UC-NRLF 70 IBM C\j CM O v> O sLt-'t ;ESE LIBRARY OP THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA. , i8p> Accessions No. & Ash 9.13 100.00 As a soiling crop, or fertilizer, alfalfa is extremely valuable. Plow it under ; and this can be done in fall or early spring, by using four good horses and a suitable plow ; and the great roots will decay and enrich the ground almost beyond conception. Some of our Greeley farmers have obtained wonderful crops of potatoes and grain by this practice. In fact, alfalfa does not exhaust, the soil, but constantly enriches it. Says Pro- fessor Blount : " As a fertilizer it has no superior, if reports from those -who have tested it are true. It not only can be turned under, as red clover is, but in the operation it enriches the soil and at the same time is not itself at all impoverished, but greatly benefitted, even so far as to make a good crop itself the same year of hay, and sometimes of seed." This plant has been known to flourish from sea level to the altitude of seven or eight thousand feet. In favorable surroundings it might succeed even higher up. A careful consideration of the analysis above given will demonstrate the value of this grass to the farmer in the various uses it can be put. The average price in stack, in Northern Colorado, is six dollars per ton. An enemy of alfalfa that is troublesome in some localities is the dodder plant (Cuscuta trifolii.) It resembles a number of fleshy threads twisted around a branch, and when fully developed is a true parasite, and feeds upon the juices of the alfalfa. It is an annual, and may usually be IOO HORTICULTURE BY IRRIGATION. destroyed by frequent cutting of the crop infested. Sometimes, however, if thoroughly established, says an authority, " nothing short of digging up the crop infested and burning the whole will get rid of it." But the best plan is to be sure that the seed sown is free from this pest. Alfalfa seed is about two lines long and one and one-fourth wide ; while dodder seeds are not more than half the size ; hence, if alfalfa or clover seed is well sifted before sowing, the dodder will be easily separated. Here again is another forcible illustration of the importance of obtaining clean, pure seed for sowing. FORESTRY. So thoroughly am I impressed with the importance of this branch ol horticulture to the best results in fruit growing, that I would be willing to promise a revolution in this industry could I be given the control of the forest tree planting of the Nation for the next twenty years, and the facilities for making the work effective. I would place a shelter-belt of timber on every farm in the land, and to every tenth acre cultivated, at most, I would have an acre of perma- nent woods. Furthermore, the most ample precautions would be taken to guard against disastrous forest fires, and to preserve, within reasonable limits, the mountain and native woodlands from denudation. It is doubt- ful if our Government could make a more judicious investment, or better promote the general welfare, than by annually making well-advised ex- penditures in the direction of forest tree planting. The "Timber Culture Act" is founded in a wise public policy, and, if its provisions were honestly carried out, would be very beneficial. But so much neglect and bad faith are shown on the part of many who avail themselves of its generous terms, that the real aim of the law is defeated in a large majority of cases. It can only be made to accomplish the wholesome objects intended, by the strictest supervision on the part of those in authority. "With every reasonable allowance made for failures from unforseen causes or adverse conditions, like lack of water (and these should only operate to extend the time to enable a substantial compliance with the law), no person should be permitted to obtain a title under this act who has not acted, in all respects, with absolute good faith in planting and caring for his "tim- ber claim." If this rule were strictly adhered to, deception would be un- availing, and there would be less heard of the " impossible conditions of the law," or the hardships of enforcing its provisions to the letter, as an excuse for making a farce of tree planting. Let the law stand, and, if necessary, add tenfold to its advantages, as ao inducement to planters, but see that the work is done, and done well. Failure is often the result, too, of lack of knowledge of the proper methods of planting, which will be IO2 HORTICULTURE BY IRRIGATION. noticed later on. But the masses manifestly need enlightening with reference to the influence and general benefits of the right distribution of wood lands. That destructive tendencies of many kinds would be arrested if the great West and Northwest could be given the protection afforded by extensive forests, there seems little doubt. It is safe to say that the proper distribution of moisture, the modification of atmospheric and soil tempera- ture, the influence towards preventing the frightful tornadoes, the pitiless blizzards from the far North, and the parching winds that sweep our Western plains, the annual precipitation of moisture, the avoidance of prolonged drouths and of disastrous floods all these and similar con- ditions would be most favorably affected. The modifying influences of large bodies of timberland upon climate are too well known to need dis- cussion. For this reason fruit growing is always more certain, other things being equal, contiguous to extensive woods, or where sheltered by trees. As a protection from the disastrous effects of severe winds, they are most valuable to the orchard and garden. Fifteen years ago the author of "Man and Nature" was of the opinion that not one of our States had, within its borders, with the excep. tion of Oregon, more timber land than it ought permanently to preserve, (meaning of course the relative proportion to the landed area.) Since then the decrease has been considerable, as the annual consumption in the arts alone amounts to over 20,000,000,000 cubic feet, While the entire forest area of the United States is not far from 500,000,000 acres, (which seems a large amount,) yet our economists agree that we have reached the lowest profitable limit of forest area. Basing the calculation upon the known rates of forest increase in European coun- tries, it is estimated that to supply the yearly demand mentioned, the yield or increase of some 400,000,000 acres must be employed. Add to this the enormous destruction from forest fires, domestic uses, etc., and it will be seen that the conclusion reached from the standpoint of National economies is a reasonable and logical one. But, however indisputable the position taken may be in favor of conserving and adding to the forest area, it is doubtful if the correct solution of the problem will be reached until the people can be made to realize that there is money in the tree as an investment. This it ought not to be difficult to show. Let any person select even one acre of good strong soil, the same as he would expect to grow any profitable crop on, and let him plant say 5,000 small trees ol several good varieties white ash, wild black cherry, black walnut, linden, FORESTRY. 1 03 maples, for example, or take five acres of any desirable kinds adapted to his section of country. Let these be cultivated and watered say four or five times a year. They may be pruned in the winter time when little or nothing else can be done. At the end of the third year from planting* one-half of these, or a third, might be easily sold for shade or other pur- pose, if they were nice and smooth trees, at a handsome advance over the original cost and the expense of cultivation. Each year thereafter more than enough can be easily taken, by way of thinning out, to pay all expenses. Now at the end of eight or ten years there should be any- where from a thousand to fifteen hundred nice, thrifty trees to the acre, and these should be on an average at least five inches in diameter, and from twenty to twenty-five feet high. Here we have then on five acres, say six thousand trees after making due allowance for losses from any cause. Trees of this age of any good hard wood variety are worth for mechanical purposes, at least fifty cents each, and those suitable for trans- planting (any good street tree) even at half the size, has always sold readily at that price ; and to-day fifty thousand nice street trees like the elm, box elder and soft maple from two to four inches in diameter would find quick sale at from twenty-five to fifty cents each at -wholesale, (many people in the West will plant nothing but a large tree,) in Colorado and Wyoming. The demand in all this region for years to come will be extensive, and any person who has a well-grown street tree even, need not have difficulty in finding a purchaser. For mechanical purposes trees like the ash, cherry and black walnut are always in demand wherever they can be got to market. But to return to figures : We have six thousand trees ten years of age worth at least fifty cents each, or $3,000, (and this figure would be low, even on an Eastern basis for some of the varieties,) giving a profit of sixty dollars per acre for the entire time. If nut-bearing trees were set, and they do exceedingly well in portions of Colorado, they should be of producing size by the end of ten years. The estimate on trees so valuable for the arts as some we have named, we believe much too low. These figures are made with some knowledge of results, and are in no sense exagger- ated. The serious drawback to tree culture is that people are often unwilling to give trees good soil or even fair treatment. They are too apt to be stuck in the ground and left to take care of themselves. This never pays. IO4 HORTICULTURE BY IRRIGATION. IRRIGATION. In this dry climate, without the ground is in exceptionally good con- dition, always follow tree planting by an immediate irrigation. Cultivate several times during the season. Keep down the weeds and water often enough to keep the young trees in active growth. If seedlings are given the right