The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1905-05-05

The apple is the king OF all 1ruit,
coming early and lasting nearly the
whole year, and there are already
probably more good varieties than of
any other class of fruit. The list of
both, promising IS we'll as unpromis-
ing, is large and we will mention but
a small number here.
The important desirable qualities
for the apple is, first, early bearing
tendencies, as the question of how
long does it take this or that variety
to come into bearing is one of the first
that is always asked.
A handsome appearance is essen
tial. Good quality in an apple is
proving far more important than it
was years back. Large size is not
necessary, provided appearance and
quality are of high standard.
Freedom from the attack of fungus
diseases is desirable. but not neces-
sary. as in most instances il can be
controlled. Long keeping qualities
for winter use is important. Vigorous
growth and hardness of tree are also
important qualities.
are none as yet tested at our station
that give promise of superceding the
varieties Yellow Transparent, Ouch
ess or Wealthy in their season.
The variety Wealthy, largely plant
ed and well known, can hardly be inn
proved upon for its season; but there
is a chance for Improvement in the
varieties Yellow Transparent and
Duchess. or more properly Oldenburg.
OF the newer varieties, and ripening
with Wealthy, is the variety Fanny,
fully equal in some respects, such as
quality, color and size, but does not
come into bearing as early; but in Wig
orous growth of tree is superior,
which point is probably due TO not
bearing fruit as early from the time
of planting. Other new varieties,
such as Mcintosh Red, Ontario and
Gideon may be said TO have passed
the promising stage and are valuable
commercial kinds.
Gideon is a September apple. The
trees are hardy, healthy, vigorous and
very productive, and come into bear
ing early. The fruit is medium sized,
handsomely colored, firm, but too
sour for eating purposes.
Mcintosh is an early winter kind.
the trees of which are good growers
and productive. Fruit handsomely
colored, medium sized, very good
quality.
Ontario is one of the most promis-
\ Il =
said to be cross between Northern
Spy and Wagner, having the more
vigorous growth of the former with
the early bearing tendencies of the
latter. In flavor, not so mild as
either. In texture is crisp, juicy.
Size equal to Spy and is an excellent
keeper, and, like the Wagner, never
scabs.
Other varieties of some promise,
which have ripened fruit within the
last year or two, are Sutton Beauty,
Hyde King, Boiken, Sweet Orange,
Newly, Parlin and Dudley. Wash
ington Strawberry and Gravenstein
may also be mentioned in this class.
! The two latter named varieties are
productive, and the fruit is of large
/ size, good appearance and good quail
! ity, ripening the middle of September.
/ Dudley is a handsome apple of fine
quality, ripening soon after Olden-
burg, and promises TO be productive.
Sutton Beauty is a very promising
red winter variety of fine quality. and
is being highly recommended for
planting by eastern growers. Hyde
King, Boiken, Sweet Orange, Newly
and Parlin are all winter varieties
which have some desirable character
istics and are worthy of further test
ing.
PEARS.
The pear is fruit highly priced
for both eating and preserving pur-
poses, and fills an important place in
Michigan fruit growing. The import
ant desirable qualities in pear grow
ing are much the same as for apples
size and color does not count, but
quality is important when the above
are lacking. Resistance to fire blight
is very desirable point in any va
riety.
With pears, and as tested here,
there are but few new varieties that
promise to hold prominent place or
take the place of those already in
present use.
Those that are the most promising
are the late fall and winter kinds, and
are Conference, Lawrence, Dana 5
Hovey and Drovard. The variety
Conference ripens in early October,
is of good size, good quality and
shows early bearing tendency. Dana 5
Hovey is a small pear of the finest
quality; ripens about November l and
lasts well into December; tree moder-
ately vigorous, productive and comes
into bearing medium early. Law
renee is a November and December
pear of very good quality, rather slow
in coming into bearing, but product
i've with age. Drovard is especially
promising as a long keeping kind.
This variety fruited for the first time
last season and bore a full crop; the
fruit is large, smooth, and when pick
ii 4.