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Edition of 1888.

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Established

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‘ Nursery, Victoria County, T

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j te M. BRUNSWICK ® CO., NURSERY SUPPLIES, ROCHESTER, N, Y. }

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: Issue Exchange Direct on all Important Cities in Great ;

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BROWNSON & SIBLE’

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MAIN STREET, VICTORIA, oo

BANKERS.

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Germany, France, Austria, Italy, Ete.

Collections in Western Texas a Specialty.

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PROMPT ATTENTION GIVEN ALL ont

CORRESPONDENTS:

Mercantile National, New York. |
Hanover National Bank, New York. 33 ee

Merchant’s Riational Bank, St. Louis. u
State National Bank, New Orleans. ,

eo Wational Bank, Chicago. i
: First National Bank, Houston.
ion National Bank, Kansas City.
First National Bane Austin, Tex

Pes

NE RODUGCTION.

HE Mission Valley Nurseries have been removed from their original location
in order to secure better communications. We are now established on the
Gulf, West Texas & Pacific Railway at a point ten miles above Victoria, and
sixteen miles from Cuero. Here we have secured a station, a post-office, and the
best conveniences for daily shipments. We have complete express and freight |
arrangements, so that we can more promptly serve our patrons.

Our post-office address is now Nursery, Victoria Co., Texas.

the horticulture of Southern Texas. At first he had scarcely a precedent to guide ; |
him. Little was then known of our horticultural resources. The vast majority of ay
our people then cared but little for any but the grazing interests, and even those

For thirty-six years the writer has been studying the questions which underlie |
_ who tilled the soil gave their care to two or three staple products. N

He who would then suggest that Southern Texas was possessed of even a
respectable horticultural capacity was sure to excite a smile of incredulity.

During the last third of a century the writer has done little else than study and :
experiment for the development of our horticulture. He has planted experimental
_ vineyards containing varieties of every class of grapes known to viticulture. He
has planted experimental orchards containing every class of fruit that has seemed
to hold out any reasonable hope of success. He has patiently waited for the tests of
time to reveal the comparative value of varieties for our very peculiar climate. He
has produced and collected new seedling varieties in each department of pomology
until he has finally obtained a collection of adapted fruits that he can confidently
recommend to our people.

Nor have his experiments in the ornamental department been less exhaustive
and complete. One sub-division after another of the general ornamental depart-
ment has been pursued with studious care and unrelenting energy, until there is
now no effect known in the landscape work of the older states for which he has not
ascertained practical material to be used in our own climate.

These results have been attained by long and persistent study by many hun-
dreds of carefully conducted experiments and at a very burdensome expense of cap- —
ital. Professionally, he feels that he has attained a highly gratifying success.
Financially, he has expended a fortune to become properly ready to begin the work
of supplying our people. Quite all that he has hitherto done may be regarded as
only experimental—a foundation upon which to build the work of coming years.

We have thought best to give this edition more of the character of a hand-b
than is usually given to a catalogue. The reader will observe that, in this pa
let, nothing is recommended except that which has been proven to be of va
our climate, and in every instance a frank intimation is given if there is any
back against the value of the articles described. A careful examination is in i
to every portion of this pamphlet. Every matter stated as fact is based ae
personal experiences of the writer wpon our own grounds.

we

MISSION VALLEY NURSERIES.

After the extraordinary care which we have exercised and the expense we have
incurred to become able to wnderstandingly serve our people, it can hardly be
expected that we shall be called upon to undersell other eztablishments. Many of
our patrons have learnea the difference between low priced trees and really cheap
ones. Those who require such goods as are supplied by Northern nurseries at very
low rates, need not apply to us to compete for low rates. WE DO NOT HANDLE SUCH
GOODS, NOR DO WE SELL AT THEIR PRICES ! !

Although our business was at first intended to be only a local one, yet the devel-
opments growing out of practical operations in Southern Texas prove to be of
importance to other sections also; therefore our business relations have gradually
extended to remote regions not anticipated in the beginning of our enterprise. We
are better prepared to supply local requirements as well as to better meet the distant
demands upon our growing resources. Fortified by such study and experience as
could only be prosecuted and attained upon extreme Southern ground—encouraged
by the successes of the past, and vastly improved facilities, present and prospective,
and the grand army of friends and patrons that have rallied around eae look
forward with large hopes into a cheerful future.

Respectfully, GILBERT ONDERDONK,
Nursery, Victoria Co., Texas.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.—Do not fail to give post-office, county and state, and
sign your name plainly. Important letters are sometimes signed in such a manner
that the name can only be guessed at.

ORDERS.—Do not wait for agents, but send your orders by mail. Write orders
on a separate page, and do not mix them up in the body of the letter.

SELECTION OF VARIETIES should be left entirely to us, except in cases
where some particular sort is especially required, as we are better acquainted with
the varieties, and therefore can make a good selection. When varieties are speci-
fied in the order, and the stock of such varieties has become exhausted, we will sub-
stitute varieties most resembling those called for, except where substitution is for-
bidden. in all cases where substitution is forbidden, we will charge retail rates for
the plants furnished.

SHIPPING DIRECTIONS should be explicit. When none are given, we for-
ward according to our own judgment; but in no case do we assume any responsi-
bility after delivery to the forwarders.

PACKING CHARGES will be confined to actual cost of material and labor.

PRICES GIVEN relative to deliveries at the nurseries. If delivered elsewhere,
we shall make a charge to cover cost and risks. Any person or combination of -
persons who, without intervention of our agents, sends us bills to the amount of
$100 or more, will be allowed a deduction of twenty per cent.

“MISTAKES will sometimes occur, as we often have to employ inexperienced
, and all our packing is crowded into the space of a few weeks’ time. We will
rrect any mistakes when promptly notified of their occurrence.

Eo NG AREES. —Some customers, after receiving their trees in good

we should be responsible for the loss of their trees. We wish it a

7

ADDRESS: G, ONDERDONK, MISSION ae. VICTORIA CO., TEXAS. 3

understood that when a tree or plant has passed beyond our control by being deliv-
ered to the purchaser, we cannot be responsible for its treatment or the result. We
furnish the trees in good order, and the customer must take care of his own trees,
and take his own risk of season, treatment, of any casualties that can interfere with
success. Itis enough for us to stand our own losses, and we cannot, uncompensa-
ted, bear the losses of others. We are not an insurance firm.

We learn that some agents have taken the responsibility of promising to replace
any nursery stock their customers may lose. "They have done this as an inducement
to the customers to deal with them. No customer would sell us cattle, horses or
sheep upon such terms, because they all know that it is not business. And we want
it to be understood and remembered that we make no such contracts. We publish
this notice that 1f these unauthorized promises of an agent are taken it must be
understood that they are not our promises and that the customer must look to the
one with whom he is dealing and not to us to fill his agreements.

We would like to consider every agents’ customers as dealing with us, but when
an agent makes contracts of the kind under consideration he is doing something
which he has no commission to do for us, and we will not accept such orders,
although we may sell the agent the goods with which to supply his customers.

TERMS AND REMITTANCES.—Terms cash on or before shipment of package,
except when arrangements have been made to the contrary. In cases where pre-
payment has not been made, and we ship without agreement to the contrary, we
shall draw draft to gover the amount upon shipment of goods. Remittances may
be made by draft on any reliable business house or bank, or by post-office order or
registered letter.

EARLY DELIVERIES.—While our Pear and Apple Trees and Peach Trees of
the common Persian race may very properly be removed in November, if the season
is an average one, yet our Spanish varieties of Peaches continue to grow much later
than those belonging further north. The same may be said of our Plums and
Grapes, all of which are especially southern, and some other plants. As this makes
the:r season of removal later, we can not, of course, deliver them as early as some
nurseries which do not raise our Southern class of trees. Others who even buy
much or the most of their stock from Northern nurseries, where the season closes
much sooner than it does here, can make very early deliveries to customers. When
very early deliveries are offered, it is a reasonable presumption that the trees do not
belong to this region. We do not compete with this class of nurserymen, or dealers,
on the subject of early deliveries. But we do deliver as soon as we can handle our
trees after they attain the proper condition, and we shall not fail to do so in time to
favor the success of our customers.

RXPRESS ARRANGEMENTS have been made with Wells, Fargo & Co. for
special rates for all of our customers. Our packing house stands immediately by
the platform so that we can ship by every train and make no charge for delivering
to the Express Company.

THIS CATALOGUE will be sent free on application.

G. ONDERDONK,

Nuisery, Victoria Co., Tex

‘N

4 MISSION VALLEY NURSERIES.

SELECTION OF GROUND FOR ORCHARDS.

PROMPT DRAINAGE outweighs almost every other consideration— and more
especially so for Peaches.

SOIL which is properly drained, and which is good for corn, will generally be
found good for Peaches, Plums and Grapes. The same soil should be richer for
Apples, Quinces and Pears than for stone fruits. A light sandy loam is best. The
lighter the soil, the earlier the trees will bear, and the sooner they will be apt to fail. "

EXPOSURE is of some importance. While at the North a plat sloping south-
ward is preferred because it is there desirable to get as much of the sun’s influence
as possible; yet in our climate the case is different. We do not want the first warm
rays of the sun to start our trees, as they will then push out the young fruit to be in
danger of late frosts. We propose a northern slope here as a partial remedy against
early growth, but we would yield the question of exposure to any other considera-
tion of importance.

WHEN TO PLANT A TREE.

Trees should not be hurried out of the nursery for planting before they are prop-
erly matured for removal. Some people in their desire to plant early, overdo the
matter by insisting upon their trees being taken up while sap is yet moving too
freely. But after proper maturity, the sooner they are taken up the better.

In this climate the sap flows, to some extent, all winter. Trees are making roots
when there is no outward appearance of growth. We can fix no definite date for
planting here. Sometimes our trees will do well to handle in November, and some-
times are hardly fit to dig at Christmas. It depends upon the season. Asarule,
we may say that we begin to fill orders as soon as possible after the first killing
frost, and continue until the planting season is over, which is about March 1st,
although the planting in our own grounds continues later. The condition of the
tree is of more importance than a few days of time. We never send trees out when
it is too la‘e to plant them. and we begin to ship them as soon as they are fit to

handle.
WHEN the TREES and PLANTS COME to HAND

if they look fresh they may be planted at once or heeled in moist soil till you are
ready to plant. If they are dry enough to be more or less shrunken, then cover the
entire tree in a moist soil for a couple’of days before planting. But in any case do
not allow the roots to be exposed in the sun or dry wind.

HOW TO PLANT A TREE.

Many persons plant a tree very much as they would plant a post. Others bestow «

a large amount of, not only useless, but detrimental labor. We have seen by way of

eparation, holes dug from four to six feet square, and as many feet deep, forming
retentive clay,a receptacle to retain water to the injury if not destruction of the

The hole was then nearly filled with bones, rotten wood, and various kinds of

f Soil was then thrown in to complete the filling, and after this preparation

e was planted. It would take more space than we can occupy here to delin-

the mischief resulting from both of these ways of planting. Don’t kill your

by either neglect or mistaken kindness, and then blame the nurseryman

se your trees fail.

ADDRESS: G. ONDERDONK, MISSION VALLEY, VICTORIA CO., TEXAS. 5

The plat should be in a good state of cultivation. Dig the holes large enough to
admit the roots without cramping them, and deep enough to admit a couple of
inches of surface soil. Cover the bottom with swrface soil till the tree will stand no

‘deeper than it did in the nursery (except dwarf pear trees, which should be so set
that the quince stock is three inches below the surface.) Introduce the roots and
earth to each other with the hands, taking care that each root is given its natural
position. When the roots are lightly covered pack the earth around them carefully.
We sometimes use water to insinuate the earth and roots into each other. Now fill
with any surrounding soil, leaving the surface loose. Use no manure about the
roots of a newly planted tree.

IN PLANTING EVERGREENS there are two conditions that must not be dis-
regarded. We remove evergreens with as much safety as we do deciduous trees if
they have such roots as ought to be sent out by a nursery. But we do it by regard-
ing the two conditions which we will briefly present: 1st—Never let the roots of
Evergreens become dry before or during the operation of planting. If obtained from
our nursery they will not be dry when they reach the customer. 2d—Press the earth
and roots thoroughly into each other.

-~>

OF course it is to be understood that the operator is to observe the conditions
also that are required in planting other trees, especially the one of letting every root
have its natural position. In planting evergreens I always use to have the earth
beaten and tramped and sometimes pounded to the roots in the moist soil. Of
course there must be a covering of earth above the root when this pounding is being
done so as not to bruise the roots.

DISTANCE FOR PLANTING.

We have planted a peach orchard 16} feet each way. We see that we should
have given more room to the trees. Our latest planting is about 18 by 20 feet,
and we never expect to plant a peach orchard nearer on common upland. If I were
planting in river bottom I should set the trees 30 by 40 feet. Apple trees in this
country become dwarf in their habits and can be set 15 feet by 15. Mariana plums
want as much room as peach trees. Other varieties of plums can be grown at 12 to
15 feet each way. Dwarf pears may be set 12 feet by 12. Standards should be given
more room, except LeConte which had better have 30 feet. Our own way of
planting pear trees is expressed in our remarks under the head of pears.

Our Southern grapes: of the Herbemont type should not be set nearer than 10
feet. We set our own 12 feet by 12. Those of the Labrusca type can be set 6 feet
by 8. Those of the V. Vinifera may be grown 6 feet by 6. They are often set
nearer, but we do not believe in such close planting here.

Do not be duped into the fallacious notion of planting trees close enough to
shade each other’s trunks, but depend upon after treatment which will insure each

tree to shade its own trunk. (See remarks on Pruning Plum, Peach and Apple
Trees.)

HOW TO TREAT AN ORCHARD.
Do not neglect its thorough cultivation. We insist upon cultivation of th
emorg fiuit trees in this country, nctwithstanding the Northern directions i
cases to the contrary, We do not live in the North.

Sow no small grain in the orchard! Let the plow go among the trees wher
the growth of weeds and grasses or the condition of the soil requires it.

6 MISSION VALLEY NURSERIES.

plow run shallow when near enough to the trees to injure the roots, and elsewhere
plow as deep as youcan. Keep the ground loose, and in all respects in as good con-
dition as it should be for any other crop. If you raise a crop among the trees while
they are young, let it be a hoed crop, but plant nothing nearer than within five feet
of a tree, and maintain the fertility of the soil by the application of manure. The
old chips and rotten wood that collect around the country wood piles make a good
manure. A light dressing of ashes is valuable. A cropping of cow peas is good,
but in this case some vigilance is required to keep the vines from overrunning
the trees.

PRUNING PEACH, PLUM, AND APPLE TREES.

Dowt prune your trees to death. Before you begin make up your mind what
form of tree you want, and then don’t change from one plan to another. We have
seen senseless, unintelligent cutting and hacking at trees that was much worse than
no pruning at all.

We have peach trees now twenty-six years old still bearing well, that were
never pruned, except to keep off the suckers from below the graft. These trees
have modified my own views upon the subject of pruning.

Before our trees are sent to our customers, we cut away every side shoot and
then cut off the body at from one to two feet from the ground, if the eyes on the
trunk of the tree will justify it. For our own planting we cut still closer. The
object of this severe pruning is to leave only wood enough to furnish plenty of eyes
from which to make the future tree. Some persons object to this severe cutting
because they do not understand the matter. In removing a tree we have to
deprive it of the majority of its feeders, and the remaining ones cannot well feed
the entire original top. By this pruning at the nursery we save, for the customer,
half the cost: of transportation, make his trees more likely to grow, and secure to
him a stronger tree than if the top were not removed. My own peach, plum and
apple trees are pruned as follows :

The tree having been cut to a stem, as described above, and properly planted,
will put out a large number of sprouts in every direction. To form a low top, select
four of these sprouts leading in as many different directions. Move all others and
persistently keep any new shoots from supplying the places of those destroyed--
training only the four shoots selected, and let these four selected branches do preity
much as they please.

