollen-grains, and retain them until they are
brought in contact with the viscid surface of a stigma, or are swept off by the stouter
bristles with which the legs of the insect are provided.

The further history of the pollen-grains left adhering to the stigma is this:
In a short time they begin, by a sort of germination, to extend minute tubes down
the style D, along the walls of the ovule E, through the micropyle F, into the em-
bryo-sac, where they mingle their contents with those of the oosphere, and complete
the fertilization of the flower.

The importance of this cross-fertilization of the blossoms, brought about by the
agency of the bees, is beyond all human estimation. It was a saying of Darwin
that ‘nature abhors self-fertilization ;’ and certainly observation has taught us that
cross-fertilization results in a supply of better fruit, and, eventually, in the produc-
tion of more vigorous plants, than results from the self-fertilization of a plant by its
own pollen.

y anatural law or instinct which we cannot understand, but the effects of
which in the movements of the bee we observe, this cross-fertilization is kept within
bounds, A bee on an expedition in search of nectar and pollen confines its atten-
tion, for the time being, to the flowers of one kind of plants; and an observer, stand-
ing by a bee-hive, will see the bees entering, some with pellets of yellow, and some
with pellets of orange-red, but never any with a mixture of the three.

In the case of plants bearing unisexual flowers such as Cucumis, no doubt the
chief means for the fertilization of the female flowers is the agency of bees. Indeed,
‘when melons are forced under glass, and the blossoms are brought to perfection
before bees are on the wing, artificial means have to be resorted to for impregnating
the female blossoms.

The various kinds of pollen-collecting bees, therefore,—Apis mellifica, Drury;
Bombus terricola, Kirby; B. Pennsylvanicus, De Geer, B. fervidus' Fabricius; B.
ternarius, Say, &c., are among the fruit-growers’ most persistive and valuable insect-
friends.

Next to the various species of bees that we have alluded toas friends of the
fruit-grower come many of those large and beautiful insects called “ humming bird
moths,” or “hawk moths.” The hawk-moth, of whatsoever species, is provided with
a long proboscis, which, when not in use, is curled up like a watch-spring, and hidden
between the palpi; but, when the insect is engaged in taking food, is extended to
its full length, and thrust among the filaments of the blossoms. By the disturbance
of the anthers in the play of this organ, and by the rapid fanning of the wide-spread
wings of the moth asit hovers over the blossoms, the pollen-grains are scattered all
around, and cross-fertilization results. :

A fruit-tree in full blossom does indeed present a busy and interesting scene.
The honey-bees are there in full force ; numerous large females of the various species
of humble-bees hurry hither and thither—at this early season there are no males
nor small females of their kinds—and dancing over the blossoms with easy flight are
the clear-winged humming-bird moths, Hemaris Thysbe (Fabr.) and H. tenuis (Grote),
and, here and there, Amphion Nessus (Cramer), with its rich brown dress and golden
belts. The air is made vocal by the wings of the busy multitude; the tree itself
blushes with the rich promise of future good; and the whole scene is one that may
well gladden the heart of the beholder. ; ;

As night draws on the bees and other diurnal insects retire; but many species
of noctuids come forth from their retreats, to enjoy the banquet that the open
flowers afford them,

5

lor)
[on

Il. But while many of the insect tribes may be ranked as the fruitgrowers’
friends, it must be allowed that the operations of others run directly counter to his
interests.

For our present purpose, we may divide these injurious insects into—

a. Leaf-eaters.

6. Borers.

¢. Sap-drainers.

d, Fruit-spoilers.

a. Of leaf-eating insects the kinds most to be dreaded are, I believe, those small
but most mischievous kinds that are known as bud moths, leaf-crumplers, leaf-rollers,
palmer worms, &c. Among the worst of them are:—

Imetocera ocellana (Schiff), The larva of this eats the flower buds and young
fruit. It is of a dirty brown colour, and is three-quarters of an inch long when full
grown, The moth is grey with white bands on the fore-wings, and in expanse of
wings measures half an inch. It belongs to the Tortricina.

Phycis indiginella (Zeller). The caterpillar of this is known as the “leaf
crumpler.” It comes late in the summer, and passes the winter in a case made of
crumpled leaves drawn together with silken threads. In early spring it comes forth
to devour the tender buds and complete its growth. It is a little over half an inch
long, of a greenish colour, and has a horny plate on the second segment. Its head
is brown. The moth is a pretty object, having silvery white wings with brown zig-
zag markings. It belongs to the Tineina, as the diminutive affix to its name implies.

Cacecia rosaceana (Harris). The oblique banded leaf-roller is one of the worst
of these small moths. The perfect insect has the outline of a lyre or a bell. It is
cinnamon coloured, and is marked obliquely on the fore wings with three brown
bands. The caterpillar is about three-quarters of an inch long, pale green in colour,
with a brown head. It works sad destruction, gathering the young leaves together,
and tangling up the flower buds and preventing them from unfolding. It even
gnaws the young fruit.

Teras malivorana (Le Baron). The lesser leaf folder is ‘a pretty little moth
belonging to the Tortricina. The fore part of the body and the fore wings are
bright yellow; the after part of the body and hind wings are whitish. It measures
half an inch when the wings are expanded. The larva is-light green and has a
brown head. It curls the leaf up and fastens the edges together to make itself a
shelter.

Ypsolophus pometellus (Harris). “The Palmer worm” is at times very injur-
ious. It is a social caterpillar, living with its fellows in a tent made of the leaves of
a twig drawn together. The worm is pale yellowish green, with a darker dorsal
line and side lines. The latter are edged above with white. It eats away the fleshy
portions of the leaves. The moth is variable, but generally is ash grey dotted with
black. The hind wings are glossy and slightly shot with blue. —

In dealing with all these insects and with others of similar habits promptitude
is the secret of success. As soon as ever the leaf buds begin to open Paris green
should be applied by means of a sprinkler; and after the fruit is well set a second
sprinkling may be given. Care should always be taken not to over-dose the trees.
In autumn the dead leaves in the orchard may be raked up and burned—that hidden
pupe may be destroyed.

Of the grosser feeders in the orchard one of the most common is Clistocampa
Americana (Harris) ; but this is easily dealt with. In the winter the ege-masses of
the species may be detected and dislodged with the thumb-nail. They should then
be burned. Some of the masses will perhaps escape notice, and the unsightly webs,
spun by the caterpillars, in course of time appear. The fruit grower, provided with
a stick having a slight but stiff crotch or fork at one end, should go in the early
morning when the dew is heavy—for at such times the caterpillars are all within
the shelter of their web—and should thurst the crotch into the mass ; then, by turn-
ing the stick gently a few times, the whole mass may be drawn together, detached

67

with its burden, and trodden under foot. This must be done early in the season,
both to save the trees and prevent the escape of the insects—for the larve after a
while abandon their web and scatter.

The communities of the forest-tree tent-caterpillaar, Clisiocampa sylvatica
(Harris), which sometimes are found on fruit-trees, form their webs on the boles or
under the main limbs of the trees, and when assembled in their webs, or when on
one of their processionary tours, may be crushed by means of a stout lath, or
brushed over with any kind of cheap oil, which, spreading over their bodies, will
choke the spiracles, and destroy the caterpillars expeditiously.

The nests of the Fall Web-worm, Hyphantria textor (Harris) should be cut out
with pruning shears, or with a hooked knife tied to a pole, and destroyed.

The black and yellow striped caterpillars of Datana ministra (Drury), which,
when disturbed, have the habit of throwing up the fore and hindmost parts of their
bodies into a sort of precatory attitude, and the red-humped caterpillars of
Oedemasia concinna (Abbot and Smith) are found in their early stages grouped on a
few leaves. Like choice fruit, they should be carefully hand-picked and safely
stowed away. :

There are certain species of the Noctuids, the larve of which are known by the
name of the “Climbing Cut-Worms.” Among them are Agrotis clandestina (Harris),
A. Cochranii (Riley), A. scandens (Riley), and A. saucta (Hubner), They are capable
of doing much mischief to young trees. They lie hid in the ground by day, and
climb the trees at night. They pass from tree to tree over the surface of the
ground. To guard his corn, ete., from the attacks of such insects as these, the
farmer draws the light soil into a hill about the plants, for the worms cannot ascend
the crumbly mounds; and a few shovels-full of light earth piled around the foot of
each young fruit tree will save it from the cut-worms.

b. Our second group of injurious insects consists of the borers. The insect that
is distinguished above the rest as the Borer is the grub of a beetle, Saperda candida
(Fabricius). It is sometimes called the “ Round-headed Borer.” Its large head is
given it for a purpose—in boring, if its head will pass there is no danger of its body
being cramped in the mine. The natural food-tree of this insect is the moose-missa or
mountain ash, Pyrus Americana (De Candolle) ; but it feeds with avidity upon the
cultivated specics of pyrus. Its presence may be known by the fras ejected from
its tunnel. The perfect insect makes its appearance in the beginning of June. Soft
soap applied to the boles of the trees at this season, with a white-wash brush, will
hinder the attacks of the beetle. This application will also stop the attacks of the
Flat-headed Borer of the apple, Chrysobothris femorata (Fabr.), and those of Dicerca
divericata (Say), the borer of the cherry.

Old and decaying apple and peach trees are liable to the attacks of the “Stag-
beetle,” Lucanus dama(Thunb)., the “ Eyed Elater,” Alans oculatus (Linneus), and
the “ Rough Osmoderma,” Osmoderma scabra (Beauv). These but hasten the fall of
the trees.

Of other borers the Mgerians are often very destructive. Myeria pyri (Harris)
attacks the pear-tree; @. exitiosa (Say), the peach-tree ; 4. polistiformis (Harris), the
grape-vine; . rubi (Riley), the raspberry cane; and 2. tipuliformis (Linneus), the
currant-bush. The imagos of all these insects fly in the day time in the summer
months, and haunt the food plants of their species. An intelligent child may be
readily taught to distinguish them, and to capture them with a butterfly-net.

¢. Sap-drainers.—The most formidable of these, in appearance, are the Cicadas,
C. tibicen (Linn). and C. septendecim (Linn). The kinds may be readily distinguished
one from the other—in the former the eyes and the edges of the fore-wings are
green; in the latter, orange-red. C. tibicen is sometimes found at the roots of the
cherry, and of the apple, though its food-plant more commonly is the elm. C.
septendecim is found at the roots of the apple. It drives its proboscis into the root
and imbibes the sap, and, it is said, keeps on imbibing it for a period of seventeen

years.

53

68

The apple, the peach, the cherry and the vine have each its peculiar aphis or
plant-louse, which, spreading with parthenogenitic increase, become exceedingly
injurious. The “honey-dew,” which the aphides eject, covers the leaves and chokes
the stomata, or breathing-pores of those organs, and seriously affects the health of
the plant ; whilst the aphides themselves drive their snouts through the epidermis,
into the parenchyma, and draw away its life-giving juices.

The Phylloxera vastatrix (Planchon) of the vine seems in many parts of Europe
to have triumphed over all efforts made against it. Happily, in America its natural
foes keep it within bounds. One of’ these foes Diplosis grassator (Fyles), [ had the
satisfaction some years ago of making known.

d. Fruit-spoilers—The last of our classes of injurious insects are the Fruit.
spoilers. Of these the ‘Codling Moth,” Carpocapsa pomonella (Linn.) is one of the
worst. The perfect insect is a small and pretty moth with wavy-lined, satiny fore-
wings, having a conspicuous bronzy spot at the inner angle. It lays its eggs in the
eyes of the young fruit, preferring the early kinds. The caterpillars eat their way
in, and attain their growth in about three wecks. They then leave the fruit and
seek sheltered spots—usually crevices in the bark of the tree—in which to spin their
cocoons, and to undergo their pupal change. This habit has suggested a means of
entrapping them. Cloths tied around the stems and main limbs of the trees will
attract the larvee, which will spin their cocoons within the folds of the cloths.

Anthonomus quadrigibbus (Say,) the curculio of the apple, and Conotrachelus nenuphar
(Herbst), the curculio of the plum, are furnished with long snouts, with which they
bore into the fruit to make receptacles for their eggs. The grubs mine the growing
fruit. The apple curculio undergoes all its changes within the fruit and leaves it as
a perfect insect, The ravages of the plum curculio cause the fruit to full untimely.
The grub when full-fed bites its way out of the fallen fruit, and buries itself in the
soil, there to undergo its pupal change.

To capture the perfect insects the fruit-grower should, at the proper season,
spread a sheet under the tree, and then with a fork-handle, or other stout stick,
administer a sudden sharp blow to cach of the overhanging limbs. This will dislodge
the curculios, and they will fall upon thesheet, where they can easily be seen and
secured. Leaf-eating and twig-girdling beetles, caterpillars, and other troublesome
insects, may be taken in the same way.

III. There are many kinds of caterpillars that eat the leaves of fruit trees, and
yet, under ordinary circumstances, can hardly be said to be injurious—that is to say
when feeding upon other than very young trees. Many of them feed late in the
summer, and, having done their worst, merely let in, here and there, a little more
light and heat to the growing fruit. Many are amoug the rarest of our ingects.
Bupretia stimulia (Clemens), Phobetron pithecium (Ab, & Sm.), Gastropacha
Americana (Harris), Tolype velleda (Stoll), feeding on the apple tree are all rare.
They are all Bombyces, and the Bombyces do not feed at all in the perfect state.
Whatever good or harm they do to the trees is done while they are in the larval
stage. Liminitis ursula, (Fabr), Thecla titus, (Fabr), Smerinthus cerysii (Kirby)
Callosomia promethea (Drury), feeding on the cherry, are also rare; and so are
Philampelus pandorus (Hubner), Thyreus Abbotii (Swainson), and Deilephila lineata
(Fabr.), feeding on the vine. Even the more common Papilio turnus (Linn.)
Paonias excecatus (Ab. & Sm.), Platysamia cecropia (Linn.), of the apple; TE innieie
disippus (Godt.), Sphinx drupiferarum (Ab. & Sm.), Telea polyphemus (Cramer), and
Catocala ultronia (Hubn.), of the plum; and Philampelus achemon (Drury) of the
vine, are not, as a rule, injurious, for it is seldom that more than two or three of the
larve are found on one plant.

A phenomenal increase of any leaf-feeding insect would, no doubt, be hurtful
and even one or two of the larger species would defoliate a young tree to a very
serious extent. The presence of these intruders may be readily known by their
excrementa scattered under the tree. I would recommend the fruit-crower to
remove carefully the rarer kinds of cater-pillars, and to send them to some entomo-
logical friend.

69

Then there are the hosts of insects which feed on shrubs and forest trees, in
which the fruit-grower has no special interest, and on the grasses and herbaceous
plants which in themselves are not obnoxious to him. The name of these insects is
“Legion.” Lastly, there are the many insects predaceous upon these neutral
insects, which neither for good nor for harm affect the fruit-grower’s special
interests. All these we may pass by, and come to the consideration of—

IV. Insects Indirectly beneficial to Fruit-culture.—Amongst these must be found
a place for such as help to keep down encroaching and troublesome weeds that would
be an eyesore to the fruit-grower, and an injury to the orchard and garden,
Pyrameis cardui (Linn,) feeds upon the thistle, Vanessa milberti (Godt.) on the
nettle, Danais archippus (Fabr.) on the milk-weed. Each of them in its perfect state
is “a thing of beauty,” and, therefore, as the poet tells us, “a joy for ever;” and
though the judicious fruit-grower may allow no weeds to establish themselves in his
own grounds, it will not be an unpleasing reflection for him that these insects, and
others of similar habits, are working at the weeds in the grounds of his slack
neighbours.

But more important in their operations than these are the numerous parasitic
and predaceous insects that keep down the numbers of the injurious kinds. Asilus
estuans (Linn.), and A. sericens (Say), together with many kinds of dragon flies, roam
the air in summer time in search of their winged prey. The larve of the Syrphians
feed on the plant-lice, or in the bodies of living caterpillars, which they ultimately
destroy. The Cicindelide, or Tiger Beetles, and the Carabide, or Ground Beetles,
devour vast numbers of curculio grubs. Harpalus calignosus (Say) eats the cut-worms.
The larve of the Fire-fly, Photinus pyralis (Linu.) also feeds upon underground
larvee, and will even bite its way into cocoons, I have found it in the act of cleaning
out a cocoon of Nematus erichsonii. The Lady-birds, Coccinelide, in all their stages,
do an immense amount of good in thinning the numbers of the different species of
Aphis. The Solitary Wasps and the Sphex-flies are also among the fruit-growers’
best insect-friends. Humenes fraternus (Say) stores its mud cells with paralyzed but
living larvee. I once saw Odynerus capra (Sanss.) pounce down upon a colony of
full-grown larvee of the imported currant-worm, Nematus ventricosus (Klug). The
larve dropped instanter to the ground; but the wasp selected its victim, and, with
its powerful jaws, nipped it at regular intervals, probably over the ganglia, through-
out its length, taking all the twist out of it. It then attempted to fly off with its
prey, but found it too heavy. Acting in accordance with the school-boy principle,
that “the best pocket for carrying one’s lunch is an inside pockat,” it nipped off the
thoracic segments, and proceeded to make a meal, leaving the head, fore-legs and
skin. It then took up the more succulent after-part of the larve and flew off with
it, no doubt to add it to the provision it was making for its young. Insects belonging
to the various genera of the Ichneumonide also do yeoman service, Packard tells
us that “In Europe over 2,000 species of this family have been described, and it is
probable we have an equal number of species in America.”* Pimpla pedalis
(Cresson) is parasitic in the web-worms; Ichnewmon saturalis (Say) in the Army-
worm. Oryptus extrematus (Cresson) lays its eggs in considerable numbers in the
larve of Platysamia Cecropia (Linn.) The eggs hatch in the living larvex, and the
grubs locate themselves in suitable quarters within their hosts. Hach brings the
end of its body—where the openings of the two principal trache are found—into
proximity to one of the stigmata of its host, and so is enabled to breathe. It feeds
upon the juices and fatty matter of the unhappy caterpillar; and all the food it
takes must be assimilated, for its stomach ends in a cul de sac. Think of the
condition of the wretched host, with a score or two of grubs sapping its vitals.
Surely the most irate, or desponding, fruit-grower, who has been ready to wring his
handa, and exclaim with York, in Shakespeare's 2nd part of King Henry V.:—

“Thus are my blossoms blasted in the bud,
And caterpillars eat my leaves away.”

#CGuide to the Study of Insects, p. 193.

70

will find an anodyne for his mental sufferings in the thought that at any rate some of
his insect foes have been condemned to the fate of Herod.

V. We have lastly to consider insects indirectly hurtful. These consist of the
foes of the fruit-growers friends. The hive-bee suffers from the operations of Gal-
leria cereana (Fabr.). A moth which ventures within the hive and, even when perish-
ing under the attacks of the bees, manages to deposit eggsin nooks and corners by
means of its long telescopic ovipositor. Its larvee construct silken galleries, and push
their way under cover through and through the comb, working sad destruction. The
humble-bees’ nests are open to the visits of the cuckoo-bee. Apathus ashtoni (Cresson.).
This insect lays its eggs in the pollen masses provided by the humble-bee for its own
young. The larve of one or two species of Volucella eat the young themselves.
The larvee of the Musk Beetle, Meloé augusticollis (Say) lie in wait in the heads of
flowers, especially in the catkins of the sallow. When the humble-bees come the
larvee cling to them, and are carricd to the bees’ nests, where they feed on the bee-
bread and the larvee of the bees. The humble-bee itself is assailed by parasites,
The grubs of that remarkable beetle, Stylops childrent (Westwood), are found in its
abdomen, and so are the maggots of one or two species of cynips.

Under the head of insects indirectly injurious to fruit culture we might include
the foes of the foes of hurtful insects; but 1 must not try your patience by leading
you further amid the intricacies of the marvellous machinery of nature. No man
knows, and probably no man ever will know, the bearing of its every part. When
we come to the subject of parasites of parasites, the recollection of the old rhyme
which we have all heard speedily pulls us up— ,

“ Big fleas have little fleas,
And little, less, to bite ’em
And these fleas have other fleas,

And so, ad infinitum.”

We have seen, then, that there are many kinds of insects directly favourable to
fruit culture; that the fruit-grower has many trusty allies—an active insect police
—guarding his trees from the destruction that would otherwise await them ; that,
besides these, and the neutral insects, there are numerous others working directly,
or indirectly, against him, It is important that he should be able to distinguish his
friends from his foes. An episode will make this more apparent. I was once walk-
ing with a gentleman in a garden of which he was very proud. J noticed a cluster
of microgaster cocoons on one of the beds; and I said, “‘ Do you see those?” In an
instant, before I could interpose, he had vindictively crushed them under foot. I
said, “You have been too hasty. Those were cocoons of aspecies of ichneumon fly
which is one of the fruit-grower’s best friends. There were probably fifty cocoons in the
cluster, containing insects the offspring of one mother-fly. Now, supposing half of
these to have been females, and that each female would lay forty eggs, in due course
of events there would next year have been 1,250 of the insects working in your favour.
And if you choose to carry on the calculation, you will find that at the end of five
years there would, nothing interfering, have been 488,281,250 of their descendants
labouring for the fruit-growers’ benetit.”

A slight knowledge of entomology—suffiicient to enable the fruit-grower to dis-
tinguish his friends from his foes—may now be acquired without much difficulty ;
and where he is in doubt as to the nature of an insect, let the fruit-grower give the
insect the benefit of the doubt.

It is not now as it was twenty-eight years ago, when I commenced to study Cana-
dian insects with nothing but my knowledge of European entomology fora guide. In
1859 Breckenbridge Clemens wrote to the editor of the English Entomological
Intelligence, from Kaston, Pennsylvania, “ With us everything has yet to be done;” and
in the same year Packard wrote from Brunswick, Maine, to the same editor, “You
see our moths have not been worked up at all as yet.” Grote tells us that in 1862
there were probably “not one hundred species named and determined in any collec-
tion.” How great has been the change in the interval! Packard, Riley, Lintner, and
others, have done admirable work for the advancement of Economie Entomology on
this continent, In Canada, the Entomological Society of Ontario, under the fostering

71

care of the Provincial Government, had issued nineteen most useful annual reports.
The Canadian Entomologist, the organ of the society, under the able editorship
of the Rev. Dr. Bethune, is acknowledged to be one of the best publications of its
kind. It is not too much to say that the society in spreading informa-
tion concerning insecticides, &¢., has saved the Dominion millions of
dollars, One of the fathers of Canadian Entomology, Mr. William Saunders, has
written for the Canadian fruit-grower, on “Insects Injurions to Fruits,” that I
know is most valuable, and the Department of Agriculture, in appointing Mr. James
Fletcher as Dominion Entomologist, in connection with the Experimental Farms, has
made a wise and judicious choice. Fruit-growers will find in Mr. Fletcher a safe
entomological guide. Under most favourable circumstances then, those who have
not already done so may, if they will, take up the study of entomology, and find it
both pleasant and advantageous.

The PresipEent.—Before calling for a discussion on this very valuable paper, I
will call for a paper on a similar subject from Mr. James Fletcher, of the Experi-
mental Farm.

Insuriovs Insects arrectinc Frurrs—REmMEDIES TO PREVENT THEIR RAVAGES: BY
Jamus Fiercurr, Dominion EntomoLoaist, OTTAWA.

Mr. Presipent snp GentLemen,—When the secretary of the Convention
honoured me with an invitation to write a paper upon “The Injurious Insects which
affect Fruits, and the Best Remedies to prevent their Ravages,” I felt very thankful
for the opportunity thus afforded of drawing your attention to a subject which my
studies have convinced me are of enormous importanee to all of you, as well as to
the whole Dominion.

Iam perfectly well aware that, in a meeting like the present, where the most
advanced truit-growers of the country are met together, much of what I am about
to lay before you is well-known, but the poor condition (due to the preventible
attacks of insects) of some of the fruit offered for sale in the Canadian market, as
well as the frequent complaints of serious injury from well-known pests have
induced me to occupy a portion of your time in trying to induce you to pay more
attention to this part of your work of fruit growing.

The annual diminution of all crops grown through the agency of insects is
enormous, and it is claimed averages at least 10 per cent. of all vegetable products.
This percentage would in many cases be far too low, but even this is much higher
than it ought and might be, if horticulturists and agriculturists would only awake
from their indifference and make use of available and easily accessible information,
All intelligent thinking people recognise the fact that insects play a most important
role in the economy of nature; but owing to the prevailing ignorance upon these
matters, which pervades all ranks of society, these small forms of animal life, so
exquisitely beautified, to those whose eyes have been opened by the golden key of
observation and knowledge, are by the generality of mankind regarded only with
feelings of repugnance or disgust, and the study of their lives and habits is merely
an object of ridicule and contempt for the simple.

The fruit-grower is brought into very close contact witth his friends and foes
of the insect world, and it is of paramount importance that he should be able to
recognise which are which. The actual benefits derived from insects are consider-
able; perhaps the most important of these is in their capacity as Nature’s scavengers
—the means always at hand of removing from the face of the earth anything useless
or objectionable. To the fruit-grower they are important as parasites of other
insects which are injurious, and as pollenizers of his fruits, direct connection having
been traced between bad fruit harvests and the occurrence of cold, wet periods,
during which insects are inactive, at the time the fruit trees were in blossom. In
addition to the above direct benefits derivable from insects, mention may be made
of such useful products as honey, wax, silk, ink galls, cochineal and shellac; but the
benefits which we receive from insects must always appear insignificant as compared
with the injuries they inflict upon our crops. It will probably never be possible to-

72

entirely protect crops from injurious insects, nor would it very likely be for the best
interests of agriculture, for insects have a definite mission to perform in nature, and
any interference with the laws of nature must be done with extreme caution—
insects act as Nature’s pruners, preventing too luxuriant a growth of wood or foliage
or too profuse a production of fruit.

The practical entomologist endeavours to find remedies which will prevent as
much loss as possible, and this, at the least expenditure of time and money. To
attain this end he finds that the knowledge of most use is that which teaches him
the life-history of the different insects to be studied. By this means he knows at what
stage of their development his foes may be most advantageously attacked. By this
knowledge, too, the eyes of the farmer are frequently opened to the fact that insects
which he supposed were injuring his crops, were present as friends preying upon his
enemies. It would be bad taste on my part to occupy more than a few minutes of
your time to-day. I know that you have more papers presented than can possibly
be read. I shall, therefore, merely direct your attention to some of the best methods
of treating insects injurious to fruits, which have been developed during the last few
years, and I have no doubt that some of the practical orchardists and fruit-growers
present, whom I know to have used these methods, will, by giving their experience,
carry the point I wish to make far better than if I were to read an elaborate paper,
which, perhaps, might tire you. I have stated that a knowledge of the life-history
of insects is of very great importance when we wish to check their ravages; for not-
withstanding the enormous number of insects, there being no less than 25,000
described species in North America, it is only a small proportion of these which
need be studied by the horticulturist, and the number of first-class pests, with whose
habits he should be familiar, or which, at any rate, should be known by name, so
that information may be asked for in a definite manner, is much smaller than the
number of names of the varieties of any of our truits. Further than this, he will
find upon examining the subject that the injuries committed by insects upon his fruit
crops are susceptible of classification, so that they be sucessfully treated by the
modification, according to circumstances, of three or four standard remedies. The
reason of this was stated in my Annual Report for 1885, as follows :—

“Tf you examine a large nnmber of different insects you will find that they all
may be roughly divided into two large groups, by the form of their mouth parts.
These two groups are: 1, Those which possess jaws, by means of which they con-
sume the substance of their food; and (2) Those which have instead a hollow tube,
by means of which they suck up their food in the shape of liquid juices. Now, it is
apparent that for insects of the first group, as the Colorado Potato-Beetle, which con-
sumes the whole substance of its food-plant, all that is necessary is to apply to the
foliage some poisonous material, which will not injure the plant, but which, being
consumed with the leaves, will destroy the insects devouring them. Such poisonous
materials we have in the various arsenical compounds which I shall mention later.

“For the second group, however, which do not masticate their food, these
remedies are useless, for the insects having their mouth-parts in the shape ofa
hollow tube, as we find in the Aphides, or plant-lice, can pierce through these
poisonous applications on the surface of their food and extract the juices upon which
they live from the interior of the leaf. With such insects it is necessary to make
use of remedies which act by mere contact with their bodies, and do not require to
be eaten at all. For this purpose, coal oil (petroleum) and carbolic acid, as well as
the vegetable insecticides known as Hellebore and the Persian and Dalmatian insect
powders, and tobacco, are most useful. These remedies, too, as they will destroy all
insects, are of much wider application than the poisons mentioned above.”

Methods of treatment known as prevettive remedies are those by which
substances are applied to crops to prevent the female insects from laying their eggs
upon the plants which it is desired to protect. Under this head come such remedies
as putting alkaline washes upon the trees to prevent borers, and the application of
kerosene emulsion or sand saturated with kerosene around cabbages or upon onion
beds, to prevent the attacks of the root maggot. The class of remedies, however, to

73

which I now desire particularly to draw your attention is the spraying of arsenical
insecticides upon fruit trees. “The results have been so satisfactory to all who have
experimented with them that I cannot understand why they are not more generally
used. During the last two or three years careful experiments have been carried out
to test the efficacy of these remedies. The result of these investigations is that they
are pronounced to be perfectly sate and sure remedies if certain precautions are
taken in their application. There is of course danger in using arsenic in any form;
at the same time, with ordinary and proper care arsenic may be used satisfactorily
aud good results will follow. For the successful use of these substances, I think it
1s necessary to have a force pump of some kind and a spray nozzle. A very suitable
sort of force pump may be obtained complete with a cyclone nozzle, the most useful
form of nozzle, for about $4.50. This will give the gardener and fruit grower an
instrument with which he can spray a small number of trees. If he has a large
orchard it will be necessary for him to procure one of the larger and more expensive
machines made in the United States. Here in Canada in most of the large cities
you can obtain a small force pump for $5.00,which with spray nozzles of two sizes and a
light extension bamboo rod, will give you all the apparatus necessary for spraying
trees as large as either apple or pear trees grow in this country. There is a combina-
tion of the Riley cyclone nozzle, known as the New Zealand Triplet. This has been tried
in Australia with very good success, I believe with a force pump and a spray nozzle
any fruit grower will be fitted out to prevent at least seventy-five per cent. of the loss to
his plums and apples if he will follow the instructions given in the numerous publica-
ions which have dealt with those subjects. There is just one more point I should like to
speak of, and that is: How to spray. A great many have reported against spraying
the arsenites upon orchard trees, because they found their trees injured by
the arsenic in the mixtures used. This has resulted from the fact that
the spraying was not done properly, and with this, as with everything
else, when you attempt to do it without knowing how, you are liable
to fail. In spraying a tree the spray should be directed to one spot only until
the liquid begins to drop from the leaves, You should not drench your trees. The
cyclone nozzle prevents you spraying in the wrong way, if you use it as above
directed, In that way you have a sufficient quantity of poison on your plant to
protect it against the attacks of injurious insects, and at the same time you do not
run the risk of destroying your foliage. With regard to the proper time for spray-
ing, of course you must be guided very largely by circumstances. If you are spraying
for the codling moth, and know something of its habits, you will know that the
egg is laid inside the flower, or at any rate whilst the calyx of the flower is turned up.
Afterwards, as the apple increases in size and weight, it turns over and hangs down.
It would be impossible to spray so that the poison should fall inside the calyx after
it has turned down. You must not, however, spray the trees until the flowers are
mature and the ovaries are fertilized, or you will run the risk of destroying the
fruit-growers’ good friends, the bees. Directly the petals of the flowers
begin to drop off you will be perfectly safe in spraying your trees. In spraying
plum trees for the curculio, there is no advantage in spraying toosoon. It is best
to spray for the first time when the plums are about the size of small peas, and again
a second time about a fortnight later. By spraying the trees, a fine coating of the
poisonous material is deposited over every part of the tree, on the foliage, the twigs
and the fruit. The curculio feeds not only on the leaves and young plums, but also
on the green bark and the young twigs. When the parent beetles come to the
trees to feed, even if they only consume a small portion of the plant, they are sure
to eat with it some of the arsenic. This poison does not act very rapidly, and death
may not result for a day or even two, but itis sure in the end. I am decidedly in
favour of using weak mixtures, with, if necessary, two applications, by which better
results will be secured than by putting on strong mixtures, and running the risk of
injuring your trees. With regard to the strength of mixtures, I have found the
following satisfactory: With Paris green, 1 Ib. to 200 gallons of water for apple,
cherry and plum trees; 1 1b. to 250 gallons of water for pear trees, and if used upon

Ps

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peach trees, not stronger than 1 lb. to 300 gallons of water. The spraying upon
plum and cherry trees should be repeated two or three times, at intervals of about
ten days, as the curculio continues laying its eggs for some time. A most important
precaution that must be taken is to keep the mixture thoroughly stirred all the
time, or the heavy powder will sink to the bottom, and as the supply of liquid is
used up, it will be too strong at the bottom, London purple, one of the arsenical
compounds which is much used, I have found less satisfactory than Paris green,
from the fact that the arsenicwhich it contains is ina much more soluble form, and as
London purple is a by-product in the manufacture of aniline dyes, the amount of
this soluble arsenic contained varies in amount in different samples, and the results
obtained are therefore uncertain.

Another most useful remedy which has lately being brought into prominence is
the kerosene emulsion, which can be used against all such insects as hibernate upon
the branches of fruit trees, as scale insects, aphides and bud-worms. It is difficult to
mix kerosene with water to dilute it; it must first be emulsified and then diluted.
The usual formula is that advised by Prof. Riley, the U. 8. Entomologist, and con-
sists of $1b. soap, boiled in 1 gallon of water until it is quite dissolved ; it is then turned
boiling hot into 2 gallons of kerosene, and is then churned by means of a syringe or
force pump for about 10 minutes, when the emulsion comes. The emulsion is then
to be diluted with nine times its quantity of water before using it. I have no doubt
that many of you have used these remedies, and I merely wish to bring them up
formally for discussion, believing that they form a subject of great interest to you
all.

The Presiprnt.—Mr. Fletcher's paper is now open for discussion. It is a very
large subject, and one of very great importance.

Mr. Hamtirron.—In what proportions should Paris green and kerosene emulsion
be mixed with water so as not to be injurious ?

Mr. FLercuer.—There are various proportions recommended, some of them
much stronger than I have ever advised myself; but I have found good results can
be got with the following proportions: Upon apple and plum trees, which will stand
a stronger mixture than pears or peaches: one pound of Paris green to
two hundred gallons of water. That is the proportion as to Paris green, I
have never recommended the use of London purple, because the strength is not.
necessarily defined. London purple is a waste product, and the amount of arsenic in it
isnot regular; but in Paris green, which is a manufactured article, made according
to aset formula, itis different, and if used in the proportion given, I think will be found
satisfactory. Some people recommend to use it stronger but I have found
that it gives satisfactory results with very few instances of injury. The
kerosene emulsion is made from two gallons of kerosene in one of water in
which half a pound of any kind of soap has been dissolved. This gives
you the emulsion, which must afterwards he diluted, one part with nine of
water. The soap is dissolved by boiling it in water, and when it is at the boiling
point you take it off the fire and turn in the kerosene. It is then violently agitated
with a syringe or force pump, and in about five or six minutes you gct an emulsion
like cream. After two or three minutes there is an apparent union, but this is not to
be trusted, because directly you put in the cold water it separates at once. After
it separates you may do a great deal of injury if you use it upon some plants. The
kerosene floats on the top and the soap and water stand below. The mixture must be
thoroughly emulsified. You test it on a piece of glass. If you can smear it over
the glass it is perfect. Then reduce it with nine parts of water to one of the
emulsion, This formula, which originated at Washington, has been given in
almost all the horticultural journals and also in my reports to the Department of
Agriculture which I shall be glad to send to any one who cares to have them.

Mr. Henry,—Out in British Columbia some insect or disease has caused a great
many black spots on the young apple trees. It causes the death of a great many of
them. Ofcourse, we are not informed in these things out there, and we would like
to know what the cause is that makes these black spots on the young apple trees.
We see them first early in the spring.

75

Mr. Fiercuer.—It would be difficult, sir, to give a definite answer to such a
question without seeing the specimens. If specimens can be sent to me I may
possibly be able to give you an answer. I have seen in Vancouver Island such a
disease as you mention. This is possibly a bacterial disease, such as we have in the
pear blight; at the same time, they have in British Columbia a species of the flat-
headed borer and other borers which attack the apple. They have several injurious
insects there. With regard to remedies for the borers, we must know something of
their life history, and the lime that they appear in the perfect state. The beetles
fly to the trees and deposit their eggs in the crevices of the bark, and the borer,
which is hatched, undermines the.bark and destroys the tree. It is a simple matter
to apply to the trunks of the trees, at the season of egg-laying, a weak solution of
soft soap, add warm water to it and keep it stirred until it is of a convenient con-
sistency, and then apply it with a whitewash brush and scrub the trees, Prof,
A. J. Cook, of Michigan, added to this mixture a small quantity of carbolic acid,
and, he thought, with good results, A great difficulty I find is to get fruit-growers
to use the solutions and weak mixtures as | recommend them. In mixing a quarter
of a pound of Paris green to fifty gallons of water you will be surprised to find
what a little this quantity is. But if you putin a little more you may do damage
to your trees. In the soap wash for borers, above mentioned, a small quantity of
carbolic acid is all that is wanted to givethe odour which is found to be obnoxious to
most insects, and prevents them from going to the trees to lay their eggs there.

Senator Rezsor.—Do you say that that quantity of Paris green is equally effec-
tual upon potato bugs ?

Mr, FLetcHEer—No, sir; I believe it would answer the purpose, but it would
take longer to do it. I generally put a spoonful of Paris green into a tinpail of
water for the potato beetle. The potato is a coarse growing plant, and one not easily
injured by arsenic. With regard to the susceptibility to injury in certain plants, we
find that of the fruit trees mentioned the apple is the least susceptible to injury, the
cherry and plum more so, while the peach is extremely susceptible, so that in
some experiments made by Prof. Forbes, of Illinois, one pound to 450 gallons of
water left a decided injury on the edges of the peach leaves.

Mr, Perry.—Would a solution of Paris green for the apple be sufficiently strong
for the plum ?

Mr, FuercHer.—You must use less for the plum than the apple.

Prof. WinLarp—Unfortunately, I did not get the benefit of the last paper that
was read or discussed, but hearing the ternis Paris green and London purple used
reminded me so forcibly of the fact that I had had my fingers badly burned by
trifling with London purple, Isimply wanted to warn the gentlemen present regard-
ing its use, Ihave used Paris green for a great many years, and during the last
two seasons I have taken to use London purple somewhat, but last year we made a
very sad mistake in using it so much so that I should think the trick cost me five or
six hundred dollars. I don’t think I would much care to go through the same experi-
ence again, All I have to say is that itis much more soluble in water than Paris
green, that its strength varies a great deal, and the man who uses it don’t want to
let the man that he hires use it, because if he does he certainiy will sutfer. I am
very careful with my Paris green, and also with the London purple, to have the
packages put up by the druggist and weighed out precisely, so that we shant make
any mistakes, but we all make this mistake: Last year we put up our London

urple in four-ounce packages. We had two spraying machines, one of which
would hold about 100 gallons of water and another one that would hold about 50
gallons, and the intention was to have used the one holding 100 gallons entirely upon
our plum trees; but a mistake being made ore day, the machine that held 50 gallons
was run into the field, and the eight-ounce packages were put into it, as was required,
and the result was the defoliation absolutely of one plum orchard, a loss which we
cannot quite measure yet, A can tell you next year about it. I think some of the
trees will die as a result of it. We certainly lost $500 worth of plums by the opera-
tion. We used the machine holding 50 gallons of water that, was using four ounces,

76

on pear trees, and within three days, with the Bartlett pears, I saw evidences of the
leaves being burned. I said to myself: If these leaves were injured, which were never
injured before, by the use of Paris green, there is a certain plum orchard that will
be injured in the same proportion, because the foliage will not stand what the pear
tree will. It is a sensitive foliage. The result was, that the orchard suffered a good
deal. I made up my mind that hereafter London purple would find some other tellow
to use it, and any of you who want the experience can try it, but no more London
purple for me.

Mr. Wootverton.—I have had a little experience, too, with Paris green and
London purple. 1 use ten or fifteen pounds every year in my orchard, and I might
have something to say in addition I have had some unfavourable results by using
Paris green, I am very careful, as a rule, not to use too much of it. I only use
about three ounces to forty gallons of water, and surely that is on the safe side. But
I find the difficulty is this: that a man in adding the Paris green to each successive
barrel or puncheon of water does not consider the amount of sediment remaining
from the preceding barrel that is already in, and the result is that after a day or two
his solution is getting constantly stronger and stronger, and the result has been that
one season a large quantity of fruit was lost. So I] think it is necessary to speak a
word of warning in regard to this matter, that in adding the successive quantities to
the barrel it is well to remember that it is a substance that is rather heavy and
inclined to settle to the bottom, and it may become much stronger than we imagine.
I can also corroborate what has been said regarding London purple, and that with
somewhat of the same proportions I have had serious results to the foliage of apple
trees. The kerosene emulsion, that has been spoken of by Mr. Fletcher, I have used
a good deal with the Bartletts with excellent success, applying about the first of
June.