kind of care for the first two seasons they will be well on the way to a fine, permanent growth. If neglected at this period they may either perish or receive a check from which they will never fully recover, It is usual in Colorado to plant in rows four feet apart, with the trees from one and one-half to two feet in the row set with a view to thinning out. In this case cultivation can only be done one way. If it is practic- able to do so, give a good irrigation once a week during the first season. Never set young trees on ridges on the plains. They should be planted in a furrow like, so that they may better retain the moisture from the clouds. This is particularly necessary where water is scarce for irri- gation. To those in the "rain belt" district who are attempting to grow trees, the importance of deep plowing and setting in trenches or furrows where the soil has been mellowed to a considerable depth, and of early spring planting, can scarcely be overestimated. After the trees have been set, throw around them a heavy mulch or protection of fine straw, chaff, wild hay, or any coarse litter, and it will serve to protect the young trees and retain the moisture that falls on them. In transplanting, we say it again, for the hundreth time, never allow the roots of trees to lay exposed to the hot sun or drying winds. PLANTING SEEDLINGS. An expeditious way of setting forest tree seedlings is to run furrows one way with the plow, after the manner described in orchard planting (the ground having been previously deeply broken and well prepared), then let the young trees be placed in an upright position in the furrow the entire length, after which the soil can be thrown back with the plow. It will be necessary to go .over the ground and straighten up the seedlings (uncovering any that have been completely covered), and to press the earth firmly against the roots with the foot while passing along. If care is used, the young trees may be fairly well planted in this way, and from three to four may work to advantage in carrying, dropping, and complet- ing the work as the plow is run. But good planting is more likely to be FORESTRY. 1 05 done by the use of the shovel or spade, and it can be accomplished quite rapidly if pToperly managed. An excellent method is adopted by Mr. Robert Douglas, probably the most extensive planter of forest trees in the country. Mr. Douglas describes it as follows : " Before the planting is commenced, the harrow and roller are run over the land, and after that the marker, marking off the ground four feet each way, the same as for corn. The workmen are then divided off into companies of three each, or two men and one boy, the two men with spades, and the boy with a bundle of trees. The two men with spades plant on adjoining rows, the tree-holder standing between them. The planter strikes his spade vertically into the ground on the running line close up to the cross mark, then raises a spadeful of earth, the boy inserts the tree, the earth is replaced, the planter places his foot close up to the stem of the tree bearing on his full weight and passes on to the next mark. This tightening of the tree is the most essential part of the work. The boy is kept quite busy attending two planters. After ? little experi- ence the boy will learn to bring each tree out of his bundle, with a circu- lar upward motion, that will spread out the roots when placed in the ground about as evenly as they could be placed with the hand. The three persons will plant at least 4,500 trees in a ten-hour day. When we consider that by this method the trees are planted in a straight line, at a proper depth, the roots spread out, and the earth firmly packed over them, we think it much better than any other method. Dr. Warder named this the " Douglas Three-Motion system," as three motions of the spade are required in planting each tree. When a great number of men are employed, time is saved by having a man follow in the rear, handing the bundle of trees to the tree-holders. We found that one man could attend thirty to sixty workmen. He would follow with a wagon load of trees close in the rear, and whenever he saw a boy on his last dozen, he would throw him a bundle, the boy would put it under his arm, and use it after he had disposed of the few in his hand. We use a two-horse cultivator among the trees during the summer, and the cultivation is just as simple as for corn. Working up the earth to and from the trees alternately, we use no hoes, as careless workmen will injure a great many trees with this instrument, while horses will rarely injure a tree, and they can be worked so close to the trees that a weed rarely needs to be pulled by hand." IO6 HORTICULTURE BY IRRIGATION. The instruction given for the planting of an orchard, and for the cul- tivation and irrigation of fruit trees, will in the main apply to forest trees. In the end, it will pay to prepare the ground thoroughly in advance of planting, and to give good cultivation. Eight here is where failures are made in most cases. Never make the mistake of setting a tender young tree on sod, nor of sowing or planting seeds in such a place, especially in this dry soil and atmosphere. It is time and money worse than thrown away. For "timber claims" or extensive plantings, a good one or two year old tree is the best. SEED SOWING. If seed is to be used, always sow or plant it in rich, mellow soil if anything, inclined to be sandy and have it (the soil) well prepared. As a rule, it is better to grow plant seeds on a suitable garden spot, in beds, with rows nine or ten inches apart, and the second or third season transplant to where desired. Select a Northern exposure for the seed bed, or protect with screens of some kind, plant early and do not let the soil bake. Seeds planted in the fall should be well covered with light mulch to keep them from drying out. Mr. D. S. Grimes writes that he sows thickly in rows in seed bed and shades the first summer. He says : " I drive down stake^ nail on cross- pieces, then take old, refuse gunny-sacks, rip them open and tack them on to the cross-pieces. This covering can be put on quickly and cheaply. In the fall the covering should be removed, to enable the plants to sun- harden. When the plants first appear, care must be taken not to keep them too wet, causing them to ' damp off.' * * * Seeds of cone-bearing^ trees require, as a rule, more care in planting. The yellow pine of the Rocky Mountains, however, (Pinus Pondurosa,) is an exception, and its seed will grow readily as wheat and more rapidly than any other evergreen. They will make an average growth from the seed of two feet each year. I am sorry to see so few evergreens planted by our farmers." The depth of sowing seeds depends upon the variety. The rule is, the smaller the seed the less they should be covered. In this dry climate probably one inch would be about right for seeds like ash, maple, elm, etc.* Nut-bearing seeds are planted deeper. *NOTE Even deeper planting than this might be required in some instances. ' FORESTRY. IO/ The time for sowing seeds varies with different varieties. The soft maples, (white and scarlet,) cottonwood, linden and elm ripen in early or late summer, and should be sown soon after. The fruit of most nut-bear- ing trees, and of the plum, apple, pear and peach, should in this climate, either be sown in the fall or kept in moist earth, where they will be subject to the action of the frost in order to secure germination the fol- lowing spring. Catalpa, birch, ailanthus and some other seeds are generally kept dry in winter and sown in spring. Hard-shelled seed, like the locust and coffee bean, must be soaked in hot water (some say scalded) before planting, and kept warm until they show signs of germinating, when they should be at once planted and not allowed to dry out. Evergreen seeds may be sown in spring, but require careful treatment in seed bed for success. Most of them retain their vitality longer than deciduous seeds. Some of them, like varieties of the pines, have, under favorable conditions, been known to keep for twenty years or more. The silver firs on the contrary should be planted not later than the first season. The beds in which most evergreen seeds are sown should be protected by lath or other suitable screens and well sheltered from the hot sun and drying winds. "The first few months, until the formation of the terminal bud is the most critical time." A close, confined atmosphere with too much water, will be quickly fatal to them. In addition to the screens overhead, mulching the yOung seedlings in winter with leaves or pine needles is recommended. They may be transplanted after two years and some of the pines at one year. With these, as with all seedlings, weeds should be kept out of the beds. TRANSPLANTING EVERGREF^S. Colorado evergreens are famous for beauty and hardiness, and among them the blue spruce, (Picea Pungens,) is the peer of any in the known world. The Engleman spruce, (Abies JEnglemanii,} the Douglas, (A' Douylasii,) the great silver fir, (A. Grandis,) and the white spruce, (Picea Alba,) are all magnificent trees. In transplanting these evergreens care should be taken never to expose the roots to the sun or air. If possible, always let the dirt or soil adhere to the roots when taking up, and sack at once, with burlap or gunny-sack tied firmly around. Give constant moisture until well established. Where many young trees are to be taken up, and it is not practicable to have earth around them, dipping, or puddling the roots in a kind of a mud batter is sometimes practiced. IO8 HORTICULTURE BY IRRIGATION. The larch or tamarack (Larix Americana,) is succeeding well on low, moist soil, or under irrigation. The European species, which is a more valuable tree, promises to be successful and to grow quite rapidly when established. Evergreens may be propagated from cuttings, but to grow this way requires considerable skill and good facilities for controlling heat and moisture. CUTTINGS. All species and varieties of the poplar, to which family our cotton- wood, (Populus