Rensselaer Republican, Volume 23, Number 39, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 May 1891 — THE RECENT FROST. [ARTICLE]

THE RECENT FROST.

One Man Who Say* It Was Really a Benefit to Fruic. "Pittsburg Chronicle-Telegraph. “The frost was really a benefit to fruit,” said a well-known gardener to-day. When asked to explain he said: “Well, there was such a profusion of blossoms, especially on apple trees, that it would not have been possible for one-half, or one-quarter of them to mature. The frost injured some of the blossoms, and the result is those left will be able to mature and we will have an excellent crop. “Peaches and cherries were too far advanced to be injured, and the only vegetable hurt is asparagus. This was frozen badly, and we have not one-quarter as much as usual at this time of year. lam afraid grapes are hurt some, but, take it all around, we have little room to complain and much for congratulation. ” Superintendent Hamilton, of the Allegheny parks, has a. record of frosts. For the past thirteen or fourteen years he has been keeping tab on the frost king, and says: “I have been bitten several times, which makes me careful. We have always had damaging frosts from the 18th to the 21st of May. This is almost a sure thing. Last year it failed. There is an old German legend never to plant anything until after the ‘three king's dgys’ are past, which are the 19th, 20th and 21st of May. I keep a record of frosts, as I put out so many plants in one day that I am compelled to watch carefully when it is safe to plant. So far the frost has not done much damage. Even if 75 per cent, of the apple and other fruit blossoms are killed there will be plenty left—all the trees can bear.” - :