Mr. Fisx.—I am interested in this. I have had some experience myself.
Unlike Mr. Willard, | have not burned my fingers with London purple. The last
two seasons I have sprayed with London purple, using one pound to one hundred
gallons of water, and so far I don’t see any bad results to the foliage. I have seen
great evil result from the destructive work ofthe insect. I was spraying for a bug
that attacked my orchard three years ago, I think it was in 1878. It was a small
insect, about a quarter of an inch long, with a long head, which, I think, Mr. Fletcher
told me turned to a moth. However, this insect attacked my orchard and my
neighbour's orchard three years ago. The foliage was badly eaten, and I resorted
during the next season to the use of London purple. I put iton very early, spraying
three times that spring. J succeeded in saving my orchard from defoliation, while
my neighbour’s orchard was totally defoliated. Last year I sprayed again, and had a
fair crop of fruit, and my neighbour's orchard was defoliated for the third time. There
was one remarkable feature which struck me in regard to this insect, and that is
that it did not attack the Red Astrachans. I had in my orchard one row of Red
Astrachans and the foliage was not attacked by these insects, and my neighbour’s Red
Astrachan trees were never injured. I would like to know if any other gentleman
has had the same experience. I would like to know why this insect discards the Red
Astrachan.

Mr. Broprz.—I have used both Paris green and London purple. I used the latter
on hills of potatoes and got them burned. For a number of yearsI have used
Paris green on a thirty-acre orchard, and I have used an ounce to eight gallons of
water, and have used a force pump attached to an empty coal oil barrel on a spring
waggon. I have not the cyclone nozzle to my spraying apparatus, but I have one
which does very good work. We have to be careful that the leaves don’t fall into
the barrel. I have used the apparatus for the codling moth and the caterpillar.
While my neighbours are going through their orchards killing caterpillars with their
hands I only apply Paris green. We have to go through a second time, sometimes.

Mr, Fisx.—If you had a strainer at the end of your tap at the bottom of the
barrel the leaves would not interfere with the flow.

Mr, Fuercuer.—Do you stand your barrels upright ?

Mr. Fisk.—Yes.

Mr. Frercuer.—The most convenient way is to place the barrel on its side.
Now, I think probably the difference is this: The London purple you cannot rely on
as being ofa certainstrength. There is no doubt very much more arsenic in London
purple, which is in a soluble form, than in Paris green. I never saw the advantage
at all of using London purple. Paris green itself is extremely cheap, so there is no
advantage in using London purple on the score of economy ; the one advantage is its
colour. It is unlike any vegetation and you can see when your tree is sprayed.
With London purple it is difficult to make a mistake and spray a tree twice, unless
you are very careless indeed. But with Paris green, if you are running downa row
and are called off, it is an easy matter to spray a tree twice, and if you do you may
put on too much and injure your trees. This is owing to the colour of the Paris
green. Ifyou use a small quantity of flour with the Paris green you will have a
certain amount of colour, as well as render the poison more adhesive. Mix your
Paris green with a little water first, and then put in the flour and get it thoroughly
stirred. One important fact in making the mixture of Paris green is, you must
remember that it isa mixture only, and not a solution. It is almost insoluble in
water. What you have is a mixture with Paris green in suspension. It is conse-
quently necessary to keep the mixture all the time agitated. This is generally done
by having an agitator attached to your pump, which may be made in asimple way
by attaching a bar to the handle of the pump which is attached to a cross-bar in the
barrel, and when the pump handle is in use the mixture is sufficiently disturbed to
keep the Paris green thoroughly mixed. The pump I have used works to the bottom
of the barrel, and it is perfectly easy to clean out the barrel every time I use it,
although, of course, after a continuous use of the barrel, if it is not washed out the
Paris green would accumulate around the edges and in the barrel to an extent to be
hurtful,

Mr. Srarr.—l find that it is quite necessary for me practically to test all these
arsenical poisons. I have justas much trouble in finding the strength of Paris green as
Thad of London purple. The trouble is just this : there issuch a demand for Paris green
now that it is becoming adulterated, the same as any other substances which you
buy. The dishonest men adulterate with something else. Some years ago I found

-it was necessary to spray some trees for canker worms. I took some of the Paris
green, I had been using in previous years and went over the trees. I kept the right
strength, and to accomplish the work I found I had not enough to go on, and the
next day secured some more, making it of the same comparative strength, and ina
day or two I found I had done no good whatever. The canker worms were still
going on, It is necessary in advance to test the strength of the Paris green on the
foliage and trees, and from the experiments I got the strength I required. In using
London purple I to-day would rather take it than take the Paris green sold, because I
think it is no more difficult to find the strength of it than it is to find the strength
of Paris green. I even think that it is more easily commingled with water, and not
80 liable to settle as Paris green. ;

Mr. Pertit.—I would like to ask if that kerosene emulsion referred to is strong
enough for Thrip on the grape leaves. ; Loh?

Mr. Furrcuer.—I have never made the actual experiment, but I believe it would
be the most efficient remedy, and have advised its use in my reports. Mr. John
Lowe, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, informs me that he has procured good
results by dusting the vines with powdered sulphur. In hot weather there is an
odour given off which keeps the insects away. I believe the kerosene emulsion
would be found the most convenient remedy for this insect.

Mr. Fisk.—Last year I tried the kerosene emulsion on the grape vines for the
Thrip with good results,

Rev. Mr. Futton.—I have used London purple, and I have such an arrange-
ment as has been described for stirring the mixture in the barrel. After putting
the London purple in the barrel and mixing it up, and if the barrel was not emptied
properly at the end, there is a deposit of particles that do not dissolve, and the result
is, that towards the end the trees are injured. The remedy that insisted upon was,

78

that the stuff should be ground up in the mortar and make it all the more liable to
dissolve. If this is not done it gets hard and insoluble. The London purple is more
soluble than Paris green.

Mr. Hamitton.—I think there is some misunderstanding as to what spraying
really is. I saw some people spraying in the gardens among potatoes, and the
literally deluged the plants. Under such circumstances there is little reason that the
spraying does not work effectually. 1 was doing a portion of my garden with Paris
green, and came near the end of my Paris green, it was running out, and
I put in a less quantity of Paris green, and the work was done more
effectually than with the larger quantities. I think if the spraying is done
in such a way as it will best fall on and not run off, that a very small
quantity of Paris green is necessary. With regard to the use of sulphur on grapes,
about thirty years ago I had a large vinery, and to destroy Thrip I used to close
up the house at 4 p.m., moisten the ground all over and start a fire in the house, and
with a little sulphur burned I filled the house with sulphur fumes, and there was not
a sign of Thrip. The result is, I never had any trouble with Thrip.

Prof. Sautt.—I fear members of the Convention might go away with the im-
pression that while London purple is not definite in strength that Paris green can
always be depended on. This is not the case, Very often commercial samples of
Paris green contain as much as 25 per cent. of gypsum, which, of course, has no
value as an insecticide.

Mr, Firercuer.—tThe statement made was that the amount of arsenic in Paris
green was much more definite than in London purple. I believe Paris green
contains about 60 per cent. of arsenical material. It does not matter what the other
40 per cent. is made up of. But what I wish to state is merely that Paris green is
much more definite in its strength than London purple, that itis a good remedy, and
that it will pay fruit-growers to use it. I had a series of analyses made some year
or two ago by the Department of Inland Revenue, and the percentage of adulter-
ation varied from 1 to 10 per cent. in Paris green; and in the London purple, on the
other hand, the amount of arsenic varied from 60 to 18 per cent. in the series of
experiments that were made. Of course, I do not recommend the London Purple at
all because of the uncertainty about it; but good results have been obtained by it.
All I said was, if you want to get the pure article and know what you are using buy
Paris green; although a little higher in price than London Purple, it is more
reliable. :

Prof. Suurr.—I have no doubt we very often get the pure article. What I want
to point out is, that we do not always get 100 per cent. of Paris Green, and the con-
sequence is that the strength as an insecticide is lessened.

Prof. Saurr then read his paper on the “Composition of Apple Tree Leaves.”

THE COMPOSITION OF APPLE TREE LEAVES.

Agricultural chemists throughout the world are, and have been now for some
years, directing their attention towards the solution of questions concerning the
growth and bringing to perfection of plants and animals which serve for the use of
man. With regard to plants—and by that term I include all farm crops—analyses
have been made of all their parts, so that their composition is, to-day, pretty well
known.

Field experiments and experiments in water culture—in which the various
salts required by the plants are dissolved in water—have also been made, enabling us,
at tho present time, to state definitely what special fertilizing constituents are valu-
able for the growth of certain crops, what classes of soil are most suited to cereals,
the leguminous plants, and so on.

But as yet it appears that little has been done in this direction for the fruit-
growers, and the reason for this is not difficult to find. In all experiments of this
nature it is necessary to weigh and analyse an aliquot part of the final product of
vegetable growth in order to arrive at the amount of plant food absorbed from the

79

soil and other sources, and in this way ascertain the extent to which the soil has been
exhausted and the special inorganic and organic elements which enter into the com-
position of their tissues, In the case of farm crops which are reaped annually this
18 comparatively an easy task, but it is obvious that in the case of fruit trees—both
small and large—this of necessity cannot easily be done. As, however, it is as highly
important to the fruit-growers to know what kind of food and what class of soils
are best suited to produce the largest amount of fruit as it is to the farmer to be in
possession of such information respecting his crop, it is but the duty of those
engaged in working out these problems to direct their study, as far as in their power
lies, towards the solution of such difficult questions.

It was with a view of throwing some light upon this abstruse subject, of
proposing some rational mode in the application of fertilizers to orchards, that the
work included in this paper was undertaken,

Now, it must not be thought that even if we knew the exact composition of all
the parts of the tree (and as long as the fruit is hanging it remains part of the tree),
and also the total weight of those component parts as well as a knowledge of the
composition of the soil in which the tree was growing that the whole question would
be settled. Untila few years ago it was thought that such data were sufficient to
guide the agriculturist in manuring certain fields for certain crops, but later facts
evolved by patient experiments, conducted most carefully over many years, have
now proved this theory fallacious. I might illustrate this by reference to the
cereals and Jeguminosa, The former contain but half the nitrogen of the latter, yet
notwithstanding this fact, and all that it seems to imply, it is found that the applica-
tion of nitrogen is specially beneficial to the cereals, but of little or no value to the
leguminose, especially after a certain stage of their growth. Without going into the
reasons, or rather theories, which have been advanced to account for this state of affairs,
I will ask you to bear these facts in mind, and at the same time to remember that ex
nihilo nihil fit, that we have tu draw upon tbe soil, the air and water for the consti-
tuents of plant food, and that the soil, generally speaking, is the only one of the three
we can modify or alter in composition by mechanical or chemical agents. The
climate, including degree of frost, amount of rainfall, snow, sunshine, &c., all these
are important factors in agriculture. But as we have no control over the elements,
the line of experiment seems rather in making choice of and breeding from such
varieties, whose qualities, dependent upon heredity and environment, make them
seem specially adapted to the climate immediately under consideration, and then
finding out by all the means at our command, and then applying those elements of
plant food best suited to their growth and development.

In this series of experiments five well-known and hardy varieties of apple trees
were selected and the leaves gathered at two stages of their growth, viz.: 25th May
and 20th September. The leaves in all cases were taken from two or more trees,
so that their analysis should reveal the fair average composition of the leaf of that
variety at that particular stage of the tree’s growth. Upon the first date some
difficulty was experienced in a few instances in getting sufficient leaves tor analysis
without seriously denuding the tree of foliage, so that these first specimens represent
leaves in a stage of development. On 20th September all the leaves were still quite
green, and their life apparently unimpaired and vigorous,

Mr. John Craig, Horticulturist to the Central Experimental Farm, has kindly
furnished me with the following descriptions of the apple trees under discussion :—

Duchess of Oldenburgh.—Tree is vigorous and hardy, forming a roundish,
upright head. Bears young, and abundantly. Young shoots, smooth, reddish.
Leaves, medium-sized, firm and glossy. September.

Tetofsky.—Tree upright, very hardy, vigorous. A young and annual bearer.
Young shoots, stout, reddish-brown. Leaves, very large. August.

Wealthy.—Hardy, vigorous and healthy. Spreading, open head. Bears young;
ig an abundant and annual bearer. Shoots, dark, medium. Leaves, medium. October.

Fameuse.—Lree, moderately vigorous and hardy, round-topped, spreading,
Young shoots, reddish-brown, Fairly young annual bearer.

80

Northern Spy.—-Rapid, upright growth. Tardy and moderate bearer. Young
shoots, large, dark reddish-brown. Winter.

The following table shows the composition of the leaves, together with such
other data as may help to elucidate the question under consideration. After the
column containing the name of the apple tree and the date when the leaves were
gathered are three columns, representing in percentages the composition of the
leaf—the water, organic matter and mineral constituents. Then follow six columns,
showing the percentages in the ash of its chief inorganic components, The per-
centages of nitrogen in the dry organic matter are then given, followed by columns
depicting the amounts of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash contained in 1,000
Ibs. of the green leaf, and which serve to illustrate the absolute and relative values
of the leaves as a fertilizer, as well as to show the quantities of these materials taken
from the soil for the growth of the leaves.

81

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Moisture.—With the exception of the Fameuse, the percentage of water in all
the specimens taken 25th May lies between 70°94 and 72°11—practically, between 71
and 72. The Fameuse is more succulent, and contains 75°45 per cent. water. In
the leaves gathered 20th September we find a general diminution in the percentage
of water, the loss being in the neighbourhood of 12 per cent. It is interesting, and
perhaps instructive, to note that with regard to the amount of water, the leaves of
25th May fall into the same order with those of 20th September, the Duchess of
Oldenburgh containing least and the Fameuse most water, showing clearly that
while all have followed the general law in loss of moisture each has retained its
own characteristic individuality.

Average percentage of water in young leaf... ... ......4. 72°36
do do maturer leaf............:004 60-71

Organic Matter.—This includes all the combustible material of the leaf, and is
composed of carbon, oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen. In the leaves of 25th May,
those of the Duchess of Oldenburgh and of the Wealthy, the percentages of organic
matter are almost the same and head the list. The Tetofsky and Northern Spy also
contain almost identical amounts, or somewhat less. than the two first mentioned,
while the Fameuse contains the smallest quantity of organic matter. This order is
preserved in the leaves plucked 20th September. From an inspection of these two
columns it will be observed that there is a general diminution of water and increase
of organic matter as the season advances, and that any special variety preserves its
relative position to other varieties in this respect throughout the season.

Average percentage of organic matter in young leaf....... 25°31
do do maturer leaf....... 35°83
Ash—The percentage of' all the inorganic or mineral constituents of the leaf
are found in this column, With the exception of the “Wealthy” we find the
amounts of ash of the leaves of 25th May closely approximating one another. The
leaves of the Wealthy fall about, 5 per cent. below the others in ash constituents, In
those of the 20th September we find a general increase in the percentage of ask,
amounting from, 5 to 15 per cent. over those of 25th May.
Average percentage of ash in young leaf .............0.0.0.. 2°33
: do do maturer leaf......... .......e 3-46
Phosphoric Acid—With regard to the composition of the ash as detailed in the
columns following it is difficult to discover in many cases what principle, if any,
underlies the distribution of the mineral constituents throughout the tissues of the
leaf during its growth. Without reading too much, however, into the results ofa single
analysis, an inspection of this column shows most clearly that the young leaf con-
tains in its ash a much Jarger percentage of phosphoric acid than the maturer one—
in some instances the phosphoric acid in the latter is but one-half, or even less, than
that of the younger leaf. This would lead us to suppose that as the season
advanced there was a retrograde movement of the phosphotic acid of the leaf to
other parts of the tree. As the seed is well known to cuntain a relatively large
quantity of this acid we may legitimately be allowed to think that the tood
elaborated in the leaf’ found its way finally, in part, at all events, to the fruit and
other portions of the tree, And this undoubtedly expresses a truth (though pro-
bably not the whole truth), for we observe that the average number of pounds of
phosphoric acid per 1,000 pounds of the younger leaf is higher than the correspond-
ing number for the maturer leaf, viz.: as 2.45, 1.94, amd this in spite of the fact that
the percentage of ash in the latter is considerably higher than in the former.
Average percentage of phosphoric acid in the young leaf 10°47
do do do maturer leaf 5°82
Potash—It would ndt be safe from the results tabulated to advance strongly
any theories regarding the disposition of this important element in the leaf. The
percentage of potash in the young leaf is somewhat lower than that in the maturer
leaf. When we, however, consider the increased amount of ash in the latter we find
that per 1,000 pounds the older leaves contains 15 pounds more potash than the

83

younger leaves. On comparing the amounts of potash obtained in these analyses
with the qantity as found in leaves of other trees, it is at once apparent that the
leaves of the apple tree are exceptionally rich in this material.

_Lime—The average percentage of lime in the ash of the young leaf is 17-40,
while that of the maturer leaf is 27-91, an increase of 10 per cent. This increase
would appear also to be regular throughout the varieties examined. Thus the
Duchess stands first in percentage of lime in both lists, followed closely by the
Tetofsky, and so on,

Magnesia—While the percentage of lime increased during the growth of the
leaf, the analytical data show that the percentage of magnesia decreases during that
period. ‘Thus, in the young leaf we have magnesia 9°77 as the average percentage,
and in the maturer leaf this number is reduced to 481. This fact is the more remark-
able and interesting when we remember that the percentage of phosphoric acid
diminished in the same ratio during the same period. It seems quite possible that
these two elements of’ plant food are intimately related in the economy of the plant,
and that in the elaboration of the plant food within the tissues and the distribution
of this food to the different parts of the plant these two play a very important role.

Oxide of Iron and Silica—Throughout the whole series the amounts of these
constituents are seen to be very similar, and the average in the young and mature
leaf closely approximate each other. The iron after it has performed its functions in
the chlorophyll of the leaf appears to remain in the leaf, and from the figures in
the table it is seen that there in no extra deposition of silica in the cells of the leaf
as it grows older,

Nitrogen—The only constitutent of great importance that remains to be dis-
cussed is nitrogen. The differences in the amounts of nitrogen contained in the
organic matter of the leaves of the different varieties examined are so small that one
would not be warranted in drawing any conclusion therefrom as to differences in this
constituent between the varieties. On taking the averages, however, of nitrogen of
the leaves in the two stages of their growth, a considerable difference is at once
apparent—a difference that corresponds to 3 per cent. of albuminoids, The figures
are :—

Nitrogen in young leaf 2-94 corresponding to 18°61 per cent albuminoids.
do maturer leaf 2°48 do 15°50 do

The amount of nitrogen per one thousand pounds of the maturer leaf is 8:87 per
cent. as against 7°42 in the young leat. This is due to the increased percentage of
matter in the older leaf. It is evident from these results that changes which affect
the relative percentage of nitrogen in the organic matter take place in the leaf during
its development—but what these changes may be is beyond the scope of the present
paper to discuss.

Phosphoric acid, potash and nitrogen are the three constituents which above all
others must be put back into the soil if we are to preserve its fertility. Plants of
certain orders require more of one or other of these than plants of other orders.
Some soils are specially rich or poor in one or more of the materials—and con-
sequently in the rational mode of application of fertilizers much intelligence and
patience must be exercised.

That the leaves of the apple trees draw a large amount of food from the soil
annually has been shown. This must be replaced in excess for the vigorous growth
of the tree. The leaves of the tree play no unimportant part—respiration and diges-
tion are their two chief functions—which, if they do not perform well, the tree can-
not live and bring to perfection its fruit. Theretore, when we feed the leaves we are
indirectly feeding the fruit.

The results of this work seem to point in the direction of mineral fertilizers, and
specially of potash, as being more particularly required for the growth of the leaves,
and, therefore, for the vigorous development of the tree, including an abundant

crop of fruit.
. 63

84

A heavy dressing of wood ashes (which may be procured in many parts of
Canada at a very low price) or of kainit or other form of potash is, therefore, to be
recommended for orchards.

The value of the leaves composted—a process to be advised as more economical
than burning—is also well established by the data afforded by this work.

R. Bropre.—I agree with the gentleman that potash is the best fertilizer for
apple trees. I found that ashes have done the best. We find many of our farme:s
selling their ashes to enrich the farms of their friends of the neighbouring Republic.
In this enlightened time we should not find the farmers doing what their forefathers
in 1804—those who lived along the St. Lawrence—refused to do.

Mr. Wootverton.—lI agree with Mr. Brodie and the writer of the paper in regard
to the use of ashes as a fertilizer. In my orchard I used them extensively, and in
the winter time when I am not employed I employ teams the whole season collecting
ashes for my apple orchard. Indeed, I had almost become discouraged of ever obtain-
ing a sufficient supply of fertilizers for the orchard without great expense until I found
out the value of woodashes. I found the results exceedingly satisfactory. Iam very
glad that Prof. Shutt has given us this valuable paper on the analysis of the apple
leaves, and we will value it very much in our report as a paper to be referred to. We
will be very glad on some future occasion to get from this gentleman an analysis of
the apple itself which we can rely upon, because it is sure to be useful to us.

Prof. Saurt..-I intended to say afew words upon that. I only had time this
year to make an analysis of the leaves. We shall eventually analyse the whole tree.
I fully appreciate what Mr. Woolverton says, viz.: that it is necessary to obtain the
analysis of the apple and of the whole tree before we can begin to make any very
definite and decisive deductions as to the best fertilizers for orchards,

Mr. Pzrrir moved the following resolution seconded by Mr. Henry: “That the
Dominion Government be petitioned to re-impose the duty on fruits imported from
the United States.”

In support of the-resolution Mr. Pettit said: We must all acknowledge that
the policy of the present Government of the Dominion is a policy of protection, and
why the fruit interests of this country have been left unprotected it is a difficult
matter to say. living as we do in so close connection with our friends across the
river, in a climate much warmer than ours, they take advantage of the markets of
the Dominion to the detriment of the fruit growers of this Dominion. I think it is
a subject, now that we have met here together as fruit growers from all parts of the
Dominion upon which we should express our feelings, and ask our Government to
place these duties the way they were before. I think if one branch of industry in
this Dominion needs the fostering care and protection of the Government all
branches should receive the same care, and I think in this respect we can tairly and
properly ask our Government to place the fruit-growers of this Dominion in the
same position as other branches of industry enjoy. I beg to move the resolution
which I have just read.

Mr. Henry.—In British Columbia we feel the need of this very much. We are
just beginning to get started in growing small fruits, Previous to this the inhabitants
of British Columbia have had to get their supply from California, and wo are be-
ginning now to grow sufficient of these perishable fruits to supply the people there.
If we cannot compete with California and Oregon as to prices, the trouble is they
have got so far advanced in the industry that their fruit comesinto the market about
two weeks earlier than ours; consequently, they have the advantage of their own
market, and after that they supply our market, and it meets the first fruit which we
grow and brings down the prices, and this is very much against us. We consider if
there should be a duty on foreign fruit, evaporated and canned fruit, we should be
protected in fresh fruits. :

The CHarrnMAN. I understand that it is the desire of the mover of this motion
that if this motion be adopted and the committee appointed they shall interview the
Minister of Customs to-morrow.

85

Mr, Attan.—I would make this further remark, which I think is a very im-
portant point, which comes up in the consideration of this resolution and it is this:
A point was mentioned here before that American apples are purchased by Cana-
dian shippers. These are shipped through here by American shippers and are sent
on to Great Britain as Canadian apples, and receive a much higher price as Canadian
apples than they would as American apples. Now, these duties would, to a large
extent, if not entirely, obviate the difficulty, and I look upon this point as an im-
portant one.

The Presipent here read the resolutions,

Prof. Surta.—The Nova Scotia Association passed a unanimous vote against the
imposition of the duties. I happened to be present when the resclution was passed.
The resolutions set up that the re-imposition of the duties would be of the greatest
injury to the fruit growers of Nova Scotia.

Mr. Peters.—It seems to me that a resolution so important as this can well
afford to lie on the table till next session. There are questions involved in that
which will largely affect New Brunswick, and questions which I would like a little
time to consider. 1 do not think an ill result will follow deferring the matter,
because I think the question is of very great importance. I can very well under-
stand the view of the gentlemen of Ontario, but there is one thing—if that resolution
was passed it would very largely affect the Maritime interests, particularly New
Brunswick. At the present time, in New Brunswick, we are shipping eight or nine
thousand dollars worth of strawberries to Portland and Boston, and if there was an
imposition of the duty we would be shutting ourselves out of these markets, and
thrown on our own local markets. I think we should defer this matter, and consult
with the delegates from the different Provinces and compare notes before taking a
vote. Ishould feel very much better, and be able to give an intelligent reason tor
my vote. I move that the matter be deferred until the evening session.

The CuarrMan suggested to the mover of the resolution that the matter be
deferred until the evening session.

The Convention adjourned until 8 p.m.

EVENING SESSION,
Tsurspay, 20th February, 1890.

The Convention resumed at 8 o’clock.

The Presipenr.—The first paper that I will call for is one that was left over
from the morning session—“ Fruit Culture in New Brunswick,” by Mr. 8. L. Peters,
of Queenstown.

Mr. Perers.—I regret to say, Mr. President, that Mr. F. P. Sharpe, of Woodstock,
one of the delegates, who was invited to attend the Convention in the interest of
the Province of New Brunswick, was not able to come, on account of sickness in his
family, so that I am here alone.

Frorr Cutturs 1x New Brunswick.

It is my purpose, so far as I may be able to give the gentlemen who are
present at this convention of fruit growers, a plain statement of our present
position in Fruit Culture. I could wish that an abler pen had undertaken the task,
but having been delegated by my fellow-citizens to represent this interest at the
present meeting, I trust I may be pardoned for intruding my observations, and
to some extent my personal opinions and experience, on the distinguished body of
gentlemen present who compose this convention. It is only within the last thirty
years that New Brunswick o:chardists have began to pay much attention to the
cultivation of improved or grafted fruit. Previous to that time we were content to

row and use the common seedling apple produced from trees which sprang up in
our fields, and from thence transplanted to what was then known as the orchard.
In some cases the fruit possessed merit, and when this occurred the kind was often

86

propagated by grafting in the neighbours’ grounds, but if of the more ordinary kind
the tree was permitted to stand and produce its fruit all the same, The growers,
acting on the principle, eat the best first, and the poor ones will be good
when there are no others; and I ought, in justice to our sister Province of
Nova Scotia, to say that as the yield of our own orchards was not nearly sufficient
to supply the demand of our home markets, the citizens of that fine Province
(charitably disposed, as they have ever been, towards us) supplied the deficiency
with a quality greatly similar to our own production, But while I make this
reference to the condition of things as they have existed, 1 desire to place it on
record that New Brunswick orchardists are under avery great obligation to our
Nova Scotia friends for the advancement we have made in fruit culture, while the
inhabitants of our cities have shown their appreciation of their foresight, skill and
labour by a more liberal purchase and consumption of the magnificent and palatable
fruit with which they have supplied our markets. There is a feeling, however,
among our people, that our friends across the bay, seeing that we have been good
customers so many years, should in their shipments send usa larger proportion
of No, 1’s.

Within the period named, J am glad to say that we have made some progress.
The old orchards are dying out through neglect, because their fruit was unsaleable,
and new ones are taking their place, made up of gratted trees, which produce the
best of their kind. To the gentleman who was invited to be present with us as my
co-delegate great credit is due for the valuable assistance rendered by him in pro-
moting this industry in the Province. His action has been energetic, his labours
unremitting; and I am sure my fellow citizens at home would bear testimony to the
fact that to him belongs the honour of awakening our people to the great possibili-
ties within our reach in the culture of the apple and plum. His very entensive
nurseries have been drawn upon by the people to a large extent for their new
orchards; while the product of his magnificent plum orchard is to be found in their
season in all our cities and large towns.

I regret to say that we are not yet ina position to supply our home markets
with even the soft autumn fruit, while in winter-keeping varieties we are sadly
deficient. There exists a prevailing impression among our nurserymen (and we have
anumber of them) that winter fruits cannot be successfully grown with us. I
think this impression is not wholly warranted, and for the purpose of dispelling
thatimpression and giving ocular demonstration of the position I take in the matter,
I have taken the pains to place before this Convention some samples of winter fruit
grown by myself. It may be true that they may not be equal to samples grown in
those prince of apple-growing districts ‘The Annapolis and Cornwallis Valleys of
Nova Scotia or the western portions of Ontario and the favoured districts of Quebec ;”
yet I submit they are sufficiently fine to warrant their extended cultivation in such
districts of our Province as may be found favourable to their production, The
samples shown are the products of trees secured from Nova Scotia nurseries and
from Rochester, N.Y., U.S.

Beginning at a point say twenty miles distant from the city of St. John, on
the valley of the St. John River, and following it until Sheffield, in the County of
Sunbury, is reached, a distance of some forty-five miles, lies a tract of beautiful
country, which, in my judgment, will successfully produce the best varieties of winter
fruits ; and had our people the courage to place even a moderate acreage under culti-
vation we might be in a position in a few years to supply at least a portion of the
winter fruit required in our provincial markets. But in speaking of our possibilities,
I should be doing an injustice to New Brunswick did I not state that the early
autumn fruits are very successfully grown throughout the entire valley of the St.
John, from the point first mentioned until the Grand Falls is reached, a distance of
some 200 miles. Nor is their successful culture confined to this district alone, but
in the slopes along the valleys of the numerous tributaries of the St. John are to be
found many orchards bearing autumn fruits of good quality.

87

Among the leading varieties of autumn and early winter fruits grown are the
Duchess of Oldenburgh, Early Harvest, Red Astrachan, Emperor, Fameuse, St, Law-
rence. Asan autumn fruit, with us, the Duchess stands in the front rank, and when
grown in orchards, where the trees are planted sufficiently far apart to admit the
sun’s bright rays, command a ready market at fair-paying prices. It is one of our
most prolific and early bearers. The Red Astrachan is not nearly so extensively
cultivated, but is a good fruit with us and commands ready sale. The Mmperor has
probably seen its palmy days in the St. John market, where, possibly, from its
immense size and beautiful appearance, more than for its quality, it had a fine sale
for a few years. Buyers now pass it by to a very large extent. Asan early winter
apple the Fameuse has no superior. The great drawback to its extended cultivation
is its tendency to scab, and 1 shall be very much gratified indeed if, in the experience
of any gentleman present, we may be able to learn a remedy. So far as my own
experience goes 1 may say that the liberal application of wood ashes has proved very
beneficial, but by no means a complete remedy.

In the cultivation of winter fruit [ have succeeded well with the Russet, North-
ern Spy, Bishop’s Pippin, Rhode Island Greening and Tolman Sweet. The trees of
these varieties are perfectly hardy and have proven good bearers. My methods of
cultivation may not be in accord with that of gentlemen present, but as an old ‘saw ”
hasit: “Ina multitude of councillors there is safety !” I will venture to give it, hop:ng
that by the friendly criticisms it may evoke, to learn of its errors, and how in the future
a better method may be adopted. In planting out a young orchard I would insist
upon having the land in a good state ot cultivation to start with. After planting the
trees would seed down to timothy and clover, after the first year, taking care that
every year, for at least five, the soil about the trees to be thoroughly worked with a
spading fork for say 3 feet from the tree, and sufficient manure added to give the
young tree a good, strong, healthy growth, but not to encourage an overgrowth. My
reason for preferring the fork to the plough and cultivator is to prevent the marring
of the tree in any way, which it is almost impossible to prevent by their use. A young
tree with its bark torn off, if even to a small extent, is badly handicapped in the
race for life and productiveness. Cared forin this way,and proper attention to prun-
ing. I find no difficulty to make plenty of wood growth and preserve the tree in
proper shape and condition to fruit heavily. After the trees have come nicely into
bearing I have not thought it absolutely essential to continue the cultivation about
them every year, and have, as rule, kept the whole orchard in grass, top dressing
liberally, as well to increase the yield of hay as the yield of fruit.

In the matter of pruning and the proper time to prune there is such a diversity
of opinion among the best orchardists that I shall scarcely venture an opinion ; but
by your permission will state my practice: Beginning with the young tree, there is
never very much difficulty in forming it in any desired shape. My pretercnce is
for a medium low tree, and I therefore encourage the branches to spread as much as
possible, when the limbs are raised sufficiently high to enable the cultivating process
to be conveniently done. I avoid, as far as possible, the cutting of any large branch,
believing it to be everyway better if the branch needs removing to do so when it is
small. If the tree, during its growth, makes too much foliage in the centre, I pre-
fer to prune the main branches to cutting them off. There does not seem to be
any difficulty to secure the healing of a small wound, while a larger cutting always
remains a wound, and often a dangerous one to the life of the tree. When the small
branches only are removed we have experienced no bad results, if done between the
Ist of April and the 1st of June. However, I am open to conviction, and shall be
glad to have the experience of others present on the subject. With our trees in bearing
our thoughts very naturally turn on the subject of marketing the fruit, and as this
part of my subject is fraught with the deepest interest to both the producer and the
consumer, I trust I may be pardoned a few plain words in veference to it. ‘The
orchardist, with his fruit carefully gathered, has now passed the lines which strictly
apply to cultivation and production; his work in that line is completed the very
moment his fruit is nicely cared for in the fruit house. He then assumes (and very

88

properly so) the role of the merchant or manufacturer to a very large extent.
Assuming, then, these premises to be correct, the first thing that naturally would
force itself on his attention would be the package in which to market his fruit.
For size and convenience of handling there is perhaps no superior to the standard
apple barrel; it is strong, will stand rough handling, and is not expensive, and
presents, when new, a rather neat appearance. .

Packing will now be next in order, and just then is the time when the owner
should recall to his mind that most beautiful bible admonition, “Do unto others as
ye would have them do unto you,” and if acting upon its teaching, I venture the
assertion that we should not hear any complaints of deceptive, or, if you please,
dishonest packing. It is my judgment that no orchardist can afford to pack his fruit
deceptively, and if any portion of the barrel is to be a little better than the other,
let it be those in the centre. Having done this he is not afraid or ashamed to place
his name upon the barrels, with the grade of apple and kind it contains, In
doing so he feels every inch a man, strengthened by the approval of consc-ence to
battle for the right, and making for himself a reputation in his business, which will
go far to secure financial success, and giving to Canada a status in the foreign fruit
markets of the world which will insure the ready sale of our products at the
highest quotations. Our interests are too great, our reputation for fair and honour-
able dealing too sacred and important; to permit a package of Canadian fruit to be
placed upon foreign market which has not been properly graded and honourably
packed. In giving expression to these opinions with reference to foreign markets,
permit me to add that the same conditions require to be fulfilled and with quite as
much thoughtful care, in grading and packing for our home markets. I sincerely
trust that this convention will give its undivided support to this matter.

In the culture of the plum we have been fairly successful, and in addition to
other growers, Mr. F. P. Sharp, of Upper Woodstock, hasa very fine orchard of some
three acres in extent, and grows from 4,000 to 6,000 boxes, containing one peck each,
per year. These are shipped to our leading provincial markets in considerable
quantities, while many of them find their way to the cities of Portland and Boston.

Mr. Sharp’s method of culture has been generally adopted in this Province by
plum growers, which may be briefly described by saying that he is an advocate of
close planting and high culture, and laying down his trees in the autumn.

His culture is confined to three or four leading varieties, prominent among
which is the Mooer’s Arctic, a very hardy plum, with fruit of good size, and commands
a good price in the market. Orchardists in other sections of the province, parti-
cularly along the valley of the St. John andits tributaries, meet with fair success in
its culture also, by adopting Mr. Sharp’s method; while a few succeed well by allow-
ing the trees to remain without disturbance and in an upright condition during the
winter,

Pears are not extensively cultivated. A few trecs, however, are to be found
in some of our best orchards, which have largely been planted as an experiment.

I have been quite successful in growing the ‘Flemish Beauty,’ ‘Clapp’s
Favourite’ and ‘Bartlett.’ I have some three other varieties, but the trees have not
yet fruited. The two first varieties come to great perfection, and are exceedingly
fine in flavour,

Our small-fruit culture is quite an important industry with us, and consisis of
the cultivation of the “Strawberry,” “Raspberry,” “Gooseberry,” “Currant” and
“Blackberry.” In my reference to these small fruits and their culture in New
Brunswick, permit me to say that the name of D, P. Wetmore, Esq., of Clifton,
deserves especial mention as being the pioneer in their cultivation. His extensive
fruit gardens are the subject of very general admiration, and at certain seasons of the
year present a scene of great beauty and activity. I may be pardoned from further
personal reference to growers, as the limits of this paper would not admit of it, I
may say, however, that we have a goodly numbe. of gentlemen engaged in the
business of producing smail fruits for our markets, and who find it both pleasant and
profitable.

89

It would make this paper much too lengthy if I were to enter upon the modes
of cultivation adopted in small fruit culture. 1t may fairly be presumed that all
present are familiar with their cultivation and the requirements connected therewith.

Our small fruit is largely marketed in quart boxes, packed in crates of various
sizes, containing from 18 qts. to 54 qts. each. To give you some little idea of the
extent of this cultivation with us, ] may say that in the village of Clifton alone
there is under cultivation some ten acres of strawberries, giving a net income of
about $4,500 per year over expenses incurred in picking and shipping. The cultiva-
tion of all the smaller fruits are very sucessfully prosecuted in various sections of our
Province.

Ihave thus briefly referred to some of the points of general interest in our
provincial fruit culture, and not desiring to weary you, I will close by expressing
my most sincere desire that the results of our present meeting may have the effect
of giving an increased interest to a very pleasant line of our farm husbandry, and
through the infurmation imparted by the valuable papers read, and the discussions
thereon, we shall be able to make fruit culture much more profitable in the future
than in the past.

The Presiprnt.—This paper is now open fur discussion.

Mr, AuLAn.—Are the trees you plant standards, half standards or dwarfs ?

Mr. Perers.—Standards.

Mr. AtLtan,— What distance are they apart in the orchard ?

Mr, Prrers.—Mr. Sharpe is an advocate of close planting. He insists upon
planting 10 feet apart. I plant my orchard from 25 to 30 feet. Near the city of
Fredericton a gentleman put out 4,000 trees, and put them so close together that he
had to take out every other tree to give them a little sunshine. Asa rule, 25 to30
feet will suffice.

Mr. AtLan.—We go so far as to say that in standard trees in practice we find
with many varieties that 40 feet is not too close. In giving advice, I tell people to
err on the right side and to plant them 40 feet apart. The New Brunswick system
of cultivation does not strike me as a proper system, accorcing to our ideas. We
believe in cultivating the young orchard for the first two years, and working it to
hoed crops. If the o.chard becomes too heavily wooded my system is to seed down
with clover, but still to keep the top dressing and use wood ashes and night soil. I
certainly admire the picture which Mr. Peters drew of a New Brunswick apple
packer. It isa beautiful picture, but if presented in our Province to the ordinary
apple packer it would startle him, There is great need of impressing upon the
people generally the necessity of careful packing. It is a most important point to
be taken into consideration, and we cannot speak of it or press it too earnestly upou
the people. .

Mr. Woonverton.—I quite agree with Mr. Allan as to planting the orhard—that
is, in rich soils and with most varieties that grow to a large size. 1 have Greening
apple trees on light soil—a deep, sandy loam—and they are of a good age, seventy
or eighty years old. ‘hey are planted that distance apart,and the branches are
interlaced that distance, so that it is quite evident that they are not too far apart.
For smaller growing varieties that would be too far; 30 feet might be sufficient, and
on certain soils. With regard to the mode of pruning, I do not think so much of
making the trees spread and keeping the top asI once did. I want to study the
natural growth of the trees, and, if the tendency is upright, to favour that, and thin
out merely to give development to the trees. If we interfere with the natural
growth of the tree we shall find trouble in keeping out extra shoots and sprouts
from the centre that will be sure to spring out. Mr. Peters was saying something
about the difficulty of curing large cuts. We believe that to make large cuts is a
great mistake; itis almost a death blow to the tree the way many orchardists do.
Where it is necessary to cut I certainly think the tree should be covered with some
coating to prevent the action of the weather and the air upon the wood. A covering
of some kind of varnish, shellac or paint, would answer the purpose. Mr. Peters, 1
think, did not intend to say that the standard barrel was a two-bushel barrel.

90

Mr. Parers.—That is what we consider the standard barrel. We take the Nova
Scotia barrel as a standard,

Mr. R. W. Starr.—tThe size is 26 inches over 19 inches bulge, and 17 inches
head, inside measurement. Itis the standard flour barrel size, holding two anda
half bushels.

Mr. Wootverron.—It holds nearly three bushels.

Mr. Starr.—lt would hold more than three bushels of grain, but two and a half
of apples.

oe C. R. H.Srarr.—The same barrel in New York will hold 180 lbs. of potatoes,

Mr. Bortrawick, Ottawa.—I had some apples from Nova Scotia last season, and
the size of the barrel is two and a half bushels.