Monilifera,) shaking aspen, (P. Tremuloides,) and balm of Gilead (P. Condicans,) belong, grow rapidly from cuttings if kept in moist soil. This is true of willows and some other trees. THE CUT LEAVED WEEPING BIRCH. Among deciduous ornamental trees of great merit for Colorado, special attention is called to the cut-leaved weeping birch. It is a mag- nificent lawn tree and absolutely hardy in the extreme Northern part o the State. STOCK FOR GENERAL PLANTING. The following list of stock for general planting in the West will serve as a guide to those who may wish information in regard to varieties most likely to succeed over widely distributed portions of the country, and under different local conditions. The list might be enlarged somewhat, but the names given are mostly well known, and recognized everywhere as valuable and extremely hardy. One of the most desirable qualities that any tree can possess, for an exacting climate, is that of making a definite annual growth^and of thoroughly maturing this growth each sea- son. In this connection we emphasize two or three points. It is better to plant but few varieties, except for experimental purposes. Among fruits, the profitable kinds are confined to about three of the leading sorts in the respective classes. Others are more or less doubtful for commercial pur- poses. The same is substantially true of forest trees. Plant them with a view to a proper succession in season, and set nothing more than can at least be given fair treatment. Our list, of course, may be added to or departed from, according to local surroundings or the needs of any particular locality. The usual time for planting in the spring is during the month of April, and in the fall from the 1st of September to the middle of October. As to the distance from each other that trees should be planted, so much depends upon the habits of different trees, that no very definite rule can be given. Those that make an upright, compact growth may be planted nearer together than others whose habits are spreading and vigDrous. See table of distarces on page 63. One word of explanation is proper in this connection. Our list for general planting embraces some well-known varieties like, for example, the Ben Davis apple, which succeeds over a wide region of the West, and which is found, in many States, to be the most profitable winter apple that has been planted. While it is among the hardiest of the old sorts, it could not be relied on to stand the test winters of such a climate as North- HO HORTICULTURE BY IRRIGATON. ern Iowa, Dakota or Minnesota. For such localities, nothing less hardy han the Oldenburg should be planted. VARIETIES FROM WHICH TO SELECT FOR GENERAL PLANTING. APPLES. Summer Oldenburg, Red June, Tetofsky, Yellow Transparent, Red Astrachan. Fall Wealthy, Fameuse, Gideon, Haas, September. Winter Ben Davis, Walbridge, Talman Sweeting, Scott's Winter, McMahon, Wolf-River, Pewaukee. NEW VARIETIES OF SPECIAL MERIT. Thaler (Russian), Excelsior (Minnesota), Switzer, Longfield, Anto- novka, Hibernial (Russian), Lou, Sweet Pear, Isham Sweet. CRABS AND HYBRIDS. Florence, Martha, Whitney, Shields, Brier Sweet, Sweet Russett and Hyslop. PEARS. Flemish Beauty, Clapp's Favorite, Bartlett. These are probably planted over a wider section of country than any other pears, but the future of pear growing in the extreme Northern portion of Colorado is yet to be determined. Some of the Russian varieties are being tested. Perhaps the most promising of these are the Bessemianka and Gakovaska. PLUMS. For geneial planting in the West, any one of the following will be found to succeed over a wide range of country : De Soto, Weaver, Forest Garden, Forest Rose, Quaker, Miner and several others of the same type. In favored localities some of the more delicate varieties of the East do well. CHERRIES. Rocky Mountain Dwarf or Low Bush, Utah Red, Early and Late Richmond, English Morello, and Large Montmorency. The new and especially hardy varieties are Ostheim, Valdimir and Wragg. STOCK FOR GENERAL PLANTING. I 1 I PEACHES. (For peach growing sections.) Alexander, Early and Late Crawford, Wheatland and Large Early York. For severe climates try the Chinese varieties, Peen-To and Tong Pa, and some of the Russian " Iron Clads." APRICOTS. Breda, Morepark and Early Golden, for Southern and Western Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, etc. For Northern Colorado, Western portions of Nebraska and Kansas, Wyoming, etc., plant the Eussian varieties, and especially named sorts like Alexander, Budd, Gibb, etc. MULBERRIES. New American, Black and Downing. These are all quite hardy, but will not stand the same extremes of temperature that the Russian red and white fruited varieties do. QUINCE. Orange ;ind Champion. (Not reliable in regions subjected to severe cold.) GRAPES. White Lady, Niagara, Martha, Empire State. Red Delaware, Brighton, Salem. Black Concord, Worden, Moore's Early. RASPBERRIES. Red Cuthbert, Marlboro, Turner and Clark. Black Tyler, Gregg, Ohio and Mammoth Cluster. Earhart, (new everbearing,) for trial. Yellow Caroline, Brinkles' Orange and Golden Queen. Purple Schaeffer's Colossal. (Should have winter protection nearly everywhere in the West.) STRAWBERRIES. Cumberland, Crescent, Jucunda (for heavy soil,) Capt. Jack, Man- chester, Wilson. New and most promising Jessie and Bubach. BLACKBERRIES. Ancient Briton, Kittatinny, Snyder, Wilson. DEWBERRIES. (For trial.) The Lucretia and one or two Western varieties of recent introduction. 112 -\ ^HORTICULTURE BY IRRIGATION. CURRANTS. Red Dutch, Cherry'tMctoria, Fay's, White Grape, White Dutch, Black Naples, Lee's Prolific, (black,) GOOSEBERRIES. Downing, Houghton, of American varieties, and White Smith, Crown Bob, and Green Globe of English varieties. Industry, for trial. MISCELLANEOUS. Juneberry, Berberry, (red fruited,) both very hardy and ornamental. For trial in special localities, any of the leading huckleberries and cranberries. FOREST TREES, ETC. For timber White Ash, Wild Black Cherry, Black Walnut, Black Locust, Catalpa (Speciosa,} Butternut. White and Red Oak for trial. Test also the Hard Maple. It may succeed in portions of Colorado. For street trees Cottonwood (as a pioneer tree on the plains.) Box elder, Soft Maple, White Elm, Linden, White Ash, Black Locust and Balm of Gilead. For trial, Norway Maple, Carolina Poplar and Shaking Poplar. For timber claims Cottonwood and some other trees of the Poplar family, as a temporary growth. Box Elder, White Ash, Black and Honey Locust, Black Walnut, Butternut, Wild Black Cherry, and for special sections, Hardy Catalpa and Russian Mulberry. For lawn planting Cut-Leaved Weeping Birch, Mountain Ash, Green Ash, Hardy Catalpa, Linden. For trial, Poplar Bolleana, Weirs' Cut-Leaved Silver Maple and Laurel Leaf Willow. Among Evergreens Plant the native Spruces and Cedars, particu- larly those of bluish or steel green foliage. The Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea Pungens) is an Evergreen of incomparable beauty, and very hardy. The Cedars, with the same silver, frost-like colors, are also very beautiful and graceful. For wind-breaks Honey Locust, Russian Mulberry, Gray Willow, Lombardy Poplar and Black Locust. ORNAMENTAL PLANTS AND SHRUBS. Hydrangea Grandiflora. One rule, at least, will apply to the culture of all flowering plants and ornamental shrubs. While the soil need not be highly enriched, it should be of good texture, mellow and easily worked. For the list of plants given below, any average soil will do, but let it be thoroughly pre- pared by deep spading, plowing or trenching, and work in a dressing of 8 114 HORTICULTURE BY IRRIGATION. well-rotted manure or compost. Never set a delicate shrub or plant in cold, heavy, unsubdued land, with the expectation of having it flourish. To be sure many of the list given will survive even under very indif- ferent treatment, but the abuse of anything intended to delight the eye seems so incompatible with a desire to be surrounded by the beautiful, as to almost forbid the suggestion of possible neglect. In this connection, we make mention of the fact that the flora of Colorado contains a wealth of ornamental plant life that is yet scarely known, but which is destined to great popularity. Our neighbor, Mr. John Leavy, a florist of nearly twenty years' experience in Colorado, favors us with a select list of herbaceous plants, and of hardy shrubs and climb- ers, recommended by him for general culture in Colorado. He could ex- tend the list considerably, but gives those that are among the most desir- able. HERBACEOUS PLANTS. Aquilegia Cerulea native, likes moist ground. Delphinium Chinensis. Perennial Phlox. Herbaceous Paeony. Lychnis Fulgens. Lathyrus Latifolia (Perennial Pea.) Dicentra Spectabilis (Bleeding Heart). Anemone Japonica. Lily of the Valley moist shade. SHRUBS THAT ARE HARDY AND DO WELL HERE. Syringa Grandiflora. Deutzia Scabra. Spirea Eeevesii. Spirea von Houtii. Spirea Collusa Rosea. Spirea Collusa Alba. Spirea Prunifolia. Spirea Douglasii. Hydrangea Paniculata Grandiflora. Viburnum Sterilis (Snow-Ball). Berberry common. Berberry purple leaved. ORNAMENTAL PLANTS AND SHRUBS. I 1 5 CLIMBERS. The three best vines for arbors and verandahs Ampelopsis Quinque- folia, Clematis Ligistrum, Clematis Douglasii. All native, and perfectly hardy. DESIRABLE PLANTS FOR PARLOR AND GARDEN. (Colorado Agricultural College Report Horticultural Department.; " Nearly all varieties of ornamental plants succeed admirably out- doors. Indoors, in winter, they exhibit a luxuriance of leaf and wealth of blossom quite foreign to parlor plants at a lower altitude. Among out- door plants, the Verbena is a great success, especially those grown from seed of approved strain. Geraniums and the different varieties of Coleus are brighter colored here, but do not grow so luxuriantly. Of Roses, all the classes succeed better here than at the East our bright sun and command of water insuring almost a continuous succession of blossoms in the Hybrid Perpetual class, so that the name here is not so much a mis- nomer as in the olcer