FRUITS. The most remarkable development of any phase of American agriculture in the de cade 1890-1900 was made in fruit culture. This industry almost doubled in magnitude in that period. The number of orchard trees, for in stance, increased from 193,452.588 to 367.104694 I not including sub-tropical varieties). Most varieties of temperate zone fruits are grown in every State. The use of refrigerator cars has made it possible to transport fruits long dis tances, and thus all parts of the country have the advantage of the general market. However, cli matic differences tend to localize. From the fol lowing table it will be seen that the apple has a decided primacy among American fruits: Although it is grown throughout the country, the apple receives most attention in the North Central group of States and New York. Penn sylvania, and Virginia. The region of greatest development during the years 1890-1900 included Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, and Arkansas. Mis souri more than doubled its number of trees, and it is much in advance of all other States. The southwest corner of the State, and the adjacent region of Arkansas and Kansas, have become famous for the production of this fruit. Peaehes require a more moderate climate, and consequent ly are most important in the South. In Georgia and sonic other Southern States the of peaches to supply the early Northern market is a rapidly developing industry. 1n the North peach culture is developing most rapidly in protected regions, especially along the lake coast region, where the trees are protected from frost by the moderating influence of the Great Lakes. The number of trees in Michigan increased 322 per cent. between 1890 and 1900, and that State took first rank, the centre of peach culture being along lower Lake Michigan. On the Pacific Coast Cali fornia has become an important peach-growing State. The production of plums and prunes is restricted largely to the Pacific Coast, particu larly California. There was the largest increase
in this variety of trees of any included in the foregoing list. The United States now produces more prunes than it consumes. Cherries and pears are grown throughout the country. The raising of apricots is mainly restricted to Cali fornia. Grapes are another crop which require a moderate climate. California is the most fa vored region for them, and it has over three times more vines than any other State. It is the only State which produces raisins. Besides Cali fornia, the chief region for the production of wine grapes is the climatically favored Lake Erie region in northern Ohio and western New York.
The production of the three most important varieties of small fruits—strawberries, raspber ries, and blackberries—is well extended over the country, but their production in commercial quantities is localized largely in the South, so as to have the advantage of the early market. Cran berries require boggy lands. and are limited to the Cape Cod region, southern New Jersey, and central Wisconsin. Massachusetts has the small est area, but produces over 60 per cent. of the product. California is unsurpassed as a region for the growing of all kinds of sub-tropical fruits, as the remarkable development of that region during the period 1880-1900 fully demon strates. While oranges and lemons constitute the chief varieties, olives, figs, and other fruits are in cluded. This region is also the chief centre of almonds and English walnuts. Southern Florida is also a large centre of orange culture and is the only important centre of pineapple culture of continental United States. (For a fuller descrip tion of sub-tropical culture, see CALIFORNLk and FLORIDA.) Arizona and New Mexico also give promise of becoming important centres for the growth of sub-tropical plants.