Mr. Aruan.—The intention of the Government in framing the Act by which the
size of the barrel is regulated was that it should contain three bushels. The size is
so given by the Dominion Act. I do not think it is quite a three bushel barrel, but
that was the supposition in framing the Act.

Mr. R. W. Srarr.—tThe standard bushel of the Dominion is the Imperial bushel
level filled. Under the Dominion statute there are no heaped bushels. The standard
apple barrel will hold three of these Imperial bushels.

Mr. Perers.—We do not measure in that way. We are compelled to give full
measure.

Mr. Kew.—I was glad to hear the remarks to-night in reference to planting. The
first orchard I planted was sixteen or seventeen years ago, and the piece of land figured
out conveniently at 28 feet one way and 38 the other to get the 10ws. I thought at the
time the rows were pretty wide apart, but the trees were small. We did not put any-
thing between them; still, we had plenty of room to cultivate. We cultivated the land
thoroughly for ten years, and then seeded itdownafter that time. Ithas never been
ploughed since. Those trees planted sixteen or seventeen years ago—Greenings and
Baldwins—now have their limbs interlaced 2 or3 feet. 1 quiteagree with Mr. Peters in
his system of growing trees. I believeina tree of medium height, growing the limbs
near to the ground, but not too near that you cannot getround conveniently for pick-
ing. When loaded with fruit the lower limbs will be near the ground. I have lost
faith in severe pruning. Itwas thoughtin our neighborhood that we could not grow
apples unless we cut and slashed the tree every year. I believe, and my belief is
based on my own experience and that of other growers, that the tree should be
thoroughly trained during the first five or six years. There is no trouble, if the
orchard is properly tended to, in forming that tree for its litetime. I think I never
had occasion to cut a limb off of any of my trees after they had been planted six years
except there may have been a case now’ and then when the limb would meet with
some damage—either the wind orice would break it—and then I would cut it offfor
appearance sake, but I always made it a practice to bind the wound, and that wound
had never taken any water. Binding will always prevent water getting in and decay-
ing the limb. So far as regards the distance and trimming, I believe we cannot grow
fruit without the wood, and the more wood you cut away the less blussoms you will
have; and suppose the tree does over blossom, the fruit of itself will naturally thin
out, Last year, I took out of that orchard planted sixteen or seventeen years ago, an
average of 100 barrels to the acre. In regard to the cultivation [let a large number of
hogs run in the orchard. I raised considerable coarse grain, and buy a good deal. I be-
lieve that letting the hogs run in the orchard is the most convenient, thorough and profi-
table way of cultivating the orchard, and there will be no necessity for manuring.
I think the system of keeping large grown hogs in the orchard every year is a good
one. I[ take them out when I am picking, and when I pack I draw the apples under
cover. I pick into barrels, and a man can draw as many barrels in a day as eight
men can pick. It is then possible for me to pack in any kind of weather. As soon
as the apples are out of the orchard the hogs eat up the refuse, and when winter
comes on my orchard is clean. In regard to plums, Ido not think much of the one
that Mr. Peters recommended. I do think, however that he recommended it as an

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extra variety. Mooer’s Arctic was introduced into our locality, and our impression
is that it is no better than the ordinary wild plum. I do not know that L have any-
thing further to say in regard to apple culture.

Mr. Sazpaerp.—How large is your orchard ?

Mr. Kew.—I have 25 acres altogether.

Mr. Joun Denron.—I think, in growing young orchards, either apple or pear
trees, if the fallen fruit were kept off the ground in a large measure the attack of
insects would be repelled. The principal fruit which [ raise is pears, but I havean apple
orchard as well. The pears which we raise we do not find it necessary tospray. We
are troubled very little with the codling moth. In one part of our orchard we have left
some Snow trees, and the codling moth is beginning to work on the pears in the imme-
diate vicinity of these apples, and in no other place. I attribute this to the fact that
the ground is not kept clear of the fruit. I think if a person started a new orchard
he should see to it that the fruit is kept from the ground, and thereby he would pre-
vent the attack of the codling moth. The reason our pears are kept so clean is that
they are more valuable and as soon as they are full size they are sent into market.

Mr. Perrir.—We cannot obtain any such results in strawberries, but he has not
given us particulars with respect to his method of cultivation. Hehascitheran extra
soil for strawberries, or else he has a very good market—a market which I regret
we do not live nearer to. I am sure it must be the production or the superior market
that has enabled him to realize $5U0 per acre. It might be the cultivation, but I am
inclined to think he does not want a better market.

Mr. Perers.—We think we grow a superior fruit, and thus far have had no diffi-
culty in finding a market for all we produce. We are not able to find here a market
for all our product; but this village I have spoken of finds a market for nearly all its
strawberries in the United States. There is scarcely any of the fruit of that village
put on our St. John market, unless the prices there are greater than the prices obtained
in the United States,

Mr. Surtu.—What is about the average price paid per quart ?

Mr. Perers.—The growers outside of this village are fully able to supply our
provincial market, and if these strawberries were placed upon the market it would
cause a glut, so that we would not get more than 5 cents per quart. One year, for
about two days, we had aglutin the market, and I think we then sold to buyers from
the United States, who were making syrups, at 5 or 6 cents per pound. I may
say that the American fruit isimported by our merchants earlier in the season, when
we cannot produce them; but I have known the American fruit on our market to be
selling from 12 to 14 cents per quart and our own fruit in the same market at the
same time bringing 20 cents, and quick sales.

Mr. A. M. Smrra.—What is the average price ?

Mr. Perers.—About 9 cents per quart, taking the season through, after expenses
are paid. I have realized 10 cents for my whole growth; but from 83 to 9 cents is
considered a good thing.

Mr, Srarratr.—ls that gross price or net price?

Mr. Perers.—Net. It costs about two cents per quart to pick them. Mr. Wetmore
has gota name in the Boston market, and has no difficulty in finding a ready sale
for all that he can produce.

A Memser.—Have you any growth of trees there ?

Mr, Perers.—I may say that we have a fairly good growth; but I have not
examined the trees sufficiently here to be able to make a comparison. We have not
a very rapid growth, and we do not want it. We want sufficient to keep the tree in
good health, but not an overgrowth, so that the wood is matured at the end of the
season, With regard to packing, I will just relate one circumstance which occurred
this present autumn: A clergyman and his wife were staying with me for a few
days attending a general meeting of the church, such as we have in New Brunswick,

and we had the Fameuse apple on the table. The lady said. “ Now Mr. Peters, I
want you to pack us a barrel of those apples.” The husband said. “If we geta
barrel of this kind, we will eat them up and have nothing left for the winter. Let
us divide it.’ So they had a barrel filled with one-third Russets, one-third Yellow
Bellfiower and the other third Fameuse. I saw them about a month afterwards, and
they said: “Those apples were very fine, and are all gone. They were just as good
_in the middle of the barrel as on top.” That is the way I like to pack my apples.
Isaid: “Your husband could tell you why I did that. He said: “ You have me in
a corner.” Then I said: ‘I was in business in St. John with another brother, and
whenever we would open a barrel that was the same all the way through we had
the habit of saying: “The man who packed that barrel belonged to the right church.”
Mr. Pertir.—What was the number of quarts to the acre?
Mr. Prrers.—That is strawberries. I remember a half acre being cultivated in
the district of this village, and four thousand five hundred quarts were marketed
‘ from half an acre. I would not be afraid to make that statement at home, where I
am known, and I trust you will accept it; but ifan average per acre were given, I
should say that 6,000 quarts is considered good.
Mr. Bucxe.—I think it is a pity that the production of large fruit in New
Brunswick is so very low. I see the exports from New Brunswick last year were
3,000 bushels, while from Nova Scotia it was 302,000.

Facts AND THEORIES RELATING TO THE PERIOD OF LIFE AND TENDENCY TO DEGENERATE
oF Fruirs AND VEGETABLES: BY O. B. Hapwen, Worcester, Mass., Ex-
Presipent Worcester County HorricuLTuRAL SocrEty.

Man can understand, to a certain extent, the organism of flowers—their petals,
stamens and pistils, and their functions, and the microscopic pollen or fructifying
particles, which the scientific horticulturixt makes use of in cross-fertilizing or
hybridizing, tending to produce new and distinct varielies—a process which, under
his skilful guidance, seems destined to end only with creation itself. He sees the
offices of insects in transporting the pollen from flower to flower, thus, without the
aid of man, producing seeds containing germs in numberless variety, yet keeping
each variety distinct. In the apple and pear no two seedlings thus far appear to be
alike; there is but one Baldwin apple, and one Bartlett pear, and but one of each of
the hundreds of sorts that have ee designated by name. While horticultural
science assures us of the germinal principle of seeds, we are as yet unlearned in the
method by which the qualities of flowers and fruits are transmitted from one to
another through the pollen, but this remains to be ascertained hereafter.

The study and practice of horticulture have a tendency to raise man to a higher
level; it quickens and intensifies his senses of sight, smell and taste, and increases
his capacity for the enjoyment of life. How readily the eye of the horticulturist
detects upon our tables new flowe:, fruit or vegetable. How quickly he scents its
fragrance, and how fastidious and sensitive is his taste when a new fruit is brought
to the test, and how diplomatic, yet emphatic, is his language if it is found deficient
in any particular.

The philosophy and science of horticalture seem to have been understood even
in the remotest ages ; they are mentioned by Confucius, who lived 550 years before
the Christian era. He speaks of seed planting thus: “ Let it be sown and covered
up, the ground being the same, and the time of sowing likewise the same. It
grows rapidly up, and when the full time is come it is all found to beripe. Although
there may be inequalities of produce, that is owing to the difference of soil, as rich
or poor; to the unequal nourishment afforded by the rains and dews; to the different
ways in which man has performed his business in reference to it.”

The Greeks, even as fur back as the fifth century, were not strangers to horti-
culture; they speak of the details of its practice with as much intelligence, precision
and enthusiasm as do many at the present day. Many of the same general prin-
ciples seem to have been understood and applied. Fruits were grown from seed,

93

though not probably by artificial cross-fertilization, as now practised. One of their
poets gives the following description of his fruit garden :

‘¢ The branch here bends beneath the weighty pear,

And verdant olives flourish round the year ;

The balmy spirit of the western gale

Eternal breathes on fruits untaught to fail :

Each dropping pear a following pear supplies—
On apples, apples ; figs on figs arise ;

The same mild season gives the blooms to blow,
The buds to harden and the fruits to grow.”

The term “degeneration,” inits larger definition, when used with reference to
fruits and vegetables, is generally understood to apply to those kinds which, having
been cultivated for a longer or shorter period of time, and having had their day and
generation, seem to have run out, and no longer to retain their original characteristics.

Nature seems to have endowed every plant known in the vegetable kingdom
with an allotted term or definite period of life; especially when growing inits native
climate and soil, and surrounded by conditions not unfavourable to its life, growth,
maturity, and method of reproduction.

In attempting the inquiry into the period of longevity of fruit-bearing trees,
and fruits growing thereon, together with the fruit-bearing bushes, shrubs, canes
and vines, I find but few data relating to the subject, and must rely largely upon my
personal observation and experience, and my own recollections of the past fifty years,
but too short by several hundred years for a broad understanding of the subject.

All the fruit-bearing plants are naturally grown from seed, planted by the
intricate processes of nature, and by art of man. The seed contains all inherent
natural forces requisite for reproducing its kind; and the seed plant seems endowed
with the vitality and functions requisite for, and pertaining to, its growth, maturity,
and reproduction during its destined period of life.

The time allotted for the continuance of plant life seems as variable as the
external features of the plant itself. While the limit of human life may be three
score years and ten, in tree or plant life we know it may be many times three score
years. The average life-time of the lower animals is well known; but compara-
tively little is known of the life of fruit-bearing trees, and even less regarding the
time our popular varieties of fruits will continue to be produced in perfection under
the prolonged cultivation by the art of the sagacious horticulturist.

The causes, natural and artificial, of fruits degenerating and becoming unworthy
of cultivation are at present but imperfectly understood, as the many sorts seem to
be subjected to many varying conditions. In the case of each, we have to consider
its natural hardiness, and longevity, the influences of soil and climate, the stimulat-
ing effects of liberal cultivation, the mysterious influences of engrafting, both as to
stock and, scion. All these, and similar questions, underlying the subject, are so
clouded and obscure that we can neither fully explain nor comprehend them.
Nevertheless, there are some facts that seem to throw a little light upon the subject.
While, perhaps, it is utterly impossible to fully verify the cau.es that seem to
augment the degenerating tendencies in fruits, the facts we rely upon scem apparent,
and although the evidence by which we trace the causes seems partially circum-
stantial, yet it is unequivocal, so far as it goes, and cannot well be set aside. in
communities where cultivation has been pursued for fifty years or more by “the art
which doth mend nature.” ;

The pear trees grown from seeds which were planted by the earliest settlers of
this country were of a robust habit of growth, attaining large size and great age,
and have outlived many generations of men; and of those known to have borne
fruit as early a8 1663, some are still alive. The pear tree is indigenous in sections
of the northern teniperate zone, flourishing as far north as the fifty-seventh degree
of latitude, and is grown in this country from the British provinces to Mexico, In
acclimating and growing the pear in a warmer ciimate its primitive habit of long
life seems to be partly lost or impaired. Growers long since abandoned planting
the seeds from the original fruit, using instead the seeds of the engrafted sorts,

94

which are of a more tender habit, by this practice breeding into the pear tree an
inherent tendency to shortness of life. The continued process of engrafting and
forcing by high cultivation and also growing in an impoverished soil—each and all
may exert some influence in the direction of degeneracy ; and it is certainly evident
that the trees are everywhere tending to earlier fruitage and shorter life.

The almost universal practice of propagating desirable sorts by engrafting or
budding has undoubtedly the effect of gradually, but surely, working a serious
injury to some fruit-bearing trees. The tendency of continuously planting the seeds
of improved sorts is very much the same as what is called in cattlemen’s parlance
“in-and-in breeding,” which, if long continued in a given line, is a sure and constant
cause of degeneration or running out.

Now, if the tree from any cause is losing its natural stamina and force, or
becomes defective or diseased, the weakening of its natural functions very soon be-
comes manifest in the fruit. The St. Michael, in its day the glory of the pears, has
now become wholly unworthy of cultivation. Sometimes it seems to recuperate in
new countries and thrives for a time in a virgin soil, but soon relapses into its now
normal condition, The Flemish Beauty affords another illustration of degenerating
tendency. It was first brought into notice in 1834, and promised well for many
years, but has now become unworthy of continued cultivation.

In the catalogue of trees grown in the nursery of the late William Kenrick in
the year 1838 (he being then one of the prominent nurserymen in Massachusetts),
I find, in the class termed “Old Pears,” twelve sorts, of which not one has been
shown on this society’s tables for years. In class second, termed ‘‘ New Pears,’ I
find eighty-seven, of which seventeen varieties only are seen at our exhibitions, and
but four of these are generally approved, viz., the Bartlett, Bose, Seckel and
Angouleme, and the rest are only occasionally shown. In the list of new pears
received in this country from Europe in the years 1834 to 1836, consisting ofa
hundred and forty varieties, which have been tried by our cultivators and (most of
them) shown on our tables within the past forty years, I find but two that are now
considered worthy of cultivation ; and Mr. Kenrick mentions a hundred other sorts
received but not tried.

In the catalogue of the late William Prince, of Flushing, N.Y., for the year
1839, designating by name three hundred and thirty-seven varieties, I find but
thirteen varieties that are seen on our tables. Then we are made aware of the very
numerous sorts of pears which were being brought into notice forty or fifty years
ago—more than three hundred and fifty varieties—out of which less than twenty
are on our premium list for the present year, and the other three hundred and thirty
have practically gone out of cultivation. In the meantime, very many more sorts
have been introduced, in large part seedlings of American origin; and out of this
vast number twenty-five varieties would be quite as many as are worthy approval
and encouragement,

Now, it would be unfair to state that this very large number found unworthy
of cultivation have degenerated; doubtless many causes contributed to infiuence
their rejection. Some were found poor growers; the fruit in many cases lacked the
qualities essential in good pears; some seemed naturally predisposed to blight and
other disease; and many seemed unsuited to the soil and climate.

But it appears, although difficult to prove, in the case of some sorts once highly
esteemed for general cultivation, but now become degenerate, that the tree has
already lived the time allotted by nature, and its production of fruit in its enfeebled
condition is prolonged only by nursing or by engrafting on other and vigorous stocks. °
This suggestion opens quite another phase of the question, viz.: To what extent can
fruitage be prolonged by the process of engrafting or budding ?

There was formerly an udage : “‘ He who plants pears plants them for his heirs,”
while now he who plants pears gathers a crop in a few years; and the trees mature,
bear fruit and die, even before he passes away. But it can casily be demonstrated
that the natural lives of the original sorts of pear trees have been longer than the
joint or aggregate lives of several generations of men; and also that the product

95

of fruit from an original stock can be artifivially prolonged by engrafting to an un-
determined extent.

The apple trees that were grown from seed planted by the early settlers, and
cultivated us early as 1663, in many instances proved long-lived, some reaching the
age of 200 or more years. These trees attained great size, and bore immense crops
of natural fruit. I know of apple trees still bearing good vrops that have every
appearance of being 150 years old; and I know of engrafted apple trees more than
sixty years old that are still productive and wnimpaired. On the other hand, I can
point to an orchard which was set forty-five years ago, and has received high culti
vation, that has already become old and worthless, having no force to make healthy
wood or bear fruit. And apple orchards in some of the north-western States do not
average more than twenty years in bearing. The apple is naturally long-lived, both
tree and fruit.

The process of degeneration or decay of the apple seems to be less rapid than
that of the pear. Out of sixty varieties, mostly of American origin, grown fifty
years ago, more than forty are now grown and esteemed. In fact, I can recall but
few sorts once extensively grown that are proving worthless; and in reviewing the
history of the apple it must be admitted that itis not only the most valnablefruit in
this section of the country, but also long-lived, and is manifesting at present but few
signs of decay.

The Early Harvest and the Newton Pippin secm to be on the wane, and a few
more are tending in that direction. On the other hand, the Rhode Island Greening,
known in cultivation for 150 years, is seemingly as good as ever, both in tree and
fruit, and promises to last for a long time. The Costard, one of the oldest apples
still grown in England, was recorded in the thirteenth century.

Among the fruits that were formerly plentiful, the peach is the best demonstra-
tion of degenerating tendencies. It is the one that seems least able to withstand the
departure from its normal condition occasioned by engrafting, and modern usage,
and the effects of climate.

In former years the peach was grown from the stone exclusively, and engrafting
was not practised. Then the trees not only escaped disease, but withstood the vicis-
situdes of the climate unimpaired, and pruduced abundant crops. The ground under
them, within the memory of many now present, used to be literally covered with
luscious fruit at the season of ripening ; while the life of a peach tree often extended
to fifty years, and by cutting back to the ground and allowing it to sprout from the
root, to even a much longer period.

But when the nurserymen commenced to prolong the existence of improved
varieties of fruit by budding, not many years elapsed before the loss of original
stamina and hardiness became apparent. Before long (in 1818) that destructive
disease known as the “yellows” crept in. This was first noticed or described in
print by a nurseryman in 1823; it was very soon ascertained to be contagious, and
that the disease had come to stay. In the northern sections of the country peach
growing, always precarious, now seems utterly ruined, :

The question of actual degeneration seems fairly settled inthe peach tree, and
the fruit follows the tree and varieties have become lost. Now the question naturally
arises. Can the peach be restored? Evidently not until the budded trees are
thoroughly extirpated, root and branch. We must resort to the custom of our
ancestors, of growing trees from seeds, and these seeds should be procured from
sources where disease is unknown in any form. Then we may hope with reasonable
certainty for another period of healthy peach trees and luscious fruit, provided all
diseased trees are dug out and burned up.

Many sorts of peaches reproduce their like from the pit. Those fixed strains
should be encouraged, and painstaking cultivators might impregnate the blossom»
of such with pollen of good sorts. By saving the stones of fruit thus produced they
will materially increase their chances of success in producing new and desirable
varieties.

96

The cherry and plum do not manifest a tendency to degenerate; they scem to
suffer through injury from insect cnemies rather than from any inherent morbid
condition. The varieties grown by the earlier cultivators are still known and
esteemed, manifesting, even under the influence of repeated engrafting and of arti-
ficial modes of cultivation, a decided tendency to long life. Cultural practices which
seem to have impaired the longevity of the pear and peach, apparently have little
if any effect upon the cherry and plum, thus leaving the question of degeneration in
considerable doubt.

Among the fruits termed “small fruits” the strawberry furnishes the clearest
evidence as to its duration of life. Of this fruit, as nearly as I can recall, the kinds
that have been cultivated thrive about thirty years, although there have been a few
instances of longer duration, and some whose term has been shorter.

Of twenty sorts grown by nurserymen and advertised fifty years ago, not one
is known in cultivation, if we except the Alpine, which seems to be perpetual, as
does also the wild or native strawberry. Within the past forty ycars hundreds of
varieties have been produced from seed, brought into notice, and are now gone to
give place to new seedlings; and but few now extensively grown have been known
to cultivation twenty years. Of fifty-one varieties grown inthe nurseries of the late
William R. Prince in 1839, not one remains. The strawberry reproduced from
runners gradually becomes enfeebled and unproductive, and passes away, giving
place to new and vigourous kinds raised from seed, which seems to be Nature’s mode
of reproduction.

The raspberry, blackberry and currant are long-lived, and sorts that were grown
as far back as the memory of man runneth are as good now as ever, favourable con-
ditions being equal. New seedlings are brought ont from time to time, which, as
novelties, have a tendency to supplant the older sorts, but the Antwerp, Franconia,
Fastolff, Knevett’s and Northumberland raspberries, and a dozen others, are just as
good as ever. Neither do the blackberries or currants, when well grown, give much,
if any, evidence of degeneration. When they fail it may fairly be attributed to the
influence of poor soil and cultivation.

Vegetables, especially those annually grown from seed, do not degenerate; sceds
may become mixed and new sorts may be produced, but the annuals cannot he
classed among plants that degenerate. Some seasons are found unfavourable to the
development and growth of certain kinds, and new sorts are being continually
introduced and tried.

The potato, indigenous to the mountainous sections of Mexico and South America
only, is, consequently, when cultivated here, far removed from its native home; und
it affords us the best illustration of the importance of renewal by seed. As usually
propagated from the tuber, it grows and thrives well for about twenty-five years,
after which it manifests a very decided tendency to degenerate; and new seedlings
are resorted to, which, in their turn, will last a given time and produce good crops.
Within my own experience, I have grown the Black Rusty Coat, Long Red, Chen-
ango, Rohan, Peach Blow, Carter, Jackson White, Dover, Davis’ Seedling, Kidney,
State of Maine, Early Roxe and Hebron, and several other sorts, but only two of
these are now cultivated,

And, while serious apprehensions are quite generally entertained concerning
the deteriority of plant life and length of vigorous life of the larger and smaller
fruits, and while the life and vigour of trees and plants depends largely upon the
soil and climate, the health of the seed and scion, and the plant food in adequate
supply for the nourishment of its yearly growth and longevity—where all these
conditions and requisites are furnished, and with the absence of extremes of heat
and cold, the life and vigour will be prolonged to its fullest period.

. To attempt the inquiry into the growth, longevity and decay of the fruits and
vegetables we cultivate—to seek to learn the natural principles involved in the
growth of each species, and the laws and principles of decay belonging to each, is
particularly difficult where each seems to be governed by different and intricate
forces, pertaining to its peculiar organism. Nature, with man’s assistance, has pro-

97

duced fruits and vegetables in wonderful variety and profusion and of the highest
excellence, and is still pressing onward; every season brings some new success in
the line of fruit or vegetable raising, and notwithstanding there is so much mystery
clouding the whole subject—so much that we should know, but do not—so much
guess work, instead of positive information, and so much that seems impossible for
the mind to understand peculiar to each plant—nevertheless, it appears worth the
while to discuss these questions, with the hope of new and increasing light pertaining
to the philosophy and science of’ horticultural and pomological pursuits. There can
be no end to horticultural investigations; and few, if any, conclusions in this hidden
science can be considered final; and the subject we have been discussing still affords
a wide field for inquiry.

Nature when her varied forces can be brought into action, has a tendency to-
wards improvement in increased varieties or sorts. Nature, when assisted by man,
understanding her law of selection, can produce by cross-fertilization new sorts of
hitherto unknown excellence, tending to improvement in size, colour, texture and
flavour, and when the better conditions are sought, favourable to the highest and best
development of each species.

Wild fruits are constantly being reproduced from seed. Nature’s forces for the
transmission of pollen from flower to flower by-bees, butterflies and insects innumer-
able, are constantly engaged; thereby the seed product of each flower contains re-
newed and fresh natural force to reproduce a strong and healthy plant adequate to
withstand all climatic and other conditions which nature intended.

It is quite probable that the fruits of the earlier period, from which the present
fruits are the lineal descendants, each sort reproduced from seed, closely resembled
the parent fruit.

Since the period when fruits have been introduced into one section of the coun-
try from the four quarters of the globe greater changes and greater varieties have
become manifest.

Even now among our indigenous sorts the wild strawberry, the blackberry, the
raspberry, any marked deviation from their original type is the exception and not
the general law. : fra

We are now comparatively in the early stages of investigation relating to life
and organism of fruit plants. We have found by experiment that the seeds from
one improved apple or pear will never reproduce its like, or even two alike, from
the same core.

We have never seen from seedlings two Baldwins or two Greenings, two
Bartletts or two D'Anjous This seems to be the law of the apple and pear; but the
law is not as inflexible with the peach and cherry, that often reproduce their type
with even but very slight if any variation.

The conclusions which I have been led to regard as provisionally established
may be summarized as follows :—

1st. Each fruit-bearing tree and plant seems inherently endowed with a certain
given period of life. This, however, is subject to be influenced by favourable and
unfavourable conditions. ; ;

2nd. Each species and variety of fruit-bearing tree and plant seems governed
by conditions pertaining exclusively to its own growth, maturity and decay.

3rd. Some fruits appear to degenerate, while others furnish but little evidence of
deterioration; and the latter statement applies equally to vegetables, as a class, during

i ntury.
oe ath. While there undoubtedly is a limit to the life of every plant and fruit,
neither science nor philosophy has yet determined the data by which we can deduce
with any degree of accuracy the duration of life of many of the larger fruits or
bles.
vee he subject, as regards each fruit, seems to be governed by separate laws and
conditions ; and where such infinite variety exists, it renders equally limitless the
extent of possible inquiry, and opens a wide field for experiments and experience ;
and also may be prolific in topics for discussion by the members of this society.

7

98

It has afforded me very great pleasure to meet the pomologists of the Dominion
of Canada. I have had an opportunity which I never had hitherto of meeting the
Canadians face to face. I now have the cpportunity of seeing their products on
these tables, which not many years ago the whole wealth of the Dominion could not
have produced. These have been produced by your intelligent horticulturists and the
persistent efforts of your good cultivators. No country need be ashamed of the
exhibition of fruit that now lies before you. There is no fruit that God has ever
given to man that is equal to the apple, and there is no fruit that has a wider range
of cultivation. It seems to thrive well all over this whole continent, if you except
the extreme north and extreme south. I have also been very much gratified by the
discussions I have heard in this place, not only the discussions of your dairymen,
who seem to have the interests of this Dominion at heart, but the discussions of
your horticulturists, which seem to embrace every product worthy of encouragement,
and I shall return to my old society fully impressed with the dignity and good sense
of your people, their devotion to their Government, their devotion to horticulture,
and their devotion to everything which seems higher and better. (Applause.)

The PresipEnt.—Mr. Hadwen’s paper opens up a very large field for inquiry.
It is certainly a most importantand suggestive paper, and I only wish we had
ample time to do it justice in the digcussion. N otwithstanding the lateness of the hour,
I think we must give members an opportunity for making such inquiries regarding
it as they may feel disposed to make before calling for the next paper.

Mr. Dempssy.—I have felt very much interested while listening to the paper
from Mr, Hadwen, particularly when he was speaking of so few varieties coming to
stay in proportion to the number that we have had on trial, I have fruited, in my
time, about 200 varieties of the pear, and the numbers that are worthy of continuing
in cultivation are now about a dozen. We have grown something over 200 varieties
—that is, American varieties—so far, and there are a great many that we have not
tried. I got so discouraged that I have become a little cautious in investigating
further in this way. Of the American varieties we have at the present time
in cultivation, I think the Goodale pear stands ut the head of the list with us.
However, there are a few varieties, like Osband’s Summer, that is a good summer
pear, but of no particular value for the market, Of the many European varieties that
we have in cultivation, I fancy there is nothing better than the Barlett and Beurre
Hardy. Those are the two pears that have come to stay, and of the two in our
section of the country, I would prefer the Beurre Hardy. So you see that in
experimenting with new varieties of fruits it is very discouraging sometimes. With
the apple we have not averaged so many as pears, but we have still fruited a great
many varieties, and out of that large number of varieties of apples I do not think
that we would exceed thirty that we can really say are worthy of cultivation, and
several ot those are seedings that I ought to say are confined very closely to our
own county. There are varieties that are seedlings in this county, the production
of seeds that were brought over by the settlers of New Jersey after the Rebellion in
the United States. We find several superior fruits cultivated that were produced
from these seeds, but they have never been disseminated, because many of them are
yellow apples. One, called the Prunion, still remains, in my estimation, without a
rival as a dessert apple. It is yellow, and consequently does not meet the demand
in our markets. We want ared apple. Another is called the “Elvira.” Itisa
beautiful dessert apple and a good cooking apple—a September apple, that if it was
red, would rise the Duchess of Oldenburg out of existence. These are apples that
have been produced in our county over 100 years ago, and yet have never left the
county to my knowledge. Now, we have in the American production of apples
very few dessert varielies that compare with the English production. We have
not, that I know of, an apple that will compare in flavour with Cox’s Orange Pippin,
that I spoke of before. There are very few that will excel the Ribston Pippin or
the Wellington apple, or many other English varieties that Iam of opinion have
come to stay. It is not so with their pears, because we are left of the English pro-
ductions of the pear only the Bartlett. Iam sorry it was christened the Bartlett,
It should have kept its original name of William’s Bon Chretien.

99

Mr. Hamitton.—I would like to ask the question, whether any onc can say
whether the artificial crosses or hybrids are as durable as natural ones, If we look
back a little it would scem as if artificial crosses were not durable. Knight and
some other English growers have raised a great many seedlings that were highly
spoken of at the time, but that have quite disappeared, and I think, as far as my
observation goes, that is the case, generally, with artificial hybrids. Natural crosses,
however, are more durable. I cannot say anything with regard to apples or pears
—a lifetime is too short for that sort of thing—but I know something of the potato
hybrids of the last twenty-five or thirty years that have disappeared, and these were
mostly American seedlings that were the result of artificial crosses. I think some of the
old varieties of potatoes, before these new American sorts came in, lasted very much
longer. I think it would be worth while endeavouring te ascertain whether there
is anything in that, and to know if in the future we are to look for our good apples
and pears to artificial crosses or natural ones, By natural ones, I mean those where
the pollen is carried by the wind or insects—not the work of man’s hand, by
removing the stamen of one and dusting the stigma with the pollen of another.
Just as we shall decide that question a great deal of the future of new varieties shall
depend, Ifthe natural ones are the more lasting, thenit would seem that the better
way to get new seedlings is to plant vigourous sorts alongside of fine flavoured ones
and let them cross themselves.

Hon. Senator Rezsor.—I hold in my hand a copy of the Mail, published in
London, England, in which there is a letter from Mr. H. W. Ward, head gardener to
the Right Honourable Lord Salisbury, in which he gives his experience as to the kind
of apples that are suitable in that country. I will read over the list that he
recommends to the people of England to plant. The list hé gives is as follows:
Beauty of Kent, Irish Peach, Summer Nonpareil, Worcester Pearmain, Cox’s Orange
Pippin, Ribston Pippin, Claygate Pearmain, Kewsick Codlin, Cox’s Pomona, Lord
Suffield, Beauty of Hants, and Blenheim Orange. He says: “The latter is the best
all-round apple in cultivation. The above list is given, not in order of merit, but in
the order in which they are needed for use from the end of July onward. The first
named seven are strictly dessert apples, and the remaining five being generally used
for culinary purposes.” This may be worth a little something as a hint of the kind
of apples that command the most attention there, and perhaps gentlemen here who
have had experience may know how far they can be cultivated in this country.

Mr. SuepHerp.—l think we must all say we have listened with a great deal of
pleasure and satisfaction to Mr. Hadwen’s able paper. I am particularly interested
in his remarks about the cause of the degeneration of the larger varieties of trees.
Now, take for example the Fameuse. On the island of Montreal, which is the home
of the Fameuse, we have never been able to trace where it came from, It is sup-
posed it is a seedling from imported French apples. I believe there is no apple iden-
tical with the Fameuse in France, but it is supposed it originated from the seed
brought from France by the early settlers. Years ago it was quite a common thing
to see an orchard of Fameuse of very old trees, seventy-five to one hundred years of
age. ‘'Fo-day I believe these trees are very scarce, and the average of the Fameuse
to-day I suppose is not more than twenty-five or thirty years. I do not suppose they
bear more than twenty years, and very often less than that. There are no orchards
of Pomme Grise. They are few and far between. They do not live long, and of
course they are not profitable. The Pomme Grise has passed away. I suppose we
can scarcely get on the whole island of Montreal twenty barrels of it. You never
see this apple in the Montreal market. It was at one time, twenty-five years ago,
one ot the leading varieties of dessert apples shipped to England. If the Montreal
merchant wished to send a present of apples to England he would always send some
Pomme Grise, which were supposed to be something of the very best quality. So
jt ismost interesting to hear the remarks made by Mr. Hadwen, and I think the point
he has brought out that weshould take none of the scions from diseased trees which
hasten the degeneration. This point we epoke of before, and I maintain that we
cannot be too careful in watching the scion. I take my scions from healthy trees.

1

100

I never take a scion from a Fameuse tree that appears to have the slightest degree
of disease. I think it is a great mistake. We must be very cautious, if we want to
retain these old favourite varieties. We must be careful in selecting our scions,

Mr, AtLan.—I hope the paper read is to be passed in for publication. It is too
valuable a paper to be lost sight of, and I trust Mr. Hadwen will be willing. I am
gure every one here can join in the same voice, that we have enjoyed the reading of
the paper, and the depth of the paper is such that we must have it before us to
read it, and to read it from point to point, as it is of very deep interest to us all. It
is one of the most valuable papers I have heard read at any of our conventions.

Rev. Mr. Fuiroy.—As to the longevity of the tree, I think the short-lived
characteristic of the tree is due in the most part to the carelessness of the nursery-
men. As Mr. Shepherd has just stated, we do not pay much attention to the root,
and certalnly it is the root which supplies the tree. Formerly they used to grow a
fine healthy tree from the seed, and when it was sufficiently large it was put out.
You cannot expect trees to live if the stock is unhealthy. I know one tree in the
County of Huntingdon out of three that came from Mr. Holland’s garden, in
Montreal, in 1820, which is still a vigourous growing tree bearing fruit, and the trees
that I got thirty years ago are perfectly healthy aud good. I am perfectly satisfied
that the difficulty is through the stock.

Mr, Starr.—May we not attribute all this short life of the present trecs to
the fact that they are root grafted and set out from nurseries, and that the trees we
see about in our country where we find them over one hundred years of age were seeded
as early as 1770 or 1780, along there. We find those trees living to-day and bearing
crops. I can call to mind one especially, within three miles of my own place. It
covers an area of at least 40 feet round, and the trunk is over 23 feet in diameter, and
that treeis still bearing heavy crops of apples. That tree is grafted at some dis-
tance from the ground. You can see where all these old trees have been grafted,
some of them were grafted early in the present century, and are healthy trees to-day.
We find such apples as the Fameuse and the Pomme Grise planted at the same time.
They were good apples for some years; to-day they are failures. They are not
being planted as the young trees, and not being cared for as the old trees. In the
first place, they are not as good all-round apples as those that have been selling well
in the market; they do not carry well and they do not grow well. We have to
look after these three attributes in all our apples, to make them a success. Those
are three points that you must look after in the commercial apples—first, to grow
well ; second, to bear well; third, to carry well; and fourth, study the market.

Mr. SuepHEerD,—You can hardly say that the Fameuse does not bear well, and
you cannot say it is not marketable.

Mr. Starr.—l am speaking from my own point of view. The Nova Scotian
Fameuse twenty-five years ago was a first-rate apple. To-day, with the best culti-
vation, if we are getting fifteen barrels from a tree we can sell three as No. 1, five as
, No. 2, and the rest goes into cider. That is where the trouble comes in.

Mr, WitLarp.—The subject is full of interest to all of us. But I think that
perhaps we fail to attribute the failure of many of our varieties of trees and the
apparent degeneracy to the true cause. Now, there has been a change going on,
through the last fifty years, throughout this whole country. The time was, fifty
years ago, when we had forest trees scattered from one end to the other, almost over
all the country, and those forest trees held back our snows and our rain, The
modern system of drainage, while it is a splendid thing on many grounds, and has
created a great value to the country, yet I see the ill effects that grow out of it. Our
snows as they melt, on account of the absence of forests, are carried off rapidly, and
from our ground being soaked with water in a short time it is too dry. We suffer
from drought. I see it in my own orchard, and it has been a study with me what 1
would do to avoid it. My orchard is under-drained, and the water is carried off too
quickly, and I do not believe it is well for the health of a tree it should be so. Then,
again, there are other things. Reference has been made to the fact that our trees were
propagated by root grafting. My opinion is that the trees are injured by the want

101

of forests. The wind sweeps across the country without anything to break it. This
is a point worthy of consideration, whether or not good wind-breaks around our
orchards are not of great value. I think they are.

Mr. Bropiz.—With reference to a good many of our old Fameuse orchards
around Montreal, I think the degeneration of the trees is owing greatly to the im-
poverishment of’ the soil. Some of these trees have been cropped year after year,
for twenty-five years, in my neighbourhood, and I have never seen manure of any kind
applied to these trees, These trees are generally cultivated in the garden until they
are about ten years old, and then they are seeded down and left that way. I know
in our orchard, which was planted by my grandfather, I have taken great care to
manure and cultivate the trees. My neighbour has a young orchard, fifteen years old,
planted, and speaking to my foreman last summer, he said: “ How is it you possess an
orchard with such healthy green foliage and the foliage of my trees is so sickly?”
I said, the reason was, that his foreman had not taken the trouble to put manure on
his garden crop.

Mr. Srarr.—lI have wondered why our trees were so short-lived while we see so
many trees around us. We generally see failures to-day, while the other trees out-
live the allotted time. However, those who may come after us may yet live to see
in our present orchards some of our trees that will live as long. Those old trees
that we are speaking of, we must remember, are scattered; we see no full
orchards; they are scattered trees here and there. That is the position we found
them ip.

Prof. Smira.—I would like to make a few remarks with regard to this root
grafting. Ido not agree altogether as to that being the cause of the deterioration of
our fruits. I know a number of years ago there was a practice among nurserymen
to cut up seedlings between one and two years, and graft two, three and sometimes
four trees from a single root, but the practice of root grafting upon whole roots gave
just as healthy a tree as a tree grown from the bud that is budded and above the
ground, It is a system I have always practised in growing trees, and I think
gentlemen in this room will bear me out in the statement that some of the best
orchards in the Niagara district were planted thirty years ago, and are now in a
thriving condition, were grafted in-that way.

Senator Rezson.—The experience I have had is that it is not only with the
nurseryman but it is sometimes with the manure. I have always taken a good deal
of interest in raising fruit myself, and have planted a great many varieties of
grapes, pears and apples, and I have found this, and I took the hint from reading of
the practice in England. In planting their grape vines there they dig the ground
2 or 3 feet deep and turn the top soil right to the bottom and then fill the
balance of the earth in; if it is not rich enough they put in rotted manure. I have
tried it only ou a small scale, and in planting that way I have had as much growth
from the grape vine in two years as I would have had in planting it in the ordinary
way in perhaps four years, and I got as much fruit off the same vine for the second
and third crop as I would have from four or five vines planted in the ordinary way.

The Convention adjourned until Friday.

Mornine@ SESSION.

Fripay, 21st Feb., 1890.
The Convention re-assembled at 10 a. m., Prof. Penhallow, President, in the

chair.
The Committee on Organization presented the following report:—

PERMANENT ORGANIZATION,

That we recommend the permanent establishment of this convention under the
title of the Dominion Horticultural Association. : :

The officers to be a president and a secretary-treasurer and a vice-president
and corresponding secretary for each Province. :

102

That Prof. Penhallow be the first president, and the presidents of the provincial
associations be the vice-presidents; but in the event of any such president being also
president of the Dominion association, the senior vice-president of that provincial
association shall be vice-president of the Dominion association.

That in Provinces where no provincial association exists the Dominion associa
tion shall appoint a vice-president for that Province.

That the executive committee consist of the president and secretary (ez-
officio), together with members to be appointed by the association.

Members of provincial associations shall be eligible to membership in the
Dominion association upon payment of an annual fee of $1, and any other person
may qualify as a member upon payment of an annual fee of $2.

