NATURAL RESOURCES OF QUEBEC
Though the apple and pear industry has been neglected, there are
fine orchards in the province, notably those of the Monastery at La Trappe,
and at Ste. Anne de Bellevue, in the neighbourhood of Chateauguay, and
at St. Hilaire, Rougemont, and Abbotsford. Generally speaking, climatic
conditions are most favourable south of latitude 46 degrees, but the hardier
kinds can be grown to advantage farther north.
Montreal Musk Melons.—The musk-melon growers near Montreal
have given more attention to the production of high-class early melons
than has been given elsewhere in Canada and have obtained excellent
results. The Montreal melon, Montreal Improved Nutmeg, or Montreal
Market, are standard types. The centre of this industry is the island of
Montreal, where the suitable soil and skill of the growers combine to
produce a fruit in great demand, not only for home consumption, but also
for export.
Plums.—Most of the fine varieties of the European plum can be
successfully grown in the warmer districts of the province, but only within
reach of the climatic influence of the St. Lawrence river. For the colder
parts of the province, species originating from the wild plum of eastern
Canada should prove of value. ‘
Strawberries Extensively Grown.—In 1926 the strawberry crop
was estimated at 2,000,000 quarts valued at $280,000, and in 1927, 1,910,-
500 quarts valued at $248,365. In the more southern parts of the prov-
ince, the regular strawberry picking season begins soon after the middle
of June and lasts for a month. Strawberries offer good returns for the
area occupied and the capital invested. A good covering of snow usually
ensures a good crop of fruit where the winters are cold. As the flowers
are very sensitive to cold and the injury from frost in the spring is often
considerable, the varieties having the hardiest flower buds have been
studied. Of the 750 or more varieties tested at experimental farms in
thirty years, the following are recommended as suitable to Quebec: —
COMMERCIAL VARIETIES.—Senator Dunlop, Parson, Splendid, Beder
Wood, Sample Pocomoke, Warfield.
Domestic VARIETIES.—Senator Dunlop, Bubach, Belt.
Other Small Fruits.—Raspberries, currants and gooseberries grow
well in Quebec. Years of experiment have enabled the Department of
Agriculture to recommend a list of varieties suitable for the different
districts of Cap Rouge, Ste. Anne de la Pocatiere, Lennoxville and La
Ferme. These lists can be had on application to the Dominion Experi-
mental Farm, Ottawa, or to the Chief of the Horticultural Service ir
Quebec.