States. Heliotropes, Carnations, Petunias, Lantanas and most of the varieties of Asclepias are admirable for summer or winter blooming. For flowering annuals, nothing gives greater satisfaction than the new dwarf strains of Petunia; it enjoys bright skies, and flowers abundantly until long after the first advent of frost. Not less valuable are the im- proved varieties of Phlox Drummondi; no garden can afford to be with- out them. Pansies are beautiful all summer; the native habitat of this plant is that of an open exposure, although the reverse of this is thought to be the case. A word in closing for the Dahlia and Gladiolus. Nowhere else have I seen such a regal display of these deservedly popular flowers as in this State." HARDY SHRUBS. The following shrubs are in every way admirable for Colorado : COMMON NAME. SCIENTIFIC NAME. Sweet Shrub , Calycanthus floridus Button Bush , Cephalanthus occidentalis Sweet Pepper Bush Clethra almfolia Bladder Senna Colutea arborescens Golden Bell Forsythia viridissima White Althea Hibiscus syriacus Hydrangea Hydrangea paniculata grandiflora Snowberry red Symphoriocarpus vulgaris I 1 6 HORTICULTURE BY IRRIGATION. Snowball Viburnum opulus Spirea Spiraea billiard!, and other varieties Lilac purple and white v ..Syringa vulgaris Privert Ligistrum amurense Honeysuckle Lonicera grandiflora Mock Orange Philadelphus coronarius Currant Ribes floridum Weigelia Weigelia rosea ROSES. Roses are justly classed as the most beautiful of flowers. To paint them as nature does has ever been a chief ambition of the artist. Still the per- petual question is, " who can paint the rose? " Yet these peerless bloom- ers are among the easiest to raise in perfection. They require a fine, rich soil and a heavy mulching of coarse litter or leaves in fall. Also considerable water in our climate, and good cultivation. Old and decayed branches and at least half of the previous season's growth should be cut away in the spring. Probably all roses, even the hardiest, do better with winter protection. It increases their vigor and makes them more produc- tive of fine flowers. Earth is doubtless the safest and best covering for the hardier kinds. The ever-bloomers are tender and difficult to keep with us, without one has facilities for keeping them. As a rule, if these are desired, it is better to plant them each spring, and they will bloom about July. The Hybrids are much more satisfactory and quite hardy, but will kill to the roots if not protected. They are said, however, to make a new growth when killed down and to blossom the same season. We give a few of the many excellent varieties: HYBRID PERPETUALS. Alfred Colomb, Anna de Diesbach or Glorie de Paris, Baroness Rothschild, Paul Neron, General Jacqueminot, John Hopper, La France, Mad. Plantier, Magna Charta, Prince Canaille de Rohan, General Wash- ington. Moss ROSES. Countess de Murianais, Glory of Mosses, Luxembourg, Henry Martin, Princess Adelaide. JUNE ROSES. Cabbage or Hundred-Leaf, Persian Yellow, White, Sweet Briar. HARDY CLIMBING ROSES. Baltimore Belle, Seven Sisters, Queen of the Prairie. LAWN MAKING, A beautiful lawn is always one of the most attractive features of home surroundings. It can be easily made, and with the right manage- ment a good stand of grass can be secured in a few weeks. Where surface irrigation by flooding is to be practiced, the ground should be carefully graded so that water will run readily to all parts and be evenly distributed over the surface. It is often necessary to take off considerable of the top soil in grading, and it is better to have the exca- vation deep enough in the first instance to permit of easy irrigation for many years, thus making allowance for the natural filling up of the lawn from any cause, rather than be compelled to re-make the lawn in two or three years afterwards. Of course, where hose is used for watering, this precaution is not so important. After the necessary grading has been done, and the ground nicely leveled, turn on the water, not only to see that it will flow easily, but to settle the earth, so that any defect may be discovered, and remedied, in the grading. When sufficiently dried out to work, spread on a liberal quantity of well-rotted, fine manure, and spade in thoroughly. If a large plat is to be sown, a plow may be used instead of the shovel or spade. After this is done, rake or harrow the ground smoothly and sow the seed. "Fancy mixed lawn grass" may be used, or nice clean Kentucky blue grass, with white .clover. The quantity of each required varies somewhat according to the soil. But it should be thickly sown in all cases for best results. After sowing it may be necessary to run lawn roller over the ground. The proportion of seed used where a mixture is desired varies from three to five parts of blue grass to one of clover. Sometimes equal parts are sown. A pound of mixed seed will usually be ample for three hun- dred square feet of ground, and it is estimated that about five bushels would be required for an acre. White clover makes a quick growth, and a very pretty temporary lawn. Il8 HORTICULTURE BY IRRIGATION. The blue grass will take complete possession of the ground after it is thoroughly established, and with proper attention will last a long time. Cut after growth is a few inches high, and afterwards trim and water twice a week. Never let the ground bake, if possible to avoid it, when the grass is just coming up. At this time constant moisture is needed. It is better to mow often, and let the clippings remain on the lawn instead of raking them off. In this way they act as a fertilizer. The last cutting of the season may be permitted to grow sufficiently rank so that it will cover the lawn well, and thus avoid the necessity of covering with coarse manure, which is unsightly and often offensive. SUMMARY OF INSTRUCTIONS ABOUT IRRIGATION.* Attention is called to the importance of preparing the ground before planting, so that water can be readily run where desired. The land need not be graded to a water level, nor so that it can be entirely flooded, but should be prepared so that water will run easily. Occasional flooding is rarely desirable, and is seldom practicable except on small lots. In all cases avoid steep grades, where the soil washes badly, for the planting of fruit stock. A gentle slope, all things considered, is best, and long rows are preferable to short ones, when the slope is sufficient to carry the water easily the entire length. If the irrigation is to be done from one direc- tion or from one side of the land, let the main lateral be made along this side, and sub-laterals be constructed down through the rows after planting is done. These are usually made with an ordinary shovel plow, and, in small gardens, with the irrigating shovel and line. For limited tracts or grounds, a neat way of conducting water is by means of a box or flurne, in the place of the main lateral, with checks or gates (and both where needed) at the head of and opposite each sub-lateral, so that water can be readily turned into them arid off when desired (see illustration on page 71). This plan avoids the necessity of shoveling out and filling in the dirt every time the rows are to be irrigated ; the simple raising and lowering of each gate or check being all that 'is required. Where the land slopes in opposite directions, it is often practicable to run water both ways by means of a ditch running along the highest point. At times the lay of the ground requires a mixed system, one of sections and cross-sections in irrigating. In all such cases, the irrigator has to be governed by cir- cumstancesin other words, to do the best he can. *NOTE The suggestions following, although applicable more or less to any sys- tem of irrigation, refer more especially to the surJace or furrow methods. I2O HORTICULTURE BY IRRIGATION. HOW AND WHEN TO IRRIGATE. First of all, care should be exercised to so arrange or lay out the garden and orchard, that those things which require the least water will receive the least, and vice versa. In other words, don't mix everything up so in plant- ing, that your trees or vegetables will have to be irrigated every time the small fruits are. I regard this an important precaution. Plant the cherry trees, for example, where they will get the least irrigation. Next to them the peach, pears and apples, although the latter will need considerable the first season after planting. Among small fruits, the blackberry and most varieties of grapes will get along with comparatively little water, while the strawberry, currant and gooseberry should be watered quite freely. The raspberry, if properly mulched, only needs an occasional irrigating, ex- cept when fruiting, then once a week will be about the right thing. Nearly all cuttings require plenty of moisture. For obvious reasons, no precise rule can be given for the application of water. So much depends on soil, location and the manner of cultivation, that this would be out of the question. It is safe to say that the well-established orchard would not ordinarily require more than three good irrigatings during the year. Some would do with less, but this would be about the average. The small fruits, during the fruiting season, I would water at least once a week. As to the manner of running water, I prefer a head of water just sufficient to send a moderate stream gradually along the rows. This enables the mois- ture to penetrate the soil more thoroughly than a rapid current would do. If practicable, water should be run on both sides of the row, without the lateral or ditch is close to one side. This is especially desirable in the case of forest or other trees on land that receives little or no cultivation. On my grounds water is usually run along several rows at the same time. Now and then soil is found that will of admit of rapid irrigation, or, as it is sometimes called, sending the water along with a rush. But this is the exception, and is often very objectionable. Of course, where water is scarce and one is limited to a certain time in its use, the best that can be done is to use it as circumstances will permit. When the water has run its course, turn it off. Don't let it soak and soak, and flood your grounds and those of your neighbor, and the streets and highways and byways. TO RECAPITULATE. First prepare your ground for irrigation. Avoid steep grades for fruit stock. Give preference to a gentle slope. Irrigate gradually with a mod- SUMMARY OF INSTRUCTIONS. 