Oxford Democrat., 1916-08-29
Apple Outlook Indifferent.


One week has followed another with
no very brilliant outlook for the CON-
mercisl apple crop, either in the middle
or eastern states or farther west in Mich
igan and the central valleys comprising
the upper Mississippi basin. Weather
conditions have not been wholly right.
What is needed is a stretch of six weeks
of reasonably clear and bright sunshine
to put the crop of winter fruit now on
the trees into reasonably satisfactory
condition for October -harvests. This
general statement is based on the most
recent returns to New England Home
stead from crop inquiries circulated
among commercial orchardists. Only
here and there is "pocket" where apple
prospects appear really brilliant for the
main or winter crop. Early autumn va
rieties will prove generally ample, a.
though crop uneven both in bulk and
quality.
In some instances, where it was the
off year in 1915, standard sorts, such as
Baldwin, are reasonably promising. 10
the Hudson valley considerable fungus
has appeared, owing to climatic condi-
tions favorable to its development. This
is also true in parts Of Michigan. George
T. Powell of Albany county, N. Y, in
recent advice estimates not over 20 per
cent. OF standard A grade to be packed.
The Canadian crop will prove deficient.
As to prices, it is impossible to name
any for winter fruit, but conditions seem
to warrant growers maintaining reason
ably firm position on this point. The
annual meeting of the International
apple shippers association, originally
set for an August date at New York city,
has been cancelled on account of infantile
paralysis. That organization at its Au-
gust meeting usually endeavors TO shape
price sentiment. Commercial orchard
lists the middle of August maintain q
feeling of confidence that only fair offers
should prevail for well keeping, standard
winter apples.
DEFICIENCY IN MAINE.
Present prospects not so per cent. Of
last year; apples continue dropping;
some signs of russeting on Greening.
Prospect for Baldwins poor except where
trees failed to bloom in 1915; quality su-
perior to former years.-[G. n. T., Mon
mouth, Ne.
Prospective crop here light and quail
ity poor.-IG. W. B., Union, Me.
About 60 per cent. of full crop; no
bid price as yet; scab bad on unsprayed
E. R.. Monmouth, Me.
Crop prospects about the same as last
year. Trees bloomed heavily, but so
much wet weather at blossom time
pollen was lost and bees could not do
their york. We have lost so per cent.
of our apple crop.-[A. A. E., Dexter,
Me.
In this section there will be a heavy
crop of apples, quality extra good.-lH.
L. G., Pennington, Ne.
FALLING LEAVES FROM ORCHARDS.
NV best estimate for this locality
about go per cent. of last year; quality
good; some fine Baldwins and Spys;
Greetings light. Ben Davis full crop
1w. S. Teator, Upper RedhOok, n. Y.
We do not consider crop prospects as
good as last year, but think there may
be about as many apples; no prices yet.
IA. j. Bailey & Son, Albion, N. 7.
Apples not over 80 per cent. OF crop.
Greetings in poor condition, caused oy
red bug and fungus.-[T. b. Wilson,
Hall, n. Y.
Our crop only one-tbird to ope-half
that of last year; notable shortage in
Greetings. No sales yet, but buyers
talk 20 to 25 cents per barrel less than
last year.-[H. D. T., Annandale, n. Y.
New England Homestead.