If a lateral root from any of these four shoots should hang so low as to be much
in the way, I cut it away, but cut no other laterals that are in a vigorous state. If
two limbs chafe each other or are likely to do so, I remove one of the offending
limbs. If a limb gets badly bruised or broken, I resort to amputation. If trees
threaten to interlock limbs with the adjoining ones, I shorten in the interfering
boughs. Should a tree be running taller than I wish, I check the tendency by
removing the leading boughs. Should one side of the tree be outgrowing the other,
I check the excess of the strongest side by shortening its boughs. _ If trees are
ted in this manner, each tree will shade its own trunk. While I train my
lard generally on this plan and thus have low heads—there is occasionally a ~
for desiring a tree to become taller and make a rounded head.

this case, at the first pruning I should retain only one shoot instead of four,
ening the stump back to the sprout selected to stand. As this shoot grows,
‘the lowest side limbs are cut away till the tree has attained its desired height. I do

ADDRESS: G. ONDERDONK, MISSION VALLEY, VICTORIA CO., TEXAS. tf

nothing more except to remove interfering limbs or twin sprouts or shorten an
occasional bough to preserve the form desired and keep down all suckers from the
base of the tree. I remove the suckers at any time when they are discovered, in
fact, I prune peach trees at any time that suits my convenience. But pear trees
should not be pruned during the growing season except to rub off young shoots,
pinch back leading buds, etc., to preserve the desired form of tree. Dead branches
tax the energies of the tree as long as they remain, and therefore should be
promptly removed.

Don’t keep cutting off the spurs that form on the sides of the trunk and branches.
These are preparations for fruit. We have seen the trunks and large limbs trimmed
clean of spurs up to near the top of the tree, under a false notion that the good of the
tree required it.

We urge the suggestion that whatever growth the peach, plum pear or apple
trees are not allowed to make within a short distance of the ground it will not pro-
duce at all. That it is utterly useless and destructive to try to run the trees up to
an unnatural height. When peach trees have been treated as we have suggested
for about two or three years from planting, they are ready for a careful permanent
system of treatment which will improve the size of the fruit.

In January, or before the new growth starts in the Spring, cut away half of
each twig of the former year’s growth. Let each cut be made just above a leaf bud.
The strongest shoots might be cut a little shorter and the weaker ones a trifle less,
so as to maintain the symmetry of the tree. This treatment will reduce the number
of peaches on the tree, but will vastly increase the size of those remaining. While
this treatment is less important here than at the North, yet it may be applied in our
orchards with advantage.

That our brief remarks may cover as much ground as possible, I will say that
in all pruning, whether of fruit trees or flowering shrubs, we must not lose sight of
this general principle—viz: That trees or shrubs that bear their fruits or flowers on
wood of the current year’s growth should be freely pruned in winter ; while those
which bear their fruit (or if ornamentals, their flowers,) on wood of the former
year’s growth should be pruned more sparingly. The reader will readily see the
common sense of this universal rule.

PEACH CULTURE IN SOUTHERN TEXAS.

These chapters were originally written for and published in the San Antonia
Weekly Express. We were solicited to give them a more permanent form. We
published them in our former edition and have concluded to continue them in this
issue as embodying our views on this subject.

CHAPTER I,
AN OBSTACLE.

In a series upon this subject it is natural to first take a brief view of an obst
that confronts the cultivator. The first, and one that we will make the sub
this chapter is the

TREE BLIGHT.

In most of the occupied portions of Texas, there are spots of ground upon
cotton and some other plants die out, especially during the early part of the se
All of the grasses seem unaffected by it. Some speak of the ground upon
this blight occurs as “‘ poison soil ;” others speak of this singular “ dying o

8 MISSION VALLEY NURSERIES. 4

—

result of ‘‘ cotton blight ;” and I do not know how many more names have been
given to this wide-spread scourge. We have a variety of theories about the cause
of this blight. I have my own theory concerning the matter, but think it would be
out of place in the series of articles I have now begun. For present purposes it is
sufficient to define it asa blight. While it is, in different sections, attributed to
different agencies, yet there seems to be sufficient uniformity in its symptoms and
effects in different localities to lead us to presume upon the identity of the scourge.
This blight is quite sure to kill every apple and pear tree and every grape vine
which it attacks, and sometimes destroys peach trees, rose bushes, and a great
variety of trees are killed by it. I have seen the trees of a whole orchard—one by
one, in regular succession—yield to its withering power. .

TO DETECT THE BLIGHT BEFORE PLANTING,

plant cotton or ground peas on the spot. If either of these remain uninjured at the
close of the first season, then there is no tree blight in the plot, and you may safely
set your trees. But suppose one has already set an orchard and afterwards dis-
covers that he has located it in an infected spot,

IS THERE A REMEDY?

I once found that this blight had begun its ravages on my vineyard. Wood was
abundant near by and the affected spot was small, so I built a large fire, gradually
moving and extending it, till the whole spot had been heated to a redness. I threw
into the fire everything combustible that was on the spot. I went ahead of every
sigu of blight and burnt vines that seemed to be unaffected. This proved efficient.
I replanted the burned plot and had no more blight there to this day. This was
twenty-two years ago. SoImay safely say that I cured this spot of ‘‘ blight,” or
rather killed the myriads of insects that caused it. It is to be regretted that we
have not a state entomologist to study up such cases and learn some practical mode
of destruction, so that they could be dealt with where the pest extends to large
patches. It generally appears on a too large scale to burn out in this manner, and
then the best way I know of is to seek another spot upon which to set a new orchard.
I have in my mind a case in which the owner of a blighted orchard set a second
orchard of two hundred trees, only a couple of hundred yards distant. In this case
the blight ceased after killing about a hundred trees, and the remainder, like the
new planting, lived to a good old age without becoming affected. In our next we
will notice the question of drainage.

CHAPTER II.

DRAINAGE AND SOILS.

For convenience and brevity and to avoid repitition, we will treat together the
questions of soil and drainage. Defective drainage is the most serious obstacle in
the way of peach culture. Whatever importance may properly be attached to ques-
ions of soil or aspect, yet, in fruit culture, the question of drainage outweighs every
her consideration, and more especially so in peach culture. Peach trees cannot
are wet feet for a great length of time. I shall probably find no better place to
at injudicious irrigation has killed many a promising tree.

For peach trees it is not sufficient that the water can run off—but it must run
omptly. Many a spot of ground which would be considered well drained for
1 or cotton, or small grain, will nevertheless retain water too long for peach
If water stands on the surface a few hours in a peach orchard, it is doing
ef to the roots of the trees.

ADDRESS: G. ONDERDONK, MISSION VALLEY, VICTORIA CO., TEXAS, 9

Tf the soil is that kind of sandy loam that retains so much water as to remain
boggy long after rain, that is a grave objection to it for a peach orchard. Sucha
soil may be, and generally is, splendid for the growth of the trees under ordinary
circumstances ; but in a very wet season its power of retaining so much water is
often fatal to the trees. I have seen this result even where the surface drainage
would be called good. An orchard in sucha place may do well for a dozen years
and then be destroyed by a rainy spell, which makes the ground boggy for a
month. But if you have a light sandy loam, that has both good surface drainage
and a good under drainage, then you have a perfect spot for a peach orchard.

It has been observed by many that the clay subsoil, immediately below their
sandy loam, is very uneven, so that if the surface soil were removed the clay would
present a surface like what we call ‘‘hog wallow” prairie. If you have such a sub-
soil of clay it will hold water a long time in the little basins formed by its uneven
surface, and a long wet spell is sometimes so nearly equal to a continued overflow
that the peach roots may be so far injured that when the drought of the following
year comes along, the trees have not sufficient nourishment from the few remaining
sound roots to support them, yield to the power of the drought and die. Many are
so far injured by the water of the clay basins that they do not even wait for a dry
spell to die in. There are many dead and dying orchards from this cause all over
Southern Texas. Many orchards with a pretty fair drainage are so far injured at
the roots by an unusually wet spell that in the following spring the trees shed much
or even all of their fruit and perhaps even maintain a sickly yellow for a season till
new root feeders have formed sufficiently to properly sustain the trees.

There is much of this kind of clay sub-soil (with clay basins) in Southern Texas.
I do not want to be understood to say that this clay is not good for peach trees—on
the other hand I believe it is good for them when not formed into clay basins. Nor
do I want to be understood to say that the soil above this clay is not good, for I
believe it is good when properly drained. But, at the risk of some repetition, I will
say that it is the clay basins which hold the water that do the mischief wherever
these basins exist.

Where one is compelled to plant upon such a plot, or not at all, there is a simple
but not always cheap remedy.

An underdrain, three feet deep under each row, will preserve the orchard. O
course this underdrain should precede the planting of the orchard, or it could not
be under each row. But if the orchard is already planted upon ground that has
this defect, it would be much improved by an underdrain between each row as the
best that can yet be done.

Of course these underdrains must have a good outlet. Where tiles cannot
reasonably be obtained, a good substitute for tiling can be made of plank. Two
six-inch planks nailed together at their edges so that a cross section would resemble
an A, would answer the purpose. The filling of the ditch should all be of the —
surface soil, leaving the clay from the ditch to be mixed with the surface soil o
the plot.

It seems to be the case that wherever we have the red clay as a sub-g
usually lies so even that no clay basins are formed. Even if they exist in s
I think that it will hardly hold water long enough to prove a serious matte
clay also seems favorable to peach culture. The soils upon it are, I believe
ally of a firm nature and seldom boggy. If the surface drainage of such
even tolerably good, it is a good site for a peach orchard, I have, on such g
trees over twenty years old and still productive.

10 MISSION VALLEY NURSERIES.

Many persons prepare for tree planting by digging enormous holes into the clay
sub-soil, filling them with earth, manure, etc., and thus imitate the natural clay
basins to which I have referred, and they are quite apt to reach such results as the
clay basins give, only they reap them more promptly and with greater certainty.
We here refer the reader to our remarks under the title ‘‘ How to Plant a Tree.”

Reviewing the combined question of soil and drainage, I would say that I prefer
sandy loam for peach trees if the drainage is complete. But I must insist that no
excellence of soil or aspect can compensate for defective drainage. So if I had to
express the largest amount of tru‘h on this subject in a single sentence, I should
say that the best-drained soil, if reasonably good, is the best place for a peach
orchard. 3

The summits of elevated places where no water can flow from other ground
aford good sites for peach orchards. The tops of live oak hills are especially
favorable.

CHAPTER III.

In writing a series of articles upon this subject, it would be desirable if we
could examine in detail, every principle and practice that bears upon the subject.
But this would involve an outlay of time which I cannot now spare. I hope, how-
ever, at some future time, to do myself the pleasure of bringing before the public,
in a convenient form, the conclusions reached from experience and observation in
Western Texas during the last thirty-five years. But for the present I must be con-
tented at a survey of only the landmarks that define the way of the most successful
peach culture in our general section. We now come to a department of the subject
which is too often overlooked—I mean the questions relating to

CLIMATIC ADAPTATION.

It is recognized by intelligent minds everywhere that within each separate
department of both animal and vegetable life there are distinct constitutional
differences. For example—in the animal kingdom when we look at the bovine
department we see a large number of different breeds all under one general name
of cattle. Yet these different breeds, or as we may correctly express it, these
different varieties of cattle have qualities and capacities very widely differing. We
find that some varieties are better adapted to certain purposes, or section, or
climate, than another. These differences are found to have become constitutional.

The same is true of horses, of hogs, of sheep, and even of men. It is noticably
true in the bear family. Each general region has its own peculiar type of bears.
The grizzly of the Rocky Mountains never invades the hills and valleys of Texas.
The white bear of the polar regions, if given the freedom of our forest, would not
live a week in our Summer.

If we turn our attention to the vegetable kingdom we find differences analagous
those in animal life. Let the farmer of Southern Texas send to Minnesota for
or wheat or corn with which to plant his fields, and while, perhaps, in an
ional season, he may reap a fair crop, yet he will generally fail. While some
hich can be quickly made, may here encounter, during their short time of
conditions so resembling their season of growth in their natural habitat as
er little or no deterioration by removal to a different climate, yet such products

ADDRESS: G. ONDERDONK, MISSION VALLEY, VICTORIA CO., TEXAS. 11

As fruit trees must be exposed to all the vicissitudes of climate through the
entire year, it follows, as a natural consequence, that they must be subject to any
effects which the climate is capable of producing. Thus habits of growth, habits of
bearing, and the durability of the tree, are all affected by climate. In cases of some
kinds of trees the tax upon their resources is so great as to undermine their consti-
tution and hurry them to an early decay. In fact, the history of the subject, and
results of universal observation of students in this department, have crystalized
into the acknowledged theory the world over, that nature has set her bounds for
each variety of fruit.

And here it is well to observe that the great peach family has been divided by
the Grand Architect of nature, into races as distinct from each other as are the
different races of men. And while each race of men can become adapted to the
conditions of the other, we find that this is not to a great extent true of the different
‘races of the peach. Each has its proper zone of habitation, and when we carry
them beyond it their very constitutions rebel against the change and they refuse to
give us success.

The Persian race, belonging in the higher latitudes, should not be brought
below the limits assigned by nature.

While latitude is conceded to be a general guide in estimating the possible habi-
tation of any product, yet physical geographists have found that from modifying
causes the lines of equal temperature, which we call isothermal lines, make impor-
tant variations from the lines of latitude, and that these isothermal lines, with the
modifications resulting from different degrees of humidity, determine the natural
places of habitation of not only the fruits. but each form of vegetable life, and
right here

A GREAT PRINCIPLE IN NATURE

is often overlooked. We should keep in mind the great principle or rule of nature,
that each vegetable product is more vigorous as we approach its polar limit of
perfect development. When we pass its limit of perfect development we find
marks of deterioration from the rigors of climate. In cases of fruits the constitu-
tion and longevity of the trees are impaired, although perfection in fruit may be
obtained to the polar limit of existence. Thus in peach culture we find that as we
approach the northern limit of this fruit, while the quality of the fruit is fully
maintained, yet such weakness has the stock of trees attained in comparison with
those of forty years ago, that it often excites the inquires of old observers.

And when this Persian race, even if possessing all of its original strength, is
brought to our zone where it is not only unadapted, but is subject to the principle
just named, we see a double cause of its failure.

And here iet us recall

ANOTHER PRINCIPLE

that has been too much lost sight of by our Northern nurserymen, and it is
cannot be denied, and we are sure that its non-observance has done quite
perhaps, as their climate to undermine the constitution of their trees.

While it is doubtful whether grafting or budding, when properly done,
with the constitution of a tree, yet it is true that the seeds grown upon
tree are reduced in vigor and will not produce as strong trees as seeds

12 MISSION VALLEY NURSERIES.

—

seedlings. When seedling orchards became scarce at the North, the nurserymen
there planted such seeds as they could get, which were generally seed of grafted
trees. They have continued this process so long that an additional degeneration
has overtaken their entire stock of peach trees. And so great is the deterioration
from the different causes that most of their fine peach orchards fail at from eight
to eleven years from the date of planting. And yet many of our people continue to
buy peach trees from that degenerated supply! We will follow up this matter in
our next.

CHAPTER IY.

In our last we showed some of the ways in which the whole Northern race of
peach trees became degenerated and deplored the extent to which that deteriorated
race has been supplying orchards for Southern Texas. Let us now turn our atten-
tion to another phase of this matter.

Having been grown so long at the North, and although degenerated in vigor
and longevity by its Northern residence, yet the peach became in a certain sense,
acclimated there, and in fact there was established a strain peculiar to the climate
in which it has so long existed. It would be a natural inference that when a stock
of trees had been degenerated by being carried too far North for a healthy exist-
ence, that to again bring it Southward would restore the lost vigor. But it has been
found in actual practice, that after the degree of acclimation which the peach
attained there, it was subject to the

CONVERSE PRINCIPLE

that while fruits generally are improved by being carried toward their polar limit
of perfect development—that they are deteriorated by being carried toward their
equatorial limit. And yet our people have been getting their trees from Nashville,
Bloomington, and even points still further North, to be planted in Southern Texas!
and when they find their trees unproductive they wonder (! ! !) and cry out “what
can be the matter with the trees ?” and at once conclude that this is not a peach
country, without reflecting that they have been doing such violence to the princi-
ples of vegetable life that they thus secured their own failure.

But right here some one will say that he planted trees from Mobile or New
Orleans or Hastern Texas—or perhaps from a nursery in his own neighborhood—and
yet has experienced the same results. And such a one will ask why he also failed
as completely as the neighbor who got his trees from a Northern nursery. Surely
there is a reason for his failure. I will try to point out the reason if “‘ poison soil”
borers, or want of drainage, or his own neglect had anything to do with it, for either
of these could have killed an orchard whether of suitable or unsuitable trees. This
brings us again to the matter of

UNSUITABLE TREES.

n the first place we will note that some of our Texas nurserymen buy a part of
trees from Northern nurseries, and in such cases the customer may as well
sent to the North and got his trees from first hands. In the next place I will
I do not know of a nursery anywhere in the South, except our own, that
make up nearly their entire supply of trees from this same degenerate race
ir Northern brethren use. This is the whole thing in a nutshell. It does not
the matter to say that the yellow St. John originated at New Orleans, or
ab’s prize is a seedling from Montgomery county, Téxas, or that this or that

ADDRESS: G@. ONDERDONK, MISSION VALLEY, VICTORIA CO, TEXAS. 13

variety originated in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi or Texas, as long as the fact
remains that it belongs to that unadapted stock of which we are complaining. A
tree having been grown here from seed is no proof of the race to which it belongs
any more than that because a man was born in a stable he should be regarded as a
horse. Ihave seedlings originated from the Persian race on my own premises, from
seed grown here by myself, and these seedlings show every sign of non-adaptation
peculiar to the race to which they belong.