The, committee recommend that application be made to Parliament for an
annual grant of $3,000 for the purpose of holding conventions and publishing the
transactions of the association.

That the provincial association shall be entitled to votes in convention dis-
tributed as follows: British Columbia, 2; Manitoba, 1; North-West Territories, 1;
Ontario, 6; Quebec, 4; New Brunswick,2; Nova Scotia, 3; Prince Edward Island, 1.

That meetings of the association shall be held annually.

All officers of the association shall be elected annually.

Vice-presidents were named as follows: New Bruuswick, 8, L. Peters, Queens-
town; Manitoba, Mr. Frankland, Stonewall.

W. W. Dunlop, Montreal, was named as secretary-treasurer; George Johnson,
Ottawa, as statistician

B. Starratt, G. W. Henry and L. Woolverton were appointed members of the
executive committee.

THE DUTY ON FRUIT

The debate on Mr. A. H. Petitt’s motion, respecting the duty on fruit, was con-
tinued :

The Prestpent.—This is an important question, and one that presents many
aspects; but I hope that political considerations will be left out in dealing with it.
I am aware there may be a diversity of opinion as to the advisability of taking this
step, and I hope that gentlemen will express their views concisely, 0 that we may
arrive at a conclusion quickly.

Mr. Perrrt— There seems to be a misunderstanding on this question. We do
not want any duty on foreign products that we do not produce ourselves. We
simply want a duty on those that we produce at home—the duty as it was a short
time ago. I cannot really see any portion of this Dominion that is more affected
by the present state of affairs than the Provinces of Ontario and Quebec, for the
reason that we produce large quantities of summer fruit. The Americans, having a
climate so much earlier than we, fill our markets about two weeks in advance
of anything we can do. Consumers only require strawberries for about two
weeks, when they then require another variety of fruit. The Southern States
are prepared to supply Ontario with those fruits for about that time, and
therefore our Canadian fruits have to come in after that demand has been pretty
well met. With regard to the apple crop, we must look to England as tbe one
market. Great Britain is the market for nearly all our apples. The south-western
States are producing large quantities, but the samples that come in here are more
or less fall apples. Our apples are keepers, and in that respect we look to the
English market; but if our market is to be glutted with earlier varieties from the
south, it has the effect of making the business of fruit-producing not so profitable
as itshould be. If other branches of agriculture are to be protected in Canada I
do not see why fruit growing should not be. We are one branch of the whole.
Taking the Province of Nova Scotia, there may be an exception there; but in this
regard apples form the entire crop of Nova Scotia, as against all the kinds of fruit
produced in Ontario and Quebec. They can produce the very finest varieties of
summer and fall apples, and living right on the coast, with no railway transportation

108

of any account, they have a great advantage over us in reaching the British market.

Jdo not think we should allow the interests of the larger portion of the Dominion
to suffer for the sake of a single Province that already possesses peculiar advantages,
As for New Brunswick, according to our friend here he need not look to any better
market than he has got. We would be glad in Ontario to have half the crop of
strawberries that they get there; aud Prince Edward Island has carried off thé

rizes for winter apples in several cases here. I think that, taken as a whole, the

ominion requires this protection. There is another Province that might feel this
slightly, but I believe if they consider it properly they should not object—that is,
British Columbia, in the west. We should do all we could to encourage fruit pro-
duction there. Ontario has done all it could to open up that North-West, and the
result has been that as soon as Ontario and Quebec have sent their sons there to
open up that country they are pouring down millions of bushels of wheat upon us
in return. I say they should be willing to have us supply them with fruit, and I
am sure we could do so at prices as low as they could be supplied from any other
source.

My. C. R. H. Starr.—lI was not present when this matter came up yesterday,
but I observe that my name is in the list of gentlemen who form this delegation.
While we would not wish to interfere in any way with the interests of our Ontario
friends, we feel that in view of the fact that this matter having been discussed before
the Nova Scotia association and that we were instructed with respect to this matter,
we will not be at liberty to act in conjunction with that delegation. Therefore, we
would request that our names be expunged from that list. I may say that while we
do not wish to offer any serious opposition, we do not wish to act upon a delegation,

The PresipEntT.—l have received an amendment to the main motion to this effect:

“Moved by R. J. Clinton, seconded by J. M. Fisk, that the question of duties be
placed in the hands of a committee of equal number of representatives from each of
the Provinces, who shall report on the same at 5.30 p.m.”

On being put to the meeting, this amendment was declared to be lost.

Mr. Tuorzury.—In the interest of the North-West Territories I want to speak
on that question. We must be and will be for many years to come an importing
country. We raise very little large fruit and must import it formany years to come.
As protection in this case necessarily means increased prices by those who are pro-
tected, I do not see how it would help us to have this motion adopted. We must
look largely to British Columbia for our future supply of fruit as soon as they are
able to supply us, and we get some reduction in the rates from the express company.
Naturally, Ontario and Quebec will compete with British Columbia in that trade
and it will be profitable for both that there should be competition. I have heard from
the representative of British Columbia in the meeting that they believe that they
will be able to compete with the world in raising fruit. At present, when we send
an order to British Columbia, as I and others have done, we have found that the mer-
chants very often send us California fruit. With reference to that, the representative
from British Columbia has said that where we could deal directly with the fruit
growers instead of the merchants we could get better fruit, and get it more directly
and fresher. I think, however, it shows a lack of enterprise on the part of the fruit
growers of British Columbia, who are also dealers, that they permit those who would
naturally be their customers to apply to those who deal in California fruits. We
apply to those who transact our business, and if the fruit growers of British Columbia
are perfectly sure they can supply us with as good and as cheap fruit as California
they should let it be known. They will naturally get the trade. [have heard that
the climate of British Columbia is somewhat enervating, and that until the impor-
tation of Ontario people went there they were wonderfully slow. I would ask the
fruit growers of British Columbia to shake off their lethargy and put a little more
stir into their business. Let them make known to those whoare likely to be their
customers what they can do for us, and there would be no need for protection at all.
I am sure the people of Ontario and Quebec are enterprising enough to hold the
market of Manitoba and the North-West without any protection. I think that the

104

display before us shows that those who are interested in the growing of fruit can
compete with the United States orany other market in the world without protection,
I cannot go to see the Minister of Customs on that delegation. If I did, I should
speak in the way I have now done.

Mr. Henry.—This gentleman has spoken on behalf of the North- West Territories
and has found some fault with the way the fruit-growing is carried on in British
Columbia. These people do not go to the North-West to grow fruit; but they are
pleased to have a duty on grain or flour. I believe we have the same right to pro-
tection. We go to British Columbia to grow fruit. We want our industry to be pro-
tected until we get established ; then we can compete with any country in the world.
Perhaps we cannot compete in all winter fruit, but in early varieties—in plums and
such fruit—I am satisfied we can surpass anything I have ever seen anywhere else.
With regard to the lethargy that is spoken of, the great trouble is that the people
who went there first were not fruit-growers. People got into fruit-growing by finding
the fruit growing there. The people who are going in there now are of a livelier
class, and will make ‘it lively enough when they get properly started. The
Californians bave had the market because they have a great glut of fruit. They do
not care what prices they get, so long as they get something for the stock that is on
their hahds. At the present time I am satisfied that we can supply a great portion
of the North-West with our fruits, and these other varieties of winter fruits can be
imported from Ontario. On this ground I favour the motion, which is aimed to give
us a chance to show what we can do.

Mr. Bucxr.—A mistaken impression has gone abroad from what Mr. Carling
said the other day about fruit being imported from the States. In looking over the
statistics I find that the principal importations were of small fruits. They come in
earlier than they ripen here. You can get strawberries in Ottawa now that are
brought in from the States. Mr. Blue, in a speech made before the Ontario Associa-
tion, said that as soon as the American fruits mect the Canadian fruit the American
fruit suffers, because ours are so much better than those brought in. Why do
you want to put a duty on those that come in earlier thun ours? If the climate of
Ontario is so much better than the climate to the south of us, I think we can com-
pete with them. Ido not think we want any duty to keep American fruit out of
here. J see the imports of small fruits were $95,800, and I think under those
circumstances we do not want any duty. Ifyou put any duty on fruits coming into
this country we will only be injuring ourselves. We would simply shut out
earlier fruits.

Mr. FranxkiaAnp.—It seems to me that this delegation is on the wrong ques-
tion. I think when the report of the Transportation Committee comes in the true
remedy for British Columbia will be. there recommended. Itis not so much the
importation from the United States that we suffer from as it is the exorbitant rates
being paid on fruits being brought into Manitoba.

Mr, Srarrarr.—Perhaps it would be well for me to define the position of the
delegates from Nova Scotia, The reason why we do not care to support this motion
is that we raise large quantities of Gravenstein apples. That is one of our four
principal apples. Our principal markets for the Gravensteins is the United States
—in Boston or New York. If weimposea duty on fruit the Americans will prob-
ably retaliate, and we would be cutting off our market for the Gravenstein apples.
In the second place, we are growing small fruit to quite an extent. That is an in-
creasing industry, and promises to be of considerable importance. We also find a
market for small fruits in the United States, in Portland and Boston, and under im-
proved transportation facilities, we hope to make that a good market for small
fruit. Personally, I ama strong believer in the principle of protection—that is,
Poe of the industries of Canada, I can sympathise fully with our friends

rom Ontario, and were it not for the instructions that we received from our pro-
vincial association I for one would be strongly inclined to support you. That is
the position in which Mr. Starr and myself are placed.

105

Mr. Broprz.—We, in the Province of Quebec, grow principally fall fruit and
early summer apples. Usually we would get pretty fancy prices for our first apples
brought to market, but now our market seems to be made a slaughter market for
fruit from the States. It is so also in the line of vegetabies, and I see that veget-
ables are named in this resolution. Take tomatoes when they were selling at $2
per bushel, in one week five cargoes came from the United States and ruined the
market completely. Some of our market gardeners have failed and been obliged to
sell out, principally those on rented farms.

Mr. Kew.—This question has been raised a good many.times with regard to the
tariff; but I have heard of no one to-day advocating afree trade policy. Those who
have given their views on the general question of protection and free trade have
expressed themselves in favour of protection. No doubt, some of those gentlemen
who have spoken believe in the policy of free trade, but I do not believe that there is
one gentleman in the room today that would support a general policy of free trade
between England and Canada and the United States. Give protection all round or
give us none. Itis a matter of small importance to a great many in the country;
but it is of great importance to the fruit-growers of Canada. Another thing, speak-
ing of the settlers in the North-West, they buy very little fruit until they buy their
substantial fruit—their laryer fruit. We can supply that demand. They grow small
fruit, enough probably to supply themselves.

Mr. THorsurn.—No, no.

Mr. Kew.—I heard those gentlemen on the other side of the room saying they
could grow strawberries and raspberries. Why don’t they doit; can they get them
in from the Southern States cheaper than they can grow them? I say we demand
our own markets. We do not ask a market from the United States. We have a
market in England, and we ask to be given our home market. Where they can
grow their small fruits in Manitoba give us the privilege of supplying them with
the coarser fruits. If there are any persons in the North-West who want early fruits
let them pay for their luxuries. What have the Americans been doing for years,
but practising a policy of protection. We cannot afford to be hewers of wood and
drawers of water. We must defend ourselves.

Mr. Perers.—It seems to me to be a matter for mutual consideration and conces-
sion. I think we ought to consider our general interests. I propose to do it in this
way: I claim that the Maritime Provinces, particularly New Brunswick, would be
affected detrimentally by the passing of this resolution, The Provinces of Ontario
and Quebec would likely be benefited by it, The Provinces of Manitoba and the
North-West would probably be injured by it.

Several MemBers.—No, no.

Mr. Perers.—The question is, is it for the interest of Canada, that Nova Scotia,
New Brunswick, the North-West and Manitoba should be injured, and Quebec and
Ontario be benefited. I believe in Canada for the Canadians every time. Now, the
resolution does not embody the opinions as expressed by its mover, from the fact
that the resolution is broad. It says fruit and vegetables, without defining those par-
ticular fruits and vegetables.

Mr, Pertit.—They were defined before.

Mr. Perers.—I got it from the gentleman this morning who addressed us, and
said he did not intend it to apply to bananas, oranges, lemons, &c. I cannot forget,
however, that the market for New Brunswick small fruit is very largely in the
United States. I also gather from the delegates from the North-West and Manitoba,
that their supply market is chiefly in the United States. The question then is,
shall we re-impose this duty for Ontario and Quebec—magonificent in their propor-
tions—to the injury of other Provinces? I will tell you the effect which the United
States’ fruit has upon us. Our people are bound to have strawberries alittle earlier
than we can produce them, no matter what the cost is. They go on the tables of
the rich as a luxury; but the moment our fruit comes into the market there is no
demand for the American fruit. Ithink that argument will apply equally to Ontario
and Quebec. I venture the assertion to the gentlemen who are moving in this

106

matter that the very moment they are able to place their fruits on the market the
United States people might as well keep theirs at home. Now, you gentlemen from
Ontario and Quebec, I ask you to consider our position. We do not want to come
up here and oppose any measure which we think is going to aid you, but we ask
you not to forget the position we occupy. We claim, after a full consideration of
the question proposed, that it is better to let the matter remain where it is for the
present, feeling that no injustice will be done, but that mutual concessions will not
only result in the general good, but will enable us the better to push our fruitsupon
the markets of the world, and enable us to do our best to grow a sample of fruit
which the world cannot excel. I ask you to kindly consider our position, and if you
can see your way clear, consistent with your own interest, we hope you will with-
draw your resolution rather than have us vote against it.

Mr. Bratt, of Lindsay, Ont.—I have not troubled you very much since I have
been here. I have no doubt that nurserymen will be benefited as well as others by
the protection proposed, but this movement is in the interests of thousands of per-
sons. It is in the interest of fruit-crowers all over the country who are being ruined
during the last year or two because of the removal of the duty. We hope to have
it re-imposed, and thereby save avery large number of persons from bankruptcy.
A gentleman from the North-West stated that a great deal of the fruit which they
got just now came from California. I pity their stomachs. They must be American
in taste or they would not buy any California fruit except grapes. They certainly
would not buy pears or applesfrom California. The bulk of what they buy is small
fruits; but they can grow small fruits in the North-West as wellas we can. They
can grow them abunduntly. One word more respecting the protection for the farmer.
I say that the last year that the duties were collected on fruit there was something
like $20,000 paid by the people of Ontario. Who paid that duty? Persons in towns
and cities, simply for the sake of having luxuries. Who has paid that same amount
of duty during the past year? It is along and roundabout way of arriving at an
answer. There is the producer and the consumer and the Government. That same
amount was collected by the Government. It has got to be obtained from some other
source, and it is taken from the general public—the farmers chiefly—instead of from
those persons only who were consumers of luxuries. With regard to the subject of
free trade, I just thought it was like a story I heard of the Japanese Minister at
Washington. He was asked why he had not kept faith with them respecting a
standing army, A few days before he had stated that his Government were quite
willing to abandon their army. He said: “We are quite willing to keep faith, but
as long as our neighbours keep up their standing armies we have to do the same.”
The same thing s applicable to us. It must not be a one-sided trade in this matter.
If it is to be free trade it must go all round. We cannot carry on free trade and
allow our neighbours to impose heavy duties on our products.

Mr. R, J. Cuinron moved, seconded by Mr. R. W. Starr, “That this question of
re-imposing the duty be left over until our next annual meeting, when we will be
better able to see the results of free trade in fruits and vegetables.”

Mr. Cuinton.—This gentleman from British Columbia spoke of his fruit being
able to compete in the world’s market. Why, then, does he want a protection on
that fruit? He speaks of the high rates that the Canadian Pacific Railway has
charged him to bring his fruit into Manitoba. Is it policy for the Canadian Pacific
Railway to continue charging that high rate? If the Canadian Pacific Railway
does not bring the fruit in cheap enough, the Canadian Pacific Railway will be shut
out of that trade entirely by the Northern Pacific and fruit coming in by way of
Washington Territory. So far as Manitoba and the North-West Territories are
concerned, their representatives here have made their views clear enough. We in
Ontario can raise fruit cheaply, and we will send it up there by boats. I send fruit
into Detroit, and compete there in what I call the world’s market. They let my
fruit go in there for « mere entrance fee. If we re-impose this duty they will
retaliate, and I will have to be shut out and my fruit will have to come down and
compete with the fruit-growers of Grimsby and Quebec. I like to see competition.

107

We are all anxious to make money, but I can give you figures to show you that
there is a reasonable profit in competing in the markets of the world. California
_ fruit comes into Detroit, but we knock them out in flavour. Another question is,
when we are asking that the duty be re-imposed on fruit are we voicing the wishes
of the people—a majority of the people—of Ontario? We are voicing the desire
of the fruit-growers, but we are a small number compared with the people at large.
We have the best climate on earth, and I think we ought to be able to raise our fruit
as cheaply as we raise anything else. I only ask to havVe this thing rest for one
year, and then we will be better able to tell how it should be decided. This thing
has only been tried for one year, and I think it would be wise to leave it for a year
longer, and if then the present system is found to be working to our disadvantage, I
am quite willing to support these gentlemen from eastern Ontario, I want to work
for the general interests of us all. Let us look at this thing in a broad light.

On being put to the meeting, the amendment proposed by Mr. Clinton was
carried by a majority of one.

The PrestpEent.—We may consider this question postponed for a year. I think
this is a very wise decision as there are questions of very grave importance involved,
and I hope we will do nothing we may besorry for. I think it will be one of the worst
things we can do, just at the opening of this convention and at the organization of
our society. It is a wise thing to leave the matter open for next year and then give
it the time which it demands for consideration. We will now proceed with the work
of this morning. We have among us the Honourable Mr. oly. from Quebec, who
will read a paper on “An Easy Mode of Procuring Forest Trees for Planting.”

Hon. H. G. Jouy then read his paper as follows :—

Easy Mernop ror Procurine Goop Forrest TREES FOR PLANTING.

This paper deals with such elementary matters, with which practical men areso
familiar that it may appear out of place in a meeting of this kind. However, I
know from my own experience in tree culture how difficult it is to obtain the kind of
information which would be most welcome to beginners, and I will address myself
principally to those who are inclined to join in the useful work you have undertaken,
and who may be glad to receive a little help in their first attempts.

There is no greater waste of time and money than planting trees that do not
grow. Apart from neglect of proper care in planting, the want of success may be
attributed either to unfitness of the soil for the kind of tree planted or to planting
at the wrong time, or to the defective state of the tree planted. I will only deal
with this last point to-day.

Good trees for planting may be obtained from the nurserymen at remarkably
low rates. But the farmer may live ata great distance from the nursery, means of
communication may be difficult, liable to interruption, trees may be delayed on the
way from the nursery, suffer damages, reach the farmer at an unpropitious time for
planting, and however small their cost and that of the freight, it may deter those
who have never before planted trees from making the experiment, or cause them to
put it off year after year, and finally give it up.

Any farmer may have on his own farm, at his door, a good nursery of forest trees,
which will cost him nothing, will not fail and will be available at a moment's notice,
by sowing in a corner of his garden the seeds of the forest trees he proposes to grow.

Growing forest trees from seed is generally considered as a slow process ; people
think that it will save time to go to the neighbouring woods and dig up good-sized
trees, Those who have tried it will remember how difficult it is to find in the forest
good, well-shaped young trees ; how long it takes to dig them up, how much care and ,
patience it requires, as their roots are mixed up with those of neighbouring trees or
run under stones or fallen timber, and how often those trees, taken up with so much
labour, are not worth the trouble of planting. But after so much time and work
spent on them it would be a pity not to give them a chance; so they are planted. A
great many will fail, as the roots are ruined, they will all suffer by the sudden change

108

from the shelter of the woods to the sudden exposure to sun and wind. The inex-
perienced tree planter invariably chooses his trees too tall, under the impression that
he gains time, and does not stake them properly to resist the action of the wind.

I do not fear to assert that trees grown from seed in the nursery, and properly
treated, will give more satisfactory results in every way (economy, rate of growth
and final success) than treesdug up in the forest and transplanted in the open. The
nursery tree being taken up in perfect order, its growth will scarcely be checked by
transplanting ; it will be, of necessity, transplanted smaller, suffering less from the
wind; it will not miss the shelter of the forest, and the farmer who has his own
nursery can transplant at once, without allowing time for the roots to dry and
choosing his own time, a cloudy or damp day.

Of course, in alluding to the frequent failure of transplanted trees taken up in
the forest, I do not pretend that experienced tree-planters cannot take them up safely
by bestowing sufficient time and care, but I mean that the great bulk of the trees
taken up by farmers and others which have come under my notice have failed, and I
could quote instances of complete failure, when not one single tree outlived the trans-

lanting.
si Any observant farmer will soon find out the time when the seed of the trees he
wishes to grow is ripe—elm, soft maple, from middle June to middle of July; in the
Northern States and Canada, hard maple, birch, ash, oak, butternut, walnut, &c., in
the autumn. Better sow the seeds at once, they are safer in the ground than any-
where else,

A soft maple or an elm sown in July will make a good growth of several inches
the same summer. Sow the seed in straight rows, marked with a garden line, and
with a good picket at each end to facilitate weeding. Depth and distance accord-
ing to the size of the seed: about 1 inch deep for maple and ash, and 4 inches
apart; and 2 or 3 inches deep for oak, butternut and walnut, and say 8 inches
distant.

The third spring the trees will be fit for transplanting. In the meantime they
will only require weeding, severing the taproot of the oak, butternut,walnut,the second
spring, (with a sharp spade driven in the ground at an angle of about forty-five
degrees, under the little tree), and hoeing between the rows, which can be done at
odd times by the farmer or his children. The fact is, I would like to see that work en-
trusted to the children. They will take an interest in those little trees and learn to
cherish them. We must teach the rising generation to replace the forest trees des-
troyed by their parents.

Once transplanted into favourable ground, keep off the cattle, and the tree will
take care of itself,

But, if you will trust to nature, it will save you the trouble of sowing your
trees. Wherever the ground is favourable you will find the young seedlings grow-
ing in the neighbourhood of the parent tree: in July the elm, the soft maple, on the
roadside, near the ditches, on the bare spots wherever there is moisture, on damp
moss, etc. The e/m seed is so minute that I would recommend taking up those
young seedlings in preference to sowing the seed. I have seen dozens of them
ae on a piece of moss no larger than my hand, and transplanted them success-

ully.

The ground in the maple groves is covered with a regular carpet of maple
seedlings, which can easily be pulled up by hand when the ground is soaked with
the autumn rains, without injuring a single rootlet. Taken up in the autumn, I
would recommend heeling them for the winter, and only transplanting in the nurs-
ery in the spring.

As for the seed of pine, spruce and other coniferous trees, it is very hard to
collect. In the early spring, when the ground is still moist and soft, the pine and
spruce and balsam seedlings can be pulled up by the hand (with a trowel if they
resist), without breaking the roots, and transplanted at once in the nursery, merely
taking the precaution to shelter them from the sun for a few weeks until they are
well started. Every gardener must have noticed that whenever a maple or ash

109

grown in the neighbourhood of a garden, where the ground has been spaded in the
autumn, preparatory to spring sowing, hundreds of little maple and ash seedlings
are found growing before any other plant comes up. In a very short time a
sufficient number can be transplanted to stock a little nursery.

The PresipEnt.—This is a very interesting paper, and deserving of considera-
tion, but we have four more papers to read, and hardly time to discuss it.

Mr. Tuomas Franxianp, of Stonewall, Manitoba.—Mr, President and Gentle-
men,—I feel extremely grateful for the kind consideration that has been shown to
Manitoba and the North-West Territories. We stand in a peculiar position. You,
for a few years, have been growing fruit sufficient for yourself, while we are ouly
beginning. I think it is a very fitting prelude to the paper that I am about to read,
the one that has been read by the Hon. Mr. Joly, as it just fits in with the idea
that Mr. Gibb had in regard to the Province of Manitoba. He sent me some nice
little trees, and he thought our first beginning ought to be in shade trees. We
wanted more shade, he thought, in the Province of Manitoba. It reminded me
when I saw these seedlings that I would like to add a word to Mr, Joly’s paper in
that respect—that is, the facility with which these one year old seedlings can be
planted. We had a number of these that I got from Mr. Papin, of lowa, very
cheaply, and in order to facilitate the planting I may very safely now give away my
secrets. I had a boy assisting me, and the boy went before me with a crowbar,
rather a curious instrument with which to plant one year old trees, and of course
the ground had been ploughed as deeply as possible, and he planted his crowbar in
the ground and I followed him with the seedlings, taking them out of a pail of
water ore by one and planting them in the hole he had made with the crowbar, and
we planted over 2,000 seedlings, 4 feet apart, in a very short time. I give this
secret to anyone, and they all are perfectly welcome to use it. My paper is on
“Experiments in Fruit Culture in Manitoba,”

ExvERIMENTS IN Fruit Cutture in Manrropa: By T. FRANKLAND, STONEWALL
Co., Lisaar.

The fixing of the boundaries of the fruit-growing belt has long engaged the
attention of north-western horticulturists. Theories have been as numerous as
experimenters, and many of these have dropped from the ranks, and with them their
theories. Experiments have hitherto been conducted on old lines and with southern-
grown and unsuitable varieties—without due consideration as to the changed condi-
tions of temperature, moisture, sunlight,&c. This cannot, perhaps, be better illustrated
than by detailing a few facts as to past experiments. Harly in the history of the
Province, the officers and servants of the Hudson Bay Company and others planted
trees and shrubs imported from their former homes to make their adopted homes
as homelike as possible. The currant and gooseberry, native to the soil, flourished
well in their gardens and bore abundantly. The native black currant, especially in
size, excelled the Naples, and was little, if any, behind that variety in fruitfulness
and quality. The native plum, grown in thickets with moderate shade, succeeded
well. No wild apple or crab was, however, known, and experiments were made by
raising seedlings from southern-grown fruit, and importing trees from European and
southern nurseries. These seedlings and importations were “of few days and full
of trouble.” In 1872 W.B. Hall, of Headingly, procured from Minnesota three-
year-old dwarf trees of Duchess, Wealthy, Tetofsky, and half a dozen other
Varieties of apples and crabs, which were carefully planted ona northern siope,
protected on three sides, in rich sandy loam soil. Two years from planting most of
these came to bearing and fruited for several years; but Mr. Hall says, “ They com-
menced dying at the top,” and now only a few Siberians survive. His Lordship
the Bishop of Rupert’s Land for some years has taken interest in fruit culture.
His first importations were destroyed on three successive occasions by locusts—one
Yellow Siberian and one Transcendent crab being all now left. Both of these
blossomed heavily last spring; but, on account of late spring frosts, the fruit was
considerably short of previous years’ records. From a more recent purchase he

110

has one tree that bore a few specimens last year of a very nice apple—name
unknown. U. 8. Consul Taylor, and Messrs. Bannatyne, Higgins, Fonseca and
others have done considerable pioneer work; but while their labours have been
crowned with little success, their valuable experiments have thrown much light
upon the probable cause of failure. It is possible, in Mr. Hall’s case, surrounded
and sheltered as his orchard is on three sides by heavy timber, that a lack of what
Prof. Budd calls air drainage may have contributed no little to his failure. In
the case of the larger apples, the fact that the Duchess is reported at its northern
limit in North Iowa or South Minnesota—that Tetofsky is said to be tenderer than
the Duchess, and that the Wealthy so far has shown itself better adapted to a
climate several degrees south of the place of its origination—these facts seem to
point to the conlusion that hardier varieties must be procured before successful
culture can be assured. A few of the United States importations of Russian fruits
from a climate very similar to our own were procured from Minnesota, but many of
these had been grafted upon crab and unsuitable roots, and it is on record that not
a dozen of the first root grafts of this period are to-day alive in Minnesota, while in
Manitoba no trace of them is found, except in sprouting roots denuded of their
sprouts each succeeding winter, The grasshopper plague wrought sad destruction
and blasted many sanguine hopes, perhaps only a little before the time. Southern
slopes, without judicious shelter, inducing sun scald and bark bursting, have given
force to the theory that March and April blazing sunshine must by some means be
prevented from doing its deadly work. The desire for large trees, often delivered
with the best part of them left in the nursery rows, many killed before starting
and more during transit, stuck unceremoniously into little better than gopher holes,
soddened with water, smothered with weeds, and wished well, “the iron clad apples
sure to succeed.” All these and, perhaps, many more reasons, could be given for
lack of success, and have caused such discouragement that the highest ambition of
most people here seems to be to make the successful culture of grain, small fruits
and vegetables a sufficient source of income to provide for the importation of the
larger fruits from the Pacific coast, which bids fair to be the most successful fruit
region of the American continent.

Present Hxperiments.

Stonewall is situated upon a ridge of land dividing the water-sheds of lakes
Winnipeg and Manitoba, and the municipality of Rockwood, in which it is situated,
forms, on a small scale of course, the Michigan of Manitoba—its peninsular location,
with its sheltering timber bluffs scattered over the prairie, exercising a most
ameliorating influence on the climate. In 1886 the writer made careful enquiries in
regard to fruit culture of Profs. Budd, Saunders and Messrs, Gibb, Sias, Peffer and
others, The very candid opinions given by these gentleman as to the capabilities
of this hyperborean region, gave a few scattered rays of hope. The Russians, hardier
than the Duchess, and crabs, truly Siberian, were recommended and selected.
Seeds of the northern-grown fruit were procured, and in the spring of 1887 about
half an acre of good garden sandy loam soil was planted. One year old apples, 12 feet
apart, with rows of raspberries, blackberries, currants, gooseberries, strawberries and
vegetables, in intervening spaces, secured cultivation all over the garden, and the
trees and shrubs did remarkably well for a first season, and ripened up their wood
before the winter, In the spring of 1888, while none came out in leaf at the
terminals, the damage was contined to from 4 inch to 4 inches of previous season’s
growth, but none were killed. A good, healthy growth was made during the season,
and again the dry fall weather hardened up the wood for winter storms. The
spring of 1889 opened favourably, and almost every tree burst its terminal buds, and
bid fair for a successful growth. On the nights of 28th and 29th May a rather
severe frost wilted the opened buds, blasted plum, currant and gooseberry blossoms,
and many trees were seriously injured, but only two or three entirely succumbed
out of eighty apple trees. In the fall previous I noticed splitting of the bark at the
crown, and while I left the mound of earth round the trees late in the spring, the

111

trees 80 affected were the ones to die. The others, in some instances, lost nearly all
last season’s wood ; but the majority showed less damage, and all fought bravely
during past season, for existence, and if from 12 inches to 2 feet of growth is aby
indication, their vitality may not be much impaired. The more than usual snow-
fall this winter affords ample protection, and the melting snows in spring will no
doubt supply in abundance the necessary moisture to the roots. The reputed short-
lived Russians, naturally of dwarf habit, may necessitate continual planting, and
perhaps we may aspire no higher than apple bushes; yet the promise is, that from
these we shall have fruit, and the seeds hybridized by these northerners, with a
judicious sprinkling of Siberians, may give us the longer lived, tough iron-clad,
that will make fruit growing here a success. The varieties that so far have seemed
most at home here are Russians-Lieby, 240; Red-Cheeked, Rubetz Natliv, 109; Vor
Hibernal, 878; Red Repka, 200; Autumn-Streaked, 964; Russian Green, 382; Red
Yellow and Koursk Anis-Lords, 315; and Autonuvka.

Seedlings and Hybrids: Whitney, Soiree, Early Strawberry, Martha, Cherry,
Red, October, Florence and a number of Gideons, unnamed seedlings.

Plums—De Soto, Wolf, Speer, Arab, that I have had for three years. ‘The first
three blossomed last year, but late frost destroyed fruit.

Blackberries—Snyder, Ancient Briton and Taylor. These all need covering,
but have borne some fruit.

Raspberries—Turner and a Blackcap (without protection) have borne for two
years very well.

Gooseberries—Houghton and Downing, just coming to bearing.

Currants—Cherry, Red Dutch, Victoria, White Grape, Long Bunch Holland,
Naples, Lee’s Prolific and Wild Black.

Strawberries—Crescent, Downers’ Prolific, and some others not yet fruited.
Mulched with straw.

The Beaconsfield nurseries, through our Agricultural Department, some years
ago distributed a number of grape vines, some of which, in Winnipeg, I am told, are
bearing ; but not many efforts have been made in this direction. I have a few vines
from the Minnesota Agricultural College that I got last year. I am sure an apology is
due for the length of this paper, but on the question of fruit-raising Manitoba is
seldom heard from, and I beg you will excuse me for trespassing a little more upon
your patience by giving an abstract of the weather for 1889, as prepared by G. P.
Bliss, official observer in Winnipeg, and hope that in reading the accounts of 40° in
Manitoba it will be remembered that the effects of extreme cold are far more keenly
felt, both by man and plants, in a maritime climate than in a continental one—20°
below in Quebec being about equivalent to our 40°. I also wish to call attention
to the fact that the average mean temperature for che three winter months in 1889
was 9° above zero, being the same figure as given by Mr. Gibb as denoting the
climate of Kazan, in Russia.

112

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113

Winnipeg WEATHER BUREAU,
31st January, 1890.

Comparison Temperature,
Dec., 1888. Dec., 1889.

Maximum. ..s..senanasneamevescenwesed eoarwanies 18— 14—
Minimumn,..cacsovssevensnsavtemnanwenvesawsees — 2 — 8
Meatiwisccscesensvansnsiinamecseareniniinas. creme 14— —3
Jan., 1889, Jan., 1890.
Maxim WIM ansateisridisoregitabed i geacoe Gaktoben 15— 0
Ma UTI 2A rieschivrocnectismeeaiinnactiennceroese nays —12 —26
MEDI cctedd wiaawioeenmaissccumgnamnimeoaaenss — 6 —12
Note.—before a figure denotes below zero; — after a figure denotes above zero.

The coldest weather in this country is caused by local waves which only
extend a few hundred feet at times and come from the north-west. The general
surface of the country is not simultaneously affected by these waves. For instance,
on the 17th we had one from the north-west which dropped my instruments lower
than those within one mile of me; and while I registered —46, Stony Mountain
only registered —28. This drop, —46, could have been registered in ten minutes,
and the same instrument show 10° less cold in a few minutes. The average mini-
mum reading of this country is not more than —28 to —30, and of that dry cold
which would not cause quick freezing. The damp atmosphere at—15 is worse than
our dry climate at —30. This [ have proved, as an old observer in the service, in
many ways. I wish you would write me definitely what you want. Ask it, and
you shall have it. Itis no trouble. I think you should see the books and pick out
what you know would be useful to you. You can see them any time you come in,
No. 21 Town street, they will show you all this information. Don’t forget you are at
perfect liberty to have any information of use to you.

Yours faithfullly,
GEO. P. BLISS
Oficial Observer.

Fruit GROWING IN British CoLUMBIA.

The PresipEnt.—We shall now listen to a paper on “ Fruit Growing in British
Columbia” by Mr. G. W. Henry, of Port Hammond, B. C.

Mr. Henry then read the following paper :— ;

Could I write a paper on this subject five years from now I might give a very
different report from to-day, for the peopie are only begining to realize what the
capabilities of the country really are.

When J arrived in the Province in the spring of 1885, for the purpose of enter-
ing into fruit growing, upon making tours throughout the rural districts I was
much surprised at the unhealthy, rough appearance of the trees, which, as arule,
represented the fruit-bearing orchards of the Province. I afterwards learned that
this broken down appearance was caused principally by the abundant, early and con-
tinued yields of fruit given under asystem of neglect.

One orchard in particular which I went to see, that is situated near where I am
located, and is called one of the largest and best orchards in the Province, not only
surprised me, but I might say almost discouraged me about going into fruit growing
in British Columbia, for the appearance it presented at that season of the year, before
the leaves were out, the branches broken down and twisted in all shapes, that, had
it been in Ontario, I would have considered they were not worth the ground they
occupied. Some of the trees were planted in the centre of large hollow cedar
stumps, the branches of the tree first spreading over the top of the stump, its trunk
being hidden entirely, others crowded in between stumps in all shapes, and upon
the ground there had been an annual crop of hay cut for twenty years, of from three

to four tons per acre.

lit

When I learned all this, and found that the owner had annually sold immense
crops of apples, plums and other fruits from the orchard I concluded that if such
crops of fruit as this could be raised under such conditions, something extraordinary
could be expected under favourable circumstances.

I visited that same orchard again in the autumn, and I could scarcely believe
those trees covered with such dark green foliage, showing astrange new growth of
wood, and loaded with beautiful fruit, were the same I saw presenting such a half
dead appearance in the early spring—but so it was, and I handled some of the finest
fruit from that orchard I ever have in any country. The owner sold that year of
apples alone $2,000 worth, besides upwards of ten tons of plums.

The pruning of these trees was done automaticaliy, as it were—thatis, each tree
annually bore such heavy crops that enough branches were broken with the load of
fruit each year to keep the top well opened to the sun and air. ‘

I noticed plum trees there this year, with the main central shoot broken off
entirely from its load, and all the side branches hanging down, so as to give it the
shape of a well-trained Kilmarnock willow. Atthe time this orchard was planted it
was a very difficult task to get the young trees for planting. Consequently, like many
of the other oid orchards in existence, most of the trees were had by grafting on the
native crab, scions of different varieties being procured wherever possible.

The results which have been obtained under all these difficulties are consequently
very gratifying, in showing what may be accomplished under a proper system. This
orchard [ mention is planted on what is known as bottom land of the Fraser River
Valley, which is seemingly inexhaustible. Much of the high land will produce equally
as good fruit, but will require more feed and cultivation.

I have spoken more particularly of the apple and plum, as they have been more
extensively grown than any other fruits, although the cherry has proved itselfequally
successful. The trees of the Heart and Bigarreau varieties, especially, have grown to
a size I never saw equalled anywhere, and the quality and appearance of the
fruit certainly could not be surpassed.

Pears do not seem to have been planted much in the early days, no doubt because
of the difficulty to procure the stock; nor do they seem to adapt themselves to all
locations and classes of soil as well as the others. Yet in many parts of the Province
the pear, I believe, can be grown more profitably than any other fruit, and finer
samples could not be wished for—the flavour being excellent and the size of fruit im-
mense. Specimens were shown at the Exhibition last October weighing over two
pounds. Perhaps one of the most profitable fruits that can be grown in the country
is the prune, which is now being planted somewhat extensively.

Of peaches and grapes we do not find many specimens in bearing. Of the
former, what we do find are principally seedlings, and a few miles from the coast,
considering the stock they have, the results are very satisfactory. In regard to
grapes, I have seen vines of the Concord planted twenty years ago now with a trunk
6 inches in diameter, covering an immense area, and bearing half‘a ton of grapes in one
season, a growth and yield I think hard to excel in any country; although the vines
have never had any training or thinning out, the fruit ripened up well and gave
some as fine samples as I ever saw. Now that I have given you some idea of the
fruit growing of the past, I come to speak more particularly of my own experience,
and what has taken place more directly under my own observation during the last
three years, and will give you some of the results which have been secured under
perhaps more than ordinary good care and culture.

Beginning with apples, I might mention an orchard of 200 trees that I imported
to the country from Ontario in the fall of 1885. They were planted in the spring of '86
and in the season of 1889 yielded an average crop of one bushel to a tree. This is an
exceptional result, and was secured by extra good care. But it shows what can be
done. I have had young apple trees make an annual growth of 6 feet in the branches,
plums and cherries 8 feet—and this not at the expense of the trunk, Standard pear
trees have not, with me, made as satisfactory a growth; but my dwart pears, of
which I have about 500, planted about two years ago, show a good growth and last

115

year bore some fine specimens of fruit. Peaches and apricots have made a growth
which is almost beyond belief; in two years they have grown from a little tree 3 feet
high and } inch in calibre to a tree with a large spreading top, having branches of
this years growth 7 feet in length and a trunk 8 inches in circumference, and last
season (the second year after planting) some of them bore fruit.

With grapes I have had varieties make 15 feet growth the season of transplant-
ing, and others that brought some fine bunches of fruit to perfection the same
season.

But perhaps my greatest successes have been with the smaller fruits. In straw-
berries I can give as the result of $ of an acre of Sharpless strawberries a yield of
$200 worth of berries in one season, or 1,800 quarts, some specimens measuring 8
inches in circumference. In raspberries, last summer I had a yield from four rows
of 75 feet in length each, the first year after planting, 350 quarts, or at rate of over
200 bushels to the acre, which I fully expect will be considerably exceeded this
year. I have measured raspberry canes 13 feet long, which had been nipped back
twice during the growing season. In currants, Fay’s Prolific and Lee’s Prolific, the
third year from cuttings have yielded one quart to the bush. Gooseberries equally
strong-growing and prolific. Last year I had Industry gooseberries measuring 14
inch in length and 1 inch in diameter.

Blackberries also grow and produce luxuriantly. I have tried Figs twice; the
first year they winter killed entirely, but last year [ had some trees come through
safely without protection. My soil is of the very best composition, so that the
account I have given you would hardly be a fuir estimate of what could be always
expected; yet by good cultivation there is no reason why in many parts of the
Province equally good results cannot be secured.

