The Augusta Chronicle, celebrating its one hundredth year, gives a history of the industries of Georgia. In relation to fruit culture, we learn that on the income of De Leon, De Soto and others in the Mississippi region, the Indians, notably the Cherokees, were found to be first class fruit culturists. The apple and peach they obtained from the whites - these they planted and cared for. They knew nothing of grafting, or propagating in any other way than by seed. The best Southern apples are varieties originating in Indian orchards. The landing of the Spaniards in Florida brought the peach to the Indians. The Columbia is one of these Indian peaches, and Crawford's Early and Late are Northern peaches, mixed with the "Indian" or Spanish breed of peach.

The Warren grape was a chance seedling of Vitis aestivalis, found in Georgia fifty years ago, and is still unequalled by any newer discovery. The Black July and Devereaux are also still indispensable - all first-class wine grapes. The Le Conte pear is also a Georgia production, filling the pockets of pear growers as no pear has ever done. The Japan persimmon has found a congenial home in Georgia - some fruit sent to New York last fall bringing $16 per bushel. The State Horticultural Society was started in 1858, and has given a great impetus to Georgia fruit growing.