I do not say that by continuing for a long time, through many generations of
trees, that a final acclimation would not result. I believe it would. But Ido say
that the nature of the Persian race or its constitutional want of adaption to our
climate cannot be eradicated through the seed in only a few generations of trees in a
genial climate. It is more deeply seated than that. Another may say that he has
even raised his own trees and grafted or budded them himself, and yet his results
are no better than when he bought froma Northern source. I will answer such a
one with a statement that general experience has proved that when we graft a tree
we not only propagate the variety of fruit, but the variety of tree with its entire
habits, except in cases of dwarfing.

When I bud from a plum tree upon peach stocks, I get simply a plum tree with
peach roots, and of the very variety of plum which I grafted from, whether early,
late, large or small.

When I bud from a peach tree that is diseased, I find that the disease is propa-
gated with the tree. When I bud from a peach tree of the Persian race that will
not here, once in ten years, produce more than twenty-five peaches at a crop, I uni-
formly find that I have thus propagated trees that only bear in the same way, and
that show all the points of weakness exhibited by the tree which I budded from.

When I bud from a tree of the Southern Chinese race, or from one of the Spanish
race that our people call native seedlings—one that is a heavy bearer—I find that I
have produced trees that are as productive as the trees from which my buds were
taken. If this were not so why should we bud at all?

In general terms (except in cases of dwarfing), I propagated by budding the
same thing from which my buds were taken with the entire habits practically
continued in the product, very seldom finding that the stock has any very marked
effect upon the resulting tree. So I feel very safe in saying to the reader who budded
from the unadapted tree, that he surely would, and did, find that he had propagated
all the defects of the tree from which he budded, and had no right to expect any
other result. Of course, then he would fail with them just in the same way as he
did with his Northern trees. Here I wish to point out to the reader

AN UNEXPECTED DEVELOPMENT.

While I have varieties of the Persian race that have been budded in extre
Southern Texas for more than thirty years, and others of the same race that
been thus propagated here ever since the introduction to the public, and
cannot see that these varieties seem to be any more productive or any better
here than at the beginning of their culture here, yet I have been surprised
that when these trees so produced here have been carried, even only a sho
Northward, they have proven much better bearers than trees of the sam
that have been raised further northward. While I did not foresee this de
it is now very easy to refer it toa general law which I have already stated,
can scarcely be too often repeated in this connection, viz: that fruit

14 MISSION VALLEY NURSERIES.

proved by being carried toward their polar limit of perfect development. This fact

is of great value to those occupying the belt of country that lies just below the line ;

of success with the Persian race, and even further North. Upon this principle we
have established our nurseries as far South as it is practical to carry on general
nursery operations.

In my next I propose to present, at least, a partial remedy against the disap-
pointments in fruit culture that have followed every effort of so many enterprising
men in Southern Texas.

CHAPTER V.

We may as well pause here, and take a chapter for a word of explanation. We
have had it suggested to us that although nature has divided the general peach
family into five races, yet that our terms by which we distinguish these races from
each other are ‘‘ arbitrary.”

We reply that in speaking of things we must have terms by which to designate
them, or we should be involved in frequent confusion or cumbersome circumlocu-
tion. It is a poor thing that has not about it enough that is sufficiently distinct to
suggest a name for itself. If it has this then the name is not arbitrary.

We speak of the Persian race because we can readily trace it back to Persian
Origin.
We speak of the Spanish race because, although it is probably of final Persian

origin, yet we have not been able to trace it beyond its Spanish possessors, and if we
should, still it seems to have taken its distinct characteristics in Spanish hands.

We speak of the Northern Chinese race because it is traced directly to China,
and because it is more Northern in its habitation than any other race of Chinese
peaches.

We speak of the Southern Chinese race because it has a more Southern position
in its natural habitation.

We speak of the Peen To race because we understand that the term signifies
fiat peach in the Chinese language.

We do not say that these are the best possible terms by which these races of
peaches should be distinguished from each other, but for the present, until better
authority shall have given names, we shall designate these races according to the
above nomenclature.

CHAPTER VI.

In former numbers I have given attention to some of the causes of the failure in
peach culture in Southern Texas. I have endeavored to point out that while poison
peach borers, defective drainage, and neglect had each borne their part, and
r one may effect the success of an orchard, yet that the grand cause of dissatis-
disappointment and failure was that our people have been planting trees
a race not suited to our climate. The question very naturally arises:

WHAT IS THE REMEDY?

= part of our remedy lies in not planting trees of this class. Another part
the Southern races that are found to be adapted to our region. We will
them separately.

—

it ee Fe ie

ADDRESS: G. ONS MISSION VALLEY, VICTORIA CO., TEXAS. 15

FIRST—THE SPANISH RACE.

We already have a hardy race of trees that suits our climate well, and is very
productive. It has been cultivated in Southern latitudes till it has become thoroughly
adapted to Southern climates on the lower border of the zone in which the peach
has been considered possible. The vigor of this race from Spain has not been dimin-
ished by its treatment in Mexico and Texas during its long existence here. If, before
its introduction by the Catholic missionaries, it needed to be established into a dis-
tinct race, yet its propagation here for more than two centuries of time has given to
the trees all the characteristics of a separate and distinct race from that now in
general cultivation by the nurseries of the United States and Europe.

It has extended in the extreme South, from Florida to Mexico. It has made its
way up the Mississippi and other streams. It has overrun Texas and every part of
Mexico where it will flourish.

Everywhere the trees have been recognized as hardy seedlings, which, although
not claiming the highest excellence in quality, were nevertheless successful growers
and fine bearers, often developing choice varieties. They are now known all over
Southern Texas as the most reliable race of peach trees that have been generally
tested by our settlers. Surely we shall hardly find a better foundation upon which
to base improvements.

When the Persian race was disseminated among our people, some of them
grafted from it upon these vigorous Spanish stocks, thinking that the superior
strength of the stock would be imparted to the newly made tree, and thus they
would get the fine qualities of the Persian race combined with the hardy character
of the Spanish. But, however reasonable this appeared, yet every one knows how
this expedient failed (as we represented in a former number), not because the new
trees were grafted, but because they were developed into trees of the Persian race.

About thirty-seven years ago I began to study this race of seedlings. I saw how
hardy, productive and long-lived it was, and embraced the belief that it could be
vastly improved. I spared no pains to learn what could be done towards

THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SPANISH RACE.

The beginnings of an enterprise are almost always feeble. In its early stages it
generally progresses slowly. In this respect, this enterprise proved no exception to
the general rule, and this one of developing a valuable list of fruit, from even such
a beginning, would be a life-long undertaking.

Then came the war, with all its crushing calamities—years of absence in military
life, of distracting thought, of scattering material and dissipating capital, termina-
ting in a shipwreck of quite all that had been accomplished. But perseverance is
a mighty agent of success.

Thousands of seedings were fruited in the hope of finding, here and there, 0
of standard merit. Such as appeared valuable were preserved, while all the
were sent to the brush pile to make room for another installment of seedling
treated in a similar manner.

This plan has been continued to the present day, and has developed so
varieties. These were all grafted for preservation. Meanwhile, valuable
were found in the many seedling orchards all over Southern Texas. Cutti
taken from these and preserved by grafting. Large experimental orc
made up, consisting of the varieties collected from Spanish seedlings of

16 MISSION VALLEY NURSERIES.

was then allowed to test the comparative value of the varieties in the collection.
Careful comparisons of the varieties in these experimental orchards were made fro

year to year, and enabled the rejection of those less valuable and the retention of
such as were found to be superior ; and thus, finally, a revised list was the result of

the protracted enterprise.
This, in connection with similar efforts in other departments, made our premises

little else than a horticultural experimental station, at our own expense, for many
years. But it seemed a necessary prelude to our future enterprises, and we adhered
to the policy till we have reached a large part of the results at which we were aim-
ing. And here let me say regarding the advice to plant seed in order to secure a
reliable orchard, that it must be remembered that while it is true that the orchards
so raised from our native seed will be hardy and productive, yet it is also true that
the greatest number of such trees will not prove to be varieties of merit. But if you
want a good orchard of good peaches then buy grafted trees of acclimated varieties
such as can be got at the Mission Valley Nurseries, and you will have all the hardi-
ness and produciiveness of the native seedling, combined with the quality of the
finer varieties.

CHAPTER VIT.

In former numbers we have considered the fact of the unreliable character of
the varieties of the Persian race when planted in extreme Southern Texas. Werefer
to the fact that at tide water, and for some distance toward the interior, the Persian
race is worthless—that as we go farther we reach a belt in which they usually
produce sparingly and occasionally bear a good crop, but, on the whole, are so
unreliable as to disappoint and discourage the cultivator, while still higher in the
interior these varieties give reasonable success, and yet in the regions still beyond
this they are considered successful.

We observe that where these varieties are a partial success these seasons of non-
productiveness follow mild winters when the isothermal lines lie temporarily further
northward than usual; and conversely that the productive seasons for this strain
follow our severe winters, when the isothermal lines lie more southward. And whea
we compare these last two facts with the fact that this race generally succeeds in a
more rigid climate, we have asolid line of facts that combine in a very marked
confirmation of our theory that the degree of success or failure which is obtained
with this Northern race, is not a question of soil, but a result of climate.

We have presented the native peaches, or, as we have chosen to define them, the
Spanish race, as a sound basis upon which to construct our orchards in Southern
Texas. But, while we recede from nothing which we have claimed for our Spanish
race, yet we must concede that there is one want which it does not yet supply. It
has given us no extra early varieties. What shall we plant then to secure extra
y peaches? This is a real difficulty. While we shall probably develop much
ler varieties from our natives than we now have, yet that prospect does not give
esent supply. As a partial remedy we propose some varieties of

THE SOUTHERN CHINESE RACE.

While writers upon the origin of the peach universally state that “the peach
d in Persia” yet I do not think there is any way of proving that China may
ned also as a primitive home.

ADDRESS: G. ONDERDONK, MISSION VALLEY, VICTORIA CO,, TEXAS. 17

While the Western nations carried the peach westward from the place of its
origin and have made wonderful improvements upon the original yet the Chinese
made developments of, or discovered types very different from anything we have
seen in the West. They seem to have found originally, or else developed both north-
ern and southern types which differ so widely from each other, that it seems hardly
proper to define these lines of difference as those of mere strains but rather allow
them the real prominence they present and admit their identity as races.

The Southern Chinese race seems perfectly at home all over Southern Texas,
It is productive, even after the mildest winters, and the entire race, so far as we are
acquainted with it, is earlier than the earliest Spanish variety. This race then is a
valuable acquisition to a region where the early varieties of the Persian type are so
far unsuccessful as to be unprofitable. The developments of this race among us
have only just begun, and yet they are such as to excite the liveliest interest. Al-
ready we have five choice varieties, besides others not yet disseminated, making a
succession from the last days of May to the Spanish varieties. We have now a lot
of seedlings from which we have every reason to hope to obtain a variety to rival
in earliness the Alexander. While the Peen To race has, thus far, proven itself too
far North with us, yet we may hope that some of its seedlings may prove late
bloomers and be found adapted to our region as well as among the oranges, lemons
and pineapples of Florida.

When we reflect what has been done with certain strains of the Persian race in
the line of developing early varieties and remember the great length of time that
has been required for its accomplishment, and then consider what a very short
period has elapsed since our first acquaintance with the Southern Chinese race, we
may well expect that at no remote day we shall exceed any limit of earliness that
has ever been proposed.

While the Northern Chinese race generally are very successful in Central and
Northern Texas, yet the coast region is below their proper zone, and most varieties
of this type are not successful here except in special localities where local modifica-
tions enable them to succeed.

CHAPTER VIII.
REPRODUCTION OF VARIETIES OF FRUIT FROM SEED.

In Southern Texas, among persons whose notions have not been corrected by
experience. it is a very common mistake to suppose that if they plant seed from
good fruit only they will be sure of producing only trees that will bear fruit equal
to, if not identical with, the fruit from which the seeds were taken, They think
that varieties of fruit are reproduced from seed with as much certainty as are varie-
ties of potatoes or any garden vegetable.

However amusing this notion may seem to those who know better, yet it
more serious matter to those who are going to risk their understanding of this
ple in the orchard they are about to plant, instead of procuring improved
some reliable nursery.

In 1858 I purchased the entire crop from a certain favorite peach tre
improved trees could not then be procured in this country. My desig
cure something desirable from it, and I expected to obtain a few ind
from the lot that would be an approximate reproduction of the origina
ble improvement. I brought to fruiting about one hundred and fifty t

18 : MISSION VALLEY NURSERIES.

lot of seed. Twenty of them bore a marked resemblance to the original tree, the
fruit differing in size and season of ripening. A few did not differ in any percepti-
ble way. One was a decided improvement upon the original from which I took the
seed, the fruit being more uniformly large and excellent. This one I named Onder-
donk’s Favorite. The other one hundred and thirty-two, which came from this lot
of seed, presented almost every possible variety of character and appearance. So
my result was one very choice variety, a few rather desirable, some rather ordinary
and the greatest number positively mean. And yet my success in this experiment
with seed is greater than I should obtain in one experiment out of twenty. Out of
another lot of sixty seedlings I obtained one worth grafting from. Another lot of
five hundred gave only one from which I was willing to graft. Another lot of five
hundred seedlings yielded two which I considered worth grafting from. Another
lot of three hundred seedlings gave one valuable variety. Another lot of two thous-
and seedlings gave none that I was willing to admit as worthy of adding to my list
of valuable varieties. I planted plum seeds from a large number of fine plums. I
got about five hundred varieties from this lot of seed, and not one variety in the
whole lot had any considerable resemblance to any variety from which I planted
seed. And yet in all of these cases I used seed from choice, selected fruit, pro-
duced over thirty-five hundred seedlings and obtained only six really very choice
varieties. It is true that there were sixty or possibly a hundred trees of fruit which,
although not good enough to graft from, were nevertheless good enough to preserve
as fruit trees. But, while this was the case, yet the largest number of them ranged
from common to miserably mean. And who wants to bring thirty-five hundred
peach trees to bear in his orchard to get even a hundred good ones, while he will
have thirty-four hundred ranging in quality from common to mean? supplying
fruit for six weeks of time, when a hundred trees, every one bearing good fruit and
ripening in succession for six months in the year, can be bought at the nursery for
twenty dollars.

“But why,” the incredulous will ask, ‘‘can we not get from our fruit seed the
same varieties as those from which the seed were taken?” The sensible reader will
ask if the laws of nature are not regular and certain. Then why this wide varia-
tion in fruit resulting from seed taken from the same tree? I will answer.

If the reader will examine a peach blossom, or the blossom of any fruit tree, he
will see in the center, standing distinct and alone, a tall, stem-like looking object
with a peculiar termination at the top. The central object is called the pistil. The
upper termination is called the stigma, and is the female organ of reproduction for
this particular bloom. Arranged around the pistil may be seen a large number,
perhaps twenty-five or more, thread-like organs called stamens, each terminating
at the top with a flat cushion-like appendage called the anther. The anther may be
regarded as the male organ of reproduction. The anther holds the pollen, which, to
the naked eye, appears like a very fine dust ; but when examined under a magni-
of sufficient power each particle presents to the eye the most delicate form.

if no pollen from any anther should ever reach the stigma of the pistil of
» bloom, then no fruit could ever result from that bloom. But whenever
pollen from any of the anthers of any bloom is lodged upon the stigma
h, the ovary,{which constitutes the lower part, becomes fertilized, and
the future begins to develop. The variety of pollen fixes the variety of
eed. The fruit surrounding the seed, is, in a botanical sense, only a
, and exists only to secure the development of the seed. It is not

ADDRESS: G. ONDERDONK, MISSION VALLEY, VICTORIA CO., TEXAS, s 19

realized by every one that the fruit that we so highly prize, and for which we culti-
vate the tree, is, after all, only an incidental result in the production of the seed for
which we care so little.