Although I believe that in no part of the continent is there to-day as bright a
future for the fruit-grower as in British Columbia, yet I would not have you think
that there are no enemies to contend with, or no difficulties to overcome, for it might
only be the cause of leading many into disappointment and failure, and do more
harm to the fruit-growing interests of the Province than good. True, we have no
curculio, no black knot, nor has the apple or pear many insect enemies. But in the
first place the cost of getting the land cleared and fit for fruit-growing, is enormous;
then all kinds ot labour is s0 expensive, also the cost of getting fruit to market and
everything in connection with the work. Then our markets as yet are limited ;
and we have got into no thorough system of handling fruit, whereby there may be
disappointment experienced before that success is secured which is sure to come to
the diligent fruit-grower in time. For markets both in the east and west are bound
to be opened up for our fruit. Information will be diffused by our Fruit Growers’
Association, and much can be learned by us from the similar associations in these
Provinces, and conventions of this kind, and although we are late in getting a start
in fruit-growing we will have the benefit of the experiences that have been gained
in older fruit-growing countries, which will save us many mistakes. Instead
of having to wait und hunt up remedies, after insects and disease do come,
(as they are sure to do when fruit is more extensively grown), we will have our
weapons ready to meet these enemies beforehand, procured at the expense of others.
Yet we have our grievances, which have got here too soon for us, but which we
hope to procure remedies for here, to a certain extent. The matter that was
agitated most at our last meeting of fruit growers was the lack of a system of
handling and marketing plums and some other soft fruits, a difficulty which I am
sure we will soon overcome.

Another matter of great importance to us is one over which we have no
control, but which can be controlled from Ottawa, and which we hope will be
remedied at this Session of Parliament—that is, the present tariff; for the way it
now is, all green fruit that we can grow in this Province is admitted free of duty
from other countries, while on dried and canned fruits, which we do not as yet
produce to any extent, also on some of the foreign fruits which we cannot grow, the
duty is still kept on. Now, this does not give us a fair chance, not but what we can

8

116

compete with California, Oregon, or any other country in the growing of certain
kinds of fruits, when we get fairly established; but the difficulty is that their fruit
matures much earlier than ours, they have been longer established in the industry,
they have the full benefits of their own markets, and then as soon as the glut comes
they send their surplus stock into our markets, which just meets our first fruit on
which the most money is to be made.

This seems a special legislation against us. The Dominion Government have
gone to considerable expense in calling together this convention, and it is a good act,
one which we hope will be productive of much benefit to the fruit growers through-
out the Dominion. Now that they have called us together and learned our
grievance we expect they will do what they can to assist us to the best advantage.

There are other drawbacks of a smaller nature, such as the accumulation
of moss on trees during the wet season, and some of the insect pests which bother

the apple tree; but these are easily disposed of. We also occasionally hear com- ~

plaints of the bark splitting on plum and cherry trees. Again, there are seasons
when the weather keeps very warm and mild so late that the young fruit trees ofall
varieties, keeping up a rapid tender growth, are caught suddenly by the first frosts
and killed back; in some cases the trees are killed entirely. But the most
destructive enemy we have is that which causes dead spots on our young apple trees.
These spots make their first appearance in early spring, and sometimes cause the
death of the young trees, by spreading all the way around it. The injury has
evidently been done the previous summer, but does not show itself until the bark
turns black the following spring. Sometimes these young trees have dozens of these
spots on them, and if the tree is not killed outright a great deal of injury is caused.
This trouble has only been found in certain places, and does not seem to be general.
If the injury is not caused by the ravages of some insect, then the disease must be
contagious, for it is only when young trees are planted adjacent to other trees
affected in the same way that we find them injured. Whatever the cause may be
it is a matter of the utmost importance to our orchardists that the cause should be
learned, and the cure, if any.

We now have in our midst an experimental farm carried on by the Government.

under the supervision of Prof. Saunders, and through it we hope to receive much
benefit, for I believe one of the most important features is to be the testing of
fruit trees.

In this paper I have tried to give you an idea of what has been done in fruit-
growing in British Columbia in the past and what we hope to accomplish in the
future, if the Government will assist us in rectifying the present tariff; for we have
an association, made up of experienced fruit-growers, who will be continually
experimenting and disseminating information throughout the Province, whereby,
with knowledge we can push forward in our work, so that soon we may see our
fertile valleys andrich uplands covered with trees loaded with their precious fruits—
not only orchards of the apple, pear, plum and cherry, but the golden fruit of the
peach and apricot will be ripening in our gardens, and luscious grapes hanging in
tempting clusters in our vineyards, blessing us with the fruits cf our own labours.
We hope many from these eastern Provinces will find their way across the vast
plains and wondrous mountains that divide us to that western slope towards the
great Pacific into a milder climate, where the warm Chinook winds have already
softened winter’s cold breath and started vegetation into life, and there unite with
us in making British Columbia what she is destined to be, one of the most profitable
fruit-growing countries in the world.

Mr, Srarrarr, Nova Scotia.—I have listened with a good deal of interest to Mr.
Henry’s paper. I consider it exceptionally interesting, and judging from the manner

in which the convention listened to it, it has been appreciated. I have no doubt

that Mr. Henry will make a success of fruit-growing in British Columbia.

The Prusipent.—Our next paper will be by Mr. John Craig, but recently
appointed Horticulturist to the Central Experimental Farm at Ottawa. The subject
is ‘ Promising Cherries for Northern Latitudes.”

117

Mr. Crara.—As our time is limited, I will not weary you with any preliminary
remarks, but proceed directly to my subject.

PROMISING CHERRIES FOR NORTHERN LATITUDES.

By Joun Crate, Horricutrurist ro CENTRAL EXPERIMENTAL Farm.

ee to DeCandolle, our most reliable authority on the origin of species.
all varieties of the cultivated cherry belong to two species which are found wild
1. Prunus avium: Tall, with no suckers from the roots, leaves downy beneath, fruit,
sweet, This is supposed to have been the parent of the Heart and Bigarreau
varieties. Thisspecies, from which the black and white cherries are developed, grows
wild in Asia; in the forests of Ghilan (north of Persia), in the Russian Provinces
to the south of the Caucasus and in Armenia; in Europe, in the south of Russia
proper, and generally from the south of Sweden to the mountainous parts of Greece,
Italy and Spain. 2. Prunus cerasus: Sour cherry, shorter, with suckers from the
roots, leaves glabrous, and the fruit more or less sour or bitter. From this we have
the Dukes and Morellos. These are supposed by DeCandolle to have been known to
Greek civilization very early, and to have been in cultivation in Italy and Europe
long before the White Hearts were introduced from Asia Minor.

The natural distribution of the wild representatives of both classes, the Hearts
and Morellos, seems much the same, though the cultivated representatives of the
latter have a much wider distribution in northern and eastern Europe at the pre-
sent time. This class seems to have had a greater climatic adaptability than their
tenderer relatives, the Hearts, and to have gradually worked northward and east-
ward till they have become common roadside trees in Poland and Central Russia.
Before reaching this northern latitude they have become, however, specialized forms,
differing materially from our west Huropean types, as represented by the Kentish
and Morello varieties—so different, indeed, in leaf, bud and texture of bark, as almost
to point to a different origin. The west Huropean Morellos, which in ordinary or
average seasons have been fairly successful south of the 43rd parallel, in the some-
what dry western and middle States, and further north in the moister, though colder,
portions of Canada, have in late years, from one cause or another, as in the west, in-
jury from winter and black knot, and bark bursting in the east, been dying so rapidly
and giving such poor returns as to compel the thoughtful planter to look for
varieties more suited, if possible, to the vicissitudes of climate north of lines
indicated.

Within a few years several varieties, as instances Ostheim and Wragg, have been
brought into notice as having special qualifications in the way of hardiness and
adaptability to climate. As far as we can learn, these varieties have been “incidental
seedlings from east Europe importations, and to have inherited their hardiness from
typical varieties of those regions.” The result of investigation is that several
importations followed, being special and personal selections made by Prof. J. L.
Budd, of the Iowa Agricultural College, in 1883-4, These introductions comprise
about forty varieties. From four years of personal observation, and from reports
received from widely-separated sources, I am led to believe that we shall find among
them many adapted to the more trying districts of Quebec and Ontario, and the
milder portions of the North-West. But should our success be only partial with the
originals, we can still use them as stepping-stones to something better, by means of
crossing and selection, and this line of advance will have a prominent place in the
horticultural work of the farm. ; :

I will name a few of the principal groups comparing favourably in quality with
Early Richmond, and surpassing it in hardiness, as far as tested. Beginning with those
of the same season, among the most prominent are Orel 23, June Amarelle, King’s
Amarelle, and Strauss Weichsel. With the exception of King’s Amarelle, which is
excellent for canning, they are all better in quality than Early Richmond. So far
have endured a dry atmosphere, and 30° below zero, with little snow on the

the : F
: d, at the same time being used as bud and scion stock.

groun

118

Among those ripe with Late Richmond, or Late Kentish, as sometimes called,
may be mentioned Brusseller Braun, Lutovka, Frauendorfer Weichsel, Griotte du
Nord, Orel 24, Orel 27, and Bessarabian. This collection will cover a period of about
two weeks, beginning with Lutovka and closing with Bessarabian. Prof. Budd, in
speaking of this last, says that “it will endure more abuse of tree than most of our
forest trees. Our original specimen has been cut for buds and scions for five years,
taking off nearly all the new growth, yet the tree is sound to-day.” Fruit large,
firm-fleshed, and when ripe very mildly sub-acid; it promises to make a long lived
tree of considerable size, and to prove a regular bearer of choice fruit.

The members of the next group to which I wish to call your attention are more
or less dwarfs in habit, and mature their fruit with the English Morello, These are
Shadow Amarelle, Spate Amarelle, and Large Long Late; with Spate Amarelle as
earliest. The fruit of these should be allowed to hang on the tree till of a dark pur-
plish colour when fully ripe. The trees are smaller than English Morello, with pen-
dulous habit. As fruited in 1889, they were superior to Wragg for dessert use.

Another class, belonging to the Vladimir family, coming from Orel and north-
ward to Kazan, Russia, is represented by Orel and Shubianka. These are specially
promising for the dry sections of the North-West Territories. They are shrubby in
habit, having the appearance of large currant bushes rather than trees. The leaves
are very small; the twigs so slender as to be difficult to graft. They come into
bearing early—when 3 or 4 feet high. Fruit, size of Montmorency, nearly
black when ripe and mildly sub-acid. With this cherry on a hardy stock, such as
the small-growing western forms of Bird Cherry (Prunus Pennsylvanica)—or Sand
Cherry (Prunus pumilia),—the first of which it has been budded upon with success,—
we should be able, very materially, to extend the limit of profitable cherry growing
northward. These cherries probably belong to the same race as the “ Koslor bush
Morello” recently imported by the Fruit Growers’ Association, through Mr.
Neimetz, of Odessa. The forty trees of this variety now at the farm, and imported
with the association’s consignment, will be increased as rapidly as possible, for dis-
tribution to the colder parts of the Dominion. We will probably find some variation
among the originals, as they are seedlings from the parent tree; but Mr. Neimetz
assures us that the cherries grown from pits do notvary, and its early-bearing habits
will aid very much in the matter of selection.

As root-grafting the cherry is not generally practised, a few remarks in that
connection may not be out of place. I am strongly of the opinion that grafting the
cherry is better for the planter, than propagation by budding. ‘The root grafts are
set down to the last bud on the scion as in apple grafts, thus giving the more or less
tender mazzard stock additional protection and encourages rooting from the scion.
When set still deeper in the orchard they are practically out of danger of root-
killing, I have with me a few specimens iliustrating the method. The scions are
cut after the twigs are thoroughly matured, and before hard freezing, which is apt
to weaken their vitality. They are firmly packed in forest leaves. In sand or moss
it is difficult to preserve them in a strictly normal condition, owing to improper
degree of moisture, often absorbing too much water. The scion is set in the root at
the crown by the mode known as side grafting; the wedge should be about equally
thick on both sides—if any difference is made, the outside should be slightly thickest.
Again, if too much difference is made in this direction the whole pressure coming
upon the cambium layer, the conditions are very unfavourable to growth of cell
structure, by which the root and scion become united. Waxed thread and grafting
wax are used to bind and cover the union. A mixture of equal parts of sand and
earth seems to make the best material in which to pack the grafts for winter
storage. The same danger mast be guarded against here as in scion packing—that
of too much moisture. This will cause the buds to swell before planting—a con-
dition which is never followed by a good stand in nursery, except where the roots are
equally advanced, and this we seldom find to be the case under ordinary cellar con-
ditions. The simplest kind of cellar, with means for ventillation, serves the purpose.
It should be kept near the freezing point by opening in the evening and keeping it

119

closed through theday when practicable. In this way a low temperature may usually
be preserved, and the grafts kept perfectly dormant till planting time,

In closing, I wish to say a word in favour of mixed planting, especially in regard
to cherry and plum orchards. By mixed planting I mean the intermingling of
varieties, With small fruits the principle is established ; with plums it is recognized ;
and late observations in various countries, notably in California and Europe, incline
to the belief that alternating varieties in the cherry and plum orchard favours
regular and continued fruitage. It is advanced by Prof. Budd and others that a
variety which may be relatively a poor bearer when planted alone and depending on
its own pollen may be found regularly fruitful when intermingled with other sorts;
and further, that if the weather during the blossoming season is hot and windy a
variety may mature and waste its pollen before the pistils are in a condition to be
fertilized. In such cases, if surrounded by different sorts, the work might still be
performed through the agency of insects and the breeze.

I will only add that I wish the title of my paper to be borne in mind in con-
nection with statements made, and the variéties touched upon regarded as promising
in advance of more extended tests, though many may develop defects not yet noted.
But from varieties herein mentioned, or others not named of the same race, we will
I believe, be able to select sorts which, if not of the highest quality, will at least make
cherry growing more profitable and satisfactory in northern latitudes.

The Prestpent.—As the time has now arrived that we should adjourn this meet-
ing, I must ask you to forego discussion on Mr, ‘Craig’s paper for the present.

The Convention adjourned until 2 p. m.

Fraipay AFTERNOON.

The Convention re-assembled at 2 o’clock, Prof. PEnuALLoW presiding.

The Presipent.—The first paper we may consider is one of great value, having
been contributed by B, E. Fernow, Chief of the Forestry Division, Washington.
Mr. Fernow is not here, because of a similar engagement with the American
Horticultural Society ; but Prof. Saunders has the paper in hand, and will present it
to the meeting :

Forest Inrivences: sy B. E. Fernow, Carer or Forestry Division, DEPARTMENT
or AaRicuLTuRE, WasHineton, D. C.

We have heard a great deal during the last ten or twenty years of the influence
which the forest exercises on the climate, the rainfall, the flow ofsprings and rivers;
and those who have entertained and advocated the view that such influence exists
have pointed to the far eastern countries, which once fertile, and verdant, are how
desolate and arid wastes; they have related the devastations by the torrents in
southern France due to forest destruction, and in Italy, Switzerland, Tyrol; they
have explained the lack of rain in Spain and on our own central plains by the
absence of tree-growth, and have advocated tree-planting in order to increase rain-
fall. Wherever a flood occurred forest destruction has been blamed as the cause ;
even the drought which has been experienced during the last summer in the western
country has been brought into relation with the unusually large forest destruction
by fire with which the western mountains were swept.

While there is undoubtedly much truth in the observations which have led to
the general popular belief that forest and climatic conditions have certain relations
to each other, the generalizations have, it is to be feared, often been carried too far.
Consequently, those who did not share in this belief have denied forest influences
altogether, have even considered the theories which such great men as Humboldt,
Buffon, Boussingault had in regard to them as fallacious, and demanded better proof
than the very-day observations, which, they said, leave out a consideration of other
causes which may have had similar effect to that which was ascribed to forest
destruction. Among these objectors are many scientific: men, and the only way in

120

which they can be convinced is by a scientific demonstration based upon careful
measurements, experiments and observations. The last few years have, therefore,.
been diligently used by some investigators, who do not intend to prove any theories
but to simply find out the truth. Out of the large amount of material which has
been accumulated I have tried to summarize what we really do know of the in-
fluence that the forest may exercise upon the climate.

I say “may” exercise, because whether it does or does not depends upon certain
conditions, just as it depends upon certain conditions whether a cloud full of
moisture will precipitate the same or is dissolved without precipitation. This must
be fully understood.

The influence which a forest can possibly exercise is, in the first place, mainly
due to its nature as a cover. Now, whether we place our cover before or behind the
wind the effect will be different. The position, therefore, towards other climatic
tactors is of importance. We may have a cover made of mosquito netting or one
made of wool; the effect of either, of course, will be different. Similarly so with a
forest; the density, its age or height, and the extent of forest is of consequence. The
composition, too, must be of some moment, for a coniferous wood acts as a cover all
the year round, while a deciduous-leaved one loses much of its protective features
during the winter.

We see, therefore, that it would not be wise to speak of the forest in general
terms as doing this or that, but we can only speak of a forest under certain condi-
tions, and therefore in certain localities as influential, while in other localities, under
different conditions, the influence may not be felt or may be just the opposite of the
one experienced in the first case. The influence may be beneficial and it may be
objectionable. Thus, a large forest against the north-west may temper the cold
blizzard, while towards the north-east it may cut off desirable rain-winds. In one
locality it may be desirable to have a shelter against a burning south-wester, while
in another the effects of the warm wind are needed to raise the otherwise low
temperature.

It may also be conceded at once that cosmic influences, such as mountains and
large water surfaces exercise, are mightier than forest influences, and that the latter
are probably only of local importance in modifying climatic conditions, and the
extent of their influence is confined to their nearest surroundings. Yet these very
surroundings are the ones in which each of us lives, and since we cannot change the
cosmic climate we should be satisfied to modify it locally, if that can be done.

In the first place, we know, from actual measurement and comparison, that the
climatic conditions in the interior of and above a contiguous forest area are different
from those of a large open field in the neighbourhood. This difference is due to the
protection of the soil from direct sunshine and to the increase of the area which
radiates heat, to the evaporation of the water from the leaves and the mechanical
obstacles presented to the circulation of the atmosphere—the winds. In
consequence, we find that the forest shows a reduced range of temperature—that is to
say, neither the extremes of heat nor of cold are as great in a forest as without the
forest. It is coolerin summer and warmer in winter; it is a mitigator of extremes in
temperature; it has a more uniform temperature.

2. This mitigating difference is found still greater in the temperatures of the
soil, the range in the forest soil being ten to fifteen degrees less than in the field soil.

3. The forest increases the humidity of the air in its interior, especially during
ead months, and altogether the moisture conditions of the forest air are more
uniform, :

4. The soitin the forest loses six to ten times less water by evaporation, and
therefore remains more evenly moist than the field.

5. That the forest interior is less exposed to the action of winds will be readily
conceded ; hence, shifting sands, such as found along sea shores, would be kept quiet
and of course evaporation greatly reduced.

6. The air above a forest is generally cooler and relatively moister than it would
be without the forest cover.

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7. The crowns of the trees diminish the force of the rain falling upon the soil,
so that the latter is not as much compacted.

From this knowledge of-the climatic conditions of the forest interior we may
judge of the change of conditions on the same area after the removal of the forest,

The deforested area naturally would show—

1. Greater extremes of temperature of air as well as of soil.

2, Average moisture of the air lowered.

3. On a shallow soil with impenetrable subsoil formation of morasses is possible,
while on deep soils more rapid desiccation of the soil is to be anticipated.

4. Possibly, if the deforested area was extensive, a decrease of atmospheric
ae might occur, and at least its distribution throughout the year would be
changed.

5. On light and sandy soil, especially near the coast, where winds are strongest,
the shifting of sands and formation of dunes is facilitated. ,

6. In the mountains deforestation causes torrents, carrying away débris into
the valleys; land slides and snow slides are induced, because the mechanical retard-
ing influence of the soil-cover and of the trunks: upon the superficial flow of water
ceases.

What the removal of the forest will do in changing the climate of an adjoining
country of open ground is much more difficult to state. In fact, positively, we do
not know much about it. The influence of an existing forest may be direct or in-
direct—direct by communicating the characteristics of its own climate to the
neighbourhood ; indirect by interposing its protective cover against and breaking the
force of the winds, which would otherwise have free sweep over the fields.

Evaporation is the great dissipator of moisture, and the dry north-western and
southern winds are its powerful aids.

A conception of the amount of evaporation may be had from the measurements
of the United States Signal Service. In the western country the evaporation ranges
from 25 to over 101 inches during the year. To choose a place near the Canadian
frontier, take Fort Assiniboine, in Montana. The evaporation during the year was

_39°5 inches, while during the same year the precipitation was only 17 inches (some-
what above the average); therefore, a deficit of 22°5 inches to satisfy the demands of
evaporation alone. How much of this must be placed to the account of the evapo-
rative power of winds we cannot tell, but this amount must be large, since according
to experiments of the Signal Office with the temperature of the air 84 degrees and
the relative humidity at 50 per cent., the evaporation with a wind at only five miles
an hour was 2°2 times that in a calm, and with increased velocity the rate of evapo-
ration was six times as large as that observed ina sheltered, calm position. But the
wind at Fort Assiniboine during every month in the year reaches a maximum of
over 36 miles, and as much as 58 miles, while its average is certainly not less than 12
miles an hour, to which corresponds a rate of evaporation of over four times that in
the calm atmosphere. : . ;

When it comes to such warm, dry winds as the Foehn in Switzerland, and the
Chinook on our Rocky Mountain slopes, a snow cover of 2} feet and more in depth
will vanish absolutely in twelve hours’ time before its insatiable thirst.

The mere mechanical action of the forest alone in breaking the force and
velocity of winds, which the windbreak, of course, exhibits in a less degree, is most
obviously a potent infiuence in preserving humidity. : a

_ Even without taking special account of this influence, direct measurements have
established that the evaporation from soil kept saturated with water during the
seven months, from April to October, was in the open 40°8, in the pine woods 15:9,
and under the shelter of deciduous trees 6-2—that is to say, the water was evaporated
in the field 64 times as fast as under the forest cover. Here, again, the influence in
retarding evaporation is most potent, and explains the beneficial influence of a forest
cover on the flow of springs.

Popular writers have been pleased to compare the forest floor with a sponge
which takes up large quantities of water and then gradually gives it up to the soil

to feed the springs, and thus account for the observation, that mostly—but by no
means always—forest areas produce more constant flow of springs. But, first of all,
the forest floor is not like a sponge; and secondly, a sponge would not act as these
writers conceive it. The experiment is easily made. To be sure, the sponge will
take up large amounts of water until it is fully saturated, but not a drop will it give
up below, unless it is pressed or more water is added. As soon as the water supply
stops it begins to evaporate at the top, and supplies itself by means of its capillary
forces with moisture from below. It would, therefore, be apt to drain off any
moisture offered to it from below, instead of giving up its own moisture. Fortunately
the forest floor has only to a slight degree this water capacity of a sponge, a moss-
cover coming probably the nearest to it, and, therefore, being the most objectionable,

In go far as it does have the capillary forces of asponge, it withholds the water
from the soil and from the springs, and yet this very withholding capacity, this very
loss of moisture to the soil, does produce a beneficial influence on the flow of springs
by checking again the most avaricious robber of moisture—evaporation.

A forest litter, according to depth and kind, will allow from 60 to 75 per cent.
of the rain falling upon it to filter through to the soil, while the moss gives up
hardly more than 40 to 50 per cent. But the naked soil loses, by evaporation, its
water so quickly, that only 20 to 40 per cent. will find its way into the drainage.

This protection of the water supply is equal to that of a mulching or to the
cultivation in the field, namely, simply as a check against loss of water by evapora-
tion. Besides, there is in this cover a protection of the granular structure of the
soil. Such granular structure makes the subterranean drainage easier than on a
naked soil, which is beaten together and compacted by the raindrops, and at last
makes the water run off superficially. The same effect, of breaking the force of the
raindrops, is due to the interception of the rainfall by the foliage, which, to be sure,
withholds from 10 to15 per cent. from the soil altogether, and thus this amount is
lost to the soil.

Another loss of water for the springs and runoff is represented in the amount |
that is utilized by the trees in growing, if, indeed, this may be called a loss; for it
produces useful material, and the amount of water which is returned to the atmos-
phere in the transpiration from the leaves aids in producing those very conditions
above and in the forest which may make it a climatic factor for its surroundings,
namely, an area of cvoler and at the same time moister air strata, with a tendency
to condensation. j

It is interesting here to state that the amount of water needed by the plant is
somewhat in the proportion offered to it: that is to say, in dry seasons and in dry
regions the same species of tree will transpire proportionately less water than if the
supply isample. Conifers require from six toten times less water than deciduous trees.

I have made a calculation upon the basis of some rough figures which give the
amount of transpiration by various trees, and find that a coniferous forest in the west,
taking the rainfall at 24 inches, or 4,500,000 pounds of water to the acre, would
hardly transpire more than 330,000 pounds, or 8 per cent. of the total precipitation
during the period of vegetation. So that the loss to the soil waters from this
source would not appear as great as some are inclined to believe.

Lastly, beyond any dispute and easily understood is the influence of the forest
on the runoff, and especially on the superficial runoff—from mountain slopes.
Here again, the simple mechanical obstruction which the inequalities of the forest
floor and the trunks offer is the principal factor of influence. But also by distribut-
ing the water differently into subterranean and superficial runoff from what it would
have been on a naked slope, an influence upon the system of’ springs and brooks is
exerted. Yet when it comes to extremes of rainfall, even the best kept forest and
forest floor—and we know but few such in the United States—would not be able to
prevent the floods. In such cases the topography is decisive, and on the steep slopes
of a West Virginia river-bed, for instance, no forest cover is capable of retarding the
runoff of a heavy rain and the freshet that is bound to come. When it comes to
discuss the influence upon the water conditions of a large stream with many aftluents,

123

so many additional considerations must enter into the discussion that it would lead
us too far to attempt it here.
The influence upon the runoff of the water may be summarized as follows :—

A.—In regard to Springs.

1. The forest floor prevents the filtration of a certain part of the precipitation ;
yet the largest portions of the snow water and of abundant rainfall filter into smaller
or larger depths, according to the condition of the soil. Although this amount is
greater on soil not covered, and although the process of vegetation of the forest trees
consumes a certain amount of this water, yet the protection afforded against evapora-
tion more than balances this loss.

2. The forest, therefore, reserves in the end larger quantities of water for forma-
tion of springs. Probably these amounts are also increased by the greater amount
of condensation of atmospheric moisture over its area.

B—lJIn regard to Superficial Runoff.

3. Moderate rains may be retarded by forest crowns and forest floor from running
off superficially, and are mainly carried off by springs alone. The conditions of
permeability of the soil and of slope determine this, however, often more than the
forest; so that in densely wooded localities, with an impermeable soil and steep
slopes, the water is after all shed more rapidly into the creeks and rivers than in
untorested or even entirely naked regions with a permeable soil and gradual slope.

4. When extreme and continuous rainfalls occur the forest cannot practically
and effectively reduce the amount that will come to run off superficially, but its
influence may be beneficial in retarding the confluence of the little rills and rivulets
of the runoff.

5. In mountainous districts the forest is of utmost importance in protecting the
soil against abrasion and preventing the formation of torrents, which carry rocks
and débris into the rivers, and thereby increase the danger of floods, even in the
rivers, and make navigation precarious.

With this brief review of our knowledge as to what forest influences we may
reasonably expect, there is, I hope, enough beneficial and desirable influence re-
maining to deserve our close attention, evenif we are not willing to generalize as
broadly as some of our friends have done in their enthusiastic plea for the forest.

May there be found in Canada sufficient broad statesmanship, sufficient intelli-
gence in regard to the administration of its economic resources, to insure, first, a
proper policy of protecting her mountain forests against unnecessary, wasteful and
harmful destruction, and, secondly, a systematic planting of timber belts through
the treeless plains for the amelioration of their climatic, and especially their water
conditions. ;

Prof. Saunpers—In confirmation of this statement advanced by Prof.
Fernow as to the great importance of even light forest protection in preventing
evaporation, I would cite a case that came under my observation on our Experi-
mental Farm in Manitoba during this last year. On the bluffs that rise from the
Assiniboia River there is a certain amount of scrub to the height of 6 or 8
feet, Although this scrub was so low, when we cleared a place for fruits in it we
allowed a margin of this undergrowth to remain as a protection against the drying
winds which sweep over the prairie. The fruit and ornamental trees which were
planted there have grown without the least injury to the foliage from wind, and
have grown much more luxuriantly than those not so protected. A large proportion
of trees that are planted on the western plains are injured by being blown about
and become battered and bruised by the winds, but in the instance referred to, a
very marked difference can be observed between the plantation protected by this
low growth of scrub and plantations outside of it. This experience bears out the.
statement advanced by Prof. Fernow, that one of the most important points in con-

124

nection with forest cover is the influence it exerts in preventing the injury which
arises from constant wind drying the moisture out of the ground and evaporating
what is necessary for the successful growth of the trees. :

Perhaps I may be allowed a moment or two, if there is no discussion on this
paper, to make anexplanation. When]! was addressing the Convention yesterday, and
giving a rapid review of horticultural progress in different parts of the Dominion, I
omitted an important point with respect to Manitoba, I began to describe the con-
dition of things on the Red River belt, which is about 50 miles wide at its widest
part, and I left out in my statement the more important considerations involved in
the country outside of that belt. One thing I omitted to do which, in justice, I
want to do now—that is, to refer to the collection of fruit trees made by Mr.
Frankland at Stonewall, which I lately had the pleasure of inspecting. This gentle-
man is representing Manitoba on this occasion. Mr. Frankland’s plantation is on a
gravelly soil, and I found everywhere in Manitoba that plantations on gravelly soil
succeeded better than those on the rich heavy prairieloam, which seems to stimulate
protracted and late growth, and does not give the trees time to ripen up their wood
before winter. I saw at Mr. Frankland’s place enough to encourage mea very great
deal with respect to the future of fruit-growing in Manitoba. He has a number of
varieties of apples, plums and cherries, which are young yet, but which were endur-
ing the winters and promising to eventually become good trees.

Mr. Starr.—I would like to say a word with regard to shelter belts. My own
experience in orchard-growing is that they are of great value; and if they are so in
Nova Scotia, where we have a range of mountains, would they not be very much
more so in the open plain, where no such natural protection exists. In an orchard of
my own, some eighteen or nineteen years old, I have on the north side a belt of trees
running 40 or 50 feet high. Jt is quite a narrow belt. A young orchard has been
placed on the north side of that belt, and yet I have found that the protection on
the north side is almost equal to that on the south side. It acts as a wind-break,
and the heavy winds pass over the tops of the trees. This is particularly noticeable
when the fruit is about half grown and would be injured by the wind

The Presipent.—Perhaps it might be well to defer the discussion of this paper
until we have another, which is practically on the same subject, from Mr. Phipps,
who is the Commissioner of Forestry in Ontario, Then we can discuss the two
together.

Winp Breaks: By R. W. Purers, Commissioner oF Forests, Toronto.

Mr. Puiprs.—I am most happy to be able to address you on this occasion, know-
ing that I have before me some of the most prominent men in the fruit-growing line
to be found in the country, and perhaps I may be permitted at the outset to say a
word or two respecting the paper which has just been read. I wish to say a word
first on the spongy floor of the forest. When you get into an old country forest it
is ten to one that you will find that floor of grass. I did not fing one that was other-
wise. Now, if the rain descends on that it is not at allso much like a sponge as a
forest in its natural condition. As we find the floor here, itis deeply covered with a
mass of deciduous leaves. That is the condition our forests will be in if cattle be
kept out. In its natural condition the forest will be filled with a beautiful young
undergrowth, which will also assist very largely to hold the water. I will give you
an instance. I knew a forest—in fact 1 owned—it on the summit of a hill in this
country, which stood for thirty years tomy knowledge. The rains descended and the
floods came, but the forest floor never changed. The forest was as good when the
axe was laid to it, as I had known it thirty years previously ; but after this forest was
gone and there was a wheat field where it stood, then when the rain fell you could
see that a great change had come about. ‘The soil was washed away until I knew it
to be banked up 2 feet deep against the fences, That is to show the character of
the forest floor. As soon as the forest was cleared the soil was washed away, and
washed away so dreadfully that those fields are not worth much now. I have been
through hundreds of forests, but I have never yet seen the water run when the rain

Pe ae ee we ee ae ee eT,

125

fell as it does in the fields. It seems to sink in, and it is undoubtedly held there in
this country. Wherever the forest has its proper condition it has a heavy bed of
leaves, as well as clustering circumflexes of young trees. Wherever that is the case
through the forests, the floor will hold a great deal of water, which will not run
away or pour out in rivers and creeks for days and weeks, as it would in the case of
afield of land. ThatI know tobe a fact from a life experience. Iam sure,
however, that we are indebted to Mr. Fernow for bringing it to our
knowledge that the German Government have just collected the results of
a series of experiments on the operation of forests with a view to finding how
much the forest retards the washing of the land and how much the
forest assists in producing rain. They have taken a very large portion of forests
and have had it carefully examined by military engineers over a period of years.
The result is, that they think that it has always had as much rain as the cleared
districts, not far off, in the same country. Mr. Fernow sent this statement to the
New York Garden and Forest, a very valuable publication, and it appeared there
last month. I shall get it for my next report, and we shall all have an opportunity
of seeing it, Now, 1 would like to say one or two words on this differing of the
amount of rainfall. The question as to whether forests increase or do not increase
the rainfall is not so much regarded by those who remember this country as it was
long ago. It is not the quantity of rain. Sometimes we find we get a great deal
too much rain—rain that washes away things. What we want is the old-fashioned
genial showers which we used to have coming ulong in May and the early part of
June, when we needed them, and we used to find, that so long as we kept a
considerable quantity of bush we got plenty of rain, while now in some districts
we do not get enough. Itis more a question of the distribution of moisture than
the amount of it. Now, as my subject to-day is not so much concerning forests as
wind breaks, I would like to say a few words on that matter. I have, in the course
of my examination of this subject, got into communication with a great many
people throughout the country, who have sent me word as to what they have found
is actually the case in their respective districts from the resnlt of wind breaks or of
any old forest lines that may still exist. I should like, if it will not weary you too
much, to give you an idea of these communications.

The following statements give the effect of wind-breaks where they have been
established thrcughout Ontario. They are from the township clerks of the various
localities, gentlemen who are well informed of the progress of the adjacent country :—

Dawn.—When fall wheat is protected by the woods around, the frost does not
seem to hurt it nearly so much as when out in an open field. Both fruit and crops
thrive better where thus protected. :

Esquesing.—I have myself observed the beneficial effects of planting trees closely
for shelter as a protection to fruit and grain crops.

Burford.—Wind-breaks are very beneficial, but when grown take about all the
substance from the soil from two rods on each side. Nevertheless, they are grand
for sheltering fall wheat and clover.

Blandford.—-Have observed great benefit from such shelter. Have seen fine
crops of fall wheat and clover sheltered by belts of timber from the west and north
winds, while in more exposed situations such crops were comparative failures ; also
consider such shelter of great benefit to orchards; the trees seem to thrive better
when so sheltered, and the more tender varieties can often be successfully grown.

Mersea. Where fields and orchards are sheltered, especially from the east winds,
the effect is very marked. Where—as here—the snow fall is light and generally of
slight duration, fields protected by the forests produce much the best crops of wheat,
and the orchard derives a like benefit.

East Flamboro’—The effects of trees planted for wind-break, or shelters for
fields, especially west winds in spring, so far as I have observed, have proved bene-
ficial to crops in general.

North Easthope-—The experiment of wind-breaks here has been good, especially
in the matter of orchards.

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Minto.—Fruit, grass and crops thrive the better for wind-breaks.

Dorchester —Have observed for a number of years that fruit and fall wheat do
better where they are sheltered by trees.

Moore.—The benefits resulting from belts or wind-breaks may be seen any
season, almost, in the improved condition of winter wheat, compared with fields in
exposed situations where the cold, biting winds have unrestrained sweep. Fruit
trees also thrive and bear better, grass starts sooner in the spring, and stock have
shelter in cold weather and shade from a scorching summer sun.

Dummer.—A natural growth of cedar, pine, elm, etc., has grown up along some
of the fences close enough for a wind-break. Fall wheat and fruit trees are
decidedly benefited by such shelter. [ cannot say with regard to spring crops.

Egremont—Had a field of wheat this summer in which a few maples were
saved when cleared; these have grown bushy and very beautiful. 1 noticed that
the wheat was heavier and plumper around these trees than anywhere else in the
fields.

Glanford—Where wind-breaks have been grown the orchards and crops
sheltered by them have been greatly benefited.

Grosfield.—Last year wherever wheat was sheltered from the west winds it
was good; where not sheltered it was all destroyed.

Crowland—There is no manner of doubt that wind-breaks are of decided
advantage, inasmuch as it prevents the fields from being denuded of the snow, which
serves as a covering for all that may be committed to mother earth, the good effects
of which I have demonstration of every year.

Oxford.—Wheat, and all fall plantings, peach and other trees, are very much
benefited thereby. Such wind-breaks are becoming more in use yearly.

Tilbury Last—Planting here is only in its infancy, but it is observed that the
fields farthest from the bush fare badly in the winter and spring under fall wheat.
Indeed, it is very questionable if fall wheat could be raised profitably in this section,
now the whole country is denuded of forest, or threatened to be.

Rochester —No wind-breaks planted, but bush on the north and west of growing
crop has a markedly good effect.

Euphrasia —Wind-breaks eventually become both ornamental and useful; grass
and crops do not 80 much require wind-breaks as fruit does. In many fruit-growing
sections the apples especially are blown off by wind before fully matured, for want
of proper wind-breaks. This I look upon as a great evil, as Ontario can raise fruits
well, and there will be a great demand in the North-West as well as in England.

Harvey—Where the crops are sheltered by the forests it preserves them, by
keeping the snow on later in the spring. Out in the clearance the wind drives all
the snow off, leaving them bare, only around the fences, and common sense will show
the necessity of wind-breaks and shelter even, for the cattle, as well as orchards and
grain crops.

Stamford—Wind-breaks are always beneficial, particularly to the apple crop.
Close to trees that are growing in the line fences, however, grass and crops do not
thrive.

Canonto.—The effect of some wind-breaks planted here can be seen by the merest
tyro, so much so that people are beginning either to plant or leave saplings as they
clear their land.

Colchester.—W here the natural forest has protected farms on the west and north
T have always noticed that the crops have always looked and been better than others
in the same locality not so protected.

North Gwillimbury.—A precisely similar statement.

South Gwillimbury.—Have observed, and heard also from those owning wind-
breaks, that they are a wonderful help to growing crops as well as orchards.

Canboro’.—Have one field sheltered on three sides by bush. On that field I am
sure of a crop of fall wheat, while on land not sheltered by trees the crop is sure to
be heaved by frost as the snow blows off, and nothing is left to protect it.

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Osprey.—Have an established wind-break round my orchard, and the effect is
that the trees are sheltered from the severe winds in winter and spring, and that
the apples are not so liable to be shaken from the trees in fall; but the break is ot
poplar, which must soon be cut down, as they have completely filled the orchard
with a network of roots and young shoots. (As repeatedly stated elsewhere, the
poplar is a very valuable tree for many reasons ; but great care must be taken to put
it only where its propensity to throw out suckers will do no harm.)

NV. Cayuga.—Know one or two wind-breaks that have grown up naturally, and
have observed that the fields were sheltered thereby to a distance of twenty rods
and upwards, and both grain and grass, where so sheltered, have tleriven better.
Have not had an opportunity of observing the effect upon fruit.

Willoughby.—Few have planted wind-breaks, but where they have I have no
doubt that the result is better, especially on fall wheat, clover, and fruit of all kinds.

Laurel.—Know one grove along the north side of a lot, and near this grove the
vegetation is much more rapid in the spring and much more early. Also, the crops
attain there a much greater growth. The most useful trees for this purpose are the
balsam, spruce, pine, cedar and hemlock. I have one of balsam, spruce and tamarac
around the north and west sides of my orchard, which have been planted about
twenty years ; and these break the wind go that the storms in the autumn do not
shake the fruit from my trees as from those of my neighbours.

Bruce.—No wind-breaks planted out that I am aware of, but wherever the crops
are sheltered by what remains of the original forest the prevailing opinion is that
they thrive better. This refers more particularly to winter wheat.

Down.—Many farmers have planted trees, especially along the western side of
their farms, and the change has been very noticeable in the sheltering and protection
of fall wheat.

Amabel.—It is well known to every farmer here that land sheltered in the
winter season is more favourable and surer for fall wheat than unsheltered.

Eramosa.—There are several who have established wind-breaks, though the
trees are not planted very closely, and in every instance under my observation the
effect is beneficial, to grain crops especially, in sheltering from parching winds and
encouraging more heavy dews. (This is a point not to be lost sight of. If you pass
by a row of pines in a heavy mist, you will find it almost raining under the pines,
almost dry elsewhere).

Caradoc.—A few have planted pine, and a good number have planted willow for
this purpose. The past winter, to a greater extent than formerly, proved the utility
of forests in shielding crops, as the wheat in sheltered situations invariably proved
superior.

