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.