In the above analysis we see that the fruit resulting from the fertilization of
each particular bloom, is, in a proper sense, only a developed portion of the tree
upon which it grows, and, therefore, is not changed in variety by the character of
the pollen which fertilized the seed enclosed in it, while the seed in accordance to
the fixed laws of reproduction, necessarily partakes of the peculiarities imparted by
the pollen by which it was brought into being.

If every stigma were fertilized with pollen from the stigma’s own tree, then the
trees resulting from such seed would reproduce exactly the same variety of fruit.
But there are circumstances that combine to defeat this result. The stigma and
pollen of a bloom not being both in a stage of maturity for fertilization at the first
opening of the flower, constitutes an important condition. The existence of other
trees with their burdens of pollen within fertilizing distance constitutes another
condition no less important. Then the busy bees—the myriads of insects that buzz
from flower to flower, and even the passing breeze that floats by the tiny bloom—-
each bear their own portion of the minute particles of the fertile pollen, and al-
though without design mingle them in an untold number of combinations, scatter-
ing them in countless directions to distances little imagined by the casual observer,
and establishing modifications as numberless as variety itself.

CHAPTER IX,

We have endeavored to show that if we of Southern Texas do, for some special
reason, plant any trees of the Persian type, yet they should never comprise the bulk
of our orchards. I will now specify under just what circumstances I should plant
trees of this type. For while the stock of trees of this race is especially degenerated
when removed to our climate, yet it does contain many very choice varieties of fruit
which we can never excel and some of which we have not equaled.

Those of us who live below the line of possible success with the northern varie-
ties have no present remedy beyond the present development of the Spanish and
Chinese races of peaches, except that we migrate to regions of a more rigid climate.
But while we of the Southern counties have not a present remedy, yet we may well
hope for a future remedy not far distant. The Persian type has probably quite
reached its limit of earliness. While it has for centuries been subject to the im-
provements of horticulturists, giving it time for the fullest development, yet we
have but just begun with the Southern races. And when we consider our improve-
ments during the last quarter of a century we can cast a cheerful glance into the
future, and easily expect rapid progress to mark the way of the years to come.

But many of our readers live within the zone of partial success with the
Persian race.

Some who are thus situated have very high ground upon which they «
plant an orchard, Let such remember that every two hundred and fi
elevation attained is equivalent to a degree of latitude” This is a valuak
them. If they are willing to cultivate an uncertain crop for the sake ¢
when it ‘‘ does hit;” then let them plant some tree of early northe
Beatrice, Louise and Alexander, Rivers, or others of the same seaso

they will get a fair crop of extra early peaches, and very often they

pay eee

20 8 MISSION VALLEY NURSERIES.

peaches, while sometimes they will get no fruit at all. But if they insist upon
extra early peaches—earlier than we have named of the Spanish and Chinese races,
then the above is the best that we can do without migrating to a country of cooler
winters. But if they do plant such varieties in the low regions of Southern Texas,
let them go into it with the understanding that it is an uncertain venture, in which
only partial success is even possible ; and let them remember the principle which
teaches that they should get trees which were raised more southward than their
orchards if possible.

While the varieties of the Persian race will not bear an average of twenty
peaches to the tree in my own grounds, yet if I were located seventy miles further
northward I would plant moderately of the extra early varieties of the Persian race,
and afew of the best later varieties, while I would principally rely upon Spanish
varieties, and even if I lived in the regions of success with the Persian race, yet I
should plant largely of the Spanish race as experiments in different sections of
higher latitudes show these varieties improved by being carried northward. As the
preface to a work should always be written after the work is completed, so in the
present case, that which might have appeared in the preface must be presented as a
conclusion.

There are many matters of interest properly included in the general subject
which I have been considering. It would be pleasant to examine many details that
could be named, but concerning which I have been silent. it is one thing to care-
fully survey an entire region, and quite another to simply pass through it and point
out the land marks by which one must define a general way. And this last has
been my policy in dealing with the outlines of a subject that, if amply considered,
would fill a large volume. I have done little else than present such general princi-
ples as seem to lie at the bottom of success of peach culture in Southern Texas.

I have not the presumption to claim to ‘‘ know all about ” this subject, but for
thirty-seven years I have been studying it with all the light that has been shed upon
it by my own reason, observation, experience and the help of the vast number of
men who have each contributed their share in the mighty work of developing the
vast slumbering pomological resources of Southern Texas. Our region contains
plenty of men who, if they had given themselves to the same work, could have ex-
plored the same field with as much energy and faithfulness, and, quite likely, with
earlier and more thorough results. And our region is also full of men at the pres-
ent hour who have reached quite the same general conclusions that we have drawn
in this series of articles. But horticulture has not been their profession ; therefore
they naturally pursue each his own special object in life.

T should be dull, indeed, if, after devoting my life to horticultural subjects, I
had not gained a respectable amount of information in the line of my profession.
But my readers, J do not know it all. I am learning every day. I now learn more
in one year than I used to learn in ten. I now often wonder at my own clumsiness
in certain departments only a decade back in my history, and if the developments

Pthe future are to keep pace with those of the past (and why not?) then if I live
sx, decade I shall look back with wonder upon the status of our improvement
In each special branch of horticulture, as in other departments of human
here is a wide room for improvement. So I do not ask the reader of
ers to regard them as infallible. They are only the present result of my
ion from all sources after a patient study of a little more than a third

aa

ADDRESS: G, ONDERDONK, MISSION VALLEY, VICTORIA CO., TEXAS. 21

OUR LISTS OF PEACHES.

We have rearranged our lists of peaches that they may be in better harmony
with the progress that has been made in Southern peach culture. The developments
of the different races of the peach in our low latitudes, and the comparative posi-
tion which each is found to occupy upon a scale of isothermal lines, seem to require
that we should not ignore the distinctions that have been made by nature, and
which so persistently force themselves upon our attention by their practical rela-
tions to an important department of our business life.

The development of the Spanish and Chinese races of peaches promises vast re-
sults to Southern pomology. We have reached that point in the study of peach
culture for this region that we recognize a very unexpected amount of difference in
the very narrow zones that succeed each other from the coast country to the moun-
tains. Our communications are extending —our trade has ceased to be purely local
—and we realize that we must meet the growing demands of more extended inter-
course. We have, therefore, decided upon separate lists of peaches to accommo-
date climate conditions of customers in different sections.

Some of the boundaries given upon the isothermal chart may need correction,
but we are satisfied that we quite correctly state the relative position of these races.
While all careful students of physical geography must admit that on account of the’
unequal distribution of heat during the extremes of the year, the isothermal lines of
the world generally are not a sure guide in estimating the possible productions of a
climate, yet for our purposes, in speaking of the products of Texas, such are the
conditions that we may take these lines as a general guide in our remarks about our
peach culture.

We refer the reader to the report of the United States Commissioner of Agricul-
ture for 1887. Page 648 to 651.

THE PERSIAN RACE occupies the most Northern position of any race of peaches,
It extends to the Northern limits of peach culture, and seems, in some varieties to
succeed well down to about the isothermal of 65, while under the modifying influence
of local causes it even runs down to the line of 68. Anda very few varieties have,
under the most favorable and rare conditions, given fair partial success as low
down as the line of 70. But we have not heard of any of this race being found so
well adapted as to be regularly productive in any general locality as far down as
this last named limit.

This race was brought from Persia to Italy during the reign of the Emperor
Claudius. It was introduced into Great Britian about 1550, and to the American
colonies about 1680. They are all late bloomers, and cannot carry their foliage
through the growing season of the Southern portion of the belt in which they
cultivated. This race includes the varieties usually propagated by the Nor
nurserymen and composes the bulk of the Northern orchards.

We have found the following varieties among those best ada
Southern portion of the zone of this race, Except in river bottoms, i
diate vicinity of a body of water sufficient to relieve to some extent
our atmosphere, even partial success must not be expected with this 1
the isotherm of 70.

Our nurseries are about in this line, and these varieties are not
We confidently send these varieties Northward, especially to positi
hundred feet higher than we are. But we always regret to have

22 MISSION VALLEY NURSERIES. “\_ ( f Y td @
go Southward, except to one whom we know has a favorable position for them. We
have varieties that at our premises are practically worthless, and yet are a fair suc-
cess only a short distance above us. Weare upon a line where a few miles North

- or South make an important difference. We are bringing these questions nearer to
a point every year.

PERSIAN LIST OF PEACHES.

Prices—30 cents each; $3 per dozen ; $20 per hundred.

Alexander—Above medium, highly colared in clay soils, less colored in light
soils ; flesh greenish white, very juicy, adheres to the seed. Maturity May 9th to
20th. The earliest variety in cultivation.

Amelia—Very large, conical, white, nearly covered with crimson; juicy,
sweet, of high flavor. Too tender for market but splendid for home use.

Beatrice—Small to medium; deep red; good quality; matures immediately
after Alexander, May 20.

Bexar—Very large ; white ; red cheek; looks very much like Old Mixon Free,
but is three weeks later. A seedling from San Antonio, Texas.

Elmira—Large, white, bright red cheek. A real beauty about July 10th.

Louise—Medium ; larger than Beatrice ;, excellent for home use; too tender
for shipment. Ripens just after Beatrice.

Lady Farham—Large; green, with dull red cheek; very good. Last of Octo-
ber and first half of November.

Large September—Large, white, red blush. Reminds one of Old Mixon Free,
but ripens in September. This is, no doubt, an old variety that has come to us
without a name. Freestone.

Old Mixon Free—Large; white, with red cheek ; juicy ; excellent. July 10 to 15.

Old Mixon Cling—Large ; white, mottled with red. An old peach of superior
value. July 15th to 20th.

Picquet’s Late—Large ; yellow, red blush; flesh yellow; excellent. August
15th. Freestone.

Rivers—Large ; pale straw color; very juicy ; of the best quality ; too tender
for market; ripens just after Louise.

Tillotson—Medium ; white, nearly covered with red ; excellent; good market
variety. Junel10th. Freestone.
HE NORTHERN CHINESE race occupies the lower portion of the range belong-
® the Persian race, and some varieties succeed below it. In our own region. on
70, one or two varieties only are really valuable. This class produces
large peaches that it is to be regretted that it does not occupy a wider belt

RTHERN CHINESE LIST OF PEACHES.

cents each; $3.00 per dozen; $20.00 per hundred, except where

Medium to large, oblong, yellowish white, with red cheek ; flesh
f the highest flavor. Middle of July.

ADDRESS: G. ONDERDONK, MISSION VALLEY, VICTORIA CO., TEXAS. 28

Bernice—Large, yellow. mottled with dark crimson ; flesh yellow, melting, juicy,
excellent. Freestone. July 10th.

Chinese Cling—Very large and beautiful, but not as good quality as several of its
seedlings. July 15th. Useless in the coast range.

Carpenter’s Cling—Large, white, sometimes marbled with carmine, sweet, juicy,
Originated by Mr. Carpenter of Mountain City, Texas, July 15. This variety
bears well about half of the time in the coast country, and is so fine that it ought
to be planted here.

Gen. Lee—Above medium, oblong, creamy white with carmine wash; flesh finely
grained, melting, very juicy and of high flavor; quality best. July 1st. Cling.

Juno—Very large, deep yellow, mottled orange crimson ; flesh yellow, fine grained,
excellent sub-acid. Clingstone. August 1st. The Bernice, Juno, Oriole, and
Sylphide originated with Dr. L. E, Berkmans of Georgia.

Oriole—Large yellow, rich, buttery, excellent. Freestone. August Ist.

Spottswood—Similar to Chinese Cling. Very large, and of best quality. July 5th

to 10th.
Sylphide—Similar to Chinese Cling, but a month later. rae
Stonewall—Almost similar to Gen. Lee, but about a week later, and tree a mol

upright grower. July 7th to i0th.

Thurber—Large to very large, skin white, with light crimson mottlings, juicy,
delicate aroma, good enough for anybody. Originated by Dr. Berkmans, and
first disseminated by P. J. Berkmans in 1873. Freestones bear in the coast
country better than most of this class, but not here reliable in most places,

THE SPANISH RACE occupies, probably we may say, the entire range of

the Northern Chinese race, and extends considerably Southword of it, the greater

portion of the range of the Sowthern Chinese race being included in its proper
habitation.

Prior to the introduction of the Chinese varieties, it seemed to be the only class

of peaches that could be made a paying success here and below us. This race still

comprises the bulk of the orchards in and near the isotherm of 70. It seems to do

better a little above this line than below it. Its introduction into our horticulture
was the really practical beginning of Southern Texas peach culture.

And now we think that in getting the new seedlings of Mr. Taber of Florida,
we have additions to this list that will vastly increase its value.

SPANISH LIST OF PEACHES.

Prices—40 cents each; $4 per dozen; $25 per 100; except where otherwise noted.

nito—Medium to large ; yellow with beautiful carmine wash ; flesh yellow with
d near seed, very firm ; takes a high color long before really ripe ; stands
ent well; a very beautiful fruit, but not of first quality.

dian—Large, closely resembles Flewellen; purple, flesh containing
rple veins, sub-acid, decided Indian type, a good market peach. July
ingstone,
ew peach from Mr. G. L. Taber of Florida. Described by him as
und, large to very large; skin white; flesh white, tender, melting,
us; quality excellent. Freestone. Will probably ripen here about
th. In dormant bud this year 50 cents each, after planting season
at 50 cents each. ;

TP...

FRA

24 MISSION VALLEY NURSERIES.

Dowling’s June—Another of Mr. Taber’s seedlings. Medium to large, quite red,
sub-acid. Clingstone. June.

Elma—One of Mr. Taber’s peaches. Strongly resembling Old Mixon cling. Will
probably ripen here about July 15th to 20th. Clingstone.

Galveston—Large, white, juicy, tender for shipment, but fills a place for those who
prefer a white freestone for homeuse. July 25th to August 10th.

Gaudalupe—Large, white, sub-acid, good. August. Clingstone.

Lula—Large, yellow ; flesh yellow. About August 1. Freestone.

Lilard’s October—Large, white, red cheek, fair flavor ; bearing qualities not tested
on the coast, will be likely to be found productive in this country. Obtained
from Mr, Lilard at Seguin, Texas.

La Magnifique—Another of Mr. Taber’s Florida seedlings. Tree strong grower,
good bearer; fruit large, oblong; skin creamy white, washed with red; flesh
firm, rich, sub-acid. Clingstone. Will probably ripen here about July 20th to
A=gust Ist. Dormant buds 50 cents each, for planting season of 1888-9 ; after-
wards 50 cents per tree.

La Reine—A Florida seedling from Mr. Taber. Very large, slightly oblong ; skin
yellowish white, washed with red ; flesh yellowish white, very red at the seed,
firm, juicy, delicious. Will probably ripen here about July 10th to 16th.
Clingstone. During the planting season of 1888-9, 50 cents each ; afterwards
same as other varieties of this list.

Maggie Burt—Yellow clingstone with carmine cheek ; a strong grower, good size.
July 20th.

Onderdonk’s Favorite—Large: skin and flesh yellow; very juicy and sweet; the
best combination of quality, appearance and productiveness. Decidedly our
favorite. July. Freestone. Price, 50 cents each: $5 per dozen, when ordered
alone.

Orman—Large, round, yellow, with carmine wash. A rare beauty. Originated by
Mr. Orman at Concrete, Dewitt county, Texas. September ist. Clingstone.
Rose—Medium, round, rosy red, firm flesh, rich, juicy and sweet. June 25th.

Freestone.

Rupley’s Cling—Large, clear yellow, sometimes with a slight blush. The fruit was
not large on our young trees, but as the trees attain age this variety excites the
admiration of all who see it. July 20.

Sander’s Cling—Large, bright yellow, very good. July 25th to August ist.

Texas—Medium to large; dim green, shaded with red. Good freestone. Late in
July.

Taber’s No. 13—Very large; yellow washed with carmine. We will have it in
dormant bud during the winter 1888-9, at 50 cents each; afterwards trees at
same rate as given at the head of this list. Clingstone.

Taber’s No. 5—Resembles Lemon Cling and is therefore a showy peach. 40¢
each in dormant bud during winter of 1888-9.

Victoria—Another of Taber’s seedlings. Large, slightly oblong, crea
juicy, well flavored. About August Ist. Freestone. 50 cents for da
in winter of 1888-9.

THE SOUTHERN CHINESE RACE

Will probably be found successful in about all of the Southern th
properly covered by the Northern Chinese race, and extends a little bi
to, the lower borders of the regions of the Spanish race. It is most
the line of greatest success of the Spanish race. The breadth fron

ADDRESS: G. ONDERDONK, MISSION VALLEY, VICTORIA CO., TEXAS. 25

of the proper home of this race will probably be found to be a narrow one. But on
the isothermal line of 70 it is surely the most successful class of peaches known to
horticulture.