121 erate stream. Plant those things that require least water where they will get the least. Be careful not to force your trees into a growth of wood that will not ripen before the succeeding winter. Give the small fruits plenty of water while maturing. Water the young orchard, particularly the apple trees, quite freely the first season and also the second. As a rule, withdraw the water in August from the orchard to let the season's growth mature. Don't spoil your land and crops by continuous soaking. Turn off the water (not into the street) back into the ditch when you are through with it. Water thoroughly the last thing before the ground freezes, so that your stock will go into winter quarters in good shape, pre- pared to resist the drying out process so fatal to trees in this climate. THE RAIN BELT EXTENSION. While this subject is somewhat foreign to the scope of this work, the author ventures to record his belief that those who maintain the position that the " rain belt " is gradually extending Westward, are making out a pretty good case. Among advocates of this doctrine are many of the thinking, practical men of the West. In Kansas and Nebraska, such men as Professors Snow, Aughey and Wilber, and Ex-Governor Furnas, and a score or more of others in contiguous States, are showing by proof that seems well nigh conclusive, a marked increase, both in atmospheric humidity and precipitation, within the past thirty years. The thirty-eight years' record of the military post at Fort Leaven- worth (covering nineteen years preceding and the same period following the occupation of that State Kansas by white settlers,) shows an increase from 30.96 inches, the average of the first period, to 36.21 inches, the average of second, making an average increase of 5.21 inches per annum. The thirty years' records of Fort Keiley; of the State Agricultural College of twenty -four years; and the seventeen years' records of the State University at Lawrence all in the same State show an increase, respectively, of 3.05, 5.61 and 3.06 inches per annum. " Expressed in per cent." says Professor Snow, " these four stations show an increase in the last half of the period compared, as follows : Fort Leavenworth, nearly twenty-five per cent.; Fort Keiley, thirteen per cent.; Manhattan, twenty per cent.; and Lawrence over nine per cent. These tests cover periods of time sufficiently long to justify logical conclusions, and can hardly be attributed to mere "accidental variations." They are entitled to weight. Says Mr. Hinton : " When settlement began on the line mentioned by Professor Snow, and West thereof, the annual precipitation did not exceed fourteen inches, and," he adds, " Western Nebraska to the North of Kansas, equally s.'iows, and perhaps even in a more marked way, the peculiar Western movement of the rain- fall, to which attention has been [called, as characteristic of the plains division." THE RAIN BELT EXTENSION. 123 Professors Aughey and Wilber, of the University of Nebraska, declare that Western Nebraska and Eastern Wyoming will show a steady climatic change. Professor Wilber says he has talked with hundreds of fanners upon the frontier, whose uniform testimony was to the effect that there was a gradual development of the resources of the soil, by the increase of moisture in its various forms, which follows upon cultivation. More recently, Mr. Harrington, editor of the American Meteorological Journal, in quite an elaborate discussion of this question concludes that " increased rainfall occurs along the line of largest immigration to the plains, and as the invasion is still going on on an enormous scale, it is hardly safe to say that the attendant meteorological change will not con- tinue farther." Whether or not these deductions will antagonize the scientific hypothesis, that this planet of ours is gradually approaching the sup- posed rainless condition of the moon, or whether, even if established beyond a question, they would be regarded in the nature of " local oscil- lations " that are only apparent exceptions to the hypothesis is a matter that perhaps does not immediately concern practical people. The question is, what is actually bringing about this increase of rainfall? Probably the two main causes are, first, the subjection of a vast territory to rapid and continuous cultivation, by constant stirring of the soil and uprooting the native grasses, thus overcoming the resistence to free capil- lary action ; and second, the extensive planting of timber and smaller growths, both of which, on a large scale, tend to increase atmospheric, as well as terrene humidity, and consequent precipitation. Another influ- ence that may have a bearing on results is the increased humidity of Western winds, caused by evaporations from extended irrigation districts along the base of the Rocky Mountains. But whatever the true causes are, results will be of deep interest to all the country likely to be effected. BUDDING AND GRAFTING. SUGGESTIONS FROM MR. V. DEVINNY, OF DENVER. Budding and grafting, in my experience, have been satisfactory, with the exception of stone fruits, which are nearly a failure. I have, how- ever, been successful in root-grafting the peach on the plum. Owing to the dry air of our climate, some precautions are necessary to success in budding. One is, that the scion from which buds are taken should be large, not less than a quarter of an inch in diameter ; to the end, that the bud, when removed, will be broad and long, a condition necessary to resist the withering effects of our climate. The bandaging should also com- pletely cover the wound ; likewise in grafting, the wound should be care- fully covered. Another precaution to which I direct special attention is this, that in either budding or grafting old trees, the leading or main limbs should not be budded or grafted, but one or more of their smaller, erect branches should be selected for the purpose, and the main limb should be deadened above the grafted or budded limbs, by the removal of three or four inches in length of bark around the limb. This strong, deadened limb will afford a good support, to which the new scions can be tied, thus preventing the disastrous effects of our hard winds. As the union of the graft and the stock is neither perfect nor strong till the stock has doubled its diameter, it is therefore easily torn away by our summer winds. For the want of this hint, I lost many large, budded limbs last summer. Regarding the irrigation of orchards. I recommend the first summer after planting irrigation every two weeks, the second and third years the same, after which irrigation once per month will do. But no irrigation should be done after September 1st, except the first year after planting. EFFECTS OF COLD ON FRUIT BUDS. FROM DR. HOSKINS, OF VERMONT. I cannot say that I have investigated the matter you ask about, but facts have forced themselves on my attention in connection therewith, and it seems very singular that so little notice has been taken of them, considering that it is so well known that peaches, apricots and many other fruits suffer from the effect of cold upon their fruit buds, either or both before and after their opening. I can only attribute the little notice the subject seems to have received, to the probability that these effects of cold upon the fruit buds of the apple have not been marked enough in Europe, or in provincial fruit-growing sections of America, to attract the attention of pomological writers. But here in the cold North it is different. We have tested here in Northeastern Vermont a good many apples, pears^ plums and cherries, the trees of which belong to the "almost hardy" class, and sometimes grow to a large size, yet never bear any perfect fruit, except after an exceptionally mild winter. I have been surprised to see how many plums, cherries and Tolman, Astrachan and St. Lawrence apples, would appear on our market, not one having been offered for so long that the impression had been that the trees were all dead. After a very severe winter, even many of our "iron-clads" Russians, Siberians and hybrids though blooming full, will bear but a light crop. The same result follows even a moderate winter, when a sharp frost comes at bloom- ing time. I noticed last spring that the limbs, even of Siberian hybrids or semi-crabs ("improved crabs"), which chanced to be covered with snow where it has drifted deeply, bore a full crop, although the fruit on the rest of the tree was very scattering and imperfect. A few sorts, notably Oldenburgh and Tetofsky, seem able to endure our very hardest winters and give a full crop. I notice, too, that some varieties, not quite hardy in the wood, are hardy in their fruit buds, so that, though the tree is hurt, it will bear a full crop. This, however, when it occurs, is almost invariably followed by the death of the tree, so that when we get a full crop of plums or cherries, we expect to find the trees mostly dead the next 126 HORTICULTURE BY IRRIGATION. spring. We then have to wait for young trees and sprouts to come for- ward, and this, too, is one reason for the long intervals between crops from this class of trees. From the knowledge of these facts, it will not be difficult to under- stand why it is that there is a difference in the resisting power of the bloom of trees in flower at the same time, and all subjected to the same degree of frost. Yet and here is a point likely to be overlooked, and which complicates the matter trees in the same orchard, all in the same stage of forwardness as to blooming, may not be subject to the same degree of cold at the same time. After these spring frosts, it is curious to note single trees, or one side of