The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-12-12

or causes of these diseases. 1t Is my opin-
ion that blight and bitter rot are caused
by climatic conditions. Extremes of heat
and cold, wet and dry weather, aug
mented by diseased soils or water-soaked
soils are conditions favorable to blight.
n support of my opinion. l have always
noticed that in seasons of excessive rain
fan when the sun shines out hot be-
tween showers and following this the
night becomes cool 1t is in such seasons
that blight and bitter rot become quite
common. I drther, during our dry sum-
mers when we have our normal rainfall
we'll distributed throughout the season,
we have but little trouble with blight
or bitter rot
Spraying.
On the subject of spraying We are again
lost AS stated before the questions of
spraying and commercial fertilizers are
perpleXing ones to most farmers and fruit
growers. Spraying. If performed at the
right time, and where the right kind of
solutions are used, may prove effectual
for Goblin moth and other Insects, but it
is question as to whether or not spray
ing has ever had any effect upon blight
The writer must confess that he has seen
no evidences that it has. My opinion is
that II we cannot get clear of blight and
bitter rot by keeping the soil in a good
mechanical condition by drainage. ferti-
lizers and lime, and by clean cultivation.
that we are not to get rid of it at all.
In other words, do not believe we will
ever get rid of these diseases by spray
ing
Varieties.
So far as varieties of apples are con-
cerned, there are many to select from,
and this is largely a local matter to be
governed by the taste of each individual
grower However, 1t will be wise for the
grower to consult the demand of his mar
kets in this matter. Apples sell more
by color than quality, as rule, so the
grower should find what his markets de-
mand and plant accordingly. The tastes
and fancies of the customers must be
catered to. The demands of the market,
the keeping qualities and the general APP
pearanee of the fruit are matters to be
considered in selecting varieties The
Ben Davis apple comes more nearly suit
Ing all sections of the apple belt than
does any other The trees are string grow
ers bear early, produce large, red, snowy
fruit and continue to bear with more
regularity than any other sort. From
commercial standpoint the Ben Davis no
doubt is the most profitable variety for
nearly the entire apple belt The Ben
Davis have brought more clear money to
the grower than any other one variety.
Jonathan and winesap are both very fine
varieties, both sell rapidly, and when they
are properly grown they always bring
fancy prices. The trees of these varieties
are not so hardy, do not come into bear
ing so early, nor do they bear as reg
ularly as the Ben Davis. Grimes Golden is
also one of our best late fall or early
winter apples. There are great many
good sorts that could be named. The
nurseryman will as a rule give informa-
ton regarding the best varieties for va
rious locations. The writer is growing
Winesaps and Jonathans, and receiving
"a for ~ coil iS rtf
ularly adapted for these varieties, and be-
sides the trees have the best of attention
and fertilization well as lime and
drainage Winesap and Jonathan trees re-
quire rich soil and close pruning
The tops must be kept nicely pruned
out In order for them to produce fancy,
merchantable stock. IL the new beginner
Will consult his markets and some reliable
nurseryman who is acquainted with his
0pil conditions, he will have no trouble in
selecting the right varieties. EARLY apples
contain a large per cent of water They
are not, as rule, sold for the qualities
they possesS. but are sold for appearance
Hence the Importance of having them I'M
form in size and of the right color. 1t
is mostly color that sells early apples.
There are many sections in the south
where the growing of early apples could
be made a great and profitable indus
try. We have a number of fine early va
rieties. Among the best are the Red June,
Early Harvest, Transparent, Red Astra-
chan and Duchess These may be followed
by such late summer varieties as the
Wealthy, Lowell and Maiden Blush, These
are all fine varieties There is a great OPP
ening In many sections well suited for the
development of the early apple industry
for commercial purposes, and the grower
who will take this matter up, start right
and keep right can make good profits
out OF this industry, One of the greatest