Aside from the possibilities of obtaining a variety of the PEEN To RAcE that does
not bloom too early on our line the Southern Chinese seems to be the material from
which to expect to obtain our extra early varieties that are yet to be originated, to
fill a place here similar to that occupied by the Alexander in the regions of success
with the Persian race. -

It is only about sixteen years since we began to become acquainted here with
this race of peaches. During this brief period its season of ripening has been ex-
tended in earlier and later varieties, about a month, and even this improvement has
all been made within the last five years. If we shall meet with as good success
during the years to come that we have had during the last half decade, then we
shall yet, in one or more members of this race attain a degree of earliness never yet
suggested by the wildest dreams.

There are now numerous choice varieties of this race. But our object is not to
multiply varieties, but to secure a succession from thie earliest varieties possible, to
better fill the season between our earliest and the old varieties of July. Therefore,
we present only the five varieties that we have selected as best suited to that object.

LIST OF SOUTHERNGGHINESE PEACHES:
Prices given relate to delivery at the Nursery.

Early China—Very clearly resembling Henry in fruit, but ripens seven to ten days
earlier. The tree is of stronger growth and attains a greater size than Honey.
Price, 75 cents each, $8 per dozen.

Honey—This peach was originated by Charles Downing, from seed obtained from
China. The original tree never fruited, but a budded tree was given to the late
Henry Lyons, Esq., of Columbia, S. C., about 1855. The variety was placed in
the hands of Mr. P. J. Berkmans, of Augusta, Ga., and the only stock held by
him until 1858, when it was sent out for the first time. The variety was not
found to be valuable at Augusta, but when it was sent to Florida and Texas,
into its natural and proper home, it was found to possess special merit. We
obtained our original stock from Mr. Berkmans. Medium, oblong, with sharp ©
recurved points, creamy white, washed with carmine; flesh of a peculiarly fine
texture and a honey sweetness. June 5th to 20th. Price, 50 cents each, $5 per
dozen.

Pallas—Originated by Mr. Berkman’s. A seedling of the Honey. About same size

as Honey or perhaps some larger, but more round in form. Flesh white, melt-

ing, with a rich vinous aroma, partaking in this the flavor of the Gross Mignonne,
ns after Honey, but exact season not settled yet for this region as we have
it only twice. Price, 50 cents each.

iginated by Thos. Coleman, near Rockport, Texas, and is given by him

ion similar to that we have given of Pallas. Price, 50 cents in dormant

the winter of 1888-9, the same as Honey afterward.

ger than Honey ; round, slightly oblong, with less recurved point

; color pale yellow, washed with red; flesh yellowish white, fine

lting, sprightly, with a distinct trace of acid lacking in the Honey;

Freestone. Ripens just after Honey. Price, 50 cents each ;

26 _ MISSION VALLEY NURSERIES. ©

THE PEEN TO RACE

Occupies the extreme Southern portion of the Southern Chinese range, and
extends still below it, where no other peaches are known to exist. We donot doubt
its capacity to thrive in a tropical climate, side by side with the banana, the pine
apple, the cocoa nut, and citrous fruits of the tropics.

Writers have spoken of it as a “ strain” of the Southern Chinese race. But the
points of difference are so very striking, and its character so fixed as revealed by the }

character of its seedlings, that we believe it should not be denied the position given (
it by nature as a distinct race. While we do not like to multiply distinctions}yet we
have always found it to be up-hill work to contend against the decisions of nature.

While we have here, on the line of 70, produced some good crops of the Peen To,
yet we have generally failed with it, and our hopes concerning its value for this
region are relinquished, unless we can obtain a variety that blooms later than any
Peen To that we have yet heard of.

There are numerous seedlings of this class, but with the past history of our
experience with the race in this region, we believe we are too much subject to polar
influences to allow us to recommend the Peen To upon our line, and our trade far
below us in the regions where it properly belongs is yet so light that we propagate
but few trees of this class, and present only two varieties.

PEEN TO LIST OF PEACHES.

Peen Io—Resembles in form a large flat tomato, both ends being flattened, and the

pit also partaking of the same form ; greenish white, washed with carmine on F:

the sunny side ; when fully ripe is of a delicate waxen yellow ; flesh pale yel-

low, sweet, juicy, and of fine flavor. Clingstone. Stone verysmall. Ripens

here sometimes as early as May 23th. The fruit here has generally some bitter-

ness near the skin which it does not possess in its proper home. This peach isa

great favorite in Florida among the oranges. Price, 50 cents each, $5 per dozen.
Bidwell’s Early—Originated in Florida by Mr. Bidwell of Olando. Roundish oblong;

size medium; skin creamy white, washed with carmine ; flesh fine grained,

juicy, sweet. Clingstone. Maturity about the same as Peen To.

PLUMS.

No variety of European plums has succeeded in Southern Texas. Yet the
Chickasaw and other Southern types have given us a good collection of choice
varieties extending from the first of May to September. Some hybrids between the
Chickasaw and European families have proven valuable in the Northern and inte
rior portions of the State, but when brought to our coast region they have prove
be destitute of good bearing qualities. But when we attain a degree of hyb
tion in which the Prunus Huropea is sufficiently dominant to overcome the di
tion to sucker, and impart size and comeliness to the tree—and at the
the Prunus Chickasa is sufficiently present to secure fruitfulness—f#
gained a point, in principle and in fact, for the plum culture of the ex
that will prove truly a vast beginning. We believe that in the MARTA)
Mr. Ely, we have a variety that attains to this combination. In our Owd &
we have other varieties, of the same general origin, waiting more
before dissemination. Here is a new developmeut in plum cult
vast results.

ADDRESS: G. ONDERDONK, MISSION VALLEY, VICTORIA CO., TEXAS. 27

We have devoted a few acres to experiments with the plum. We have origi-
nated about four hundred varieties during our experience. The tests of time have
established the value of several of these new varietes. Also, our collection has been
enriched by valuable additions from other sources until we are willing to say that
we have secured an excellent list of plums for the extreme South.

We shall continue to be extremely cautious about recommending varieties that
will not merit public favor.

RN OUR LIST OF AMERICAN PLUMS.

} (IN ORDER OF RIPENING.)

Price of Trees at the Nursery, 50 cents each, $4 per dozen. If delivered elsewhere
we make a charge to cover cost and risk of shipment. Special
rates for special selections and special sizes.

arly Red—Medium, round, pale carmine, usually ripens first week in May, some-
times in April. The earliest plum in our collection for Southern Texas. In
Northern Texas Caddo Chief seems to precede it a little.

ddo Chief—Medium, oblong, red. Ripens about four days after Early Red here.
A surer bearer than Early Red, but not of as good quality.

Munson—A new variety from our own grounds and now offered for the first time.
Large, oblong, vermillion red, as large as Wild Goose, and about two weeks
earlier. Tree of a low spreading habit, and a good bearer.

Jennie Lucas—Large, clear bright yellow, good flavor.

Piram—Large, round, pale green. Originated by P. T. Hall, formerly of Golied
County, Texas. A very heavy bearer.

Mariana—Large, round, red, sweet ; bears mostly on old spurs. Tree a very fine
grower, never suckers, makes a good shade tree, and should take the place of
Umbrella China in many instances.

Coletta—Large, slightly vublong, pale carmine, sweet; a showy fruit. Tree has
upright habit, is a heavy biennial bearer.

African—Large, round ; russet with blush when ripening; dark flesh colored red
when ripe ; a sprightly sweet. About June Ist.

Wild Goose—Large, oblong, ripens from pale yellow to vermillion; ripens with
African. About June 1st. There is much complaint in Southern Texas about
its bearing habits. There are some trees in this region that bear ae Me,
and yet we have seen that the complaints against its bearing habits in this
region generally are well founded.

Saffold—Large, round, red, decidedly acid ; much valued for preserves. Tree a
spreading open grower, bears well.

Clara—Somewhat larger than Saffold, of the same general character, but a trifle
later. Named in honor of Miss Clara Davidson of Mission Valley, Texas, whose
father has presented us with a seedling plum bearing a close resemblance t¢
variety.

Indian Chief—Large, round, red, sub-acid; flesh a little mealy ; bears y
extremely early age. Tree has an open habit, and, we think, is mo
effects of extremes of wet and dry than most varieties. Very pop

»Beaty—Medium, round, red, sweet ; very productive ; ripens in succe
ing over more time than is usual with plums, Keeps remarkak
gathering, and has the best possible shipping qualities.

Newman—An old variety of good standing. Medium. oblong, re
bear acquaintance well. July 20th to 25th here.

28 MISSION VALLEY NURSERIES.

Kanawha—Medium, ripens from yellow to vermillion. August here. This variety,
with the Golden Beauty, seem to belong to a new native type hitherto undes-
cribed, but now being investigated by Prof. Munson.

Golden Beauty—We obtained this variety by cuttings from a wild tree near Fort
Belnap at the close of the war between the states. We were so pleased with the
appearance of the tree in full bearing that we named it Golden Beauty. Fruit
yellow, quite handsome when thoroughly ripe, flesh firm, seed small, a choice
variety for preserves. Ripens here August 15th to 25th.

ORIENTAL PLUMS.

American pomology is being vastly enriched by introductions from the Orient.
In plum culture, we of the extreme South, have hitherto been confined to varieties
of our own native races. But there has now come to us a hardy race from Japan,
that seems destined to bear an important part in giving variety and enlargement to
our supply of plums. The best tested of this groupis the Kelsey. That it is produc-
tive both above and below our isothermal line and line of latitude is well determined.
Then it remains to a certainty that it will prove successful here also.

The growth of the young trees here is all that could be desired. It is bearing

well at Houston. At our nurseries we are having the first products this year. At
this writing, July 6, we have just measured a specimen about six inches in circum-
ference. It has probably yet six weeks to grow before maturity, so that it is easy to
believe that it will reach a circumference of eight or nine inches.

To have a plum that can be readily peeled witha knife, as one would doa peach
may seem extravagant, but it is just what we have in some of these Japan plums.
We have eight varieties growing in our grounds at the nurseries. We shall be ready
to supply any or all of them in the fall of 1889. Wecan supply them in dormant
bud this season at 50 cents each, or $5 per dozen, on Mariana stocks.

Kelsey—Very large, sometimes reaching a circumference of nine inches. Dark
brown yellow, with blush of pale red ; sweet, flesh as firm as an apple; seeds not
larger than we usually find in our small varieties. Season of maturity here
about August 25th. Three an upright grower, but does not probably attain a
great size. 50 cents to $1, according to grade of tree.

Ogan—Botan—Chabot—Mason—Long-fruited—All are said to have the same gen-
eral character as Kelsey, with variations of color and season.

Botankie—Is said to mature earlier, but we have not fruited it.

, Virgata—A beautiful ornamental tree, blooming very early, showing a profusion
of rose colored double flowers. If the late frost does not preventit bears a good
crop of small, oblong, orange yellow plum of an apricot flavor.

Prunus Pissardii—This variety comes from Persia. The leaves are highly colored

with a combination of purple and red, and maintain this color all through the

Season. This renders it a showy tree for the yard or garden. It fills the same

ace among flowering trees and shrubs as colored foliage plants do in the con-

tory or flower garden. The fruit is large, bright red, fair quality, and
re this year in the second week of May. 50 cents to $1.

ii—A new fruit introduced from China. It isnot known whether it

fe successful here. We have had it two years, 1887 and 1888 cover two

f our utmost extremes, and yet the trees seem to be doing well. We are

ouselves, and offer it to those who want to test its value here. Tree of

ht, upright habit, leaves deeply veined, but otherwise somewhat

e of peach and plum. The fruit issaid to resemblea flattish, smooth,

a]

ADDRESS: G. ONDERDONK, MISSION VALLEY, VICTORIA CO., TEXAS. 29

brick red tomato. The flesh has an apricot yellow color, firm, and with a
peculiar aromatic flavor. It is like no other fruit with which we are acquainted.
If it succeeds here it will probably mature here about last of June or first of
July. 50 cents to $1 each.

APPLES.

A few years ago we had no faith in Apples for Western Texas; but we have
watched eagerly every experiment bearing upon the question, until our sense of
' encouragement has ripened into a good degree of confidence. We find that in this
region our youn apple trees grow off with astonishing rapidity. After two or three
years our standard trees assume a dwarf habit. They grow as large as a dwarf pear
tree, and some varieties bear well. Out of about eighty varieties tested in our
experimental orchards a few varieties have been found so far adapted as to be
worthy Tippee here. We raise altogether standard trees, as we find no
artificial “‘varfs to be valuable. As we ascend toward the interior, we find the
apple does better than here. There is one general misapprehension about the apple
which we wish to see corrected. It is often said that this country is “too dry” for
the apple. Now, the apple and pear will bear more drought than the peach, I
have not yet seen a season so dry as to seem to injure my apple or pear trees, or
injure the fruit. But apples must have good soil and good cultivation.

»
LIST OF G3ePLeEs.:

Prices of trees, 40 cents each; $4.00 per dozen ; $20.00 per 100.

Red May—Medium, nearly covered with red ; ripens with us about last of May and
early in June.

Harvest—Medium, yellow ; follows Red May in time of ripening.

Summer Queen—Large, yellow, with rich strips of carmine; ripens in June.

Stevens—Medium to small, flat, well covered with red ; flavor good ; originated
with Mr. Stevens at Gonzales. Ripens with Summer Queen.

Yellew Sweet—Large, yellow; a good bearer and the only sweet apple that has
done well enough to seem valuable to our culture ; follows Stevens and Summer
Queen.

Red Astrachan—Large, Red; is less reliable here than the other varieties; a fine
apple ; tree bears young; ripens in June.

Jones’ Favorite—A straggling grower, but good bearer ; medium to large, oblong,
green, good flavor ; ripens in August.

Lincoln—Large, flatish ; while growing resembles Rhode Island Greening, but takes
a dull blush just before ripening. Our best apple, August.

Sally Gray—Medium size; red on one side; flat, juicy, subacid ; tree vigorous but
does not bear as young as the other varieties. August and September.

Ben Davis—A large, handsome, striped apple of fine quality. Tree very vi
and productive ; a fine keeper, highly esteemed but not well tested here.
well 100 miles above us.

Shockly—A late variety, generally considered valuable at the South; fr
to small, roundish, conical, pale yellow; keeps remarkably well.
have a good thing in the Shockly, but do not know it.

Transcendent Crab— Valued altogether for preserving.

Bs aire

30 MISSION VALLEY NURSERIES.

PEARS.

Our experience and observations concerning the pear have convinced us that if
the proper varieties are selected it is well worth our care and attention to plant
pear trees.

We have planted in orchard rows about seventy varieties and awaited results.
At the end of fifteen years we have settled upon a few varieties that seem adapted
to our soils and climate. Altogether our close study of the pear for Southern Texas
extends over only a period of about twenty years. At first we had no faith in pear
culture for our section. But after our results we should be dull indeed if we did
not believe in planting pear trees on every premises that has a suitable situation.

At first we were impressed with an idea that dwarf pear trees would prove most
promising. But our experience has reversed our judgment. We now declare decid-
edly in favor of Standard trees as a final dependence for fruit. However, we favor
the planting of dwarfs for a quick supply till the standards can have time to come
to bearing.

We supply both standard and dwarf trees. Dwarf trees are simply those raised
on quince stocks. They bear soon and die early.

Standard trees are raised upon pear roots. They root very deep, defying the
dryest season when once established. Both standard and dwarf bear drought well.
Both insist upon clay at some accessible depth. The roots of the standard will run
down to a great depth, reaching to a distance of thirty feet or more in good clay.

We would plant standards twenty feet each way, and then plant dwarfs between
each two standards, so that every other row would all be dwarf and the remaining
ones half standard and half of them dwarf trees. Our preference for standard trees
is gaining ground every year.

Dwarf trees may be planted so that the joint with the quince will be from three
to six inches below the surface of the ground. They will start more slowly, but
will finally become half standard, and consequently longer lived. Standard trees
should be planted at the same depth they stood in the nursery. Pear trees must be
expected to grow off slowly at first for two or three years. Dwarf and standard
trees will be sold at the same price.

No section has a long list of really successful pears. While the entire list of
pears in cultivation embraces some fifteen hundred or more varieties, yet only a
very few sorts succeed thoroughly in any one region. We have reduced our list to
such as seem most promising here. We have not yet seen a case of pear blight in
Southern Texas.

Price of Trees—50 cents each ; $5.00 per dozen at the nurseries, except where
otherwise stated. If delivered elsewhere we make a charge to cover cost and risk
of delivery. Special assortments and special sizes special rates.

