The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1895-06-05
BITTER ROOT FRUIT
Peaches Thrive There and Defy Cool
Weather.
FOUR BUSHELS ON ONE TREE
Rev. George S. Stewart, an Enthu-
sIastlc Student of horticulture,
Tells an Interesting Story
of a Peach Tree.

Missoula, June 4-Rev. George S.
Stewart returned yesterday from a
five DAYS trip through the Bitter Root
valley. During his visit he spent con-
siderable time on the fruit farms,
studying the progress Of the orchard
business. which he has done so much
TO encourage. Mr.. Stewart called at
the Standard office to-day and in
speaking of his trip said: Il wish you
would say something about an individ-
ual peach tree that l saw the other
day. / have said so much during the
past 10 years about the possibilities Of
the Bitter Root valley as a peach grow
ing district that / am naturally much
interested in the matter, and, like all
men with a hobby, j watch every de-
velopment of the subject in which 1
take so much interest.
This individual peach tree is on the
Jones ranch and observed its growth
for several years. Two years ago IL
was as perfect a tree in every respect
as i ever saw anywhere. II was strong
and well developed and hung full of
peaches. There were three bushels TAX
en- from this one tree that year and the
fruit was perfect. Last year the exper-
iment of not mulching was tried and
the result was that there was n con-
siderable decrease in the amount of
fruit. But this spring the tree is a
wonder. 1t is loaded with fruit far in
excess Of what IL was two years ago,
and the indications now are that the
yield will be fully four bushels. The
cold weather has not affected the tree
or fruit in the least. and its present
condition demonstrates fully the fact
that peaches will thrive in the valley.
In all parts of the Bitter Root val
lev the TlpQrhpG n have anffralxv
escaped injury from the frost and all
are doing splendidly. In some parts of
the valley other fruits seem to have
been somewhat affected by the frosts
of last month. but the result will be
rather beneficial than otherwise. as
there is always the danger of their
bearing too heavily. The general out
look for the fruit growers is fine and
all of them are feeling pleased over
the prospects for the season.
The effect of the cold weather of
the past few weeks is worthy of OBJ
servation. The cool period was ac-
companied by rain enough TO render
irrigation unnecessary, and the crops
of all kinds have advanced in good
shape, despite the lack of sunshine.
The cool weather has also checked the
melting of the snow in the mountains
and thus held back the supply of water
Tor irrigating. The June snow is still
in the hills and the Bitter Rooot river,
which has fallen three feet during the
month, will now begin TO rise again.
There is a feeling of confidence every
where among the ranchmen and il is
safe to predict the most successful sea-
son that this valley has ever known"
Mr.. Stewart has given the question
OF fruit culture especial study, and TO
his efforts is largely due the success
which has attended the Industry in
these Western valleys. Years ago. when
he first agitated the matter, he was
laughed at as visionary enthusiast.
blt now as he remarked this morning,
THE people have learned that / am
something besides a theologian." His
observations in this matter are. there |
fore. worthy of especial consideration.