a tree, or the upper or the lower branches, or even a single branch, having a full crop, while elsewhere there is but little fruit. I am sorry not to be able to give you more exact information, but I believe that all I really know about the matter is given above. Yours truly, T. H. HOSKINS. NEW PORT, VT., November, 1887. CORRESPONDENCE. Particular attention is directed to the correspondence following, from prominent fruit growers and horticulturists residing in different sections of Colorado. Not only do these contain many valuable suggestions in regard to soil, irrigation and culture, and adaptation of varieties, but they also rep- resent widely different localities and local conditions, and are therefore important as a guide to residents of the immediate respective divisions of the State, as well as to planters in adjoining States or Territories simi- larly situated. To furnish this general information has been the aim, rather than to deal with particular localities. Every County in the State will come under some one of the grand divisions heard from, and therefore, wishing to have our Look of general application, so far as possible, no special mention has been made of the already fine progress shown by such Coun- ties as Arapahoe, Boulder, Fremont, Jefferson, El Paso, Larimer, Weld and others, nor of the almost certain large success that awaits the devel- opment of sections like La Plata County and the Montezuma Valley. The remark is here made that native fruits that flourish in any given locality are often an important indication of what may be cultivated with profit ; although this should not be construed adversely to the success of other fruits and products not so found. FROM MESSRS. GODDING AND STEEL, OF ROCKY FORD, BENT COUNTY. There are only two or three who have had orchard fruit trees planted long enough to bear, but with the best results. We think this is a favorite section for both fruits and vegetables, and in the future we will raise largely of all kinds. We have two kinds of soil. That on the river bottom is a stiff adobe that is very hard to work properly, and few succeed with it, but it is very rich and durable, and a man that understands it gets splendid results. On the upland it is of a light-gray color and is mixed with con- 128 HORTICULTURE BY IRRIGATION. siderable sand. In this soil fruits and vegetables grow to perfection. It is easily broken up and yields a fine crop the first season. Water-melons yield from 1,000 to 1,500 melons per acre, and all small fruits and vegetables do equally well. FROM PRESIDENT C. S. FAUROT, OF THE NORTHERN COLORADO HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, BOULDER COUNTY. I am very glad to hear that you are writing a book on the subject named in your letter. I am trying several new 'varieties of blackberries, but none have fruited except the Ancient Briton, and I think that is one of the most prolific bearers I ever saw. In regard to the irrigation of fruits, I don't know that I can add any- thing new, but I will say this : I would recommend a heavy, clay soil for strawberries and a limited use of water, as I think too much water hns a tendency to make the fruit soft and insipid in taste. Ground that currants are grown upon should be kept moist, not wet. Raspberries and blackberries should be watered once a week through the fruiting season ; after the fruit is gone, give but little water, in order that the wood may ripen for winter. Grapes, if grown on heavy soil will not need more than two or three irrigations a year, but if on light soil, I should recommend at least five or six irrigations one, say, as they are in bloom, and two or three after that, as the ground may require. In regard to the varieties grown here, I will give you a few of the leading ones: Strawberries Manchester, Jucunda, Wilson, James Vick, Captain Jack, Crescent and Sharpless. Raspberries Cuthbert, Turner, Hansell, Herstine, Souhegan, Gregg, Mammoth Cluster. Blackberries Ancient Briton, Early Cluster, Snyder, Wilson, Kittatinny and Lawton. The varieties in italic I consider good. Of grapes I will give just those I could recommend for cultivation : Concord, Hartford, Worden, Moore's Early, Champion, Wilder, Dela- ware, Salem, Brighton, Massasoit, Lindley, Lady, Martha, Empire State, Chasselas. These will do to tie to. Currants Red Dutch, Red Cherry, White Dutch, White Grape, Black Naples. Gooseberries I cannot say anything for them.* * NOTE Mr. Faurot, being almost exclusively a grower of small fruits, does not refer to the larger fruits, like the apple, pear and plum. All of which do exceed- ingly well in Boulder County. Our general list of these will be found well adapted to culture in that County. CORRESPONDENCE. 1 2Q FROM HON. S. A. WADE, OF DELTA COUNTY. Under date of August 14, and October 31, 1887. As you are aware the Ute Indians were not dispossessed of this country until September 1st, 1881. Therefore all our progress in the development of the fruit interest in this country cannot date back earlier than the spring of 1882. The list of native or wild fruits is short, consisting of the following: Buffalo berries, two varieties, red and yellow. These fruits grow very luxuriantly upon our river and creek bottom lands at an altitude of 4,000 to 6,000 feet. The fruit resembling the currant, growing on scrubby trees from eight to twelve feet in hight. Very prolific and a sure bearer. Are improved by cultivation. Ripen about August 15th. The service, or Juneberry, grows on the hills at an altitude of 4,000 to 8,000 feet ; fruits best when protected from the wind and sun ; is dwarf, six to ten feet ; fruit large and fine. The wild cherry is dwarf; frequently plants two feet high are full of fruit ; grow best from 6,000 to 7,000 feet altitude, where they are quite prolific. The red raspberry of the mountains is found upon the Grand Mesa at an altitude of 7,000 to 9,000 feet, where the snow falls three to six feet in winter; are very prolific in their mountain home, but do no good in the valleys with the best of care. They must have their snowy covering. The black currant found on some of the streams in abundance; bush six leet high ; prolific; fruit large and good. Strawberries grow 7,000 to 9,000 feet quite plentiful ; some of these wild varieties are fair size. Of our cultivated fruits this is but our sixth year, so we can but report the progress after close, careful watching this growing interest. Myself being one of the pioneers of the fruit interest in this part of the State, I will say, that in the spring of 1882 I brought here from Illinois and Missouri quite a collection of fruits of different kinds, all one year old ; put them out first year in nursery and re-transplanted them in the spring of 1883 into orchard, and now I have peach and apricot trees measuring eighteen inches in circumference around the trunks or bodies; cherry trees fifteen to sixteen and one-half inches; apple trees twelve to thirteen inches, with large, fine heads as ever grew, I think. I have thirty-one varieties in orchard ; over fifty varieties of apples 9 I3O HORTICULTURE BY IRRIGATION. for trial, many of which are now in bearing ; have no reason to condemn or even to complain of any variety yet; all perfectly healthy and no winter killing, codling moth, borer or any other insect or pest. Pears have done fairly well, having on my grounds five varieties, and not a blighted leaf on any of my fruits. I sold my blackberries this season at fifteen cents per quart, and the yield brought me fully $400 per acre. I have ten varieties of cherries, same number of plums, and about the same of apricots and peaches. All my apricots are Russian except one variety. The Morello family .of cherries are as hardy as the oak. All our small fruits have done remarkably well this season, and my grapes are a wonder to behold, six-ye'ar-old vines having one hundred and fifty pounds of fruit on. I have some sixteen varieties in bearing; my first in favor is the Niagara ; next choice is hard to make among the following: Rogers' No. 1 and 9, Janesville, Catawba, or Telegraph, and two other unnamed varieties. The Clint< n is a wonderful bearer here. The Salem (No. 22) is a good bearer, good grower and a good grape, but it drops from the bloom so as to make bunches open and loose. I am now trying a lew California varieties with good prospects. We have a favored spot here for fruit growing, no doubt the best in the State. Our altitude is 5,500 feet above the sea level. I have seen growing at an altitude of 7,800 feet the following fruits : Duchess apples, Whitney, Transcendant and Siberian crabs. I saw these fruits last week. The trees were very full of fruit, but the fruit was small, especially the Duchess apple, which were not larger than crabs. We have quite an extent of country in this part of the State that ranges from 6,000 to 8,000 feet altitude, that in time will be utilized for fruit growing quite extensively in the near future, especially for small fruits. It is high table-land with a good deal of timber and grasses, where the snow falls about three feet in winter and rains often during the summer season, with a climate much like a portion of Michigan. There is one thing I can note as very peculiar in the fruit trees on this Western or Pacific Slope: Our trees may make a wonderful growth of wood during the summer and will bud profusely at the same time, and if a late frost should happen to come in April or early in May (which we have never had) and kill off our grape crop, by giving the vineyard a thorough irrigation for about three days the vines will re-set and make a CORRESPONDENCE. 