LIST OF PEARS.

ws—Slow grower, scrubby habit, but finally bears well. Medium size, very
succeeds both as dwarf and standard. One of our good pears. July 20th.
asc—Long, fleshy stem, good quality ; one of our best bearers. July.
ative—Large, delicious ; comes slowly into bearing ; best as standard.
arge, rich; popular everywhere ; very good here as a dwarf—better as a
August.

ADDRESS: G. ONDERDONK, MISSION VALLEY, VICTORIA CO., TEXAS. 31

Duchesse d’Angouleme—Our largest good pear, excellent quality ; bears well here;
best as dwarf.

Kieffer—A seedling of the Chinese sand pear. <A very strong grower; very promis-
ing but not thoroughly tested here.

Le Conte—A seedling of the Chinese sand. The most vigorous grower we have
seen. Its bearing habits exceed any other variety. Our oldest Le Conte tree is
now a sight worth taking pains to see. It was planted eight years ago and has
now an astonishing crop. But we think it must be conceded that the Le Conte
is a sand pear, as it seems to do very much the best in a sandy soil. From what
we have seen of this variety we intend to increase our planting in orchard rows.
In quality Le Conte is about as good as the Bartlett is here, conceding that our

- Bartletts are not as good as at the North.

°°

QUINCES.

When properly treated the quince does well here. Nothing turns up its nose
quicker at a poor soil than the quince. Plant in rich soil, apply a little salt on the
surface of the ground each year. The Apple or Orange quince is well tested here,
Price 50 cents.

+ooe__—__

MULBERRIES.

Texas is a part of the natural home of the Mulberry. We can scarcely mention
a variety of soil in which the Mulberry, in its numerous varieties, does not thrive
well. While our native wild varieties are of good quality, yet they ripen through
such a very brief season that it is welcome to have varieties that continue through a
longer period. We believe we are on the eve of marked improvements in the
Mulberry. The introduction of the Russian type is a matter of importance to the
American people. Although it is true that in planting what nurserymen now offer
as simply “ Russian Mulberry” trees, the purchaser cannot have any possible inti-
mation whether the fruit on his trees will be white, black or red ; large, small or
medium, because they are all seedlings, yet he may know that he is getting some-
thing that will grow rapidly, and if properly pruned up will make a fine thrifty
tree. It remains to develop from this hardy race a list of valuable varieties
of special merit. We are trying te see what we can do towards developing good
varieties from the Russian type, and we expect in time to present a good collection.

We are led to believe that in situations where they can be cultivated for three or
four years after planting, the seedling Russian Mulberry is a valuable tree to plant
to serve as posts to a wire fence. It has the merit of standing almost any wind that
ever blows. During the cyclone of 1886 not one of our Russian Mulberry trees we
injured. We have trees planted four years ago that were large enough a yea
to serve as posts to a wire fence. We donot know how durable the timbe
prove when set in the ground as posts. Our proposition is to use the gro
as it stands,

LIST OF MULBERRIES.

English—We find this variety here, pleasing everybody who has it.
know whether this is its proper name. We doubtit. But it is
which our people know it. Tree a round spreading head, mak

32 MISSION VALLEY NURSERIES.

tree. Berries large, long, acid, continues ripening for several weeks, and some-
times also makes a Fall crop. 50 cents each, $5 per dozen.

Rives—A very fine rapid growing shade tree. The fruit, while being good, has not
special merit. The value of this variety consists in its capacity to make a good
shade quickly. 50 cents to $1, according to size.

Russian Mulberry—All seedlings, and may produce fruit of any color or size, or
none atall. A quick growing Ornamental Tree. 25 to 50 cents, according to
size ; $5 to $10 per 100, according to size.

Emma—A new seedling, originated upon our premises, and seems to be a cross
between the wild mulberry and one of our cultivated sorts. Tree a strong
grower, leaves very large; berry large, sub-acid, has an extended season of
ripening. $1.

Victoria—One of our new varieties developed from the Russian type. A tall upright
grower, very rapid growth, a great favorite on our premises. Berry large, sweet,
black, ripens for several weeks. $1 each, $8 per dozen.

—— $0 ——___

GRAPES.

Many of our people have planted grapes and have failed. Some have deserved
and experienced failures, because they have not taken care of their vines. But others
have failed because they planted varieties not suited to the climate. We have spared
neither attention nor expense to make our experience with Grapes as valuable as
possible. We have been cultivating the Grape for thirty years on our present
premises . Weare pleased with the progress that we have made in ascertaining the
adaptability of varieties to our climate. As it takes several years to properly test
some varieties, we must expect slow progress im this kind of enterprise. Our expe-
rience has led us to adopt some generalization which seem to be correct and are of
vast service in selecting for experiment.

Some years ago we planted sixty varieties of grapes in our experimental vine-
yard. Our collection embraced varieties belonging to every family of grapes then
considered worthy of cultivation. The only thoroughly successful varieties in our
experiments belong to what was then spoken of as the Southern Astivalis type.

We had temporary success with some Labruscas and some Vinifera varieties.

But, from different causes, we found them unreliable and short lived with us.
Further towards the interior, and in special localities where conditions are different
from our own, some varieties that failed with us have given good results. But we
believe that our results hold as a general guide for the coast region, that they are a
less certain guide as we recede from the coast country and gain higher latitudes,
greater elevations, and attain different conditions.
Prof. T. V. Munson of Dennison, Texas, is doing valuable service for the future
iculture of Texas. He has many new seedlings which, altogether, include quite
y combination from which we hope to secure new varieties with which to
our collections for Southern as well as Northern Texas. Several of these
Ss are now in our experimental] vineyard awaiting the test of time before
to the public. Wemay well hope that Mr. Munson’s labors will yet
uthern Nurserymen to enlarge their list of profitable grapes.

PLANTING THE VINES.

r the reader to our chapter on Selection of ground for orchards, He
mber that drainage is above every other consideration. Prepare the

ADDRESS: G. ONDERDONK, MISSION VALLEY, VICTORIA CO., TEXAS, 33

a
ground as thoroughly as for any other crop. Our Southern varieties should be
planted not closer than ten or twelve feet apart each way. To prepare the plant
shorten the roots to six or eight inches. We cut the tops to within a foot or less of
the old wood of the plant.

If the soil is rich enough to produce twenty or twenty-five bushels of corn to
the acre it is rich enough for starting a vineyard. Put no fresh manure in the
neighborhood of the roots. There may be situations having no clay sub-soil in
which extra deep holes or deep trenches are an advantage, but deep trenching or
deep holes into the clay subsoil has proven, with us, worse than labor thrown away.
Many a tree and vine has been killed by this sort of kindness. The hole may be
made from nine to eleven inches deep, and then filled to within about from six to
eight inches with good moist surface soil. It is best to plant while the earth from
the hole is moist and fresh.

Insert the plant so that only one or two buds may be above the surface at the
completion of the planting. If, when the plant is held asabove directed, it is thereby
brought to a leaning position, no harm, but rather advantage will result. Now cover
the roots with moist surface soil, and press it well around the roots. Should the soil
not be well moist pour some water into the hole before packing the earth. Let it
soak away and complete the filling as in other planting.*

The above method of planting secures more or less eyes below the surface of the
ground. These will each send out a number of roots, greatly reinforcing those with
which the vine is planted, and thus securing a much stronger growth than could be
obtained by planting none of the wood of the top.

PRUNING THE GRAPE.

Universal experience teaches that the best results are obtained from the new
sprouts which grow from the strongest shoots of the previous year’s growth. Any
system of pruning therefore, to be correct, must encourage a good annual supply of
suchgrowth. In this climate, also, every cluster of grapes must be in the shade,
Aside from the above essentials any peculiarities of any system are mere matters of
taste or convenience. We give only onesystem and refer the reagler who wishes to
study other methods, as well as gain a large fund of useful information—to Prof.
Geo. Husmann’s new work, entitled ‘‘American Grape Growing and Wine Making,”
sold by Orange Judd & Co., New York. Also, Illustrated American Grapes, by
Bush and Son and Meissner, Bushberg, Mo.

During the first Summer let the plants grow just as they please—stakes or
trellis not being required.

During the Winter after the first year of growth cut away all of the previous
year’s growth except three eyes. Before the vines start their spring growth the
soil should be well cultivated, the plants hoed clean and stakes set along each roy
support the wires of the trellis. The lower wire will only be needed duri
season and may be placed about eighteen inches from the ground.

During the Spring of the second year a number of shoots will s'
stump of three eyes which was left at the winter pruning. When the
about six or eight inches long, the first summer pruning begins by re
these shoots except two. These two shoots should be trained to the
about eighteen inches quite immediately above them, if it has

*See under How to Plant a Tree, page 4.

34 MISSION VALLEY NURSERIES.

arranged. These shoots, while young, will be found very tender, and care will be
needed not to injure them in handling. We sometimes use light switches set in the
ground as supports, tying the tender shoots to them till they reach the wire. We
prefer strings made by stripping up the leaves of the Spanish Dagger tree, or Yucca
Gloriosa, as they will rot off just about the right time. Train these two shoots along
the wire in opposite directions. Allow no new shoots from below. Remove all the
side shoots from these two main canes for from four to six feet from their base, but
do not injure the buds in so doing. Keep the soil well cultivated all summer.
These two canes which we call horizontal arms, should each grow to from fifteen to
thirty feet during the year, and we have seen them make forty-five feet.

During the Winter after the second year of growth, cut the horizontal arms
back to from four to six feet each—the length of the shortened cane to be governed
by the growth of the former year. Always cultivate the soil and hoe the plants
before the new growth appears and continue thorough cultivation through the season.
Now add the two remaining wires to complete the trellis. The lower wire having
been placed about eighteen inches from the ground—the second one may be from
ten to twelve inches from the first. The third or upper wire may be eighteen or
twenty inches above the middle one, so that the trellis would consist of three wires,
the highest being about four feet from the ground. Some cultivators use four wires,
No. 12 wire is the size generally preferred.

During the Spring after the second pruning, which is the third year after
planting, we find the plant consisting of two horizontal arms, from four to six or
possibly eight feet long—everything else having been cut away. The cultivator may
now expect a reasonable crop of grapes. Bind these two arms to the lower wire of
the trellis. This should be done before the Spring growth has begun. A sprout
will start from each bud of the horizontal arms. Select on the upper side of the
arms from five to seven of the strongest bearing shoots and train them as upright
canes, binding them to the second wire. Rub off all shoots except those selected as
upright canes. If any appear feeble remove the weaker ones. If any buds have
made two shoots remove the weakest one. If some are not yet developed, we pass
them for the present and go over the vines again in four or five days afterwards.
All of the fruit is to be grown on these new shoots. In our treatment of the grape
we simply train these shoots to the wires above them and along on the trellis, as
this answers the purposes for which we cultivate the vine, and it will be found by
most cultivators to best suit their convenience. But for those who desire to make
the very largest and finest clusters, and are willing to tax themselves with the
additional labor and care to insure that object, we recommend the renewal system.

Summer Pruning.—Near the base of each of the horizontal arms, select a strong
shoot, which is to be trained for the purpose of renewal at the next winter pruning.
his renewal cane, as it grows is to be trained to the upper wire of the trellis.

Next pass over the remaining upright canes and pinch off the terminal bud of
on as it reaches two leaves beyond the Jast bunch of grapes, the embryo
which will appear as the cane grows. Some varieties will show two,
and the Herbemont and Lenoir will sometimes show four bunches of
of these upright canes.

» upright canes have been stopped as above directed, they will start
eaxil of each leaf. The laterals should be promptly stopped by
me off just above the first leaf. The sooner this is done after the
he development of its first leaf the better. In fact, every operation

ADDRESS: G. ONDERDONK, MISSION VALLEY, VICTORIA CO., TEXAS. 35

of Summer pruning should be performed as soon as the development of the plant
will admit.

The laterals will start a second time, when we in turn pinch off this new growth
to one leaf as before, thus giving to each lateral two leaves. The above stopping of
canes and laterals will force a development of fruit by stopping all surplus growth
and at the same time supply abundant shade for the growing grapes. The whole
course of pruning will here, with our Southern varieties, be completed by the middle
of April or a very little later, and whatever grows afterwards during the season
may be left to grow at will on the trellis, except that suckers from near the ground
must be kept down during the whole season,

During the Winter after the third year of growth we do our third Winter
pruning. Ofcourse, we must now be governed by the conditions resulting from the
Summer treatment of the preceding year of growth. If we followed the renewa
system of Summer pruning we will now see that each vine consists of the two
horizontal arms which support the upright fruit canes of the previous year, and the
renewal canes which we trained to the upper wire of the trellis, There may also be
more or less light, straggling shoots that grew after the Summer pruning has
been completed.

We now cut away the old horizontal arm of last year just above the renewal
cane that was trained to the upper wire, and shorten to from four to eight feet the
renewal cane. This may be shortened in proportion to the vigor of the plant, and
brought down to supply the place of the old horizontal arm on the lower wire.
Remove all straggling shoots that may have escaped amputation, so that the vine
shall again consist of only two horizontal arms, trained in opposite direction on the
lower wire of the trellis.

But if we have not followed the renewal system of summer pruping, our vines
will be in a different form and will, of course, require diftoredt otttent, In the
latt r case instead of two strong canes on the upper wire and aéveral short old fruit
arms, we will find several upright canes of considerable streagth. If we see that
one of these canes has very much outgrown all the rest and it comes from near the
base of the plant, we cut away all the rest on that side, and make a renewal cane of
it as in the pruning after the renewal system. But if the canes are of something
like equal growth (as they will usually be found to be), then we cut each one back
to within four eyes of the old wood. If a cane appears much stronger than the
average it might have an eye or two more; or if below an average it may be lef
with an eye or two less. And if there area good number of strong canes, say fivet
to seven on a side, then any very weak ones could be cut’ out altogether or at most
given a single eye.

From this onward the treatment of each succeeding year is to be a repetition o
this year’s work. By this time the cultivator will have become acquainted wit
vines, and will have acquired sufficient judgment concerning them that h
be competent to manage them successfully.

There are some points in relation to the treatment of the grape t
will here refer at the risk of some repetition. Whatever system o
adopted the work must be begun early and pressed promptly, so rapid
development that delay is disastrous. Do all stopping of shoots so ea:
be done at the terminals, so that the vine shall be despoiled of little
and there shall be no waste by forming useless wood, only to be remo
growing season. The grape is very sensitive to the loss of

36 MISSION VALLEY NURSERIES.

the season of rapid growth—therefore the idea in summer pruning is not to destroy
foliage or new wood, but to so direct their formation as to economize every energy
of the plant and concentrate its power to the production of fruit. The operator who
fails to keep these ends in view had better not summer prune at all.

Again, it must be remembered—and the idea carried through our pruninz and
binding to the trellis—that while the young fruit may grow well in the sun, yet
in this latitude the grapes must be in the shade at the ripening season.

Again, don’t cut your vines while the buds are swelling, as it will cause them to
bleed so freely. If you have begun to cut and find them bleeding very much, then
wait till a norther has checked the sap and begin again. If no friendly norther
comes along to help you out, then wait till some leaves begin to open, and although
we deprecate cutting at this stage, yet it is better than to prune when the vines
bleed profusely. And yet again, don’t cut too early, as then the warm spells of our
winter may push out the fruit buds too soon and thus endanger the crop. The
middle of our January is the safest medium time for our winter pruning.

OUR LIST OF GRAPES.

We have thrown aside the largest number of varieties which we have been
cultivating, because we have not found them adapted to this region. Although
many catalogues contain long lists of grapes, yet the list of really profitable varieties
in every locality is very short. Large amounts of money are annually squandered
in the vain hope of success with a large number of varieties. This is a delusion
against which we wish to caution our people. As a large portion of Texas is infested
by phylloxera we have taken care that our list should be mostly composed of
varieties found to be phylloxera proof. We will supply any variety, whether in our
list or not, if early application is made.

We are satisfied that the classification of grapes is about to undergo a general
revolution, and we shall, therefore, in our descriptions, avoid such descriptive terms
as we think will soon become obsolete, and use only such as will remain intelligible.

We shall hasten to add to our list any new varieties that are ready for dissem-
ination, as soon as we have sufficient reason to believe that they will be valuable
to our people.

Price of Plants at Nursery—25 cents each; $2.50 per dozen; $10.00 per 100,
except in cases where other rates are appended. Wholesale rates given on applica-
tion. Special assortments at special rates. These prices apply in cases only in
which delivery is made at the nursery. If delivered elsewhere we make an addi-
tional charge to cover cost of transportation and risk in transit.

