Evening star., 1928-05-05
Shenandoah Valley Apples.

Preceded by a belated blast OF WINTER
which was decidedly N-timed, Win
ohesters annual apple blossom fete has
proved to be a complete success. in point
az Natures contribution and human
features. An immense throng attended
drawn from several States and the Dis
trict Of Columbis. Fully fifty thousand
people. il is estimated, witnessed the
concluding ceremonies yesterday, when
THE fete was brought TO an end.
This yearly celebration Of the bountieS
Of the soil that have made the Valley
Of Virginia a garden spot IS a worthy
recognition Of 8 natural advantage. For
many years that part Of Virginia has
thrived upon the fruits that spring from
the earth. Specializing in apples. for
which the conditions are particularly
propitious, the fame Of the Winchester
products has gone far abroad. II is
related that for many seasons a special
consignment Of a particular quality OF
fruit was shipped 10 Queen Victoria.
who preferred these apples to all others.
There are two seasons Of the year
when the apple orchards Of the valley
are worthy Of visitation. One is the
blossom time. which has Just been cele-
hrsted with appropriate picturesque
ceremonies and festsl features. Then
the great orchards are aglow with
delicate color and the scent OF the
blooms fills the air. The other time is
when the fruit has ripened and is ready
for picking. Then the colors are deeper,
the trees are rich in yield and the
countryside is glorious landscape
stretching for many miles.
The apple crop OF the Shenandoah
Valley is eagerly sought by the market.
The agents Of the great buying COM
panies visit the orchards in the Spring
70 observe the conditions; again in early
Summer to note the set Of the fruit
and finally in the Fall to gather and
ship the crop. These agents buy the
apples for their companies long before
the fruit is matUred, and when the
picking time comes they take possession
and harvest the crop and pack it and
send it away.
Although the Spring festival is the
more eolorful and attractive in one
sense. the scene enacted when the crop
Is picked is really more inspiring. Great
numbers of people are engaged. For
miles the roads are filed with trucks
hauling the barrels Of carefully slowed
fruit 70 the railroad lines. Great sums
are represented By this activity. The
orchardist. having sold his crop long
before the picking. IN most cases.
watches the harvest as onlooker. for
the buyers supervise the process Of
gathering and shipping.
This prosperity is the result Of long
cultivation and constant watchfulness
over the orchards. The diseases TO which
the apple tree is subjected are fought.
The soil is cared for scrupulously. Great
skill is shown in the development OF the
trees and the bringing forth Of the most
tasty ard stable fruit. Nowhere else In
this country is the apple industry
pursued with more skill and care and.
n the main. with more success
1t is fitting, therefore. that this Spring
celebration should have become an in
stitution and that II should attract wide
attention and large attendance Viz
ginia Is greatly the richer for the
orchards Of the valley and the fame OF
American fruit The world over has been
advanced By the contribution O. this
fertile area in supply Of one Of Estue.
finest fruits.