7 Adolphustown.—Where protected by wind-breaks, fruit, grass, and crops in
general most assuredly thrive better.

Colchester.—There are no persons in this locality who have planted trees for
wind-breaks, but many have left strips or belts of timber along the west boundaries
of their farms; and wherever this has been done it has proved a great benefit,
especially for fall wheat. In the instances where timber has been so preserved the
owners would not have it destroyed on any account, which is a good evidence that it
is of advantage.

Oneida.—There is a large growth of poplar trees growing on the line between
myself and my neighbours on the west side, and I cau now raise good wheat on an
exposed knoll where I could raise very little before.

Mr, MILir&EN considers that what is needed is lines of trees across the country.
He has on his lawn some fine specimens of Norway and native spruce. He has
found the shelter of the woods is very valuable for fall wheat, and, in fact, beneficial
to crops generally. Is planting a line of Norway spruce and cedar along the whole
north of his farm, having it in great part finished now. Planted at 5 feet from
the fence, but considers that he planted it too close, as the branches soon need more

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room. Has about twice too many trees in it, which will give him every second tree
to take up and replant. Believes that if a number of farmers would plant rows the
benefit would be very great. Has a row of pine about 30 feet high. The benefit
from these would extend nearly across a square ten-acre field, Finds the second
week in June a very good time to plant evergreens. A young spruce brought by
him from New Brunswick (native there) seems of a better foliage than either the
Norway or Canadian. Considers that shelter from the south-west side is also often
serviceable, especially in preserviug apples from the strong fall winds which are apt
to blow them down.

Mr. James has two fields protected on the north and east by a second growth of
young pines, about 35 or 40 feet high. These two field have had excellent crops of
fall wheat twice in succession, while the wheat over all the rest of the farm has not
been nearly so good, and this notwithstanding that these two fields have never been
drained, while the rest is well under-drained. Mr. James considers that, though
draining is undoubtedly good, yet shelter from trees is better for fall wheat. Even
right over the under-drains the wheat often failed, but succeeded, with the exception
of very small patches, where the bush gave shelter, Mr, James has also a long stretch
of young pine wind-break in front of his farm. He finds no injury whatever from
the pines near the crops. Would prefer spruce, as it spreads its branches near the
ground, and thus gives more shelter than pine, which have their branches some
height up.

Op Mitter Homesreap.—Here is one of the finest wind-breaks in Ontario, a
double row of pines planted thirty-five years ago, 40 feet high, and three rows of
spruce, all 10 feet apart (the pines to the outside), planted twenty-three years, and
now taller than the pine. This surrounds an orchard of about two acres. The
clover in the orchard is a heavy crop and grows as thick close up to the trees as
elsewhere. The fields to the north and west show no injury whatever from shade,
the grass growing as well close up. Mr. Miller, a son of the late proprietor, says:
It is of the greatest possible service to the farm. Mr. Miller has planted wind-breake
at his own farm a mile off, and would not be without them for thousands of dollars.
Would pay that difference if buying a farm. When he went on his place could not
grow anything with ease for the wind, which blew his young rose trees to pieces,
Has it now well sheltered. Gave the statement that all fall wheat near not sheltered
largely failed. Where sheltered on any side it was a good crop. Fields near here,
not sheltered, of ten acres, lost four out of the ten. Would not object to anyone
planting a wind-break south of his land; considers the benefit of checking the force
of the wind much greater than the trifling loss by shade. Would be glad to see
farmers induced to plant long lines of trees; if done generally, it would be the best
thing possible for the country.

Mr. MrtLER (a namesake) has planted a fine row of pines round his grounds
and found them of the greatest possible benefit. These were planted the first new
moon in June, which was considered the best time. Cedar he finds succeed well and
grows large making fine wind-breaks. He is planting a field, three acres, with maples
asagrove. He will fill some of the field, being low, with soft maple and cedar. Agri-
culture will be almost impossible here unless more trees are planted to check the
wind. Believes from his experience that if much of the land were in trees the rest
would grow more than now, when it is mostly cleared. Has planted a great deal on
his place.

Tiherd is another method of getting these young seedlings than growing them
in Ontario, as all know—that is, of importing them from foreign growers. As my
hearers may wish to know the facilities for doing this at the price charged, I will
furnish them with a copy of a letter from Mr. Miller, owner of the chief evergreen
wind-break mentioned in these pages as existing in Markham, as to the firms from
which he procured the seedlings, and the cost :—

“Marky, 3rd August, 1887.

“Dear Siz,—In reference to the spruce, I imported the trees from Little &
Ballantyne, Carlisle, England. They were twice transplanted, and from twelve to

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fifteen inches in height. I think they cost there about fourteen shillings per thous-
and, without packing. The boxes and packing cost more than the plants. The
freight from Carlisle to Liverpool generally was more than the freight from Liver-
pool to Toronto. I imported several times, and they cost me from $10 to $17 per
thousand, delivered in Toronto. I had an offer from the firm of Austen & McAsten,
of Glasgow, to deliver them in Toronto at twenty-eight shillings per thousand, but I
never got any from them, They were willing, | may say, to send a large quantity,
if ordered, at a lower rate. Trees, I may remark, should not be less than one foot in
height, and should have been twice transplanted. I think that is all the information
ee give, having unfortunately destroyed all my old invoices and bills which relate
o this.
“Yours truly,

“JOHN MILLER.”

With reference to prices, trees can also be imported cheaply, perhaps not so low
as this, from Douglas & Co., Waukegan, Ill., an excellent place to obtain evergreen
trees, But as it is not well, if we can avoid it, to send money out of the country, I
should advise all tree-needers, before importing, to consult with some Ontario nursery-
man as to the price they can be furnished at here, and having been informed on the
matter, take their own course as to purchasing at home or abroad. There are many

reliable Ontario nurserymen, though indeed, in opposition to either importing or
buying here, there are reasons why a farmer, if he can, had better grow his
own. :

There are many others giving evidence over the whole of Canada to the same
effect, and I have personally verified most of the instances which I have given. Ihave
travelled thousands of miles in seeing these different places. One farmer would
show me his wind-break and another his orchard. One thing I have noticed is that
nearly every young orchard that has been planted of late years has been planted
round with spruce or pine, or something or another to serve as a wind-break.

I would like to say something concerning the Norway spruce. It is an excellent
tree for these wind-breaks. Ofcourse you have allseen it. We must not go clipping it
so low or it will turn brown and soon be killed. If we want to have Norway spruce
we must leave them to grow toa good size, and they will then make a good wind
break. We must not, however, expect it will last as long as some other trees.
Robert Douglas, of Waukegan, the greatest planter in the States, told me that he
came over to this country and examined nearly all the Norway spruces that he had
planted forty years before. A great number had been planted, but not one of them
was alive. Still, 1 do not know of anything else so good, except our own Canadiau
white pine, which we find in a good many localities todo exceedingly well as a wind,
break. There is a very good instance of this to be seen in Markham. Our friend,
Prof, Saunders, has one up near London as well, anda very beautiful one it is. The
case I refer to is on the old Miller homestead, to which I have already referred, and
the particulars of which I have already given.

A Memper.—ls not our native spruce of Ontario as good as any?

Mr. Pureps.—The Canadian spruce makes a very handsome wind-break, but I
cannot tell whether it will last as long, or whether, on the whole, it will answer as
well as the Norway spruce. I should like to say that I prefer the white variety
myself to the black. I was travelling through the prairie country in the United
States, and I found the universal custom was to plant something around the fences
to serve as 2 wind-break. But there they are planting osage orange, which, of
course, is not applicable to us here. Instead of making a hedge of it, they allow it
to grow up about 20 feet high, and although it is an ugly looking thing it
answers very Well for the purpose for which it was intended. For our purposes in
Canada I should very much prefer that the farmers should he encouraged to plant
rows of timber on the north and west side of their farms—because winds do not
always come from the north. This timber would ultimately come in of use. Let

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them take a strip 100 or 50 yards wide. It had better be on good land, which
should be thoroughly ploughed. Keep the weeds well under, and in a short time
there will be an excellent growth. It will not be long before valuable timber will
be so scarce that these strips will yield a handsome return. Ido not know of any-
thing better than white ash. It is a very useful tree; and our friend, Mr. Grover,
of Norwood, whom T see here, has succeeded very well in his part of the country. I
have seen it tried in countries where it would not do, but here it does well. In a
few years the trees will be found to be 6 inches thick, and by planting close and
keeping them trimmed you will have trees without knots. If you plant trees in
the opening you will have branches low down, and every branch means a knot.
This is the style of wind-break I should like to see generally introduced. My
opinion always has been that it is best to take the trees of the forest. Ifyou go
into the forest you will find plenty of white ash and black ash; but if you pull them
up you find the roots so long and straggling that you have poor success. If, how-
ever, these trees be twice transplanted you will grow a bunch of roots, and
then you can work with them satisfactorily. Ifan influential body like yours would
only press it, I have been of the opinion that the Government might be induced to
come to the frout and give away a large numbe: of these trees to persons who need
them and would take care of them. That is done at Washington. Hveryone does
not get large numbers of trees, but there is a general distribution. It is not neces-
sary that the Government should go into the nursery business; but orders might
be given to nurserymen to send so many to this farmer and so many to that. That
could be done.in this country, and many would, no doubt, apply for them. We
should then should see Ontario covered with little groves of trees, and we would not be
under the impression, as we now are, that all the valuable timber is going out of the
country. We should see it rising on all sides, and we should feel that there would
be plenty of timber for all economic purposes. I would like to say a word or two
on evergreen wind-breaks, which are very good things in their way. I have seen
lists which were published of the most valuable evergreens in use in the United
States, but I would not myself care to plant those evergreens, which are generally
used there or are generally found to be profitable there. I would much rather look
around and see what trees have grown here, and plant those; because I have known
so many people go to a great deal of trouble and expense in planting trees and find-
ing afterwards that they would not answer. What I have found to succeed here is our
white pine, native spruce and Norway spruce. When 1 was travelling last year
through England and Scotland I found that everybody was planting and protecting
his land by trees. In the centuries past there had been a wave of tree-cutting, but
now there is coming a wave of tree-planting, The same feeling is coming to prevail
in Ontario, and we should do what we can to make our country something like
what it formerly was. I wish I could describe to you what kind of country it was
when covered with a forest years ago—how much richer it was, how pleasant the
seasons, and how much easier we could grow crops. You are a body having great
influence, and I trust you will do what you can to have farmers growing more
trees.

Mr, Frankianp.—Have you seen arbor vite growing as a hedge ?

Mr. Purpps.—There is an excellent sample near Toronto, It is nearly 20 feet
high and nearly 12 feet wide at the base. It makes a beautiful dark green hedge.
Wherever cedar will grow there is nothing better. I would not, knowing what I
do of cedar—although people say it will grow on high localities—risk it there; but
if I had anything to be grown near its natural habitat I would prefer cedar to
anything else for a wind-break.

Prof. Saunpers.—Mr. Phipps will find that very fine hedges have been
grown on dry land. I have grown cedar hedges luxuriantly on a dry, sandy soil,
and I think it would not be wise, although that is not its natural habitat, that the
statement that it would only grow under those conditions should go to the public
unchallenged. There is not a very great deal of difference in the growth of arbor
vite on dry or damp soils, if the seasons are reasonably moist. I also wish to say

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that I have seen very fine hedges of Norway spruce. With respect to Mr. Miller’s
wind-break, did those trees that you saw present any evidence of decay after
twenty-three years of growth?

Mr. Purpps.—Not the slightest.

Prof. SAunpers.—I have seen many trees of Norway spruce in Canada over
forty years old. Itseems to me it is a very valuable tree, and while Mr. Douglas may
be right in the cases he looked at, 1 think we can show him a good many trees more
than forty years old thatare thrifty and growing wellto-day. Many such trees can
be seen in the Hamilton district.

Mr. Purprs.—Hamilton is a very remarkable place for growing spruce. That
is the place where a friend of mine grew thousands from seeds and managed to succeed
just as well with them as those he purchased in the nursery, I have seen that tried
on farms near Toronto without success.

Mr, Bucxs.—There is a man living on the shores of Lake Huron, about 12 miles
above Sarnia, and his Norway spruces are over fifty years old,

Mr. Fisk.—We have found that a borer affects the top of it, and in some cases
keeps it back. Is that the case generally ?

Mr. Paipps.—Some complaints have reached me of Norway spruces beginning
to decay at the top, but I have not seen any. When we consider that life is not very
long, most of us who can get a tree that will serve for forty years in a wind-break will
think it will do. Mr. Miller planted his spruces, and back of them he planted pines,
which will last an immense time. With regard to cedar, I have seen people plant a
number of young trees, and then trim them to make them look like little trees;
but we should not trim or prune an evergreen, if we can possibly help it. The
advantage of cedar is its peculiar power to grow on another soil; it brings its soil
with it. If you plant it in loosely it spreads out and completely covers the ground,
and by keeping the sun out the soil gets to have a peculiar character suitable for the
growth of that tree. That is, it produces its own soil if you give it a fair chance.

Mr. FranKLanp.— Would berberry grow in the North-West ?

Mr. Purprs.—I know some honey locusts out near Owen Sound, and during this
last year I asked Mr. Hartman how they were growing, and he said very well.
There is a sort of spike on them that keeps the cattle from pushing through. Twenty
years ago we had a great many locusts, but then there came a borer which killed
them nearly all off.

Prof. SAunpERS.— What varieties of the berberry are best adapted for hedge
plants in Manitoba and North-West?

Mr. Crarc.—Berberis amurensis, an Asiatic variety from the Amoor valley, suc-
ceeds well in Minnesota and Dakota as a hedge plant. It is not as free a grower as
the vulgaris, but has thick, firm leaves, remarkably free from the cluster-cup fungus,
bears trimming well and with age forms animpenetrablebarrier. The fruit is borne
in very long racemes, bright scarlet, very attractive. Berberis thumbergi is also one
of the best, but its hardiness has not been tested to any extent north of the 44th

arallel.
Mr, FranKLaNp.—Wili Berberis vulgaris be hardy with us? a

Mr. Crara.—It will probably be all right as to hardiness, but the foliage is often
very defective, owing to its being a favourite host of the cluster-cup form of the
wheat rust.

Mr, FrANKLAND.—Is it true that red cedar propagates the apple-leaf rust?

Mr. Crata.—It has been shown that there are several species of the so-called
“eedar apple,” some of which communicate the disease to apple trees and others
which do not. At the Iowa Agricultural College, with which I was lately connected,
experiments with the species affecting the cedar there went to show that it was not
communicable to the apple, but was readily propagated on the wild crab,

Mr, FraNKLAND.—Would you recommend honey locust for hedging in the

-West ?
ae Gnarc.—W hile Ihave seen very fine specimens of the honey locust in
Minnesota, perfectly hardy and growing thriftily, | should not expectit to succeed in
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Manitoba and the North-West when subjected to hedge pruning. In regard to
windbreaks, Mr. Chairman, I think it largely a matter of locality—first, whether we
shall have a wind-break, and second on what side of the orchard the wind-break shall
be placed. In the North-Western States experience is teaching orchardists to plant
their fruit trees on northern slopes, with shelter belts on the south and west sides.
The northern exposure prevents the trees starting into leaf under the influence of
unusually warm weather in early spring to be nipped by late frosts. The south and
west protection mitigates the effects of the drying winds so prevalent during May
and June in Manitoba and the North-West. Prof. Fernow’s paper excellently iilus-
trates this principle. Wind-breaks in any locality should not be crowded against
the orchard; they are designed to protect, but are better at a reasonable distance.

This morning we had the subject of growing forest trees discussed from the
home supply standpoint. I wouldlike to add a few thoughts especially in the interest
of the commercial grower. The ground should be deeply ploughed and well pulver-
ized to favour deep rooting. The seeds should be planted in rows 2 feet apart
covered with 2 or 8 inches of soil. To get rid of the first troublesome crop
of weeds go over the rows with steel rakes removing the upper crust. The young
seedling will then appear before the second growth of weeds. Good cultivation is
all that is needed afterwards. Soft maple and elm seed should be planted as soon as
ripe, about lst June, and will make a growth of from 6 to 18 inches the same season.
Box elder, ash and other varieties ripening their seed in autumn should be planted
in the fall. If kept in a dry condition over winter they do not germinate readily.
This is especially true of ash. Millions of forest trees are annually raised in this
way by western growers and sold at rates ranging from $1 to $5 per thousand.

Mr. Peters.—Our experience in New Brunswick is, that if we want to grow a
really good fruit, particularly when we are not certain as to whether the tree will
be sufficiently hardy for our climate, we select a northern and eastern slope—the
more northern the better. We hold the tree back as far as possible until the
weather gets sufficiently warm, so that when the bloom comes out it will not be
affected by the frost. Thus far we have never required any particular shelter in
either of the quarters of the orchard. Speaking of the maple and other trees for
planting, I am sure that if there is any section of this Dominion that wants a nice
lot of maple trees we could furnish them. We have no difficulty in propagating
trees if we transplant in the spring. We invariably fail if we transplant in the fall.

Mr. Witt1am Tompson, London.—Mr. Phipps has referred to the benefit of
wind-breaks in fruit-growing, and I would like to mention a curious matter to the
Convention. Ihave been greatly interested during the past summer in noticing
the effects of a row of maple shade trees, on the west side of a turnip field, on the
growing crop. The trees were about 30 feet in height, aud while the turnips in all
other parts of the field were growing fairly well, a strip of from 25 to 30 fect from
the maples was entirely without crop. At one point, where half a dozen maples had
been killed from some cause, the roots were growing fairly well up to the fence.
In another field a large ash tree, growing at the north end of the turnip patch, had
produced similar results over an area of 20 to 30 feet around it, the ground here
being entirely bare, although in the rest of the field the crop was growing well.

Mr. R. W. Starr.—The children who pick for us know where to find the best
raspberries, namely, on the north sideof the bush. That isa hint to those who have
been trying experiments with wind-breaks.

Prof. SAunDERS.-—Mr. Peters’ experience is so different from some of the other
gentlemen that it shows the importance of the remark that was made, I think by
Mr. Phipps. on Mr. Fernow’s paper, that we have to consider this question from the
point of locality and climate. In New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island they
have abundance of water. The English thorn grows there remarkably well. They
have nice hedges there, hedges that we could not produce in Quebec or Ontario,
much less could they be grown in Manitoba and the Territories, where they would
not survive a winter. I suppose we have fourteen or fifteen different climates
in this Dominion, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and before we can give advice as
to any particular locality we should know what the climate is,

133

' Mr. Puipps.—In Massachusetts they are raising pine forests from pine seed,
while, if we attempted it, it is doubtfulif we could get a forest atall, The conditions
there must be different, and they must be different with me compared with some of
the gentlemen who have spoken. I have grown many thousands of bushels of
turnips, and grown them so big that eight would fill a flour barrel, and we grow
them close to the bushes. Certainly, under other conditions shade might do harm.
We must not be too greedy in this matter in cutting the corners of the field. I do
not come here with the idea of instructing a learned body like yourselves, but I know
you are an influential body, and I want your co-operation in pushing the principles
of forestry among the people.

Prof. Saunpers.—Before we go on to the next paper I would like to remark
that provision has been made to carry out, to a limited extent, the suggestion made
by Mr. Phipps, in regard to the distribution of trees in the North-West; and this
year, as an experiment, 100,000 young trees will be sent to the western plains to
begin with. Circulars were sent out this morning to the newspapers of the North-
West, asking farmers who wish to have these trees to send in their names,
This is probably one of the best and most important departments of work which
could be undertaken here. It is done largely in Europe, where trees are not so much
needed as in this country, When once the distribution is begun I think the people
will look for it, and demand it in future in an increasing degree.

Mr. Purprs.—I am very glad to hear what Mr. Saunders has just said. Tomake
such a movement successful I do not know that it could be put in any better hands
than those of Prof. Saunders himself.

COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION REPORT.

Mr. WooL_verton.—I desire to present, at this stage, the report of the Committee
on Legislation. The Committee on Legislation beg to make the following recom-
mendations :—

(1). That all packages of fruit imported into Canada from the United States be
pence branded “ American” at the Customs, and thus prevent such being exported

rom this Dominion as Canadian fruit, in order that our fruit may in time establish
a reputation for itself; and further, that such fruit re-packed and branded as
Canadian fruit be confiscated.
(a). That a copy of this recommendation be sent to the President and Secretary
of the Dairymen’s Association, to see how far the principle would apply to dairy
roducts.
: (2). That more accurate and complete statistics be gathered in relation to the
products of the garden and orchard, showing the quantity of every kind of fruit,
large and small, grown in each Province, and the quantity of the same exported or
imported into the Dominion.
(Signed), CANON FULTON,

Chairman.

The PRrestpENt.—You have heard the report of the Committee on Legislation.
What is your pleasure in regard to it? :

His Honor Judge Moscrove, Ottawa.—I would merely suggest to the committee
to add a penal clause fer the offence of re-packing and re-branding American fruits as
Canadian. I would not simply confiscate them. ;

Mr, WooLveRToN.—This report is as far as the committee goes. Of course it
is open to any other gentleman to suggest additions. ;

“Judge Mosarove.—Do you think that simple confiscation would have the effect
of preventing the wrong. I hardly think so.

Mr, FRANKLAND.—I move the adoption of the report.

Mr. Caston.—I second the motion, ,

Judge Moscrove.—There is no doubt about it, although I have very little ex-

perience in these matters, that in order to prevent this practice, you will have to

134

provide some severer punishment than simply confiscation. J would, therefore,
respectfully suggest to this meeting that a punishment should be attached to the
offence of re-branding American apples as Canadian. Of course, re-branding fruit is
not an offence of itself; it has to be created an offence by legislation, If the offence
is created and put upon the party who does the wrong, you do not punish the man
by simply confiscating the article, and you are affecting, not the man who is the
wrong-doer, but the man who owns the fruit. As a consequence, a man who does
the wrong goes unpunished, I would therefore move, seconded by Mr. Denton, that
the report just read be amended by adding to the first clause the following: “That
it be further recommended that a penal clause be added to the proposed legislation
in addition to the confiscation therein mentioned for the offence named.” This
matter is not going to be dealt with simply by us; it is for the House of Commons
to deal with, and therefore they may put in a fine or imprisonment according to the
heinousness of the offence. I think thisis a very serious matter in this country.
They may punish the offence by imprisonment for one, three, four or six months, or
by a fine, as they may think proper, but if you simply deal with it by confiscation of
the goods you by no means touch the offender, as he goes scatheless. A great
many questions would arise in respect to the confiscation of goods. Who, may I
ask, is to have the power to say that they should be confiscated.

Mr. Frankuanp.—Would not the common law apply to the case?

Judge Mosarove.—The common law of England would certainly not touch it.
There is nothing wrong in it as it is. You have to create the offence.

The amendment was put to the meeting and declared carried. The report, as
amended, was then adopted.

The Presipent.—We shall now have a paper on “Trees and Plants for the
Cold North,” by Mr. J, C. Chapais, of St. Denis, Kamouraska.

Mr. Cuapais then read the following paper :—

TREES AND PLANTS FOR THE CoLp Norra.

Mr, CHAIRMAN AND GENTLEMEN,—Very probably I am, amongst all the persons
here assembled, one of those practising arboriculture in one of the most northern
regions of the Province of Quebec.

' §t. Denis, in Kamouraska County, where I live, is situated ninety miles below
Quebec, in 47° 30’ of latitude.

Ihave thought that it would be of some interest for fruit-growers present to
know what trees and plants our severe climate allows us to cultivate with success.

Nobody will be surprised to find out how comparatively small is the number of
those trees and plants when I will tell you that our winters gratify us, sometimes,
with a temperature as low as 30° F., and are always very severe.

Our summers are short, and we have protracted autumns, without snow, very
cold, with alternation of freezing and thawing, causing more damage to vegetation
than the most severe cold of winter, which we experience only when the soil is
covered by many feet of snow.

Now that I have given you an idea of the conditions under which we make our
horticultural and fruit-growing work, I will point out the different varieties of .trees
and plants which we cultivate with good results:

Apples.

Summer.—Duchess of Oldenburg, Peach, Red Astrachan, Summer Calville,
Tetofsky.

Fall.—Alexander, St. Lawrence.

Early Winter.—Fameuse, Hermine, Wealthy.

Late Winter.—Winter Calville.

Crab or Siberian.— Hyslop, Montreal Beauty, Transcendent, Whitney.

We are testing other comparatively new varieties, especially of Russian apples.
“Time only will tell what they are worth to us.

135

Pears.

Clapp’s Favourite—Summer Doyenne.

Pear culture will never amount to anything more than an amateur culture in
our region. The two farieties here mentioned grow and give fruit since many years
in a few localities around our place. I am testing them now in my own orchard.

Plums.

Blue.—Damson or Orleans, Imperial, Lombard.

Yellow.—Imperial Gage, Orleans, Reine Claude.

A curious fact to mention is that all the plum-trees just named live much longer
in our latitude than they do in the Montreal or more southern regions.

Cherries.

French cherry.

No other cherry can compare with this variety in our region, either for pro-
ductiveness or good quality of fruit. It is considered to be the same as Early
Richmond,

Gooseberries.
Green.—Downing.
Red.— Houghton.

Currants.

Black.—Black Naples.
Red.—Cherry,
White.—White Grape.

Raspberries.

~ Red.—Antwerp.
White or yellow.—Orange. _ Pe:
The last variety named is, as far as we can judge, of French origin, for it is
cultivated in our gardens from time immemorial. It is the best and most hardy
known to us.
Grapes.

Black.—Champion, Hartford. : ,

Grape culture is impossible below St. Roch des Aulnaies, L’Islet County,
next to our Kamouraska County, seventy miles below Quebec. Even from Quebec
to that place it cannot be anything but an amateur culture. The vine withstands
well our winters, if mulched with earth, but it does not ripen its fruit every year.

Strawberries.

Red.—Sharpless, Wilson’s Albany.

White,—White Alpine. : :

The White Alpine strawberry is remontante, a French word, meaning that it
gives two crops in one summer. It is very hardy, withstands well our winters
without mulch of any kind, and is of a rich and extraordinary aromatic flavor.

Cranberries.

For wet land.—Bell.

For dry land.—Cherry.

To comple these notes, I will now give the names of a few ornamental trees
and shrubs not belonging to our region, but well acclimatized.

Ornamental Trees.

Butternut (Inglans cinerea), Cut-leaved Weeping Birch (Betula pendula laciniata),
Horse Chestnut (dsculus hippocastanum), Kilmarnock Weeping Willow (Salix

136

caprea pendula), Lombardy Poplar (Populus pyramidelis). Locust-tree (Robinia
pseudo acacia), Ash-leaved Maple (Negunda fraxinifolium), Norway Spruce (Abies
excelsa), White Poplar (Populus alba).

Ornamental Shrubs. :

American Ivy or Virginia Creeper (Ampelopsis quinquefolia), Berberry Bush
ee) Bladder Senna (Colutea arborescens), Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea),
ouble-flowering Plum (Prunus triloba), Honeysuckle or Woodbine (Lonicera
caprifolium), False Syringa (Philadelphus coronaria), Indian’ Currant (Symphoricarpus
vulgaris), Persian Lilac (Syringa Persica), Rose-coloured Weigelia (Diervilla
Rasea), Snowball (Viburnum opulus sterilis), Snowberry (Sympharicarpus race-
mosus), Upright Honeysuckle (Lonicera tartaricum), White Lilac (Syringa vulgaris
alba).

16 the vegetable garden we can grow almost all the ordinary plants under
cultivation in the Montreal and more northern regions of the Province without
starting them in the hot bed. But then we can get cabbages ready to eat only in
September, and cucumbers only at the end of August. If we like to have them
earlier we have to sow them ina hot bed, and so we have to do with cauliflowers,
celery and leeks,

The six following kinds of vegetables it is impossible to grow at all, because they
give only very poor products for want of heat and on account of the shortness of the
summer: Artichokes, Egg Plants, Melons, Peppers, Tomatoes, Watermelons.

In the flower garden thirty-one families of plants supply us with fifty-four
varieties of hardy perennial flowers, bearing without any protection, the inclemency
of our winters.

Foreigners living in Europe in the same latitude as we do must think that we
are not much favoured by nature, from an horticultural point of view. In fact, if we
follow the isothermal line running through the regions under the same climatic
conditions as we are, we have to go as far north as Stockholm, in Sweden, to 60° of
latitude, a difference of 12° 30’ in our latitude.

Mr, Caston.—It is surprising to find how many varieties it is possible to grow
in 47° north latitude. They are certainly not tied down to a few varieties aftor all.

Mr. Fisk.—l was surprised to hear Mr. Chapais say that the Lombard plum
grows there.

Mr. Cuapais.—It grows quite well there.

Mr. Frankianp.—About what size is the white strawberry ?

Mr. Cuapats.—It is rather small, but we hold to it because it bears heavily, and
it is such a hardy variety.

Mr. Casron.—Does it grow two crops in the season ?

Mr. Cuapats.—Yes; it bears in the beginning of July, and we have berries all
the time on the bush until the beginning of September.

Mr. R. W. Srazr.—What is the average snow fall in your section of the
country?

Mr. Cuapats.—In the open country 5 feet; in the woods 7 or 8 feet,

Mr. R. W. Srarr.—I think that is a solution of the question. If we had that
protection in Nova Scotia we should be able to grow fruits that we cannot do now.

Mr. Caston.—Do the apple trees yield well there?

Mr. Cuapats.—Not 80 well, of course, as around Montreal, but then the fruit is
very good. Of course, I am not speaking from a commercial point of view. Our
aim is simply to supply local wants. Ido not think we shall be able to make a
commercial affuir of it, except, perhaps, for strawberries,

Mr. Caston.—Have you any other grape that will ripen as early as the
Champion?

Mr, Cuarats.—The only work we have done with the grapes is in growing the
Champion and the Hartford.

Mr. Fisk.—In Kamouraska County they are more than a month later than we
are in Montreal.

137

Sma, Fruits AND THEIR COMMERCIAL VALUE IN ONTARIO.

_. The Prestpent,—The next paper will be on “Small Fruits and their Commer-
cial Value in Ontario,” by Mr. A. M. Smith, of St. Catharines, President of the Onta-
rio Fruit Growers’ Association. In his absence it will be read by Mr. Woolverton.

Mr. Smith’s paper was as follows :—

Mr. Cuatrman AnD GentLEMEN,—I have been asked by your committee to give

-& paper on the commercial value of small fruits; but from want of any reliable
statistics or data, I can give nothing more than a rough estimate or calculation of
the money value of this class of fruits grown in the Dominion, and I have concluded
to give you instead a few thoughts and suggestions in regard to their economic value
and the importance of paying more attention to this branch of horticulture. In
regard to the healthfulness and necessity of these fruits I think there can be no ques-
tion. The former is endorsed by the best medical authority and the latter by the
best housekeepers and cooks in the country, and coming ina season when there is
scarcely any other fresh fruits makes them doubly valuable ; and it isa wonder to me
that the tables of Canadians, particularly those of our farmers, who have every facility
for growing them, are not better supplied. Of course, when the country was new and
farmers were busy clearing their land they had an excuse for not devoting their time
to their cultivation, particularly as there were in most places sufficient wild berries
to supply their wants—besides the newer and better sorts had not then been intro-
duced. But now that the country is cleared up and the wild ones have disappeared,
and there are plenty of choice kinds that can be cultivated with less trouble than it
would take Lo go to the bush to hunt up wild ones, how is it that nine-tenths of the
farmers of Canada do not grow enough small fruits for their own consumption, to say
nothing of growing them for market? I will venture the assertion that not one
farmer in fifty, take this Dominion through, has a bed of strawberries on his farm,except
they may be wild ones; and I will venture another gssertion, that there is not one
farmer in 500 but what would eat a good sized dish of strawberries and cream twice
a day fora month if they were set before them and their wives, and families. Wouldn’t
their mouths water for a dish once a week if they could get them? And avery little
trouble and expense would supply them with these and other small fruits through-
out the season, But you ask these men, why don’t you plant berries, currants, &c.,
and they will tell you they can’t afford to buy the plants—or they have not time to
tend them; while at the same time they are spending more for plug tobacco and
poor whiskey every year than it would take to buy plants enough to plant an acre,
and they spend more time loafing around the bar-rooms and corner groceries than it
would take to cultivate them. But Iam happy to say there is beginning to be an
improvement in this direction. Occasionally a farmer visits some of his friends in
town and stays to tea, and gets a taste of strawberries (townspeople, who have no-
land-you-know can afford such luxuries), or visits a more progressive neighbour’s gar-
den and sees them growing, and the next year he plants a few, and thus itis spread-
ing a little, and I am in hopes that in a few years farmers will begin to eat fruit, as
well as those who have no land to grow it on. ; ; ;

‘One thing that makes the growing of small fruits of importance is that they
will succeed in many sections of our country where larger fruits cannot be grown,
on account of the severity of the climate; and with the present methods of canning,
evaporating and preserving fruit, there is scarcely a settler in any part of this wide
Dominion who could not grow enough of some kind of fruit to have a supply the
year round. There has been a great increase in the varieties of small fruits in this
country within the last few years. It is within the memory of most of us when all
the cultivated varieties of strawberries and raspberries could have been counted on
our fingers, and the currants on our thumbs. But now they are numbered by
hundreds, and every year brings outa score of new ones, clamouring for public favour.
Tis true but few of them are superior or equal to many of the old varieties, and

- soon drop out of the list and are lost sight of; but some come to stay, and are

many n , : : °
real acquisitions and improvements on the old, and in this way great advancements

138

are being made, Some of our skilled hybridists such as the late Charles Arnold,
P. C. Dempsey, Prof. Saunders, and others, have demonstrated what can be done in
hybridizing and producing new and valuable fruits, and I believe that within ten
years we shall see greater results in this direction than we have in the past, and I
believe we have a great help in the testing and introducing of new fruits in your
Experimental Farm. Heretofore this business has all been in the hands of inter-
ested parties who had the plants to dispose of, and in many cases they have cared
more for filling their own pockets than for the success and and value of the fruit, or
the interest of the purchaser, and the consequence has been that much time and
money has been expended in growing what has proved to be worthless. But now
we can be assured that the tests made under the supervision of Prof. Saunders and
the values placed upon them for this and similar climates can be relied upon, and I
only regret that we have not a branch or a similar station in Western Ontario, where
we could have tender varieties of fruit, such as peaches, pears, plums, grapes, as
well as small fruits that cannot be grown here on account of the severity of the
climate, tested and disseminated, and I sincerely hope and trust that our rulers will
soon see the importance and necessity of this work, and grant us this boon.

In regard to the growing of small fruits for market, many of us know the time
when our towns and cities were chiefly supplied from the States, and farmers thought
that growing small fruits for market was small business. I well remember that when
I planted my first acre of strawberries at Grimsby less than thirty years ago that
my neighbours thought that 1 was crazy or afool. But when they saw I real-
ized more from that one acre than they did from ten acres of wheat they thought I
was not so foolish after all, and to-day there are scores of them in just such foolish
business, and now our markets are well supplied with all kinds of small fruits of our
own growing, and during the past year we have exported over $75,000 worth to our
neighbours; and from what information I have been able to gather I am sure that the
value of the amount consumed in the country would not be much less than $1,000,-
000 annually. But this amouft ought to be double what it is, and I am satisfied it
will be in a short time. Settlers in Manitoba and the North-West are beginning to
find that these are nearly the only fruits they can grow successfully, and they are
planting largely, and the Ontario Government has been sending out missionaries
among the farmers at their various institute meetings in different parts of the
Province, and many of them have been converted, and are actually going to plant out
berries enough for their own use, and perhaps some to sell, and there are indications ofa
general revival in this branch of horticulture; and it becomes those who are leaders
in fruit growing to render all the assistance they can, to give information in regard
to best varieties to plant, to encourage the growing and testing of new varieties and
their dissemination, to give instructions in regard to cultivation, &c. I have said
nothing about varieties or the profits of growing small fruits, taking it for granted
that those assembled here know us much as Ido about these things. My object is
to stir up more interest in them and show their value and importance to the country
at large, and teach the people not to “despise the day of small things,” particularly of
small fruits, and ifI can do this, even in a small way, my object has been accom-
plished.

Mr. Perrrs.—Will you give us some idea of the yield of strawberries per acre ;
What is a fair yield?

Mr. Wootverton.—The average yield in southern Ontario would be, perhaps,
2,000 quarts per acre, although in special instances, with careful culture, we have
as high as 4,000 and 5,000 quarts, and I have known even as high as 8,000
quarts obtained. But that is only under special circumstances, on soil specially
adapted and after excellent care and cultivation. It is only in rare instances that
they can succeed in getting such results.

Mr. Perers.—Then, as to your mode of cultivation ?

Mr. WooLverton.—The mode of cultivation with us is generally in matted rows,
which we keep rather narrow. We give them as much manure as we can possibly
afford. Thatis about the rule. Of course, the ground should be well worked up a
year previous to the strawberries being put in.

189

Mr. Perurs.—How long do you keep them in the same crop ?

Mr. Woo.verton.—We give them about two crops ; then the land is planted with
something else.

Mr. Starr.—What is an average crop of raspberries ?

Mr. Wootvertron.—I do not do much with raspberries, but I think I would get
fully as many raspberries from an acre of land as strawberries

Mr, Srarr.—More than 2,000 quarts ?

Mr. Wootverton.—Yes; perhaps 3,000.

Mr. Perers.—What will they average per quart?

Mr. Wootverton.—They vary in different seasons. One season I averaged 10'
lai for the whole crop, another season 8 cents, and I have averaged as low as 6
cents.

Mr, Petrrs.—In making a new plantation, what distance do you put them apart?

Mr. Woo.verton.—We plant our strawberries 1 foot apart in the rows, and
ce ae about 3 feet apart. We take two crops of fruit off, as a rule, and then
plough it,

Mr. Pzrers.—You plant in the spring ?

Mr. Wootverton.—We plant as early in the spring as convenient.

Mr, Peters.—Do you call that one crop ?

Mr. Wootvrrtron.—No; there is no crop that year. The first season we allow
them to run until we have a sufficient number of plants ready for the plantation for
the next two years.

Mr, Perers.—What is the nature of your land?

Mr. Wootvertron.—Sandy loam.

Mr. Caston.—What is your best raspberry ?

Mr. Woorverton.—The best market raspberry in the Niagara peninsula is the
Cuthbert.

Mr Caston.—I think the Turner is hardier than the Cuthbert.

Mr. Franxuanp.—The Cuthbert is rather tender.

Mr. Wootverron.—The Turner is a very excellent raspberry for home use, but
is not quite so firm as the Cuthbert.

Mr. Peters.—How do you protect strawberries in the winter time ?

Mr. Wootverton.—We cover them with a strawey manure,

Mr, Perwrs.—Did you ever attempt to put rail fences, running east and west,
3 rods apart ?

Mr. Wootverron.—No. ;

Mr. Perers.—Do you have snow all winter ?

Mr. Wootverton.—No,

Mr. Peters.—We adopt that plan in New Brunswick,

Mr. Wootverton.—It vollects the snow, I believe.

Mr. Perers.—Yes.

Mr. Wootverton.—It would not do with us. We have had no snow at all this
winter.

‘Mr. Castoy.—Have you tried mulching the gooseberries and currants ?

Mr. Wootverron.—l have never tried it. They are not affected by the winter
with us at all. ae ;

Mr. Caston.—Mulching with top manure, or anything of that description, is
supposed to help the crop. ;

Mr, Woouverton.—l find coal ashes useful in that way. ;

Mr. Caston—They are good to mix with the soil, but as a top dressing for the
strawberry nothing is equal to good barnyard manure well rotted.

Judge Moscrove.—How do you leave your rows ? ;

Mr. Woo.verton.—My plan is now to harrow them down more than I did at one
time. Formerly I left them as wide as possible, by having a wide row and a narrow
walk. Now my plan isto keep the rows rather narrow—say, down to about 10
inches.

Mr, Perers.—Yuu do not allow the plants to get thick in the row?

140

Mr. Wootverton--No, If youallow them to get wide, those in the centre obtain
no benefit of cultivation. It is best to keep cutting the runners off after you have
as many plants as you wish.

Judge Moscrove.—tIn regard to the cultivation of the strawberry, I have been
adopting a different course at my place. Lately I have been planting the rows four
feet apart and then rolling the rows over, not ploughing up. On one side of the
row I have dug a trench and put manure in, letting the runners go over it, so that
they take root there next year and then I cut out the old one. The great difficulty
I find in carrying out that system is, that my men will not cut out the old, worn-out
plants. This year I have adopted rather a different course. I have put pins down
where they have cut them out, so that I can trace in the future by means of these
pins, what has been done, and can compel the men to cut out the old ones. I was
happy to hear Mr. Peters speak about the fences which they use in New Brunswick.
Among my own crops I have 2,400 yards of fences running all through the eight
acres.

Mr. Wootverton.—I see that Mr. Smith has just entered the room. He left in
my hand a resolution which grows out of the paper which has just been read, and
perhaps it would be wise to introduce it at this point.