LIST.

Black July (Herbemont type)—Medium, black, sweet, seldom shouldered, compact ;
Fipens early in July. We think it a little too far South in the coast region ; an
cellent table grape. Itisa pity that it bears so lightly and fails so young
It is durable and productive further up the country, nearer the climate of
xin. This variety has been found wild in different places in Georgia and
a. It is also known as Deveraux, Sumpter, Lincoln, Sherry, Blue
nd at one time was disseminated as Lenoir.
rbemont type)—We obtained this grape from Major Harwood of
It seems to have come as a sport from the Herbemont in his garden.
al plant was very productive and vigorous. It does not start well

ADDRESS: G. ONDERDONK, MISSION VALLEY, VICTORIA CO., TEXAS, 37

from cuttings, and is generally raised by grafting. It seems to be somewhat
eccentric in habit. In some situations it is simply splendid, in others a flat
failure. It seems to do best on mustang stocks. This variety will never become
cheap on account of the mode required for propagation. 50 cents each; $5.00
per dozen. e

Louisiana (Herbemont type)—Bunch and berry medium; compact, sweet, gray-
purple. Middle of July.

Herbemont—Often known as Warren. Berry medium, dark purple, blue bloom,
cluster large, heavily shouldered, compact, very thrifty and productive. Our

. strongest grower, our best wine grape that has been thoroughly tested, and a
good table grape. July 12th to 25th.

Cunningham (Herbemont type)—Bunch small, berry medium ; amber or pale red,
and, like all of Herbemont type, has little pulp.

Lenoir (Herbemont type)—Berry medium, black, round, no pulp, vinous and very
much coloring matter; bunch large, long, compact, generally shouldered ;
leaves deeply lobed. This variety does not bear quite as young as the Herbe-
mont. It is cultivated in different parts of the state under the names of Black
Spanish, El Paso, Burgundy and Jacques. It has also been confounded with
the Ohio or Cigar Box ; but having obtained from Mr. Campbell a plant of the
latter, we can testify that these varieties are very distinct. In France it is cul-
tivated under the name of Jacques. It is there much demanded both on
account of the very deep color of its wine and its capacity to resist the phyl-
loxera, which are so rapidly destroying the vineyards of that country—and with

* others of its class will be useful in reconstructing the vineyards of California.
The Lenoir and Herbemont are, without doubt, the two best vineyard grapes
for Southern Texas that have yet come largely into cultivation.

Medora—A new seedling from Lenoir crossed by us upon Croton. We have long
been trying to procure a variety of the Herbemont type that should fill the
want of this section for a phylloxera-proof white grape. We think we have it
in the Medora. We now offer it to the public for the first time. Time must
prove whether this grape will please our people. Berry medium, cluster small-
shouldered ; white with white bloom; sometimes shows veins of purple on
sunny side; very sweet. Foliage resembles Lenoir. We gave the seed produc-
ing this grape to Dr. Thos. Cocke of Victoria, Texas, who brought the vine to
bearing. Wenamed the variety after his daughter, now Mrs. Taylor of this
county. Should the Medora not fill the position for which it has been originated
we hope for an equivalent from among the white varieties of the same type
originated by Prof. Munson. Price $1.00, mailed to any address or delivered at
nursery.

Sweet Water (of the European type V. Vinifera)—Large, round, sweet, fleshy
pulp, large clusters ; has long been cultivated in Southern Texas as Malaga. A
very fine table grape. Its value for us is much impaired by the fact tha
vine, like all of its class, is subject to be destroyed by phylloxera, and tk
it is very short lived in Southern Texas generally. At points where p
has not yet infested the grape it is a very vigorous grower. In the
of the coast where it is presumed phylloxera cannot work this
probably always be in demand. But at such points as Galveston
soils have been introduced in filling low sites, these varieties
uniformly fail. This variety is also subject to rot badly in unfavo
But it is so good when you do succeed with it that it is still dex
customers. We understand it to be a seedling of Malaga.

38 MISSION VALLEY NURSERIES.

Malaga (V. Vinifera)—We got our start of true Malaga from California. The vines
come into first bearing here this year. The fruit is lost by rot during this very
rainy season. Berry large, pear-shaped, sweet, white, bunches very large; a
splendid table grape. We don’t claim to kaow how it will finally turn out here.
We are trying ii and offer it to others who want to see what they can do
with it.

+o

MISCELLANEOUS FRUITS.

Prices given are for trees at the nursery.

Almonds—The Peach Almond is hardy and productive here. It is, however, an
inferior variety. Of the fine varieties, the Princess is the most promising.
While the almond will likely prove of value in the higher portions of the state,
yet the best varieties have not been successful with us. Price of trees 50 cents
each ; $5.00 per dozen.

Raspberries have promised just enough to induce perseverance with them, but
never really successful. We have abandoned their culture,

Blackberries—We have repeatedly tried the fine varieties cultivated at the North
and East. They have flattered us for a couple of years and then failed. We
have finally tried a variety originating on the premises of Mr. Braden in Colo-
rado County, Texas. It seems to be a cross between the wild Blackberry of
Eastern Texas and the Texas Dewberry. It is doing so well with us that we
are pleased with it and are disseminating it among our customers. We call it
Braden’s Blackberry. Price, $3 per dozen ; $20 per 100.

Dewberries—Texas is the most natural home of the Dewberry. We consider them
better than any Blackberry we ever knew. We have both white and black
varieties. Price, $3 per dozen ; $10 per 100.

Currants and Gooseterries with us have never survived the first season.

Cherries—We have tried many varieties of cherries. We have totally failed. We
have no cherry trees for sale, but if ordered from us early will get them from
the best Southern sources for our customers. 50 cents each ; $5 per dozen.

Jujube—A fruit somewhat between a plum andadate. Foliage ornamental, hardy
and vigorous here—suckers badly. We plant it for ornament and for our bees.
50 cents each; $4 per dozen.

Pomegranates—Sweet and sour. 40 cents each.

Japan Persimmon—We planted trees of this fruit in 1878. They are thrifty and

productive. We believe this fruit will prove an acquisition to Southern Texas.

The fruit of our trees have all been seedless. Some samples measured nine

inches in circumferance. While the trees do well, yet there are obstacles to the

propagation of young trees here that will keep the price unreasonably high for
some time. Present price of trees, $1 each.

ORNAMENTAL DEPARTMENT.

mological Department of Horticulture we kave been compelled to ad-
step, by the accumulating light of experience and observation in a
we had but few precedents to guide us. In the Ornamental De-
have had to contend with obstacles less formidable. But careful ex-

ADDRESS: G. ONDERDONK, MISSION VALLEY, VICTORIA CO., TEXAS. 39

periments and active observation enable us to glean here and there a gem, The love

of flowers has induced many of our people to plant their favorites about their

homes. Numberless experiments are thus made in this interesting field by those

who have no public object in view ; but they, nevertheless, unconsciously aid in the
improvement of Texas floriculture. In our study we have combined these develop- \
ments with our own experience to no small advantage. We do nog claim that ‘
everything possible has been done in the Ornamental Department of Texas Horti-

culture, but we are highly encouraged by the collective results that have been at-

tained. When we think of the grand army of experimenters in Texas, some of

whom have public, and many of whom have only private objects in view; and

when we consider the richness and value of our Southern floral wealth, we are led to

look for a vast degree of development in the future. We are fast learning what

trees, plants and flowers are suited to our region. We at first gave our whole at-

tention to the subject of fruit culture. More recently we have been among the

flowers. We well know that we have much to do to place this department of our
establishment where it will meet the future demands of our patrons. But we

shall spare no effort of which we are capable to keep pace with the increasing

wants of our people.

We annually improve and extend our ornamental lists by importations. When,
from year to year, we bring out new plants, we can easily bring as many more as
are required by our customers. We will, therefore, accept orders for anything de-
stred by our patrons that our list does not contain, provided, that such orders are
forwarded in time to enable us to include them in our own importations, which will
be made in November.

DECIDUOUS TREES, SHRUBS AND VINES.

We have rejected from our list all such as have been found unsuited to our cli-
mate. Many trees and shrubs of decided value at the North are often called for and
not supplied because if our customers must fail with them we prefer to have them
fail with stock from some other nursery.

It will be observed that we have added to our list two novelties that have not
before been presented to the public in any catalogue, viz. : Ceniza and White Flow-
ering Willow. We have given the common names because we think they will he
best recognized by the majority of our customers. ;

rs

DECIDUOUS LIST.

Prices all relate to delivery at the nursery. If delivered elsewhere we charge suf-
jicient to cover cost and risk of transportation.

Althea (Rose of Sharon).—Shrub attaining 6 to 8 feet. Bears large flowers, co
tinuing to bloom from May to October: double white, pink, purple, varie
We have no single variety, 40 cents.

Box Elder—A rapid growing, native shade tree ; attains the height of fro
feet. 50 cents.

Crape Myrtle (Lagerstrwmia)—Shrub attaining here 10 to 15 feet, pe
be called a tree. Bears exceedingly delicately fringed flowers in
sion from May to October: hardy here; pink, purple and scarlet.

Crape Myrtle—White ; of same family as above, not quite so hardy,
habit, an abundant bloomer all summer ; pure white. 50 cents.

40 MISSION VALLEY NURSERIES.

Catalpa—Western Catalpa. 50 cents.
Chinese Evergreen (Hollii)—and Belgian (Lonicera Belgica) 40 cents.

Flowéring Pomegranate—Blooms freely in Spring ; double flowers ; two varieties,
variegated and scarlet. 50 cents.

Flowering Willow (Chilopsis)—Purple. Native of West Texas; bears a profusion
of bell shaped purple flowers ; curious and beautiful; blooms from March to
October. \ j

Flowering Willow, white—A new variety, now for the first time introduced to the
public. It was found by Dr. Atlee of Laredo, Texas in the sand of the Rio
Grande near the seminary at Laredo. We obtained it from him, and now have
a few plants for sale. It will be considered very beautiful by all who see it.
The foliage is of a paler green than the purple which we began to disseminate
when we first started our nursery in 1870. Price of plants, $1 each.

Honeysuckle (Lonicera)—Red Trumpet,

Japan Quince (Pyrus Japonica)—Bears red flowers early in the Spring. 50 cents.

Japan Quince (Pyrus Manlei)—Blooms freely in the Spring, blooms not so bright as
the above, but produces considerable crops of fruit. 50 cents.

Lombardy Poplar—A tall, fine growing habit, much fancied by some; a good tree
for quick effect,,but is short lived here. 50 cents.

Locust (Black Locust)—Too well known to need description. 50 cents for single
trees ; $4 per dozen.

Maple (Silver Leaved)—Does well with us as long as we cultivate the soil. Succeeds
in moist situations without special care, but fails in dry situations if not cared
for. 50 cents each; $4 per dozen.

Silver Leaf Poplar—Leaves a bluish green on the upper side, a clear dazzling white
on the under side of the leaves. When the leaves are stirred by the breeze the
tree presents the appearance of being full of large white flowers. Sprouts from
the roots and therefore requires to be kept succored. 50 cents.

Smoke Tree (Rhus Cotinus)—A shrub. Bears a fringe of hair like-flowers of smoky
color ; blooms at intervals allSummer. 50 cents.

Spirea Prunifolia—A low shrub, blooms very freely, bearing a great profusion of
small, compact, double white flowers not larger than a shirt button. These
grow all along the slender canes of the shrub. It is called Bridal Wreath by
many persons. The blooms come about the time of Pyrus Japonica when
flowers are scarce and help the appearance of a plot at that season. Later in
the season they cease blooming and become inconspicuous. 40 cents.

Spirea Reevesii - This Spirea blooms a trifle later than Prunifolia; bears immense
clusters of white open flowers (is also called Bridal Wreath by many) is very
sightly during its brief season of blooming and has the merit of being inconspic-
gus after the blooming is over. Every ornamental plot should contain some
his best of Spireas. 40 cents.

hina—Too well known to require description; our most rapid growing
ee. if customers at a distance order large trees they will not come
otations given, unless extra sizes are called for, but it must be remem-
t large trees of China have enormous roots and will necessitate high
25 to 50 cents.

orous runner, bears spikes of light blue in early Spring. 50 cents.

ADDRESS: G. ONDERDONK, MISSION VALLEY, VICTORIA CO., TEXAS. 41

EVERGREEN TREES AND SHRUBS.

Arbor Vite, Golden— Grows very compact and symmetrical without shearing : takes
a yellow tint in Winter ; makes a beautiful tree in the yard, or for a country
lot. $1 for one foot, larger trees in proportion.

Arbor Vite, Intermedia—A cross between the common Chinese and golden, being
less open than Chinese, and less compact than Golden; suits the fancy of some
better than either of its parents. $1 for 1 to 2 feet ; larger trees in proportion.

Arbor Vitz, Globosa—A close growing tree often sold by some dealers as Golden.
The foliage is of a darker green than Golden and serves a purpose of variety
where Golden are also planted. One foot, $1 ; 2 feet, $2; 3 feet, $3 each.

Arbor Vite, Pyramidal—An upright grower of open habit while small. Naturally
takes a pyramidal form, but if sheared to a pillar makes a good looking shaft-
like evergreen ; not subject to the diseases of the Pyramidal Cypress which we
have tried to use for that purpose. $1 to $3.

Cypress—We have been experimenting with many varieties of oriental evergreen
Cypresses. We thought we had several that we could recommend for this
country. We have trees thirty feet high of one or two varieties and we had
many lovely specimens embracing fifteen varieties in our grounds. We thought
we had found a class of evergreen trees that was of value to dur people. But
the diseases that have stolen in upon them, and the severe tests of extremes in
our climate during the last three years have reversed our estimate of the value
of this family of evergreens for Southern Texas. We have found that among
the Biotas (Arbor Vite) and Cedars we have material with which to obtain
quite all of the effects in landscape work for which we had depended upon the
Cypress family. We have, therefore, banished from our lists the Cypresses
in all of its varieties, and increased our list of Biota and largely increased our
culture of the Virginia Cedar.

Red Cedar—We cultivate largely the Virginia Cedar so common east of the Missis-
sippiriver. Our trees, being all seedlings, present a great number of varieties
each having its peculiar style of form, foliage and general habit, so that we can
select cedars bearing almost any required character. Our cedars are all nursery
raised and have been root pruned four times so that they stand removal well.
One foot, 50 cents ; eighteen inches, 75 cents ; 2 to 3 feet, $1.00. Larger trees
supplied at special rates for special sizes.

Red Cedar Sheared— We have on hand shezred cedars so trained that the purchaser
can develop any form desired. We sometimes have them imitate the form of
the Golden Arbor Vitz, thus securing another shade of green to give variety to
grounds having other low growths. $1 to $3.

Retinospora—We have tried every variety of this family that we could hear
We have failed with all except one. This one comes without a name. We
sent samples to several specialists in order to determine its identity.
have agreed about it. But it seems todo so well here that we do no
throw it aside for want of aname. So not knowing what it sho
and yet being compelled to designate it in some convenient way w,
Texas Retinospora until we can know its true name. It has a bea
leaved foliage much resembling that of Thunga Ericoides; grows
ashy green ; attains the height of six feet. $1.

Ceniza (Leucophyllum Texana)—We have never known of this shr
place in any catalogue. And yet few are better entitled to 4a

42 MISSION VALLEY NURSERIES.

think that it ought to be in every family ground of the extreme South, and as
far North as it is capable of existing. We at first thought it would only thrive
in barren calcareous soils like those in which we find it in nature, but having
tested it in various soils we are prepared to say that it will grow in any well
drained soil.

A broad leaved evergreen having small oval leaves of ashy color. This color
gives the Spanish name to the plant Ceniza being the Spanish word for ashes,
The leaves have a pungent flavor and are of medical value. When smoked as
tobacco they give a singularly soothin= effect upon the respiratory organs,
often relieving a cough. An infusion of the leaves is employed by the Mexicans
and residents of Southwest Texas as 4 si so TE It is also chewed in order to
tighten loose teeth.

At frequent intervals it produces large crops of purple flowers. It makes a very
pretty shrub for an ornamental plot, and we wonder why it has never before been
introduced into horticulture. It is found on the Nueces river in Southwest
Texas, where it grows from six to eight feet high. On the lower Rio Grande
it grows still higher, and in Mexico it reaches still greater size. Price, $1.

Cape Jasmine—Broad leaved evergreen shrub: bears a large double white flower ;
very fragrant ; a fine yard plant; hardy in Southern Texas; “blooms all sum-
mer. 950 centséo $1.

