The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1913-02-04
PENNSYLVANIA AS A FRUIT
STATE,

A student in Indiana wrote to
Prof, H. A. Surface, State Zoologist,
Harrisburg, asking for information
concerning the fruit growing sec
tions of Pennsylvania, saying that he
would like to locate in this State and
go into the business of fruit grow
ing. The reply is not only of inter
est to all such inquiries, but is char
acteristic of State Zoologist Surface
in standing for the proper advance
ment of all parts of this Great State.
Up until two or three years ago
most of us had the idea that there
were certain sections of this State
that could be called fruit growing
sections, and others were something
else. Now it is definitely proven,
chiefly by the demonstration work
of the Division of Zoology of the De-
partment of Agriculture, that abso-
lutely every part of this State is we'll
adapted to the growing of first class
fruits of some varieties.
"In general, there are two distinct
regions; the first of which is the
southern and low land region, where
in certain varieties like the Jona-
than, Smokehouse, York Imperial,
Paragon, Mother and others may
reach their best perfection, and
which do not do so we'll in the north
ern or mountainous regions. In the
latter such varieties as the Craven
stein, King, Greening, Northern Spy
and Baldwin are conspicuously sue
cessful, while these in turn do not
do so we'll in the former regions.
Yet throughout the State certain
varieties are generally adapted.
Among these are such as the Yellow
Transparent, Maiden Blush, Summer
Rambo, Grimes Golden, Rome Beau
ty, Stayman, Winesap and others
that might be mentioned. 1t has GER
tainly been proven in the last two
or three years that in all parts of
Pennsylvania are fruit-growing re-
gions, if one will use care to plant
any one or more of one-half dozen
different varieties.
Small fruits do well in all parts
of the State, if given proper atten-
tion. Plums and pears do well in
all counties of the State, and, except
in such unusual seasons as we ex-
perienced last winter, we may justi-
fiably expect fine results from
peaches and ounces.
"Of course, there are individual
lOCdIIOuo vi SllSo III CcSh IouhIJ
which are more adapted to satisfac-
tory fruit production, as it is i'm
portant for one to be able to select
good rich and deep soil with fair soil
drainage, and elevation of slope with
good air drainage. In the selection
of site with regard to immediate
surroundings the nature of the soil
is more important than is the mere
choosing of any one general region
in the State. Above all else, a
knowledge of the subject of horticul-
ture is necessary. There has been
an immense rush toward extensive
planting, particularly in commercial
planting in this State. Many persons
engaged in some other business or
profession have apparently thought
it possible to plant an orchard on a
hillside or elsewhere, and in a few
years find themselves wealthy from
it's income. This idea of the ease
with which good fruits can grow and
profits be made will be sure to lead
to considerable disappointment, and
those who learned the subject and
are willing to work hard and keep
up with the progress of the times
will succeed.
"There is no doubt about the
high quality of Pennsylvania fruits
when the right varieties are grown.
They can be put up against any pro-
duced elsewhere in the world, and
will hold their own on every point
of color, size, flavor, productiveness
and other features. There is a gen.
eral demand for homegrown fruits,
as these are preferred before import
ed fruits, and consumers are COM
ing to learn more and more the val
ue of the home product, and thus
buy it and use it.
pennsylvania is an empire in her
self. Her industries of manufac
ture, mining, transportation and ag-
riculture, the latter embracing hor-
ticulture, dairying and stock raising,
general farming and trucking are so
developed that each is helpful to the
other to a remarkable extent. This
is a country of schools, churches and
homes. We think there is no need
of taking good money to the far
west or elsewhere, in order to find
an opportunity for investment in
profitable lines. The man who stud
les and hustles can find all necessary
opportunities for success.
"If you need detailed information
along the line of any industry of this
State, particularly in regard to ag-
riculture or fruit growing, l shall be
pleased to aid you in procuring it,"