The PresipEnt.—The following motion has been presented for consideration.
Moved by A. M. Smith, seconded by L. Woolverton :—

“That whereas there has been and is a great loss to the Canadian farmers and
fruit-growers in the introduction of new fruits by parties interested in the sale of
trees and plants, which, upon being tested, have been found to-be worthless, and thus
a great amount of time and money have been wasted; be it therefore resolved,
that while we believe the Government, through their Experimental Farms, are doing
all they can in the way of testing fruits for their adaptation to this and similar
climates, still we realize that the tests made here, owing to the severity of the climate,
do not meet the wants of the great fruit-producing portions of our country. We
therefore regard it as very essential to the welfure of this industry and the country
at large that a branch experimental station should be established somewhere in
southern Ontario, where not only tender varieties of fruits could be tested, but also
grains and vegetables which cannot be produced in more rigorous climates.”

Mr. A. M. Suira.—I do not kuow that it is necessary to take up much time in
explaining that motion. I think you can all understand for yourselves that Ottawa,
where the Experimental Farm is located, is not the situation where they can grow
many of our choice varieties of fruits. We deem it very necessary that those
varieties which are constantly coming before the public should be tested in some
way before they are sent out, before parties invest their money in them. A great
many of us know to our sorrow that varieties which have been offered to us, and
recommended very highly by men in high positions in the horticultural world, when
we come to grow them in our locality they have turned out to be worthless; the
large price we paid for them and the time we have expended is all lost. We all
know the pains that is being taken at the Experimental Station, at the expense of the
Government, to test the different varieties of fruit and, in fact, everything in the
agricultural line, and we can all see that this climate here is not adapted and
never can be adapted for testing a great many varieties, not only of fruit but of
grain and vegetables. Hence the necessity for establishing a branch Experimental
Farm. This thing is being done in the States of the neighbouring Union toa large
extent. I would like to hear an expression of opinion on this point,

Judge Mosarove.—Would not the Guelph Experimental Farm station do the
experimenting that you require ?

Mr. Sairn.—I am sorry to say that the Guelph Farm is very little, if any, better
situated for testing the varieties of fruit to which I refer than the farm here at
Ottawa. A few varieties of apples may stand the climate of Guelph, but peaches
are altogether out of the question. Many varieties ot apples, pears, plums, g1apes,
cherries, and other small fruits will not succeed there at all.

141

Judge Mosarove.—Can you grow grapes in the Niagara district which we
cannot grow here?

Mr. Surta.—wWe can, and without protection. I have no doubt you can grow a
great many varieties of grapes here by laying them down in the winter, but where
we grow grapes by the fifty acre lots, as they do in the Niagara district, that would
be an almost endless job.

Mr. Beati.—We have a great many varieties growing in the Lindsay district,
but of course they suceeed a great deal better when they are covered up in winter.

Mr. ALLAN.—F think there is a great necessity for something being done on the
lines suggested by the resolution. Fruit growers generally know what itis to
experiment themselves. We know how costly it is; we know how long it takes to
gain the knowledge required, and in gaining that knowledge we lose a good deal of
time and money. By the establishment of an experimental station of this descrip-
tion somewhere in southern Ontario it would cover the requirements of a very large
portion of the country. A test made there would not only bea test for southern
Ontario, but for other portions of Ontario as well. It would bea test for western
Ontario, and even for grape vines for this district, probably as good a test as could
be made at the Ottawa farm. It would also apply for southern British Columbia,
and, in fact, would be a good and reliable test for many sections of thecountry. For
these sections that grow for commercial purposes there would be more value got
out of a branch farm in southern Ontario than can be obtained from the Experimental
Farm here, from the tests which have been made for producing the hardier fruits for
the colder regions. JI am quite in accord with the spirit of the resolution.

Mr. Surru.—In regard to the farm at Guelph, there isa gentleman here, Prof.
Panton, who can tell us what success they had with the fruits there.

Prof, Panron.—I really could not tell you the success of our trial there, but I
published it in a former bulletin. We started out with some ninety-six varieties and
a good many of them would not ripen with us. I think we cut them down to about
twelve.

Mr, Surra.—The question is, do you regard the location at Guelph as a suitable
one for testing the tender varieties of fruits, such as are grown in southern Ontario.

Prof. Panton.—I think hardly so, for the tender fruits. With regard to the
small fruits, we have had fairly good success, but none with the grapes. Peaches
and pears we never attempt to grow. In regard to apples, this year we are setting
out in the orchard a large number, and probably we shall have some good results,

Mr. Wootverron.—This is a desirable matter to push, and perhaps the resolu-
tion should be referred to the Legislative Committee. 1 donot think there would
have to be any great expense incurred in establishing such a branch station as has
been indicated. There is such a station in the State of Michigan. Mr. T. T. Lyons,
President of the Michigan Horticultural Society, sent me a circular some time ago
speaking of the success they had had, andI do not see why it is not a practical
thing that we should have one.

‘The resolution was unanimously adopted.

The Prestpent.—I think if we transmit the resolution to the Minister of Agri-
culture, with the proper representations, it will suffice. The next paper will be b
Mr. Thomas Beall, of Lindsay, on “ The Suitability of the Climate of Ontario for the
Propagation of Grapes for Wine.’ ;

Mr. Bravu.—I should state that the title of the paper as just announced, and
which appears on the programme, 18 not as I gave itin. Owing to severe illness in
my family I had not the time to get up all the particulars that I would like to have
obtained on the subject, and, with the permission of the Convention, I will change

the title of the paper to read:

Tae GROWING OF GRAPES FOR WINE IN ONTARIO.

Grape culture in this Province is capable of expansion to almost an unlimited
extent. We have thousands, perhaps hundreds of thousands, of acres of land where

142

the soil, the elevation and the climate is as well suited to the successful prosecution
of this industry as in the greater portion of the wine districts of Hurope.

It may therefore be reasonably asked: Why grape-growing is not more exten-
sively pursued in this Province ?

If this question were asked of the grape-growers in Ontario, individually, each
person would probably give a different answer.

A gentleman in the County of Essex, one of several to whom application was
made for information respecting the subject of this paper, gave five reasons why
there was not a greater acreage of vineyard in that county: “(1) Want of enter-
prise; (2) Ignorance of the culture of the grape; (3) A feeling that the business
will be overdone; (4) Want of confidence in the wine trade; (5) Discouragement
from poor returns from the commission sharks of Toronto and Montreal.” The 1st,
2nd and 5th reasons are well known, The 3rd and 4th call for a few words of
comment,

The 3rd reason, “ A feeling that the business will be overdone,” is a probability
which every intelligent grape-grower should carefully consider; for, if immediate
provision for the manufacture of Canadian wine be not at once made on a larger
scale than at present, and a-much greater amount of commercial tact, capital and
scientific knowledge brought into requisition, the production of grapes is already
overdone—in proof of which I need only point to the fact that many tons of grapes
were sold in Hamilton in 1888 at from 1 ct. to 14 cts. per pound. But as long as
grapes, such as Concord or Worden, can be readily disposed of at from 2 to 2% cts.

per pound (and wine-makers can well afford to purchase at that price) grape culture.

will be one of the most profitable industries in this country. For, at that price a
net profit of $50 or $60 per acre can be realized; and, as good, sound wine can be
made for much less than 50 cts. per gallon with grapes at that price, wine-making
should be at least as profitable as grape-growing. Concord grapes can be profitably
produced, on a large scale, at one-half the price quoted.

My friend’s 4th reason, “ Want of cunfidence in the wine trade,” should be
enquired into. :

A good deal of the Canadian wine in the market is of fuir quality. Occasionally
asample of good quality is met with, but its general character is so uncertain that
it is impossible to duplicate the sample from another year's vintage from the same
maker. No two makers pretend to make wine alike in character, and the same
maker does not produce a similar wine two years in succession. Hence, the reason
why Canadian wine has no fixed commercial value. The Pellee Island wine is sold
from 60 cents to $2 per gallon, when all might be worth the highest price—per-
haps more. It is no wonder, therefore, that “no confidence can be placed in the
wine trade.”

At the last winter meeting of the Ontario Fruit Growers’ Association, at Wind-
sor, the members had an opportunity—through the kindness of some of the leading
wine-makers of that locality—of sampling several varieties of their wines. Some
samples were sweet and insipid enough to please the most intolerant of 'pro-
hibitionists; others were of fairly good quality. A few were really very fine wines.
Two samples especially, which were presented by Mr. Ernest Girardot, were very
superior wines—so good, in fact, that if a maker succeeded in making a wine of
that identical character continuously, it would, as soon as it became known, bring a
higher price than the best light European wine now in the market; which goes far
to prove what has often been stated by experts, that the most of our grapes contain
an abundance of all the necessary elements for producing a first-class wine—the
sugar, the acids, the tannin, and the etheric or fragrant oils,

The expense of producing the best wine is but little, if anything, greater than
for the production of the poorest. The principal difference in the quality is in the
amount of correct scientific gkill brought to bear in its production.

The limit of profitable grape culture for dessert purposes has now been reached,
unless new markets can be opened for the surplus. Manitoba and the North-West
Territories is the hope of many; but their hopes will be in vain, until just and equit-

vw

148

able freight rates can be obtained from our public carriers. At the present time
the rates for certain goods, fruit especially, is exorbitant, even when obtained at
privileged points; but at other places, where there are no competing lines, the rates
charged for the same class of goods is positively prohibitory. I will mention one
case. The express rate last summer on a certain kind of fruit from Toronto to
Portage la Prairie, and also from Grimsby to Portage la Prairie, was $3.25 per 100
Ibs; while from Lindsay, even after the agent had kindly obtained a specially
reduced rate, it was $6.75 per 100 lbs.

The hope of the grape-grower is therefore in the establishment of wine-making
at central points ona large scale,so that the whole crop may be sold at onct in
bulk for-cash. If this were done grape culture would advance in extent unequalled
by any other branch of horticulture, and the thousands upon thousands of acres of
land unexcelled for grape culture in the world, which are to-day nearly worthless,
would in afew years become more valuable than the best wheat lands in the Province
are at present. ;

One of the largest grape-growers for dessert purposes in Ontario was told a
year or two ago that a company was about to be established in his locality for the
making of wine on a large scale; and in order to secure a sufficiency of fruit the
company would require a number of persons in that locality to contract with the
company to plant, to cultivate and to seil to the company all the fruit for twenty
years, the company binding itself to purchase the whole crop in bulk for the
twenty years at a price not less than 1 cent. per pound, and was then asked what he
would do in the matter. His answer was: “ If 1 can be assured of the solvency of the
company, and of its ability to fulfil its part of the contract, I will plant 100 acres of
grapes next spring on the conditions mentioned.” I quote this as a proof of what
grapes can be grown for, and also to show what this expert as well as hundreds of
other persons, would gladly do.

Here, then, is an opportunity for the profitable investment of capital such as does
not often occur. The raw material can be obtained in abundance and ata price as low
as can be desired. The cost of manufacturing is small in proportion to the capital
invested, and the market’ for the manufactured article unlimited, and also with a
certainty that the profits will be all that any person could reasonably ask, with a
certainty of their continuance for generations to come.

Mr. Perrrr.—tI quite agree with the remarks made by Mr. Beall in his paper
in regard to the large area of country in Ontario suitable for grape-growing. It
covers a far greater extent of country than many of us imagine. In replies which I
have received when asking for information in order to prepare a paper on grape
growing in southern Ontario, I was really surprised to find the large tracts of
country where the climate and soil are suitable for this industry, and I believe that the
wine-growing industry of Ontario has a great future before it. I believe that when
prejudice can be driven from the minds of our people that the thousands of dollars
which is now paid annually to foreign countries for their wines will be kept within
the Dominion. There have been s0 many new and early varieties, and hardy
varieties, that the territory for grape-growing is almost unlimited.

Mr. Kew.—I do not pretend to be a grape grower, but I cannot help agreeing
with remarks made as regards the profits which may be derived from grape-growing.
Mr. Beall made a statement that a cent a pound profit would suffice. I heard a
statement made at the convention at Grimsby a few years ago, and it was laughed
at by agreat many. I thought at that time that we could not grow grapes for less
than 5 cents a pound. Since grapes have come down in price to an average
of 4 cents for Concords, taking the crop all through—sometimes:they come down to
3 and 2 cents—surely there must be profit in the vineyards when so many are being
planted. In California, a country we hear so much about, and! where the conditions
are so favourable to fruit growing, they are still planting grapes and growing them.
They plant and grow them under a different system thag we do here, but they
cannot grow more to the acre than we do. They feel well Satisfied and are making
a good fair profit when they can get from half to three quarter cents a pound.

144

Rarely does their price exceed three-quarters of a cent per pound, and when we
consider the expense there, the high price of land, and the difficulty of getting the
land into cultivation, as it is a very hard soil to work and requiring irrigation, for
them to be satisfied with that price should induce us to be content with a cent a
pound. The irrigation canals in California are built by the State authorities, and the
growers are charged so much for irrigating their land, according to its size. All
these expenses considered, also the high wages for employees, which must be a tax
upon them, why should not we, the grape-growers of Canada, be satisfied with a
cent a pound when we have all these advantages. I quite agree with the remarks
of Mr. Beall.
Judge Moscrovz (Ottawa).—I suppose Iam the most extensive grape-grower
in this part of the country, but when [ hear gentlemen like Mr. Smith, coming from
a section of the country where they have vineyards in fifty acre lots and larger, I
hardly feel justified in saying anything on the subject. My experience has been but
of afew years. I knew nothing about grape-growing until I happened to purchase
a small tract of land a few miles from Ottawa, and I went thereto reside, but not
with the intention of planting a vineyard or anything of that kind. However, I
took afancy to grapes, and have now under cultivation ten acres. I had had no
experience or knowledge whatever of grape culture, except from my reading, and,
at first I laboured under many great difficulties. For the first few years I employed
gardeners, paying them high wages, and got but little satisfaction in return, The
first year J planted 168 vines, of which I have but eight or ten living. The next
year I planted from 500 to 600, and of that quantity I have about 100 or 160 of the
original planting left. The following year I planted 720 vines, and of those I have
300 living. This, certainly, was not promising, but I was determined to succeed if
Icould. I was told that grapes could not grow here, but I was resolved to continue,
and did continue, until I feel now that Ican plant 100 grape vines and calculate on
seeing more than 90 of them grow and bear fruit. I have got about 100 varieties on
my premises. So far as my field goes, I have not more than a dozen varieties there,
but in my garden and around my walks I have a large number of varieties. In
regard to wine-making, I brought up from South Missouri a white wine grape—the
“ Klvira ’—and it has succeeded beyond my expectations. It is an immense bearer,
and has increased much in size. As to the quality, I cannot recommend it as a table
grape, but it makes a nice white wine. I made about 600 gallons of wine last year
altogether. Of the red grapes, I likewise got the “Marion.” Last year I took
extra care in picking the grapes, and had the green and injured ones thrown out.
In this section ofthe country last year, 1889, was the worst for grapes we have had since
I have had anything to do with fruit. It was the only year in which the fruit did
not fully ripen with me, but the two wine grapes which 1 have mentioned always
ripen. The reason is, that they are the grandchildren of our common wild grape.
The “ Elvira” is from seed of the “Taylor,” which is one remove from the wild
grape. I cannot give the pedigree of the ‘“ Marion.” Bush describes it as one of
“Wendwortt’s famous school of grapes.” That is all he says of itin his work. In
regard to the effect of properly examining the grapes before they are mashed down,
for several years the amount of acid ranged as high as 15 or 16 degrees, but last
year, by eliminating all inferior grapes—the green and injured ones—I reduced the
acid by 3 degrees, which anyone who makes wine, and knows anything about wine-
making, knows that that is a great difference. It brought up the sugar to 75
degrees by Oschell’s saccharometer, and I had to put in very little sugar.
Mr. McGill, the assistant Dominion Analyst analysed the wine, and finds it
contains 11 degrees of alcohol. I have some very nice wine, but I have never sold
any yet. Iam satisfied, however, that we can make a fine winehere. As to selling
it, I cannot speak, but I am going to try it this season, as I have on hand all that
I made during the past six or seven years. I have made a nice sparkling wine,
which does very ‘well for passing an evening with friends, making the hours short
and happy, driving dull care away. For the first attempt I have ever made in this
direction Ido not think it is at all discreditable. I am strongly impressed with

145

this, that to make a good article in wine you have to go to the Riparian family, and
I believe that that is the conclusion of all wine-makers, I cannot think that grapes
can be raised as cheaply as some gentlemen say to be profitable. At any rate, it
cannot be done in this section of the country. As one remarkable thing in connec-
tion with grape culture here, which I would like to refer to: in all my reading, I
have not read that east of the Rocky Mountains any European grape has succeeded,
but I want to state that there are two grapes of the European family grown here to
perfection—one is the “ Chasselas de Fontainebleu,” and the “Meuenier.” Whether
any others would grow here or not I do not know.

2 oo Smira.—Do you know anything about the grape called the “ Northern

ight?”

Judge Moscrove.—Yes; an old gentleman, Mr. Cameron, who is governor of
L’Orignal gaol, found a seedling growing alongside his kitchen door, and he pulled it
up and threw it away. It commenced to grow there, and the late Judge Daniels told
Mr. Cameron to plant it and take care of it. He planted it again and it grew well.
It produces a very fine grape, and I believe will be a very great acquisition to the
grapes of this country. It ripens before the Concord a week or ten days. I have
heard that a certain gentleman had control of that grape vine, but last year I was
down there holding court when Mr. Cameron showed it to me, and he was very
desirous of selling the vine, so that itis in the market for anybody who wants to
purchase it.

Mr. R. W. Srarr.—I know two vines growing in my neighbourhood in Nova
Scotia, which are certainly over fifty years old. One is the Black Custard and the
other the old Sweet Water. We also grow the Royal Muscatel with a good deal of
success. This latter variety does very well with us. The clusters are certainly as
fine as any of the American grapes, and decidedly better than the Canadian, so far as
I know them. ;

Mr. Bratt.—Can you speak of any European grapes grown in Niagara, Mr.Smith?

Mr. Smurtu.—I know of none, except at Niagara-on-the-Lake. A gentleman there,
of the name of Haffer, who is mayor of the town, has been successful in growing the
“Black Hamburg” I have never seen them growing, but have heard of them.

The PresrpEnT.—It will be necessary for us to hold an evening session for the
transaction of business, and I do not see how we can possibly hear the remaining
papers on the programme.

Mr, Perrit.—l will move that the balance of the papers be read by title, and the
papers be handed into the secretary for publication in the Official Report.

Judge MosaroveE seconded the motion.

The resolution was adopted.

The Convention then adjourned, to meet in the evening,

Fripay Evenina.

The Convention met at 8 p.m., the President stating that the proceedings would
be necessarily short, owing to a desire of many of the delegates to return to their
homes.

Mr, Auuan.—The Committee on Transportation is prepared to report. It is
not a very formal report, and it is made up of resolutions. I will just merely read
the resolutions which form the report. They are as follows :— ; ;

1, The bills of lading in general use by the railroad and steamship companies
carrying fruit to England contain so many exceptions and conditions, inserted
entirely in the interest of these carrying companies, that they are practically worth-
less in protecting the interests of the shippers of fruit. We therefore recommend
that a special committee be appointed to consider the matter, and invite corres-

ondence from the various carrying companies, with a view to procuring the use of
bills of lading more equitable in their conditions.

3. We recommend and heartily endorse the suggestions of Mr. Sargeant, Traffic

_ Manager of the Grand Trunk Railway, to run regular fruit trains, similar to the

10

146

cheese trains, to the seaboard, as being most desirable in the interests of the fruit-
growers and shippers; also, that only ventilated cars, with improved springs and
buffers, be used on these trains. :

3. That a regular committee on transportation be appointed to confer with the
proper authorities of the express companies and the Canadian Pacific Railway to
make arrangements for shipping fruit to Manitoba and the Territories, both trom
British Columbia and the Eastern Provinces, at 'ower rates than now prevail. That,
in the opinion of this Convention the rates are so high as to practically prohibit a
proper development of the fruit trade in those Provinces.

4, 'That if the proper facilities and accommodation in transit be provided for
fruits, the possibility of extending the trade in our products with Europe is prac-
tically unlimited

That the over-production of some varieties of fruit, notably out-door grapes,
calls for more extended markets; and our Canadian markets being glutted, there is
nothing to induce the increase of grape culture.

At present the grape-consuming population of Britain is limited to those who
can afford hot-house grapes at a high price; and inasmuch as out-door grapes
are not grown in Britain, an opening is offered there for an enormous trade.
The same would apply to our melons, which are much higher in flavour than the
hot-house melons of Britain, and hence would command higher prices in their
markets. Our tomatoes also are larger, better in flavour and brighter coloured
than those grown in Britain, and therefore, we are convinced, would take a lead in
their markets. In case of a short crop in Europe of plums, pears and peaches, the
accommodation asked would present an opportunity whereby we would be enabled
to take advantage of the British markets,

5. That in the interest of growers and shippers of fruit from Canada to Europe
it is imperative, tor the greater development of the trade, in order that delicate
apples and other fruits may be successfully placed upon the European markets, that
steamship companies provide clean and well ventilated compartments, equipped
with atmospheric blasts, for the preservation of fruit in transit; and we would
further recommend that greater care be exercised in the handling of fruit packages
in transhipment and delivery.

* The PresipEnt.—I think, perhaps, the best way to deal with these reports is to
consider the resolutions in detail, and then we can adopt them or not.

First resolution was carried.

Second resolution was carried.

Third resolution was carried. :

Fourth resolution was carried.

On the fifth resolution, with reference to ocean transport:

Mr. Starratr.—Our great difficulty has been in the transportation of our fruit.
My locality is Annapolis, which is a shipping port, and unless we get a steamer at
Annapolis we are compelled to transport our apples over the railway to the port of
Halifax, and we cannot have an oversight as to handling them, and the consequence
is that they are put upon the English market in a bad condition, Now, if an
arrangement can be made with steamboat owners, or with some central authority,
by which we can get the steamers fitted up as fruit-carrying steamers, I think such
an arrangement would be of almost incalculable benefit to the fruit-
growers of the Lower Provinces as well as here. We know that putting
seven, or eight, or ten, or fourteen thousand barrels of apples in the hold of a ship,
that notwithstanding the ventilation, the consequence is they must be destroyed to
a greater or lesser extent, and my own observation has led me to the conclusion that
the shippers of fruit to Great Britain have been grievously imposed upon and
injured, not only by the improper ventilation of the ship which carried the
fruit, but also by the careless manner in which their employees handle the barrels in
moving them round. Now, I have had some experience in shipping apples to
England, and I have watched them, and others have watched them, and the com-
plaint was that when the fruit was put upon the market in London or Liverpool it

147

was almost useless. It is the universal result of my inquiry that bad attention to
the fruit has caused this, because the barrels were injured and shaken about and ill
used by the employees of these vessels. Now I hold it to be of the very first conse-
quence to the shippers of fruit, not only from Ontario, but from Quebec, New Bruns-
wick and Nova Scotia, that it be put upon the English market without being
injured. Now, there can be no possible difficulty in placing our fruit upon the
English market in good condition, ifthe ship is arranged with proper ventilation,
so that the fruit will not be heated in transit. Now, I know a proposition has been
made to protect our fruit, by which it may be kept cool and thoroughly protected
from the heating process; but there is one difficuity, and there is where the mischief
arises, and it is from that fact that our losses occur. Our barrels are handled
too roughly, and I entirely agree with any proposition whereby a judicious means
of moving the fruit in transit can be procured, so as to get it in good condition on
the market.

The resolution was carried.

A committee was then appointed to wait upon the transportation companies.

Mr. L. Wootverton, Secretary of the Ontario Fruit Growers’ Association, read
his paper on

AppLs GROWING IN SOUTHERN ONTARIO.

The apples of southern Ontario are gradually gaining a world-wide reputation.
In its favoured climate and fertile soil the apple is found in greater perfection of
growth than in any other country in the world. So well known have Ontario
apples become in foreign markets that the barrels so branded command a higher
price in the British market than those of other countries. This superiority consists
in the highest combination of points with regard to size, colour and quality. In
some places apples grow to an abnormal size at a sacrifice of quality; in others
they are firmer, and consequently longer keepers; but we claim that here these
qualities are combined in a high degree of excellence. The numerous medals
awarded to the Ontario Fruit Growers’ Association for excellency of display and for
best society collections of fruits, by the American Pomological Society, the
Centennial Commission, of Philadelphia, and at the late Intercolonial Exhibition in
England, bear witness to the excellence of the fruits of southern Ontario, and all
have served to draw the attention of intending settlers to our fertile country.

It is well known that the further north an apple can be successfully grown the
better for its colour and its keeping qualities; and for this reason.a tew varieties
succeed better still further north. For instance, the Fameuse, that prince of dessert
apples, succeeds far better in the neighbourhood of Montreal, both in size and colour,
than in the Niagara district, and the Wealthy apple can be grown much larger and
finer in the vicinity of Ottawa than on the southern shore of Lake Ontario. But for
a long list of our very finest winter apples, the latitude of Montreal or Ottawa is too
high, and would prove destructive to their very life. ;

5 Briefly we will here mention a few of the varieties which are most highly
valued for export, as grown in southern Ontario and which are here in their most
northern limit of successful culture. First, there is the King, a beautiful large red
- apple of the most excellent quality. The writer has an orchard of this variety, now

fonissaxe years planted, and has found it to bring, invariably, the highest price of
any apple sent forward to either the Canadian or British markets, sometimes selling
i "arent Garden as high as $6 per barrel. This last season this apple has been
~ ‘ d at from $5 to $6 per barrel in the British markets, and even in Canada Ihave

Aa at the rate of $4 per barrel, fo.b. When well grown it attains a fine size,
nal : one occasion, by actual count, I have filled a barrel with one hundred and
an ne - four apples. But like other precious articles, the King apple is hard to get
acta uantity. The tree is a scant bearer at best.
ae ae Gravenstein, a fall apple, beautifully striped and splashed with red, of fair

size and of excellent quality also, is another prime apple for export, brings almost
pile

3)

148

as high a price as the King in the British market. This apple is a good bearer, and
it is a mystery why so few trees of this kind are planted.

The Roxbury and the American Golden Russet are two varieties very highly
valued by the commercial orchardist. The former, when well grown, is of a good
size and, when mature, of fairly good quality. lts great feature, however, is its
keeping qualities, owing to which it may be kept in our own fruit house or cellars
until March or April, and then shipped on to either home or foreign markets at the
time when other varieties are scarce and apples are high-priced. The American
Golden Russet is about equally valuable as a market apple, but is inclined of late to
be somewhat affected by the apple scab, known to scientists as fusicladium dendriti-
cum; and, indeed, unless this can be overcome by means of copper sulphates or
hypersulphite of soda, will destroy many of our very best apples.

The Cranberry Pippin is an apple that has of late highly commended itself to
me us a commercial apple. It is large, oblong, beautifully striped and splashed with
red, of a waxen lustre, and very crisp flesh. I find it sells at a very high price as a
fancy apple. The tree is a very rapid grower, and unless well pruned and treated
with potash fertilizers much of the fruit will be mishapen. J would include it in
our list.

The Northern Spy has a high reputation as a commercial apple. In quality it
is excelled by very few, and when clear and well grown is also a beautiful apple, but
of late I have found it particularly liable to spot.

The Baldwin has had a wonderful run of popularity on account of its fine
appearance, large size under good cultivation, and enormous productiveness. But
of late it has not borne out its reputation in this regard, and some large orchards of
this variety in southern Ontario or in western New York have been for several
years almost barren. Then, the quality of the Baldwin is only second rate, and,
altozether it does not seem wise to recommend it as highly as formerly.

The Greening is one of our standard winter export apples, and is hard to dis-
place by any of the newer varieties for planting in southern Ontario. As generally
grown it is not beautiful in appearance, being entirely green, and not very even in
form. But in the rich sandy loam of the Niagara district it grows perfectly even in
form, and takes on a beautiful red blush, so that it is number one in beauty as well
as quality. It is yearly becoming more and more appreciated in foreign markets,
and since it is one of the most productive of all apples, it well deserves a place among
our best varieties. To show what the Greening will do under favourable conditions,
I may here make mention of an old Greening apple tree in my father’s orchard
which, at 75 years of age, covered a space of ground 40 feet in diameter, and
yielded twenty barrels of apples. It would be easy to calculate a fortune from an
orchard of such trees; thus, 40 trees per acre at 20 barrels per tree, at $1 net per
barrel, $800 per acre; 100 acres, $80,000 per anuum! Many thus foolishly exagger-
ate the profits of fruit culture, and I must confess to having been myself somewhat
duped by reading glowing descriptions of the enormous profits of fruit-culture as
given in papers and journals which are now run in the interests of the nurserymen,
and not of the fruit-grower, when I sold out every head of cattle and converted a
grain farm into a fruit farm,

On the whole, however, I am now, after sixteen years of patient waiting, quite
contented with the result. An apple orchard I am satisfied is in Southern Ontario,
the most valuable part of the farm, provided it is planted with a judicious selection
of varieties, such as are indicated above. According to my experience, a fair yield
per acre from such varieties as Spy, Greening and Roxbury Russet is an average
of about two barrels per tree, from trees in their prime, or over twenty-five years
planted. The price fluctuates considerably, according to the state of ‘the foreign
markets, For instance, in 1880 the average price per barrel in Ontario, according
to the Dominion statistics, was $2.37; in 1881 it was only $1.50, in 1884 $3.23,
in 1887, $1.92, and in 1888 $2.06. Of course, this price includes the package,
Perhaps it would Ve fair to average the net value of a barrel of good winter apples
at $1.00, and this would give, according to the above yield, an annual return from

149

an orchard in prime bearing about $80 per acre. This, of course, presupposes
every tree to be in thrifty condition, well pruned, well cultivated, and well dressed
each year with suitable fertilizers.

For those who are situated near to our large cities, it will be profitable to grow
fancy summer apples, such as the Red Astracan and Duchess of Oldenburg, which, on
account of their extreme beauty, rather than their quality, command a high price in
our home markets.

With regard to the extent of the apple orchards of Ontario, it is stated in the
report of the Ontario Bureau of Industries that there are about 200,000 acres of
orchards in the Province, and of these about 60,000 are situated in the counties border-
ing on Lake Ontario, about 40,000 in counties bordering on Lakes Erie and St. Clair,
20,000 in counties bordering on Lake Huron, and about 50,000 more are situated in
the inland counties lying intermediate between the above mentioned. Thus it isseen
that a large portion of the commercial orchards of Ontario are situated in the southern
part of the Province.

The export of apples from Ontario is gradually increasing, according to the sta-
tistics in the same report. In 1880 only about 32,000 barrels were exported, and the
quantity has annually increased until in the year 1888 over 226,000 barrels were
exported, yielding the Province a revenue of at least as many dollars.

From these imperfect statements it will at least be evident that apple culture in
southern Ontario is one of the most important industries in which the farmer can
engage who is favourably situated as to climate, soil and markets, and that by such
conventions as these, at which these important points are brought forward, much
good will result to the Dominion, by increasing the interest in fruit culture, and
thereby ultimately increasing the wealth of the country.

The Prestpent.—At the close of the proceedings of this meeting I feel that we
cannot adjourn without my making one or two remarks with reference to the work
we have accomplished and the origin of this work. As I pointed out in my opening
address, the conception of this meeting originated two years ago. Those with whom
the idea started, felt that there was some important work to be done by such an assem-
blage of fruit-growers, representing the interests in the widely-separated parts of this
Dominion, and it was this feeling which urged them forward to renew the applica-
tion to the Government tor a grant, which at first was not granted. The application
failed, however, for various reasons, and it was only by pursuing the matter that the
object was finally attained. We may consider, I think, from the success which has
attended this meeting, that those efforts were not in vain. In fact I think, we may
hold that this meeting has been of an eminently successful character. The papers
have been valuable, and the discussions have been carried on with a degree of intelli-
gence and interest which it is very rare to find in meetings of this kind; and as one
gentleman remarked to-day after he had been listening to our discussion here, he said :
“T fear you are going to set up a rival House of Commons. This is a fruit parlia-
ment,” This is, I think, what we may consider the highest tribunal for the decision
of matters relating to the fruit industry ; and I may say, furthermore, that the success
which has attended this mceting, not only regarding the papers presented and the
discussions thereon, but taking the meeting all around, that it 1s a surprise to all, and
exceeds the anticipations we had of it. Of course, I looked upon this as a matter of
experiment. It was a matter of experiment. When we applied to the Hon. Mr. Car-
ling last spring for the money which has enabled us to come together here, and when he
finally announced that the money had been granted, and we were making arrange-
ments for this meeting, he said : “I suppose you will be wanting a meeting every year.
L said, “That is entirely for the future. We may, but we cannot tell.” Isaid at present
we had not developed any precise plan with respect to that, but I felt perfectly conti-
dent that the interests involved in this meeting were of such an important character
that if any reasonable measure of success attended our proceedings something better
would result in the way of permanent organization. Now, that result bas actually
been attained, and we have established here indeed a permanent organization—at
least, we have taken the steps necessary to that end, and it only remains to get the

150

substantial support of the Government in order to carry them out. Now, I lookupon
this movement as the most important movement that has ever been taken in Canada
in the interests of fruit culture, and I now consider that the establishment of this new
society is of even greater importance. It opens a very broad field of usefulness, and I
say in the future the members of this society will have a noble work before them,
and I feel that it is an honour to anybody to be connected with the promotion of that
work. I have felt, as I have presided over this meeting during the three days we
have been in deliberation, that it was certainly an honour to preside over the dis-
cussions of so eminently intelligent a body of men as we have here now. With
reference to the new society, I may say that much against my own wishes the com-
mittee of organization saw fit to urge upon me the acceptance of the Presidency of
this Association for the coming year. Personal considerations would have induced
me to absolutely decline that, but I have always held that where a man can be of any
small use in promoting the general welfare it is his duty to do so, even if it be by
sacrificing his own personal convenience, and it was in that spirit that I finally con-
sented to accept the office, which was thus most kindly presented me. I may say
that I consider this office given to me is one of very great honour, and it will be my
duty or my endeavour during the coming year to do the best I can, in my own small
way, to promote the very large interests which are entrusted to me as President of
this new society. (Loud applause).

Mr. Starratt.—Coming here 1,100 miles from a lower Province, a stranger
amongst strangers, I came to this Convention, and I am glad to say thatI have enjoyed
myself very much listening to the papers that have been read and the discussions
which followed by the gentlemen here assembled. I go away with very good feel-
ing towards the gentlemen I have met here, and towards the association engaged in
this grand work. This is a great and growing industry. It is particularly so in the
Annapolis valley. The day is not far distant when the Annapolis valley to Digby
will be one vast orchard. People are awakening to the situation and are looking
forward to the possibilities. Ithank you all gentlemen for the thoroughly courteous
manner and warm consideration which you have extended to myself and my
colleague, and I hope to meet you all at another convention.

Mr. Peters.—] cannot allow this session to close without expressing to you,
gentlemen, the very great satisfaction which I have felt in meeting with you.
Coming from a distant Province—a Province which used to be considered very
dista‘it until the short line was constructed—a perfect stranger to all men who have
been connected with this association, I may say that I have felt very much at home
here, for a day or so. I thank those with whom I have associated for the cordial
reception they have given me and the courteous treatment they have accorded me,
and I shall carry home nothing but the most kindly feelings,

The usual vote of thanks was tendered to the Press, and the Convention
adjourned,

APPENDIX.

Prizes AWARDED AT Dominion ConvEntION oF FRurt-GROWERS HELD AT OTTAWA ON
19TH, 20TH AND 21st FreBruary, 1890,

JupcEes.—O. B. Hadwen, Worcester, Mass; 8. D. Willard, Geneva, N.Y.
Section 1—SEEpDLINGS.
Winter Dessert Apples—5 Specimens.

Ist. Smith & Kiernan, St. Catharines, Ont............ceeeeeee wees $10
2nd, Thomas Beall, Lindsay, Ont... .....ccccceccceseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeens 5
ool, he CrOtl, AU)ES VILLE. Otis sant stitaes sake venmaveachinbiven onea ee caves 3

151

Winter Cooking Apples—5 Specimens.

Ist. A. Brousseau, Abbotsford, Que... ..........cccccee ceceeeeeeeee ee $10
2nd. 8. Greenfield, Ottawa, Ont........ccccceecccceeeeaneceeneee eeenee 5
and... G. isie,. Abbokeford secssmse: co sissies siic coniesatmracisnn ee Ss

Winter Pears.
ist: P.-C, Dempsey, TRentOn .:ccscscvasicncineysinedsii’e oeivedenlenelleereiies 10

SEcTION 2—STANDARD VARIETIES OF APPLES.

American Golden Russet.

Pa

Ist. W. Borthwick, Ottawa, Ont. .....0 c.eecseceeceseeeee ceeeeneeneee ee 3
QU, Mi, PETG, WAM ON Bs coos cornea apnetenins dare tine dioninioniseiouimunacenoguibadene 2
Highly commended—C. O. Fisk, Abbotsford, Que.
Arabka.
Ist. Charles Gibb, Abbotsford, Que. ......ccccecceeeenee cesses ceeeees 3
2nd. P. Dupuis do CO cose: ceseicunaateeemcesas ares 2
: Baldwin.
Ist. J. Graham, Wallbridge, Ont. ........c.cceceeeseseee rene creeeees 3
znd. P.C. Dempsey, Trenton, Ont........ccecceeeeseseeeeeeceeereeee es 2
Highly commended—W. Borthwick, Ottawa, Ont.
Ben Davis.
Ist. J. Graham, Wallbridge, Ont..........:ceceeeeteeeessneee setae eetenes 3
2nd. P. C. Dempsey, Trenton, ONt. .....-eseeee eneeeeeee ents eens sais 2
‘Highly commended—W. Borthwick, Ottawa, Ont.
Blenheim Orange.

Ist. G. Murray, Deer Park, Ont............sesseeeseeeeeeeesse nee teenees 3
Ind. J. Croil, Aultsville, Ont........2. cceeeseeeceeeeeeee sete seeeneeeees 2
Blue Pearmain.

Ist. J. M. Fisk, Abbotsford, Que..........:..seseeeeeeerneeeee eee tenets 3
2nd. P. Dupuis, do CO ececcececcscseeeecceceeeneeaeeseneens 2
Canada Baldwin.

Ist. A. Brousseau, Abbotsford, Que. ....-+ssestesettreeereteee tereeees :
2nd, J. M. Fisk, AO. anand gander auanebacesoenen a coset 2
Cabashea.

Ast. J. Graham, Wallbridge, Ont....--..s-ssersrerreseess sceseevees 3
2nd. W. Borthwick, Ottawa, (ONT Gecceos ore serene eater semteneh ete 2
Cranberry Pippin.
ist. W. Borthwick, Ottawa, Ont... ..cccceceeereee esse eeetete ee ec eee es 3
Fallawater.
1st. W.- Borthwick, Ottawa, Ont... eccccccssseseeeeseseeereeeneneees 3
and, RB. W. Starr, Cornwallis, N.S... sessseeseesneesee reesei 2
Fameuse.
1st. J. Graham, Wallbridge, Ont. .....cceccsseeseseseneceneeeeeeecenees 3
dnd. G. B. Edwards, Covey Hill, Que......sssessersssensenreenesonrens g

‘

152

Greening (Rhode Island ).

Ist. S. L. Peters, Queenstown, N.B........ccec cc eeeceeeeneeeer sense eens $ 3
2nd. J. Graham, Wallbridge, Ont... .........ccceceseeseeeet ence een eeees 2
: Grimes Golden.

2nd. G. B. Edwards, Covey Hill, Que........cccccecsceseeeeeee seen eee 2
King.

Ist. W. Borthwick, Ottawa, Ont...........ccceeeesseeeeee ee eeeeecenees 38

2nd. Ms Pettit; Win0ta;” Oltbescscwesaueecsce tp eownonvmenscanceeenenien 2

Highly commended—Smith & Kerman, St. Catharines, Ont.
Mann.

Ist. P. C. Dempsey, Trenton, Ont.............. tia Se eaguoiawee sua stewie 3
2nd. J. Grahum, Wallbridge, Ont.........cccceccesseceeee ners eee ees 2
Newton Pippin.

(st. D. Vanduzen, Grimsby, Ont..........cccceseesescnseeeeseeeteneeee 3
2nd. L. Woolverton, On shia secesisdetsamstsesnnten ox voabnccues

Nonpareil.

Ist. C. R. H. Starr, Wolfville, N.S... econ ainueaueeeaesieek 3
and, Re We Starr, Cornwallis, NiSis cc siveuisecdseesescties oonenveneuse 2
Ontario.

Ist. W. Borthwick, Ottawa, Ont........cccccsecsecsesectseeeseseeeeeene 3
2nd J. Graham, Wallbridge, Ont ........ccccccsccseeesseeteeteeeeeasens 2
Pech’s Pleasnnt,

Ist. J. Graham, Wallbridge, Ont..........ccccscccsecsseeeseesenereneeees 3
2nd, P. C. Dempsey, Trenton, Ont.........ccccscceeessceseeeseeeeeeees 2
Pewaukee.

