Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1872-01-10
Description Of an Iowa Fruit Farm.

We take the following description of
DR.. John L. Ennis fruit farm from late
number of the Clinton (lowa) Herdld.
Mr. Ennis is personally known to
large number of oar readers, and if
any of them want to see fruit farm,
while "swinging" around through the
great west, let them make pop call
at Clinton, Iowa, and take view Of
this small wilderness of fruit and orn.
amental trees:
Adjoining the "twin cities" Of Gin.
ton and Lyons, and about mile West
from the center Of Lyons, on a most
beautiful spot, gently undulating, and
far enough towards the high prairie
land in our rear, to be of sufficient al
titude TO overlook Lyons, Fulton and
portion of Illinois, is the beautiful
Nursery farm, belonging to DR.. John
L Ennis, now developed so as to show
q wealth OF beauty and utility, not
surpassed or equalled in extent, by
any institution OF The kind in oar no.
bic State.
Upon the invitation oflhoproprietor,
we were shown through his grounds,
and gained new knowledge Of the re.
sources of this region, which were be
fore unknown TO us,
The business which has now grown
so large, was commenced by the Doc
tor, about six years ago, and was all
contained on eight acres OF land
About two years afterwards it was
enlarged, additional capital invested,
and was conducted under the firm
name of John Il. Ennis & Co, and so
carried. on for two years, when the
Doctor bought up the stock, and has
since conducted it as an individual en-
terprise.
The farm contains 1876 acres, that is
part being put in condition to be who'll
ly occupied as q nursery. There are
now 100 acres in close cultivation.
To give the reader some idea of the
extent of this Nursery, we will state
there are now growing Of
APPLE TREES,
grated and seedlings, from one 10 four
years old, n million trees, These are
in different stages of growth, large
part of the land, however being occu.
pied with those from one to two years
old. These all look thrifty and vigor-
Gus, and of large growth for their re.
spective ages. Indeed from their
rapid growth the Dr. tells us he has
the most to fear, and has to be careful
not to cultivate too much, for fear of
the vigorous soil and fine climate
hurrying them along too fast. Some
idea OF how vast sum million is,
can be gained by walking over these
ample grounds, covered thickly with
apple trees, during which tramp one
passes through forest after forest of
trees, seemingly as numerous as the
sands Of the sea, and yet there are
only about a million after all; but
that is q thousand thousand, and would
make row on each side Of the rail.
road from here to Portland, Maine, if
placed about one rod apart
OF EvERGREENs,
That arc from inches TO six feet in
height he has fifteen hundred thousand
now growing, the larger portion of
which are seedlings, of foot or less
in height. Tho plat on which these
are grown is covered with u brush
screen, resting on posts some six feet
high This screen protects the young
trees from tho fierce rays of the sun,
ard thus keeps life and vigor in thous-
ands that would otherwise die before
gaining strength TO exist independent
of such shelter. lie has many varie-
ties of Evergreens, such as Arbor Vita,
Balsam Fir, White and Scotch Pine,
Norway Spruce, HcmloclS, Cedar, &c.
or FOREST TREES
consisting of Mountain Ash, Elm, Ma.
pie of the several varieties, Chesnut,
Black Walnut, Honey Locust, and
Usage Orangc,-tho two latter for
Uedgos,--h has ten acres. lie is
also cultivating extensively, the much
praised European Larch, vigorous
grower, that will soon make shade
and wood on our praries.
OF Pears, Plum, Cherry, and Orna.
mental Trees, ho has large variety,
and ample quantities Also Grapes
of many kinds and Strawberry plants,
by the aero.
The business Of tho nursery runs
largely to the raising Of Seedlings for
other Nursery-men in less favored
clmos, who find they can buy thom
here cheaper than to raise them where
the prico OF land, and other conditions
are not so favorable as the test has
found them to be here. Hence ho
solls thom nv the hundred thousand