Independent Statesman

The Champion Apple Orchard.

There is not a town in this State, probably, which can show this year so many nice winter apples as Epping. In a few hours ride through that town, last Saturday, we saw orchards enough to yield thousands of barrels of Baldwins, and the like of which we have not seen in any other section of the State, good as the season has proved for apples in some localities. But there is one orchard in particular which deserves special mention, owned by Hon. B. F. Prescott.

This orchard is located about a mile from his residence, and consists of 48 trees on an acre of ground near the base of a small hill, fenced from a pasture. The trees were set out 20 years ago, by Mr. Prescott and his late father, and the best of care has been bestowed upon them since in the way of feeding and trimming. The variety of apples grown are mostly Baldwins, and every tree is loaded to the ground, although a great many shores have been placed under the growing limbs. The limbs curve down like grape vines, with continuous rows of fruit. And such apples, large, fair, and most beautifully colored, so red in fact, as to make the orchard noticeable at a long distance off. It is estimated that there will be from 200 to 250 barrels of apples in that orchard, and at least five out of every six barrels will be No. 1. The orchard has been visited by a large number of people, and all agree that they never have seen such a quantity of apples growing on so small a space of ground. The trees are not large, and the fruit will be easily picked. It is beyond doubt the champion apple orchard of the State for this year. Besides this orchard, Mr. Prescott has many other trees well laden with apples, and will probably harvest from 400 to 500 barrels, mainly of Baldwins. His example in fruit raising is one which it would be well for many other farmers to imitate, for it always pays to raise good fruit.