Ist. P. Dupuis, Abbotsford, Que. ......cecccsccseeeeeesccseceeeesener 3
Pomme de Fer.

Ist. E. Charron, Rougemont, Que............0.. ceeeecceeeeceeeeeeeens 3
2nd. N.C. Fisk, Abbotsford, Que. ...........c ee cceeseseeeeeeseeeeeees 2

Highly commended—G. B, Edwards, Covey Hill, Que.

Pomme Grise.

Ist. N.C. Fisk, Abbotsford, Que.. ........ .eccece ceeceeeeeeeesseneeees 3
2nd. J. M. Fisk do CO!” BSicesan tie emauabetk gesmeamanp eset 2
Roxbury Russet.

Ist. W. Borthwick, Cttawa, Ont. 0.0.0... cceeesesecneeesceteeeeseees 3
2nd. J. Graham, Wallbridge. Ont..........ccccecceceeeeecseceseeneceuees 2

Highly commended—P. C. Dempsey, Trenton, Ont.
Scott’s Winter.

Ist. Charles Gibb, Abbotsford, Que... .......c.cccceceeercceecceneneeuens 3
2nd. R. W. Shepherd, jr., Como, Que.......c.ccccceecaseeeeeeceesenees 2
Seek-no-Further.

Ist. D. Vanduzen, Grimsby, Ont. ........cc cece eeceeeee see neeeeeeee es 38

2nd, G. Murray, Deer Park, Ont........ ccc. cececceeceeeneeaevesceeees 2

153

Spitzenburg.

ist. G. Murray. Deer Park, Ont ..........ccccenccsseseesseeesseees
2nd, G. B. Edwards, Covey Hill, Que...........ccccccceeeeeeeeee

Spy,

Ist. G. B. Edwards, Covey Hill, Que............ccccceceeee eoeee
2nd. W. Borthwick, Ottawa, Ont..........ccccccecsecceeseeeseens
Highly commended—A. G. Hull, St. Catharines, Ont.

Starke,

Ist. R. W. Starr, Cornwallis, N.S. ...... cc ccccecsessceeeeeeteees

Swaar.

Ist. G. B. Edwards, Covey Hill, Que...........cceeccceeseueeees

Swazie.

Ist. R. W. Starr, Cornwallis, N.S......c cc ecceceeeeeeeeee eeeee
2nd. G. B. Edwards, Covey Hill, Que............e ceeeeeeeeeeee

Tolman Sweet.

ast. J. Croil; Aulteville: Ont. <4 seg es isincwass vccsbesssenetcaeeses
2nd. P. CO. Dempsey, Trenton, Ont........06. ceecessceeeeseeeees

Wagener.

2nd. W. Borthwick, Ottawa, Ont...........cccccseeeeceseeeeeeeee
Highly commended—R. W. Starr, Starr’s Point, N.S.

Wealthy.

Ist. G. B. Edwards, Covey Hill, Que.....c...csccssceeeer eens
2nd. J. M. Fisk, Abbotsford, Que. ........:.ccsseeeeceeeeeeeeenes

Yellow Belleflower.

Ist. J. Croil, Aultsville, Ont...........cccecseeeeeeeeeeeneeeeeeees
2nd. G. Murray, Deer Park, Ont..........::cceeeecrseeeeeeseen ees

Highly commended—W. Borthwick, Ottawa, Ont.
Any other variety of Dessert.

Ist. J. Croil, Aultsville, Ont. ......-cssseecssseeeeeeeeeeeneeesenees
Qnd. w. B. Edwards, Covey Hill, Que........ccrsereeteeeteeee oe

Any other variety of Cooking.

Ist. G. E. Roach, Abbotsford, Que.....-..ssesseeeeesreee nee State
2nd. W. Marshall, Abbotsford, Que........++-essreeeereeeereeeees

Section I[J—Prars—5 SPECIMENS OF EACH.

Belle Angevine.

st. Mrs. Evans, Chilliwhack, B.C.......:::1esseeesetetreeeeeees
ad. R. Wintermute, New Westminster, B.C .................

Beurré Grises.

ist. P. C. Dempsey, Trenton, Ont..........sseseesseeeeereeeees

Duchesse de Bordeaux.

ist. P. C. Dempsey, Trenton, Ont....... ceseeseeceeeeeereeees

Josephine de Malines.

ist. P. C. Dempsey, Trenton, Ont...........cceeeeeeeteeteeeee oe

sessews 3

low

jones 3

ed

154

Section IV—Domestic BortLtep Frurts—1 QUART OF EACH.

Apples.

Ist. Mrs. A. M. Smith, St. Catharines, Ont.................. Peace $3
2nd. Miss E. Smith, St. Catharines, Ont........... cc ccceesseeeeee ees ae MO
Pears.

Ist. Miss E. Smith, St. Catharines, Ont............:ceeee sees renee 3
Peaches.

Ist. Mrs. A. M. Smith, St. Catharines, Ont...........-e cesses eee 3
Cherries.

Ist. Mrs. A. M. Smith, St. Catharines, Ont... .........cc cece ese ee ee 3
Raspberries.

Ist. Miss HE. Smith, St. Catharines, Ont... ........ccececeee eee nee eens 3

. Strawberries.
Ist. Mrs. A. M. Smith, St. Catharines, Ont.............cecceeeeeeeees 3

Section V—WINTER-KEEPING GRAPES,
Grapes—Six Bunches Red.

Ist. A. G. Hull, St. Catharines, Ont.........cccecceeeseece tees ceeeenee 4
2nd. M. Pettit, Winona, Onti.:.c. ccc casanecs oasvun nena vtesen van meas es 2
3rd. W. Borthwick, Ottawa, Ont..........ccccccce ceeeseseeeeeeeaneeees 1
Grapes—Six Bunches Black.
Ist. W. Borthwick, Ottawa, Ont..........eseceecesecneeeeeeueceneeeeees 4
and. M. Pettit, Winona, Ontsve.ace seessieaieiencd arouses anes eeseenee 2
CoLLECTION OF CANNED FRuITS EXHIBITED By CANNING CoMPANY.
Ist. Delhi Canning Company, Delhi, Ont........ 0. eee eres 15
20d. W. Boulter, Picton, Ont. oscccsesyeascsesnnces saevewneonnsenincs comet 10

Highly commended, Simcoe Canning Co., Simcoe, Ont.

Nore—Plates of Winter Nellis, Beurré d’Angou and Easter Beurre Pears were
exhibited by Mr, E. A. Hale, Cambridgeport, Mass., and a large collection of canned
vegetables by Mr. Wellington Boulter, of Picton, Ont., all of which exhibits were
highly commended by the judges.

Although the date of the Convention was not announced in time to take
steps for the preservation of the earlier varieties of winter fruits, and the season
had not been a favourable one, a .very creditable display was made, some 600 plates
being on exhibition,

The following papers, &c., were read by title, and in accordance with a resolu-
tion to that effect are published in connection with the proceedings of the Conven-
tion :—

EXPERIMENTS IN GRAPE CULTURE IN THE Province oF QuEeBEc: By Wm. Merap
Pattison, CLARENCEVILLE, QUE.

Though not so highly favoured as to climate as our sister Province of Ontario,
an interest has been awakened in our Province in grape culture through the efforts
of its Fruit Grower’s Association, and in localities exempt from unseasonable frosts
most of the varieties of any promise have been tested as to their adaptability. Yet
in a commercial point of view grape-raising in Quebec is subject to contingencies
that may never make it profitable, but for home supply the vine is steadily making
its way into our gardens in the southern portion of our Provine. Having for some

155

years past devoted my leisure time to experimenting in this and other fruits, I have
been asked to give results obtained in the trial of over one hundred and twenty-five
varieties of grapes in open air on my grounds.

_ _1 should, however, state that for market purposes my production is about
limited to the necessities of the case, as when our fruit is ripe enough to eat the
market in our cities is usually glutted with southern grapes, and we can only rely
for remunerative prices on the fresh and fine appearence of our fruit, so that I was
not actuated, in entering into this undertaking from an idea of any “ money in it.”

In the list appended the classification shows first market varieties, classed in
order of profit, but the others about in the order of their ripening.

To any intending to cultivate a few vines for home supply it should be stated
that varieties classed as “Market” afford a safer selection, as the majority under
the head “Home” could be very well dispensed with and dropped altogether from
our already too long list.

To a convention of fruit growers it is hardly necessary to enter into the des-
cription of well-known varieties, but brief details will be given of the “ novelties”
in their order as to colour. ‘

Black and Purple Grapes—Market in order of value—Champion, Concord,
Worden, Moore’s Karly, Dempsey’s Seedling, Barry, Herbert, Aminia, Essex, Wilder,
Hartfurd and Belvidere.

Black and Purple—Home-use, in order of ripening.—Adirondac, Creveling, Early
Victor, Louise, Canada, Eumelan, Rockland, Favourite, Senasqua, Bacchus, Isabella
and Othello.

Black Novelties that have fruited—Garber’s Seedling, Jewell, Standard, Rom-
mel’s Delaware Seedling, Peabody, Norwood, Frances Scott and August Giant.

Black Novelties on trial that have not fruited—Caywood’s No. 50, Nectar or
Black Delaware (Caywood), Metterney (Caywood), Paragon (Burr), Eaton.

Black and Purple Discarded.-—Florence, Telegraph, Cottage, Early Dawn,
Rickett’s, No. 543, Miles, Hooker, Brant, Mansfield, Waverley, Linden; Black Hagle,
Union Village and Highland.

Notes on above Novelties.

v~ Garber—Origin Pennsylvania, U.S. A., native, medium bunch and berry, com-
pact, red peduncle, highly coloured juice, a vigorous, hardy and profuse bearer,
preferable for wine, jellies and canning. :
v Jewell—Origin Kansas, U. S. A. (John Burr’s best so far, fully tested), medium
bunch and berry, compact, early, prolific and excellent in flavour. —
Standard (Burr)—Same description as his Jewell, but not_as vigorous or early.
Rommel’s Delaware Seedling (Jacob Rommel, Missouri)—Large, compact bunch,
medium berry, early, and fine in flavour, so far vigorous and hardy, and a grape of
much promise.

- Peabody, Rickett’s, Newbergh, N.Y., Clinton Seedling—The best of his black
varieties, bunch presenting a fine, compact appearance, berry, medium, flesh
tender, juicy and rich, roots suffered in the winter of 1885-86. :

Norwood—Origin Massachussets, U. 8. A.. resembles Concord in foliage and
hardiness, bunch and berry large, ripens with Worden, but does not drop its berry

ae ce Scott (Rickett’s) — Small bunch and berry, medium early, highest

ite ject to mildew.

Gemita: Be, Oasdiing Fie remarkable grape was kindly sent me for trial with
ie rene and others, by Mr. Peter C. Dempsey, Trenton, Ont., some years since,
as No. 25, but as I have seen this number quoted as a white grape.I have since

‘ited b 9 number it. The grape very closely resembles Barry (Rogers’ No, 43), but
Omit! d earlier, more prolific and better in flavour. Mr. Dempsey’s Burnet has
ed to ripen here, with attention to thinning out, only showing mildew last
many others hitherto exempt, and is much esteemed for its delicacy of

has prove
never fail
season, with
flavour.

156

White Grapes—Market.—Niagara, Lady, Empire State, Duchess, Belinda,
Martha.

Home Use.—ElDorado, Jessica, Purity, Allen’s Hybrid, Antoinette, Charlotta,
Mason’s Seedling, Grein’s Golden, Peter Wiley, Sweetwater, Chasselas (“from Bel-
gium or France, 1840,”) Prentiss, Pocklington and Lady Washington.

White Novelties fruited—Golden Gem (Rickett’s), Golden Drop (Pringle),
Undine (Rickett’s).

White Novelties not yet fruiting —Frances B. Hayes, Eclipse (Burr).

Whites Discarded—Rommel’s July, Early Auvergne, Fontignan and Early
Malvasia (foreign), Rebecca, Perkins, Croton, Rommel’s Superior, Faith, Centennial,
Autochon, Blanche, Rickett’s No. 346, Lady Charlotta, Transparent, Eva, Irving,
Noah and Triumph.

Notes on While Novelties,

Golden Gem.—Very small bunch and berry, prolific, delicate foliage, quality
its only favourable feature.

Golden Drop.—Origin Vermont, quite early, small to medium bunch and berry,
good quality, slow grower.

Undine.—Large, showy, compact bunch, medium berry; our season usually too
late to develop its flavour. ;

Red Grapes—Market.—Massasoit, Delaware, Brighton, Lindley and Vergennes.

Home Varieties—Northern Muscadine, Wyoming Red, Gaertner, Wulter,
Mary, Salem, Owosso, Agawam, Roger’s Nos. 8 and 30, and Jefferson.

Novelties fruited—Beauty (Rommel), Poughkeepsie Red (Caywood), Ulster
Prolific (Caywood).

Novelties not yet fruited_—Woodruff’s Red, Ideal (Burr).

Discarded.—Dracut Amber, Challenge, Underhill Seedling, Diana, Hamburg
and Amber.

Notes on Red Novelties.

Ulster (Marlboro, N.Y.)—A vigorous grower and abundant bearer, berry aud
bunch somewhat resembling Catawba, but often shouldered, good quality, and gives
promise of being a popular standard.

Poughkeepsie Red.—Bunch and berry larger than Delaware, quality nearly as
good, earlier, but a very moderate bearer.

Beauty.—A small wine grape, rarely maturing in this latitude.

In conclusion. in order to meet questions often asked as to my preference
amongst the perplexing array of varieties, will say that for general usefulness as
well as profit those classed above ag “ Market” would be my selection, while for
home varieties, though some of which are otherwise unprofitable, the family favourites
are in black, in order of ripening, Jewel, Adirondac, Peabody, Barry, Concord and
Burnet. In white, Jessica, Lady, ElDorado, Duchess, Purity and Chasselas. In

ed, Massasoit, Delaware, Brighton, Walter, Lindley and Salem.

For winter use Herbert, Barry, Duchess, Empire State, Salem and Vergennes.

(Letter From Miss Annie L. Jack, Chateauguay Basin.)

“Ido not think grapes have been better tested commercially in this Province
than on our fruit farm, Hillside. While making it a point to test many new varieties
we have but few that repay the care and labour, and among thirty tested sorts we
can endorse Prof, Thurber’s comment made yearsago: “ Youcan go to the Concord
with a wheelbarrow, but to almost every other kind with a hand-basket.” Since he
made this remark some more prolific varieties have been originated, but our acre of
Niagaras has never yet repaid us the interest on our money, only one good full crop
being vet produced, though they often bear a partial crop when others fail. So we
place Concord first commercially, Niagara next, and then the Duchess, a small white
grape that has one good quality, that of keeping until the new year without loss of
flavor or texture. The Champion or Beaconsfield, while very prolific, is of such

157

poor quality we have never thought it worthy of cultivation, making it a rule not
to put on the market what we cannot eat ourselves. For this reason we wait till
our Concords are ripe, instead of selling them when just coloured, though by that time
they are much reduced in price; and so, to sum up we find grapes a very unsatisfac-
tory commercial crop, subject to many varying contingencies. Last season there
was only here and there a bunch of fruit on the vines, though they set well in the
spring, and when there isa full crop everywhere, prices run down to 2 and 38
cents a pound, which, with the cost of baskets, freight, netting and labour, leaves
but a small surplus for the grower. A grape isa grape to most buyers, and what
we most need is a discriminating public to be able to tell superior varieties and well
ripened fruit, and willing to pay a little more for it.”

Pear CuLrure in SouTHERN Ontario: By N. J. Cuinton, Winpsor, Ont.

Had it been in the month of September, instead of February, when this great
gathering of the fruit growers of the Dominion was convening, it would have been
easier for us to demonstrate to you the beauties and attractiveness of this occupa-
tion than it is to-day.

We could have shown you samples of this fruit that would be both pleasing to
the taste as well as the eye, for instance, the Bartlett, Clapp’s Favorite, Flemish
Beauty, Seckel, &c. Are there any nicer fruit of any class to eat than these in their
season (providing they are developed to their highest perfection). In these we do
not come in contact with a fuzzy skin at the first bite, which has somewhat of a
repelling nature, as in the peach, nor on investigatiug further our tecth do not run
against a stone or pit (as in the plum or peach). And when the housewife purchases
fruit to can or preserve, from half a bushel to a bushel (what they usually put up
with us) she gets better value for her money in bulk than she does in either of the
last named varieties, as there is less waste in preparing them for the jar. However,
these other classes of fruit have redeeming qualities, such as flavor, &c., that bring
them upon an equal with the pear and are equally sought after in the market.

There is a great difference in the same variety of pear grown in different
localities and under different circumstances. This is equally true of other classes of
fruit.

Tt is not necessary for me to state here that pear trees want cultivation as well
as any other crop. It is not enough to plant, take care of them until they commence
bearing, and then seed the orchard down into grass, and leave it to shift for itself;
if so the result is the fruit becomes small and inferior in flavour.

The first pear trees that were grown in south-western Ontario were the old French
trees (some now standing on the bank of the Detroit River). They were brought
over from France by Father Potier, a Jesuit, and planted some time between the
years 1760 and 1780. The fruit is considered fairly good for preserving and eating,
and sells for 50 cents to $1.00 a bushel, when other pears bring $1.50 to $2.00.
With a crop of fifteen to twenty bushels they are quite profitable at that price, but
since that time the hand and brain of the horticulturist have improved on them by
hybridizing with other varieties, and importing, until many new and better varieties
have been introduced. Mr. James Dougall started one of the first nurseries, and
had at one time over three hundred varieties of pears in his nursery, and shipped
stock nearly all over North America where pears are grown. ; ; mak
meer ee ] son of the pear is from the middle of July, starting with Elliott’s

The actua “Ele Magdelin, and winding up about January with such as Winter
Hery 4 ete Winkfield Lawrence, &e., but after November the market is limited
ae ie and the varieties worth eating that keep longer are few. Those
to a few oe ae are the best I know of, with the addition of the Beurre Clairgeau,
mentioned ee ‘Anjou, which keep well into November, It is in the latter part of
caret S tember, and October, when the larger pear growers have to get a
August and Fond of a couple of months to harvest them, as the apple, we have
move one of weeks after they are picked, and sometimes hardly that. And I
oiene say right here, gentlemen, that the markets of all our leading cities, when the

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local supply is insufficient, can be furnished with this fruit, also peaches, plums and
grapes, from southern Ontario more cheaply and as good as from any other country
in the world.

In our district Detroit gets most of our surplus stock, and there we come in
contact with fruit from different parts of United States, not excepting California,
and in some varieties we can produce them as large as the latter, and in almost all
varieties the flavour of our fruit is superior.

To show you whether there is any money in raising pears in southern Ontario,

will give you a little of our experience, and you can draw your own conclusions.

We have an orchard of three acres, in which there are four hundred and fifty
trees; these are set close to 17 feet apart each way. Ninety-seven per cent. of the
trees are bearing, and are from ten to twenty years of age; some few are only four
and five years, put in lately to fill up vacancies.. For the last three years we have
realized or sold the product for $208, averaging one year with another, For the
year 1887 we got almost two hundred bushels, for 1888 one hundred and forty
bushels, and 1889 close to two hundred and seventy-five bushels.

Now, taking cost of the trees at 50c. each it

AMLOUNCB! TOs ariccawaswecauat cosemeuesabe-— dere ones wiranls $225 00
Value of land per acre at $150 for three acres ...... 450 00
Labour for setting out trees, 10c. each............006 45 00

$720 00
Interest on investment of $720, at 8 per cent........ 43 60
Cost of picking fruit, 50c. per bushel................+. 10 25
Mati Ctin OGM th vicsos: ceuacsneestiss vias vavercond si awsee eens 20 00
Pruning trees, 224 days at $1.50 per day............. 33 75
PRO UAL Sodeaciea dls tr ceaal acl he ve sale mu aeeieaitere ate $107 60
The average gross saleS Were .......ceseceeeeeeeeeeeee es $208 00
The annual expenditure including interest on in-
VEStMON Ls cise, asarccstiaitees haacie wane eanmeeaee ts 107 60
Net profit for three acres per year............ $100 40
Net profit for each acre per year...........06+ 33 46

Some will ask, What about the returns for the first few years after planting ?
In reply I will say that the trees will not interfere materially in raising good crops,
off the same ground, such as potatoes, turnips, mangolds, &c., for the first few
years, and later on nearly any crop that is profitable, for the trees do not shade the
ground ax much as apple trees.

Those varieties of pears that succeed well with us are, for summer: Elliott's
Early, Doyenne, d’Ete, Magdeline, Tyson; for autumn, Bartlett, Clapp’s Favourite,
Flemish Beauty, Seckel, Howell, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Beurre Bosc, Beurre
Superfine, late autumn: Duchess, Anjou, Sheldon, Clairgeau, winter: Graslin
(fairly), Vicar of Winkfield, Winter Nellis and Lawrence. My pick of the first class
would be the Doyenne d’Ete; it has a fine flavour, good appearance, and usually bears
well; tree hardy; size small. The Elliott’s Early i4 not much known; was intro-
duced by Mr. Elliott, of Sandwich, ripens the first with us and it has a good flavour;
trees are not very hardy. In the 2nd class, the Bartlett is much sought after and
seems to be the standard pear, and with us brings the highest price in its season ;
also, is used more for canning than any other pear. The Flemish Beauty comes
next for this industry. The Seckel is the finest pear we have for dessert purposes,
and the trees seem hardy and free from blight. The Howell isa good bearer and
sells well, being of good size, with a pale yellow colour. In the 3rd class, for standard
trees I prefer the Anjou and Clairgeau. The latter grow large, and what they lack
in quality, which is fair, is made up by their fine appearance. In the last class all

159

three are good, while Winter Nellis may have the advantage in flavour, but is usually
not so large as the other varieties. We might also mention Jos. De Malines, Glout
Morceau, and others.

It may not be out of place if I mention a list of hardy pears that might be
suitable for this district, if pears can be grown here at all, such as Flemish Beauty,
Fulton, Buffum, Onondaga, Seckel, Sheldon, Beurre d’Anjou, WinterNellis, Lawrence,
Tyson, Osbands Summer, Beurre d’Amalis.

In conclusion, gentlemen, let us endeavour to be honest with the dealers and
strive to get an individual name for our fruit by placing it in barrels or baskets the
same sample all through.

Fruit Eyaronation AND ITs ReLation to THE Frurt-GroweR: By J. T. Donaxp,
MontrEau.

When the process of evaporating fruit was first introduced it was thought by
many that it would soon displace canning as a mode of fruit preservation. Such,
however, has not been the case.

At the present time, in Canada at least, evaporating is practically employed in
the treatment of apples only. Much the same limitation is found in the United
States, if we except the Pacific coast, where the process is successfully applied to
peaches, apricots, pears and other fruits,

Evaporation has been successfully applied to vegetables as well as fruits. Corn
has been treated on a large scale, but at present little, if anything, is done in this
line.

When properly applied, evaporation produces but little change in the fruit
beyond the removal of a large portion of the water originally present, and of course
a corresponding reduction in weight and bulk. It follows, therefore, that if the
proper quantity of water be added to the evaporated fruit itis practically fresh
fruit. ;

Why, then, is it that evaporation is not more extensively employed? The
reason is not far to seek. On account of the amount of water removed in evaporat-
ing fruit considerable time and care are required to prepare the evaporated fruits
and vegetables for the table; whereas, in the’ case of canned goods the cooking is
done in the factory on a large scale, and the goods come into the consumers’ hands
quite ready for the table, or at best merely requiring to be warmed. This itis
that prevents the wider application of our process of fruit preservation. The ques-
tion of fruit evaporation is thus practically limited to apples, and in this connection
the industry has assumed somewhat large proportions, and is yet capable of con-
siderable development. ; ;

The apples sent to the evaporating factory are such as are not suited for ship-
ping ; that is such as are not possessed of keeping qualities, windfalls and the culls
of winter fruit. At the factory the apples received are divided into two grades; first
those of good flavour, size and shape, and so suited for peeling by machinery; and
second, all inferior, badly-bruised, misshapen and small fruit. The first grade is
peeled, cored and sliced by machinery, often in one operation. Thesliced fruit is at
once exposed for a few minutes to the gas produced by burning sulphur. This pre-
vents discoloration, and in no way injures the fruit; at most only a mere trace is left
after evaporation is completed. After being “sulphured,” the slices are spread on
trays of galvanized iron netting, or of cloth, and heated air passed over them, the
result being, as already men tioned, that a large portion of the water is withdrawn,
and at the same time certain chemical changes, akin to increased ripening, are
produced in the fruit, resulting in an increased percentage of sugar, and diminished
as length of time the apples are exposed to the heated air depends upon the
temperature employed. Considerable skill is required to obtain a satisfactory article ;
if the temperature of the evaporating chamber be not right at the beginning of the
process there is danger that the slices will become damp, whereas a properly eva-
porated apple is dry and spongy. After withdrawal from the evaporator the apples

160

are usually allowed to lie in a heap for several days, to equalize the moisture that
may be in different batches. They are then packed in boxes usually containing 50
lbs. each.

The cores and peelings of this first grade of apples are not wasted. They and
the inferior apples that reach the evaporating factory may be classed together, as
they usually undergo the same treatment, although worked up separately. Accord-
ing to the market, these two materials are used as a source of cider, or are evapor-
ated, and shipped to jelly makers on this continent, or sent to Europe, where-they
are used in the fabrication of certain grades of wines. Sometimes the apples are
quartered before being evaporated ; sometimes they are treated whole.

Let us glance now at this process in its relation to the fruit-grower. In the
first place, an evaporating factory presents a means of rendering marketable fruit
which otherwise would be unsaleable, and in the second place it gives employment
for several months of the year toa large number of hands, thus giving an increased
home market for fruit-growers’ products. These benefits have been recognized by
fruit-growers in places where evaporating factories exist, and the inhabitants of
such localities have been willing to offer inducements to companies to locate in
their midst.

If it be granted that an evaporating factory is of advantage to fruit-growers, the
question arises: What 1s to be done in the fruit-growing districts where no such fac-
tories exist? Can the individual fruit-grower evaporate his own apples? There
are small machines made for this purpose and widely advertised. Experience has
shown, however, that they do not give as good results as they should, and as are
claimed for them, and there is difficulty in finding a market for the small lots, and
of course working on a small scale the expense of manufacturing is greater than in
a large factory. In the opinion of the writer, evaporation on the large scale should
be the object of those who would derive benefits from the process, and he would
suggest that the fruit-growers of a district eombine, and agree to support a factory,
as they do in the case of cheese-factories and creameries, and it is altogether likely
that someone could be found who would be willing to erect the not very expensive
plant required and conduct the manufacture. It must not be forgotten, however,
that experience is a very desirable quality in the manager of an evaporating factory,
and unless such is at hand the promoters of an evaporating business should begin
operations on a very small scale, gradually expanding as experience is gained by
their manager.

CoMMERCIAL ORCHARDS IN THE PROVINCE or QuEBEc: By Rev. R. Hamitron,
GRENVILLE, QUE.

By commercial orchard J mean an orchard planted solely with a view to the
revenue to be drawn from it. In planting such an orchard, the chief, I may say
the only object, is to make money, and to attain that end only such sorts as are cal-
culated to yield a profit will be planted, whether they be good or only mediocre. It
may be that a third or fourth class fruit, such, for instance, as the Ben Davis apple,
may yield better returns with a smaller outlay of capital, talent and labour, than a
high-class fruit like the Northern Spy, and in such a case it would be the right one
to plant. It is questionable, however, if the public would notin time get over the
depraved taste that permits the purchase of such poor fruit as the Ben Davis.

The apple isthe orchard fruit, par excellence, of the Province of Quebec. A very
few pears are produced, as well asa few plums and cherries, but the quantity is so
inappreciable as not to call for mention; so that, when I speak of orchards, I mean
apple orchards exclusively.

It is matter of regret to all of us who take a lively interest in the subject that
the range of our larger fruits is so limited, and it is to be hoped that in the near
future it may be greatly extended, as a good deal of well-directed effert is being put

> forth in that direction. :

161

The principal orchard section of the Province of Quebec is the island of
Montreal. Its soil produces the sorts of apples chiefly consumed in the city, in the
greatest perfection. They are of large size, fine texture, glowing colour, and deli-
cious flavour, and are produced in great abundance. And, proximity to the city, the
great centre of consumption, must naturally lead to ever-increasing areas being
given up to the production of this most important fruit.

Besides the counties of Jacques Cartier and Hochelaga, which, together, com-
pose the Island of Montreal, outside of the city, the Counties of Huntingdon, Beau-
harnois, Chateauguay, Rouville, Missisquoi, Shefford and Brome, contain many
large oe gig orchards. Rigaud, on Two Mountains also contains some fine
isolated orchards.

Of orchards in the neighbourhood of Montreal, undoubtedly the finest are those
of the Upper and Lower Lachine roads. There the soil and situation seem to suit
them admirably, and fruit of the highest excellence is produced.

The number of varieties to be found in Quebec orchards is very large. Upwards
of 150 have been collected. Still, the commercial apples are comparatively few in
number. I believe that nearly the half of all the apples produced in the Province
are Fameuse, and the remainder are, in great part, Strawberry (of Montreal,) Peach
(of Montreal,) St. Lawrence, Red Astrachan, Alexander and Duchess of Oldenburg,
and, in recently planted orchards, Wealthy. In some districts a few other sorts have
been pretty widely planted. Amongst others are the so-called Winter St. Lawrence,
Decarie, Roseau, Pomme Barré, Golden Russet, Ben Davis, Swazie, Pomme Grise,
Cellini and the King of Pippins.

What are the eineipal conqeial apples of the Province of Quebec ?

Twelve years ago the consensus of opinion said, first, Fameuse. Ifa vote were
taken to-day I believe that decision would be reversed; for, while that fine sort is
of as high a quality as ever, and as productive, it has become so subject to spotting as
to be, in many places, almost worthless, and can no longer be depended on for a crop.
As it is only a biennial bearer, and every other crop, at least, spots, it can only be
counted on for a crop about once in tour years, except in specially favourable
localities.

Duchess is, in the opinion of many, a much more profitable sort. It comes into
bearing, profitable bearing, earlier than almost every other sort. It is almost always
good, that is, saleable. Its season is, for an early apple, a long one; it bears few
culls; it hangs well on the tree, and carries well, even for long distances. Taken
one year with another, it is one of the most productive and, best feature of all, for
our Province at least, it is unsurpassed in hardiness. It has yet other points in its
favour: Being of compact growth, it may be planted more closely than most sorts.
Again, it seems to have fewer insect enemies and to be less subject to injury through
atmospheric changes than most of the sorts with which we are acquainted. Taken

in all, it has few equals.
= ape ae (of Montreal) approaches the Duchess in many respects. It is only
second to it in hardiness. Itisas thrifty and as healthy, but it does not bear so early
or so heavily. But, on the other hand, the fruit is of better quality, and Montreal
fruit men say, sells better. It is slow in coming into bearing, but bears well once it
gets started, and the fruit is beautiful and of good quality both as a dessert and
a Montreal) is another hardy, vigorous and fruitful variety, that in those
respects leaves little to be desired. It also has few insect enemies and is not liable
to disease. Like the Duchess and Strawberry, it is an early sort. Unlike them, it
will not carry well, and must be grown near to market; but put up in nice shape it
sells well. Itis of very fine quality, whether for eating or cooking, and is superior
in point of productiveness to the Strawberry, though not equalling the Duchess.

Yellow Transparent, another very early apple, perhaps the earliest of all,
being often ripe in the end of July and always by the 10th of August. It is an
pee bearer, a heavy bearer, and a continuous bearer, taking its off year about once
in four years—at least such has been my experience withit. Itis probably the most

11

162

profitable of the early apples, and being a compact grower may be. planted closely.
It is a beautiful, clean and thrifty tree, but is subject to disease of the bark, and on
that account requires constant watchfulness. I feel inclined to assert that these
are the best four carly apples to plant in the greater part of the Province of
Quebec, combining hardiness, healthiness, fruitfulness, early bearing, beauty and
good marketing qualities in a greater degree than any others, besides being not
difficult as to the character of the soil,

Red Astrachan, a variety that is grown with profit in some localities, cannot
compete with those mentioned in any of the features indicated, unless in that of
beauty. Ics fine colour is in its favour, In a favourable situation, where the soil is
rich, deep and cool, it may pay, though probably under such conditions any one of
those mentioned would surpass it.

The Alexander demands almost similar conditions for its successful production.

The St. Lawrence, one of the best apples, is less planted now than formerly. In
many localities it is uncertain and capricious. Occasionally it is found to be a light
annual bearer, generally fair, but sometimes spotted and cracked. In fact, itis nota
profitable commercial apple.

Cellini, an apple of the season of Alexander and St. Lawrence, is, I believe, com-
ing to the front. It is a large, fine cooking truit, almost rivalling the Alexander in
size and better in quality. It is a moderate annual bearer, and the tree is amongst
the hardiest, and of a thrifty disposition. Itis notso well known and widely planted
as it deserves to be.

Wealthy, an apple of the season of the Fameuse, is a variety of which too much
cannot well be said. It is a more universally useful apple than any other with
which I am acquainted, uniting in itself almost every desirable feature of a first-rate
fruit. Itis as hardy as the Duchess, and as early a bearer; it is as fruitful as the
Fameuse, and rivals it in size, shape, colour and quality, and keeps fully aslong. It
reaches a good size quite early in the season and cooks well, and up to this date I
believe has shown no tendency to spot. As a shipper it will prove about equal to
the Fameuse. Its weak point is, a tendency to bark diseases. Nothing is perfect.

A more beautiful apple, if possible, and a larger, is the so-called Winter St.
Lawrence, but it is not so productive, and is decidedly tender in the colder and
bleaker sections.

There are very few sorts that can be called winter apples that are at all widely
grown, and no one sort that can be singled out and declared to be generally suitable for
cultivation in the Province of Quebec as such, Quite a few are found occasionally
being successfully grown.

{n the counties of Huntingdon, Chateauguay and Beauharnois, in several orchards
i Northern Spy is found doing very well—most frequently in strong. deep, cool
soil.

The same may be said of the Ben Davis, Golden Russet and Blue Pearmain.
But there are more than enough of failures to prevent any one planting any of these
varieties extensively. One very promising sort, especially in the cool, strong soils, is
the Canada Baldwin. It is hardy, a good and heavy bearer of fair-sized apples of fine
quality, that keep well and ship well. Its weak point is that on all but the deepest
and coolest soils it sun-scalds, and the bark splits on the south side and, as a conse-
quence, it dies early. Its many good qualities should induce orchardists who have
suitable soil to plant it largely. It is the only purely Canadian long-keeping apple
that can be grown in our Province.

Scott’s Red Winter is highly spoken of by some who have grown it, but is
very small and exceedingly sour until quite late in the spring, and at my place is far
from being hardy.

The great need of our Province is a long keeping apple—one that shall combine
the quality of the Northern Spy with the beauty of the Winter St. Lawrence, the
fruitfulness of the Fameuse and the hardiness of the Duchess. One that might be
planted in any situation, like the Duchess, for example, with some promise of success.
Such a variety would be of incalculable benefit to the whole country. Let us hope

163

that those who are in a position to do something, looking to the accomplishment of

so desirable an end may take it into their consideration, and take such measures as
may insure its being accomplished.

Hints on tHE NoMENcLATURE oF Fruits By R. W. Starr, Cornwa.uis, N.S.

Mr. Cuarrman,—I would like to call the attention of this convention to the
importance of the correct and proper nomenclature of our fruits, especially those
mer hata sorts, which now have a favourable reputation in the markets of the
world,

Incorrect nomenclature is productive of many evils; it causes market reports,
in many instances, to be valueless to the grower; and in others, injures the reputa-
tions of varieties; while in still other cases the reputation of the packer suffers,
from ignorance, the imputation of intentional fraud, by representing his goods as
other than they are.

Any variety of fruit that is known in the markets has a certain reputation for
certain qualities, and is largely bought and sold on that reputation, which should
not be imperilled by the carelessness, ignorance or dishonesty of the grower or
yacker, from the use of incorrect names.

The use of synonyms should be avoided as much. as possible, and where ob-
served, noted for correction. Local names given through ignorance of the real
name should be corrected as soon as discovered, so as, if possible, to prevent their
being established. Nurserymen are frequently to blame for sending out old sorts
under new names, thus adding to the existing complications. They should be more
careful and test everything new, or supposed to be new, before sending it out. As
to the work done by irresponsible tree brokers and pedlars, we cannot control them,
and those who deal with them must expect to be frequently sold or disappointed.

Unfortunately, many of our fruits have received local names, and wrong names,
in years gone by. They are known by those names in the markets, and all attempts
to change them has only resulted in confusion and failure. For instance, ‘‘ Yellow
Bellefleur” is known in the markets of the Maritime Provinces as “The Bishop’s
Pippin,” or “ Bishop Pippin,” and all attempts to correct the name have met with
decided. opposition from dealers and market men; and “ Flushing-Spitzenburg” is
universally called in the market ‘“ Vandervere,” with similiar objections to any
change, I find the same apple here as Pomme de Fer. Some of our well known
varieties have been burdened with absurdly long and inappropriate names, and
fruit-brokers, market men and dealers, alike seem impatient of their use. The result
is that contractions and abbreviations of all sorts are in general use. “Esopus
Spitzenburg” is called “Spite,” “ Westfield—Seek-no-Further,” “Seek,” ‘‘ Rhode
Island Greening,” “Greening,” and so on throughout the list. All we can do in
such cases is to accept these changes and abbreviations, as recognized synonyms of
the various sorts, and publish them as such in our reports and transactions.

I have said that the use of synonyms should be avoided, but as all rules must
have exceptions I think we must except all those foreign fruits which are blessed
with unpronounceable, jaw-breaking names, and if any of them show signs of coming
popularity, in mercy to ordinary fruit-growers and market men, to prevent dislo-
cation of jaws and distortion of facial muscles, we must select a short, appropriate
synonym and publish it as the name by which the variety shall be known.

The American Pomological Society, at the suggestion of its late honoured pre-
sident, the Hon. Marshall P. Wilder, has for some years past been doing good work
in recommending the abbreviation of long names. I think we should by resolution
adopt their recommendations as far as they go, and also endeavour to supplement
their work by a close investigation of our own fruit lists, to see what improvement
we can suggest on the same lines. Their rule has been to discard all superfiuous
words, affixes and prefixes, where it was possible to do so, and leave a distinctive

name.

s

164

Let me here say a few words to pomologists, horticulturists and originators of
new fruits or flowers. When you think you have got a good thing don’t be tempted
to give it a long fanciful name; life is too short to use it. Don’t give it a very pre-
tentious name; you may come to be ashamed of it. Don’t give it the name of some
old variety, adding affix or prefix; you are only confusing matters, and betraying a
want of originality.

But when you sit down to select aname for your pet to be known by hereafter,
you may choose the name of your town, or your home, your own name, or that of a
friend (if not already taken), choose a word, or, still better, coin one, only let it be
one short, terse, and euphonious word, and your success is half assured.

TRANSPORTATION OF Fruit: By Hucu McCott, Sr. Joszpn pu Lac, P.Q.

Great praise is due to the various Horticultural and Fruit Growers’ Associations
of the Dominion for their knowledge, acquired by careful study and practical experi-
ence, and for their liberal distribution of such knowledge, which has induced so
many fruit-growers to experiment, many of whom, if left to themselves, would
otherwise have remained silent.

And now that fruit can be grown in this Dominion with success, as is proven
beyond a doubt, the next and essential thing to know is, how this fruit is to be
selected, packed and transported to foreign markets. On this subject I have copied
an article from the Auckland, New Zealand Weekly News, which is: “ The Orient
Steamship Company are setting a good example to other shipping companies in their
endeavour to promote trade from the colonies to London. They have given a free
passage to an experienced man from the Covent Garden Market in London, to Hobart,
in order that he may give practical instruction in Tasmania on the best methods of
packing fruit for export. This expert, whosailed on 8th November, brings with him
specimen fruit cases in order to show the orchardist the manner in which fruit should
be packed. The Orient Company are making preparations for the carriage of a large
quantity of fruit this coming season. New Zealand fruit-growers may take a hint
from this, for the time is coming, and that soon, when fruit-growing for exportation
over sea will, in all probability, be one of our staple industries.”

Seeing that New Zealand is likely to take the lead in transporting fruit to the
English market with success, it is high time for us to move and do likewise, who
are so much nearer. And in order to accomplish it with greater success, would it
be too much to ask this Association, which has already done so much, to negotiate
with the various shipping companies who trade to and from our ports, to induce
them to take example from the Orient Company? Seeing that this Association is
making every effort for the success of this important industry, I have no doubt that
by our next fruit season suitable shipping accommodation will be given to shippers.
As proof that our fruit is appreciated on the English market, I have received three
circulars from fruit dealers soliciting consignments, two from Covent Garden,
London, and one from Liverpool.

Nore.—A' number of communications and papers were received too late to be
brought before the Convention and in consequence are not published with the pro-
ceedings. Among these is a paper contributed by Mr. F. P. Sharpe, Woodstock,
N. B., one of the pioneer fruit growers, and an invited delegate from that province.

'