13! fair crop ; in fact we have to guard against this second growth continu- ously throughout the fruiting season. It is very difficult for you to overestimate the natural fruit advan- tages of this part af the State. In letter of October 31st, he says : I have two distinct classes of soil on my farm. The first bottom land is sandy loam, with four to six feet of clay sub-soil. This is my best grape, peach and small fruit lands, which I irrigate from three to six times dur- ing the growing season, except strawberries, which I keep quite moist. I irrigate no fruit on this land, except the strawberries, after September 1st. "We usually get rains in the fall sufficient for all fruits. My second bottom land is of the black loam, with quite a mixture of the adobe. This land is strong and deep soil. I consider it my best apple and pear land. I have twenty-five acres in this fruit on this land. I raise corn, potatoes and vines among my trees, and only irrigate sufficient to promote a good, healthy growth to my corn, and find it about right for my trees. I turn on the water about once a week for a day and night, as a general thing, through the season, and our corn matures about September 1st to 10th, when I shut off all irrigation water. After that our fall rains take care of the fruits, and they ripen their wood in excellent shape for the winter. We lay nothing down for winter except the tender California grapes. Peaches and apricots begin bearing the second year after budding. Many varieties of apples bear at three and four years from graft. Especi- ally is this the case with the Kussians. Many of the Americans bear at four and five years. Cherries and plums bear very early with us. It is is not unfrequent to see a two-year-old cherry tree full of fruit. My choice of fruits for profit here is the grape. The of yield my five- year-old vines this year was enormous. FROM GEN. R. A. CAMERON, CANON CITY, FREMONT COUNTY. At Canon City the water of the Arkansas does not seem to be impreg- nated with much mineral matter, which, like rivers, notably the Rio Grande in New Mexico, enriches the soil On the South side of the river, where the soil is composed chiefly of decomposed red and white sand- stone, irrigation practiced once or even twice a week in the warm and dry seasons seems to act like so much refreshing rain. On the North side of the river, however, where the soil is composed largely of decomposed 132 HORTICULTURE BY IRRIGATION. shale and lime rock, a rich and heavy adobe, irrigation has to he prac- ticed with great care, and is best conducted in the evening or on cloudy days, which prevents the scalding. of trees. A good soaking once in three* weeks is beneficial and acceptable to trees, bushes and vines, as well as to vegetables. Some of the latter, however, requiring water oftener. While some, or a large variety of grapes, such as the Elvira and Sa- lem, bear irrigation well, the Concord, Pocklington, and others of the Labrusca family, do not relish much water. Whether it is the water itself, or the " alkali" it develops and brings to the surface, I do not know. So strongly has this dislike of irrigation impressed many in regard to the Concord, that Dr. Craven, a leading horticulturist here, only waters his Concord vines in the spring and fall, and yet he has luxuriant crops of most excellent grapes.* FROM EX-PRESIDENT J. S. MC CLELLAND, OF THE NORTHERN COLORADO HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, LARIMER COUNTY. I use a great deal of water during the fruiting season. Water straw- berries after each picking, and never allow them to get dry. Newly- planted trees I never allow to get dry. My oldest orchards I have not irrigated this year, but will do so this month (October) .f The best fruits ? Well, here they are : Apples Summer Oldenburg, Tetofsky, Bed June, Fall, Wealthy and Famous. Winter Ben Davis, Willow Twig and Golden Kusset. Plums Miner and Weaver. The Miner is a glorious plum, and re- markably hardy. Beats everything else with me. Grapes Concord, Worden, Champion and Sweet Water, especially the latter, do best with me. Am going to make a success of grapes. Gooseberries Houghton. Currants White Grape, Cherry and Red Dutch. Strawberries Crescent, Manchester and Chas. Downing. Blackberries Wilson and Snyder. Raspberries Red Turner and Cuthbert. Slack Mammoth Cluster and Gregg. *NOTE Fremont County is one of the pioneer fruit growing Counties of Colorado. The oldest commercial orchard of the State, that of Jesse Frazier, is located here, which in 1886 yielded 10,000 bushels of apples. f NOTE. Mr. McClelland's soil is a clayey loam. CORRESPONDENCE. 133 FROM REV. S. W. DE BUSK, OF LAS ANIMAS COUNTY. In the last volume of our State Horticultural Report you will find an article entitled "The Beginnings in Las Animas County," which gives a correct statement of our first efforts in this County. My own orchard the past season (1887) yielded eighty bushels of Ben Davis, Rawles Janet, Wine Sap, Missouri Pippin, Tetofsky, Duchess, Cooper's Early White, Fall Spitzenburg, Wealthy and Hyslop. Crabs did well with me this year. My first trees were set in the year 1881. Large holes were dug, and a heap of bones placed in each hole. Trees set a rod apart, I find, will prove to be too close soon. The limbs of the Ben Davis trees promise to touch across the space between the rows in three years longer. One Missouri Pippin tree, set three years ago last April, ripened one hundred apples five years from graft. One Jonathan tree, same age ripened eighty apples; one Ben Davis tree, same age, ripened seventy-five apples remarkable for fine size and color. So much for early bearing. My trees are on a hill-side, sloping to the North. Soil, a clay loam, which is usual on our prairies. At two points leads of slate crop out on knolls. This upland needs irrigating twice as often as the compact loam or adobe of my low bottom. In starting my trees, six years ago, the land was kept in hoed crop; part being used for the vegetable garden, and the other part cultivated in beans, turnips, and sometimes corn. The spots* irrigated oftenest gave best results. Where the cabbage and tomato patch was, and the water ran three to five times a week, trees grew most rapidly, bore earliest, and to-day are the favorites in the or- chard. My hill-side was rough, having two or three gullies across it, when I began to cultivate it. In irrigating this uneven land, a few trees, which stood in low places, received twice Uie water the others had. Those getting a superabundance of water on this well-drained soil are, in every way, the best trees. It is well undei stood, here in my family, that on this hill-side of clay loam, underlaid by slate, there is no danger of irrigating too much for apples, pears, raspberries, strawberries, currants and gooseberries, even if that irrigation be twice a week from June 1st to September 1st, seasons of heavy rains excepted, of course. The above is the sum of my experience for five years. The past summer, matters were quite different with me. The floods 134 HORTICULTURE BY IRRIGATON. of June practically destroyed my irrigating ditch. This hill-side orchard, having been well irrigated once in May, was exposed to the fierce heat of July and August without irrigation. The half and one-third grown apples ceased to grow, and began to shrivel up on the trees. Water was obtained to give all a good soaking once late in August. The trees re- vived in a few days. The fruit resumed its growth, and, with few excep- tions, matured well, though later than usual. Had not the trees been well established they must have died. Another incident on this well-drained upland, which requires fre- quent irrigation, teaches me that trees might succeed almost without irri- gation, and I will give this^or the benefit of the rain-belt farmers, gome hundred of whom we have in Eastern Las Animas County. In my early experience, I made the mistake of setting largely of the Transcendant crab, a variety which is nearly useless to me, because the buds push out early in the spring, and have four years in succession been nipped by frost. To test to my satisfaction the theory of mulching to make a tree bloom late, I placed a wagon load of old, thoroughly-rotted manure about the roots of three large crab trees, leaving other trees unmulched. The mulch was applied when the ground was frozen and some snow was on. The mulch utterly failed to retard the blooming. It did seem to me the mulched trees bloomed earlier than the others. The manure used for mulch couid not have heated, for it had lain out-doors two years, some of it even longer, before being used. But when the trees were exposed to a torrid summer, without any irrigation, those mulched flourished with surprising vigor. I strongly suspect, now, if one could spare a heavy wagon-load of such mulch to each tree, that our rain and snow fall might give sufficient moisture for good results. Many ask me, how often to irrigate? So much depends upon the soil, location, drainage, etc., 'that I can give no rule. Have often said this, that a corn field will always indicate, to the experienced farmer, when water should be applied; and likewise, an orchard, young or old, will make its wants known to the horticulturist who is attentive and quick to comprehend the language of his trees. My trees young, or old, plead piteously for water when they grow too dry. Of course, I leave off irrigation in the fall usually September 15th here to allow the wood to mature for winter. CORRESPONDENCE. 