STATE HORTICULTUEAL SOCIETY. ' 79 



yielding with a glimpse at the general result with a number of states 

 yet to hear from. Now as this happened shortly after having 

 feasted for a week or more upon the very choicest Bartletts, a variety 

 which has been so well and favorably known for a century or more, 

 I thought I could forcibly realize the folly of turning away from 

 an old and familiar friend, and seeking after something of which we 

 know nothing, yet I believe with St. Paul, that we should try all 

 things that are new and hold fast that which is good, and while it is 

 impossible for each one of us to experiment with all new varieties of 

 fruits brought to our notice, we may profit by the experience of 

 others. 



I have recently received from the Department of Agriculture at 

 Washington a report upon the adaptation of Russian and other 

 fruits to the extreme northern portion of the United States, and as 

 it catalogues over 400 varieties of Russian apples, which have been 

 introduced in this country, it would appear that Russian fruits were 

 rushing over here with a rush that must cost somebody something, 

 but so long as their actual value is to be determined by experiment 

 at our agricultural colleges, it is all well enough; but from the re- 

 ports of those who have given them a test, I conclude that private 

 parties will do well to give them a wide berth. Besides the certain 

 worthlessness of most varieties so far as tested, it would be certain 

 death to any one who would attempt to call one of them by its 

 original Russian name. Just imagine one of our common every-day 

 horticulturists asking one of his evening callers if he would indulge 

 in another Naslerdniknikolaiallksandwitchostrokasdrakayayanovdas- 

 koesteklranka apple. Then think of the dead and dying that would 

 be scattered over such a battle field of nameless names and let us be 

 exceedingly careful how we introduce such things into a free and 

 enlightened country. I have only to add, that to write upon a sub- 

 ject of such vast importance with so little knowledge to bring to bear 

 upon it is a task of no mean proportions and I fear that the founda- 

 tion of my constitution will be forever shattered by battling with it, 

 and the only consolation to be gained from this committee at this 

 time is the fact that our friend Webster, who is neither a small or a 

 new thing, either as a specimen of nature's handiwork, or in experi- 

 ence in the cultivation of new fruits, will give the Society something 

 in the line of information upon this subject which will redeem 

 the reputation of this committee from everlasting disgrace. 



The Awarding Committee, Class ITT., presented the following 



REPORT. 



Your Committee on Class III. — Plates — beg leave to make the 

 following report : In passing upon the various entries made, we have 

 endeavored to follow the instructions laid down in your printed rules. 