Euonymus Japonica—A bright evergreen shrub, with bright green oval leaves. It
will grow 8 to 10 feet if allowed to do'so, but looks better if kept to a smaller
size by occasionally clipping 25 to 50 cents.

California Privet—Our choice from among all the privets. It makes a beautiful
border for a walk or carriage drive, bears any amount of shearing at any time
of year. If allowed to grow tall it will reach 6 to 8 feet and makes a good
screen. When unsheared it bears, in the Spring, numerous spikes of pure
white flowers. 25 cents each ; $6.00 per hundred. Large quantities and special
sizes at special rates.

Budluya Lindbyana—An evergreen shrub with long narrow pointed leaves of
bright green. It begins early in the Spring to send up numerous small spikes
of lilac colored flowers and continues to bloom till the frosts of the following
Fall. 50 cents.

Magnolia Grandiflora—The Magnolia of the South ; a very fine broad-leaf ; leaves
large ; flowers very large and showy. Jt will fail wherever there is too much

4 lime. We have it doing well on deep sandy soil with clay sub-soil; bloomed

with us five years after planting. $1 for pot-raised trees.
Pittosporum—Low, broad-leaved evergreen ; is suited to be trained into almost any
shape required. For pot-raised plants, $1.

te

ot

GRASSES.

Argenteum (Pampas Grass)—A most ornamental plant, with silvery,
ke spikes of flowers ; hardy and thrives in any soil of ordinary fertility.
cents. :
seum (Rose-colored)—Flowers of a light rose color. Plumes large and
Vhen just appearing they are of a purple tint; this gradually fades until
int is attained. 25 to 50 cents.

vennz attains a height of ten or twelve feet, throwing up numerous

ADDRESS: G. ONDERDONK, MISSION VALLEY, VICTORIA CO., TEXAS. 43

flower spikes of grayish white; flowers profusely and: remains a long time ;
needs space to show its merits. In fact none of these grasses should be crowded.
25 to 50 cents.

Eulalia Japonica Zebrina—It forms compact clumps, sometimes six feet in diame-
ter. Its flower stalks are very graceful and numerous. Its leaves are striped
and blotched with gold, the stripes running across the leaves. 25 cents.

Lemon Grass—We do not know the proper botanical designation of this grass. We
found it on the lower Rio Grande in almost every garden. Over a large extent
of country it is steeped and used as tea. I was told at Brownsville, Texas, that
in large districts of Mexico the Lemon Grass supplied the only tea known to the
poor people of that country. The odor and taste of the bruised leaves remind
one of orange peel. It is the favorite drink of the writer whose recovery from
a long period of debility has been simultaneous with the use of Lemon Grass
tea Perhaps the grass had nothing to do with the improvement, but the writer
is firm in the belief that it has. A strong succulent stem developing long, broad
leaves. A single plant soon develops a large clump, two or three of which are
sufficient to supply a large family with tea. I have never been able to learn of
its having flowered in Mexico or Texas. It is propagated by division. 25 cents.

oo —

ROSES.

The climate of Texas is well suited to the rose. The annual bloomers so valued
at the North are not generally desirable here, not because they fail but because we
have such a wealth of constant bloomers that are no more trouble to care for and
reward our efforts with so much greater liberality.

Sandy loam is the best soil for roses, and yet they will flourish in almost any
soil with proper preparation and care. Old, well-rotted, barnyard manure is excel-
lent ; but never apply fresh animal manure to your rose plants. Old, well rotted,
chip manure, such as will be found about many old kitchen wood piles is good.

When to plant. In our climate the question of fall or spring planting has little
or no force. The main point is to let the vegetation become thoroughly checked by
frost before removing the plants. Many customers go wild about getting their
plants ‘‘ early.” They insist upon the nurseryman delivering early, and then after-
wards complain because they have lost their plants.

Again, some wait till the Spring growth has begun when it is hazardous to sub-
ject the plants to the exposure incident to removal. Avoid both of these extremes.
Every nurseryman should have knowledge enough upon the subject to know when
his plants are ready for removal, and should value his reputation sufficiently to
insist upon his rights in this particular. But do not urge him into delivering
plants in an immature state, and then blame him for your own fault in the

Planting should be carefully done. Don’t let the roots be exposed to
wind. Plants received in good order are often lost between the interval
ing and final planting. If you are in doubt how to plant them please
chapter entitled How to Plant a Tree.

Cultivate Well. Whoever intends the best success must not only
rich soil, but must cultivate the soil thoroughly or expect only partial
cultivate our roses with plow cultivator and hoe several times every s

‘

44 MISSION VALLEY NURSERIES.

as often as conditions seem to require, keeping the soil loose in the immediate
region of the plants, and free from weeds and grass. Where the plow and cultivator
cannot go we let the grubbing hoe or spading fork do the work.

Pruning is important at planting time. We usually cut our plant sufficiently
before they leave our hands. But if we fail to do so the planter should so cut them
that they have not more than three or four shoots remaining, at most, and two
canes are still better. And even these should be shorlened to not more than two or
three eyes each.

The above remarks apply to the Pine of planting solely ; but also every year
there should be a careful pruning. ‘he best season for pruning here is from the
middle or last of December to the fir of February. It may be done at any time
before the Spring growth begins. r

Climbing and Pillar Roses need comparatively little pruning, and yet that little
should not be neglected. It is not often that we would shorten in a healthy climber,
except at the end of the leading shoots when they seem disposed to run farther than
is desired, or the side shoots to prevent too much extension in a given direction, or
to prevent a more crowded foliage than may be desired. Sometimes it is best to
remove more or less side shoots altogether if thesplant seems weakening. When it
is desired that a removed side shoot should, in course, be restored, then its removal

should be so made as to retain two or more eyes. When it is desired to have a more

dense growth of foliage then all the shoots may be cut back more or less to induce
sub-laterals. In cutting back always cut just above a bud and avoid leaving sharp
points. When a sharp point has been unintentionally made it can be remedied by a
second cut.

Hybrid Remontant Roses require different treatment. If the very earliest
blooming is required in the Spring some of the canes of the former year’s growth
should be retained quite or altogether entire, while the greater number chould be
cut back to within two eyes of the old wood.

If abundant blooming is required without regard to the size of the flowers, the
weak shoots only should be cut out and the strong canes cut back about a fourth of
the last year’s growth. (Rémember that this work is supposed to be done in winter.)
By the above treatment the flowers will be small but very abundant and showy.

But if the flowers are required to be as large and perfect as possible, the weak
wood should all be removed, and all of the strong ones of last year’s growth cut
back to within two or three eyes of the old wood.

China Roses, and all having a bushy habit, we manage upon another plan.
If a large bush is required we let it grow up at will, thinning out the tops only
when they become too crowded, and remove any dead or dying wood. Some
ieties will, in this way, attain an enormous size. We have a Louis Phillippe that
es has about 1,000 roses at once. But most persons do not want their
yitain such proportions,

required to confine them to a limited space then I would follow the plan
it the oldest wood and preserving the new whenever a reduction of the
h was desired, of course waiting for the proper conditions of growth
to do the work.

bon Roses are impatient of much cutting, and therefore we confine
stly to the removal of dead or dying portions.

eo apy

Ma

ADDRESS: G. ONDERDONK, MISSION VALLEY, VICTORIA CO., TEXAS. 45

Removing Rose Buds. Some imagine that it will injure their plants to let
them bloom heavily, and they therefore remove the young rose buds to prevent
blooming, in order to strengthen the plant. To such we will say that it does the
plants no harm to bloom. But when a bloom is fully matured and begins to drop
its petals, this is the signal that the plant has begun to form seed, and the formation
of seeds does tax the energy of the plant. Therefore remove ths dilapidated rose at
once, and remove every seed bud that you discover, so as to preserve every energy
of the plant for the production of flowers.

OUR ROSES.

We have cultivated a large number of varieties on our premises, and found so
many of them so much resembling each other that we have concentrated our efforts
at propagation upon a smaller number that are more clearly distinct.

In every department of horticulture there are always some specialists whose
great “ specialty” seems to be to laud the praises of some NEW variety which they
offer at rare rates. Next, when their bubble bursts, they select another and then
another. Sometimes they take up some old variety, giving it a new name if the
purpose requires it, and having just discovered that it has very special merits, they
sing its virtues for a season—and so they.go cn from year to year wringing money
from a too credulous public.

The rose trade is not exempt fiom such adventurers. We have made invest-

ments in these articles of short-lived glory that have cost us their weight in gold.
And yet none of the solid improvements that we have ever made in building up our

collections in any department have come from these noisy specialists.

We originate no roses. We obtain our original stock from those who do
sufficient business to afford to keep a corps of professional rose growers who are
competent to test the material passing through their hands, and who make up their
lists under every advantage. Having secured varieties that bear the tests of our
region, we then add them to our list for propagation for our trade.

We disseminate no cheap, hot-house, baby rose plants, but supply with open
ground field plants that will give satisfaction whenever our customers give them
the proper conditions of success.

LISTS OF ROSES.

Price of Roses.—At nursery, strong plants, 50 cents each; $5 per dozen except |
where otherwise stated. Rare varieties not named in this list and special assort-
ments will be supplied at special rates.

CHINA, TEA, AND BOURBON ROSES.
Aristides—White, buff center; Tea.
Azelia Imbert—Canary yellow; Tea.

Cheshunt Hybrid—Cherry carmine, shaded violet ; of vigorous growth, ve
rose, free Spring bloomer, but rarely blooms in Summer. Hybrid Tea

Capt. Christie—Flesh, with deeper center ; free bloomer, fine flower, dw
less. Hybrid Tea. $1.00.

Climbing Devoniensis—See Noisette and other Perpetual Climbers.

Duchere— White, free bloomer. China.

Empress Eugenie—Large, very full, beautifully cupped; delicate r
good flowerer. Bourbon,

eS

46 MISSION VALLEY NURSERIES.

Etoile de Lyon—Large, full, canary yellow. Tea.

Louis Phillippe—Dark crimson, often silvered center. China.

Madame Alfred Corrier—Pure white, sometimes tinged with flesh; very free and
constant bloomer. Hybrid Tea. q

Marshal Niel—Deep canary yellow, sometimes a tinge of pink shading ; large and
full, a free bloomer , ,has not generally succeeded with us on its own roots. We
supply it only budded on strong stocks, Climbing Tea. ‘75 cents each.

Pink Daily—Pretty buds; not a fine rose but desirable on account of its extra
blooming habits. China.

Picayune—Pale pink ; very small, often not larger than a dime; double; a cute
little curiosity ; constant bloomer. China.

Perle de Lyon—Dark yellow ; one of our best yellow Teas.

Zelia Pradel—One of our purest white roses; half climber. Tea. When ordered
alone 75 cents.

HYBRID REMONTANT ROSES.

This class should comprise the main bulk of every collection. They are all
hardy, upright growers and produce large flowers.

Achille Gonod—Lilac rose; very large bloom; good bloomer ; one of the best.
August Von Gert—Bright lilac rose.

Adam Paul—Large, open flower, pink, good bloomer.

Blanch de Meru—Light flesh.

Belle of Normandy—Lilac pink, large and sweet.

Bessie Johnson—Light blush.

Crown Prince—Purplish crimson.

Duc de Cazes—Purplish red, shaded violet ; dwarf growth.

Dr. Sewell—Crimson scarlet, shade purple.

Duke of Connaught—Deep crimson, velvety ; dwarf habit ; not a very free bloomer.
Fanny Pitzold—Clear satin rose.

Gen. Jacqueminot—Fiery red; an oid popular variety much called for, but we
think there are several better roses. :
Infant of Mt. Carmel—Clear, bright rosy pink; large and very double ; an old rose

but too good to lay aside.
John Nesmith—Brilliant deep red.
Louis Odier—Clear gatin rose.
La Reine—Deep rosy lilac; a standard old variety.
Marshal Suchet—Deep carmine pink.
Magna Charta— Bright pink.
Madame Moreau—Deep brilliant carmine, changes to purple; perpetual bloomer ;
our favorite of its class. 75 cents.
>rincess Louise Victoria—Deep crimson changing lighter.
cess Mathilde—Dark crimson shaded purple.
e Albert—Deep crimson.
on—Deep pink ; one of our very largest roses.
Blanches—Pure white; free bloomer; a strong competitor of Zelia

ht pink ; our favorite of its color and class.
ty crimson changing to purple.

ADDRESS: G. ONDERDONK, MISSION VALLEY, VICTORIA CO., TEXAS. 47

NOISETTE AND OTHER PERPETUAL CLIMBERS.

Chromatella or Cloth of Gold—Very large; chrome yellow; budded on manetti.
75 cents.

Climbing Devoniensis—Tea, white, creamy center.

James Sp.unt—A climbing China, dark crimson.

Jules Jurgensen—Magenta-centered shaded violet.

Marechal Niel—Deep canary yellow; large and full; a free bloomer; grows best
budded on some strong stock.

Octavia—Deep crimson, strong grower; small double flower; very constant
Lloomer.

Reine Marie Henriette --Bright cherry red, good form and vigorous habit.

Woodland Margaret—White, vigorous ; a very constant bloomer.

POLYANTHA (ROSES.

- A new class of roses produced by crossing the Japan type and Texas.

Cecile Brunner—Flowers about one and a half inches in diameter; salmon pink,
deeper center ; beautifully formed.

oes.
Mignonette—Delicate rose changing to blush; flowers very small, blooming in
enormous profusion. Almost constantly in bloom during the whole growing e

season ;
Paquerette—Pure white; flowers very small; free bloomer.

ANNUAL BLOOMING ROSES.

- Valuable at the North but should never be planted here where we have such a
wealth of free bloomers. We carry only a very small stock of these roses, confining
ourselves altogether to such as are most called for. We feel that every customer
who buys one is getting nothing for his money. We put them into our list only
because the demand requires it. We shall be glad when the demand ceases
altogether.

George the Fourth—Dark velvety crimson, changes to purple; a beautiful flower ;
blooms splendidly for about two weeks and then waits for the following year.

Mrs. Hovey—Medium size flower ; very double; bloooms very abundantly during
its season.

Baltimore Belle—Pale blush, variegated carmine; a very strong grower ; we use it
as a stock on which to bud Marshal Niel.

Queen of the Prairie—Clear bright pink, large, compact, very double and full;
blooms in clusters ; is one of the finest of all the Prairie roses.

Seven Sisters—Small flowers in large clusters; varies in color from white
crimson.

MOSS ROSES.

For several years we maintained a quite full collection of Moss Roses
not been pleased with their general behavior. Most of them are Sprin
but a few of them bloom occasionally and are called Perpetual.

Eugene de Savoie—Pink.

Salet—Pale rose, perpetual.

Glory of Mosses—Light pink, compact habit.
Zobride—Pink.

Pr RMS
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HONEY PEACH,

4
Introduction
ToC parapoudents .-

Early Dewverea! :
Express Arrangement........ - Soe ee ae alee Sete se
Selection of Ground for | chards Oe 68) Cae Lee

- When to Plant a Tree.. or alia

When the ‘Trees Come to teres

How to auoce a Tree. .

o Treat an Orchar ae SO a ae, See a : a
ig Peach, Plum BED leM RCO. not chiaty «ir.s'e nue ogsh
Culture in Southwestern Texas.. 2

f Southern Chinese Peaches.... .... Ce meee.
lop Race of PeaGhesgs evan. eteisn cm esc ieenc ee

eaene Ke
SREBNTS Larue etm wowwnwwwvnwwe

PAO Pecneto Peaches cen ech’. sauekd ces dneezaxenteo veces 26

26

aT

28

29

29

30

List of Pears:...:...) sd his 30
Quinces..... eer. 5... Daa ae EWEN A ons sins cei ace ate «Sve 31
Mulberries.....-.........5 oko CRRA lee: nee ae Seis Bare ay 31
_ List of Mulberries 31
(Granes . ~ ten b i 32
Planting the Wines! Beate A SAG EES oe. Ae ok ae oR pee Cae eee 32

Pruning the Grape... .. ye RCS 0a Ig a
Our List of Grapes...... ee ere: AEE cok Gao a osenr easanl eee
t MHIROeHAneOUS I ruitaly. i Seca aa. Messe cs ieee cisaite- cent ane
Ornamental Department... .0....-006 eecreeen- sees RArcces
Deciduous Trees, Shrubs and Vines.........../.......- BoSabe -
Deciduous List.-.. ...... phe Soro aye sites fd ee ae
Evergreen Trees and, ‘Shrubs SP opend. es ene. ee 5

"SHINHSHON AMITVA NOITSSIM

HHL OF MAIA FTOINVAING

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