135 HORTICULTURE IN MONTROSE AND OURAY COUNTIES. BY A. D. FAIRBANKS, MONTROSE. Among the first to plant fruit trees and small fruits in Montrose County were the following named persons: Gustavus Frost, Boss Broth- ers, Young Brothers, Eldridge Brothers, David Markley, O. D. Loutsen- heizer. Among the first to plant fruit trees and small fruits in Ouray County were the. following named persons: R. H. Higgins, J. Smith and Preston Hotchkiss. From four to five years is the extent of time in which fruit of any kind has been cultivated in either of the above Counties, with possibly one exception. K. H. Higgins, who located nine or ten years ago within four miles of Ouray City, and has, for nearly the entire time, grown small fruits of some kinds with marvelous success. The hard}' varieties of raspberries and blackberries he has propagated successfully, and both have fr-uited heavily each year. Currants and gooseberries have also thriven well with him, as have also strawberries. He is located at an altitude of 7,000 feet. Apples, cherries, plums and pears are not grown very extensively in Ouray County. At an altitude of 6,000 feet, near Montrose, a few families have planted trees with varying results. A Mr. Smith has raised apples and pears, also grapes, at an altitude of 6,000 feet and more, and on the river bottom, Preston Hotchkiss, two miles below, on the Uncompahgre, has a fine start in all varieties of fruit that can be grown in the best parts of the East. The showing, for this time, is wonderful in the growth, vigor- ous appearance, and all that portends to fruit culture. The soil is of a dark brown color naturally, and by cultivation turns to a black, loamy appearance. The Eldridge Brothers, still lower down the river and in Montrose County, have succeeded commendably. O. D. Loutsenheizer, half a mile East of the town of Montrose, and on what may be called a genuine adobe ranch, has, after several fruitless trials on a large scale, succeeded in a small way in fruit raising. All small fruits do well on this adobe, and apples, pears, apricots and plums thrive better on this kind of soil, when it is properly managed, than on the river bottom, as the latter, after two or three years, proves too 136 HORTICULTURE BY IRRIGATION. wet for the roots which have penetrated the earth downwards, in that time three or four feet. Mr. Loutsenheizer is very enthusiastic over fruit culture in this valley, especially on the adobe. The Koss Brothers, Young Brothers and Gus Frost have severally demonstrated that all moderately hardy varieties of apples, plums, pears and even peaches at an altitude of 5,500 feet can be successfully grown. The quality of fruit in this valley is remarkable. Demonstration has settled grape culture, and small fruits of all kinds and varieties; and we are sure that anything that can be grown in the Middle States can be grown here. Thus far all kinds of fruit have been very free from insects or any of those afflictions so common in the East. The greatest extremes in Montrose County, on an average of five years, is from fifteen degrees below zero to ninety degrees above. The character of the soil is variable. There is adobe, red gravelly soil underlaid from three to five feet below the surface with a solid cement of pebbles and clay, or some similar formation, perhaps by an admixture with the soil of a sufficient amount of gypsum. Irrigation soon softens this underlying stratum and renders this kind of land, which is confined mostly to the mesas, very receptive, and thus seepage is very rapid and the necessity of irrigation more frequent than on the river bottom, where the soil is constantly under-moistened by seepage from the river. The adobe, which is generally the second bottom, and is in depth from ten to thirty feet, when once well soaked with water to the depth of from eighteen inches to two feet, is sufficiently irrigated, as a rule, by two or three times in a season for small grains ; while the mesa soil as a rule needs water every two weeks, in some localities oftener. If small grains are planted near the surface in the adobe ground it will need water often, as the hot sun bakes rapidly the top of the ground in the summer months. If there is any favor to special varieties, there has not been suf- ficient time to demonstrate it in Montrose County. KOUTT, KOUTT COUNTY, COLO., November 8th, 1887. Looking towards fruit culture in this part of the State, the part that I shall describe is but a small part of the great County in which I live. One man I believe planted out a few trees last spring on the river bottom, CORRESPONDENCE. 137 and I believe they did very well until they were eaten up by the cattle. Judging from the altitudes by Hayden and his geological survey, our best farming lands have an altitude of from 6,300 to 6,500 feet above the sea. The sage land is the best, and is a deep, sandy loam, and very rich, and where the sage gets a sufficiency of water it grows to a great size, and often reaches the higlit of six or seven feet. The grease-wood lands are adobe, and are not considered good farming lands. There are but few kinds of native fruit growing in this vicinity the choke-cherry, sarvis berry, mountain raspberry and currant. L have seen cherries that grew at an altitude of 7,000 feet that were both large and well flavored. The mercury was not lower than twenty below zero last winter, and not very long spells of cold weather at any one time, and not higher than one hundred during the hottest day of summer. I can give you a better idea of what will succeed by giving you. a few facts of my own personal experience in my vegetable garden. Sweet corn matured so as to make good seed ; also beans. I planted out a few tomato plants the first of July that ripened a few tomatoes. My water- melons did not succeed for lack of irrigation during the Indian troubles, when we had to leave our homes and seek safety in forting up our place. Our place is only a half-mile north of the trail taken by the Indians at the time the Meeker women were taken into captivity. The hills that have timber on are very poor and rocky, producing but low, scrubby cedar, that seldom if ever gets long enough for two fence posts. The canons in the mountains, and sometimes nearly to the tops of the mountains, are covered with scrub oak and quaking asp, some box elder and pinon pine. The general lay of the country is very hilly and uneven and cut up with gullies and wash-outs, so that travel on horseback is sometimes difficult. The gullies and wash-outs would indicate heavy rains, and yet I have not seen anyone that has seen a hard rain since the country has been settled. Several persons here, at Axial, and at Yampa, have been getting fruit trees I should be much pleased to see a more general desire to improve the country by setting and growing fruits of such kinds as would succeed, and I think many kinds would do well here. Only eighty miles to the West of us, down at Ashley, I am told they raise considerable fruit. 138 HORTICULTURE BY IRRIGATION. And with money and energy I think this would become a fruit-growing country. ELISHA BENNETT. APPLES FOR WELD COUNTY. .BY O. H. GALLUP, ESQ., GREELEY, COLORADO. The Wealthy, Gideon, and Excelsior of the Minnesota kinds have fruited on my place, but with me the Wealthy lacks in hardiness a little and is a shy bearer ; the Excelsior is also slow to fruit. I have trees that are of good size, but have never had but three or four apples form thereon. The Gideon bears early and abundantly and is U A No. 1." The Eussian Yellow Transparent is the only foreign apple I have, fruited, and I think the best apple on my grounds. The Oldenburg seems to be hardy and productive. Gideon's Flor- ence (crab) will fruit the earliest and fullest and dodge the late spring frosts better than any other apple I have, and for cooking, it almost equals a good standard. I have growing, but not fruiting yet, Mann, and the Haas, that are promising trees. I find that trees on crab roots stand much better than those grafted on common stock. As to soil best adapted for apples, my trees here in town are on a stony soil ; on my old farm it is a coarse, sandy soil ; on my West farm the soil is finer sand, with a little adobe added, and on this the trees seem to do best in their growth, and also fruit more freely. As to frequency of irrigating, this will depend on the soil, but I am inclined to the opinion that after trees are well established, (say after the first year,) they need less water than we have been in the habit of giving them. A good, thorough wetting about once a month I think about right for established trees. MISCELLANEOUS. NUMBER OF SEEDS TO THE POUND, BY ACTUAL COUNT. FOREST TREES. NO. IN COMMON NAME. BOTANICAL NAME. POUND. White Birch w .Betula Alba 500,000 American Mountain Ash Pyrus Americana 108,327 American White Elm Ulmus Americana 92,352 Red Elm Ulmus Fulva 54,359 Black Locust Kobinia Pseudacacia 28,992 Green Ash Fraxinus Viridis 22,056 Scarlet Maple Acer Rubra 22,464 White Pine Pinus Strobus 20,540 Ailanthus Ailanthus Glandulosa 20,161 Hardy Catalpa Catalpa Speciosa 19,776 Box Elder Acer Negundo 14,784 Silver Fir Abies Pectinala 12,000 Osage Orange Maculara Aurantiaca 10,656 American White Ash Fraxinus Americana ... .. 9,858 Rock Elm Ulmus Racemosa 8,352 Red Cedar Juniperus Virginiafia 8,321 Berberry Berberis Canadensis 8,183 Sugar Maple Acer Saccharinum 7,488 Norway Maple Acer Platanoides _ 7,231 American Basswood Tilia Americana 6,337 Black Ash .Fraxinus Sambucifolia 5,629 Black Cherry Prunus Serotina 4,311 Honey Locust Gledilschia Friaeanthos 2,496 Silver Leaf Maple Acer Dascycarpum 2,421 American Sweet Chestnut Castanea Vesca 90 Hickory (Shell Bark) Carya Alba 78 American Horse Chestnut JEsculus Glabra 36 Black Walnut Juglaus Nigra 25 Butternut Juglaus Ciuerea 15 FRUIT TREES. About Apple 12,000 Cherry Pits 1,000 Peach 200 Pear 15,000 Plum 600 Quince 15,000 Mulberry (fruit bearing) 200,000 VEGETABLE AND GRASS SEED TABLE. (From Henry Lee's Catalogue.) AVERAGE QUANTITY OF SEED SOWN TO AN ACRE. IM DRILLS. Dwarf Beans la to ooihs Rutabaga 1 to 1% Ibs Spinach 10 to 12 Ibs Salsify 10 to 12 Ibs Early Peas Marrowfat Peas 75 to 90 Ibs 70 to 80 Ibs Turnips 1 tr IV IHc Tomatoes to transplant % Ib IN HILLS. Corn .. 8 to in ihs Beets 4 to 5 Ibs Mangel-Wurzei Carrots 6 to 8 Ibs 2 to 3 Ibs Onions 4 to 5 Ibs Cucumbers 1 to 1% Ibs 20 to 30 Ibs Musk-Melon Water-Melon Pumpkins 2 to 3 Ibs Onion sets 300 to 350 Ibs 3 to 4 Ibs Parsnip Radish 4 to 5 Ibs 6 to 8 Ibs 2 to 3 Ibs Squash >R A GIVEN Pepper 2 to 3 Ibs NUMBER OF PLANTS. 1 oz to I,0 r nlants QUANTITY OF Asparagus Cabbage SEEDS REQUIRED F< ....lozto 500 plants 1 oz to 2 000 plants Tomato Thyme 1 oz to 1,500 plants 1 oz to 5 000 plants Cauliflower Celery.... ....1 oz to 2,000 plants . 1 oz to 3 000 plants Tobacco Sage 1 oz to 5.000 r-i- ' S 1 oz t.^ 1 Lu>, piants Leek.. 1 oz to 1 500 plants Endive Egg Plant ....1 oz to 3,000 plants 1 oz to 1 000 plants If Of" plants Marjoram Rhubarb 1 OZ tO l.-'U'l ' ] lozto 500plants Lettuce ....1 oz to 3,000 plants tVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY