Transactions at the Annual Meeting. 109 



Astrachan were magnificent. Fall Orange, Tallman Sweet, Fam- 

 euse and Golden Russet were also very fine. 



Another season's observation and experience has convinced me 

 more than ever before, that bearing orchards, in this climate, 

 should not be in cultivation. Of course, we have had several 

 moist seasons in succession, lately, and it is perhaps true that in a 

 dry season, followed by a very cold winter, trees standing in un- 

 cultivated ground, would suffer more than when cultivated ; but 

 this would, be more than counterbalanced by a less liability to in- 

 jury from overbearing, and from late growth in the fall. It is 

 feared in this region that the heavy crop of the past season, fol- 

 lowed by the extreme cold of this winter, will result in injury to 

 bearing trees. 



Fewer young trees are being planted, and less attention is given 

 to orcharding on a large scale, than fifteen or twenty years ago ; 

 still people generally are trying to provide for home use, and are 

 cultivating garden and small fruits much more abundantly. Cher- 

 ries were very plenty. The Early Richmond trees presented a 

 beautiful appearance as the fruit ripened. Not more than an av- 

 erage crop of small fruits was raised. Some varieties of the 

 grape showed signs of mildew, in this vicinity. The Concord and 

 Delaware still maintain their reputation. It is estimated that over 

 one-half of the currant bushes are already dead. Others were 

 saved by a little care, and continue to furnish a plentiful supply 

 of this old stand-by. The Ancient Briton blackberry continues 

 to do well and is being planted in many of the farmers' gardens, 

 and will do well if the canes are protected in the winter. 



Here and there a farmer has set shade trees by the roadside. 

 This is a subiect which should receive more attention, and which 

 it would be well for the Society to discuss, not only to encourage 

 their planting, but to secure the planting of the varieties best for 

 this purpose. Many of the kinds now used have been injured by 

 high winds, and do not seem well calculated to stand in such ex- 

 posed locations. 



The rage for crowding the dooryards with evergreens is passing 

 away, and a more judicious planting of these beautiful and neces- 

 sary trees is noticed. A few are cultivating belts of forest trees, 



