Williston graphic., 1916-07-20
Farm Department


nearly all the trees that have been
planted; in fact, there are probably
to be found many times more trees
of single variety-the Montmorency
than of all the others combined.
These varieties are successful gener-
ally in the central and southern Sec
tions, as we'll as in some parts OF the
northern section, but in the latter
there are large regions where the
conditions practically prelude the
growing Of cherries. 1t is not believ-
ed that sweet cherries are likely to
withstand the conditions anywhere in
this area.
Sand cherries also do we'll in many
parts of the Great Plains area. The
fruit is of value primarily for MAX
ing jelly or preserves rather than for
use in the fresh state.
Sand Cherry Plum Hybrids
Of this type of fruit the Compass
cherry, a hybrid between the sand
cherry and the Miner plum, is the
only variety that has been widely
planted as yet in this area. 1t is prov
ing to be of distinct value. Trees
planted at the Akron Field Station in
1910 began bearing in 1912 and pro-
duced good crops in 1913 and 1914.
Though not of high quality, the fruit
is very acceptable. The tree comes
into bearing early and seems to be
perfectly hardy here.
A number of other varieties of the
same general type have been develop
ed and are now being planted more or
less. They are promising for the
1air
very hardy and seemingly well adapt
ed to the Conditions under which many
other fruits fail. The Opata, Sapa,
rieties of the new hybrids in this
group.
Currants appear to be one of the
most satisfactory small fruits for the
Great Plains. Most varieties do about
equally we'll and are generally hardy.
The London Uondon Market) is per-
haps grown in larger quantities than
any other sort, but the Cherry, Vic
toria, Red Dutch, and North Star, for
red sorts, and the White Grape, for a
white variety, have done we'll at the
Akron Field Station and include the
sorts most commonly found elsewhere
in the Great Plains area.
GOOseberries
In general, what has been stated
currants is true also OF
gooseberries. They are quite depen-
dable wherever currants are succeed
ing. To keep them vigorous, how
ever, the sprouts that habitually
grow from the ground in rather large
numbers should be kept we'll thinned
out.
Probably the Downing, Houghton,
and Poorman can be planted gener-
ally in this area with as much assur-
ance of satisfaction as any other va
rieties.
Raspberries, Blackberries, and
Dewberries
Raspberries, blackberries, and dew
berries have not proved very success
full in this area, and they have not
been planted as a rule in the ranch
fruit gardens. Generally speaking,
they do not withstand dry weather
we'll. Even in the humid sections
heavy losses sometimes occur as
result of drought, the canes being
very apt to kill to the ground during
the winter. To some extent winter
injury can be prevented by bending
the canes to the ground and covering
them with soil, but how widely this
method Of winter protection. can be
used successfully is not definitely
known.
Strawberries
Success with Strawberries in this
area seems to be more largely mat
ter of the plants becoming well es-
tablished and having an adequate
moisture supply during certain pc
riods than is the planting of any par
ticular variety. Newly set plants
should be watered as needed until they
are well reestablished after trans
planting.
By mulching with straw during the
winter to prevent repeated thawng
and freezing as we'll as to protect the
plants from extreme temperatures,
Strawberries can probably be grown
almost anywhere in the Great Plans,
provided water can be applied during
the critical periods.
While irrigation might be quite
advantageous at times in the. grow
ing of other fruits, it may often be
pra ctlCaDle TO water SHldll oIio"
berry bed that can be located near the
dwelling house, when it would be out
of the question to water a fruit gar
den more or less distant from the
buildings.
AS to varieties, the Excelsior,
Bederwood, Crescent, and Dunlap are
suggested. Of these, the Crescent is
the only one that has imperfect flow
ers; it must therefore be planted with
perfect Towering sort in order to
produce fruit.
June Berries
Not many June berries have been
planted in this area. AS rule they
do not make very vigorous growth,
but appear to be hardy when well es-
tablished and may be expected to
bear considerable fruit. The fruit,
while not of high quality, will add an
agreeable variety for home use.
Buffalo Berries
Of the wild fruits that are native
to this area the buffalo berries is
worth consideration, especially for the
northern sections, where the range of
IL Sc,p