TRANSACTIONS OF WARSAW HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 245 



But, asks the seeker after knowledge, if so many objections may be 

 urged against these standard varieties, where shall we find perfection, and 

 what shall we plant ? In reply to the first question, we say perfection will 

 never be found in this imperfect world ; and to the second, plant them 

 all. but with the expectation of meeting many obstacles, and suffering 

 many failures and disappointments. 



The experience of another year has confirmed the good opinion here- 

 tofore entertained of the Wythe, and if the trees could be procured I 

 should plant quite a number this spring. 



There are other varieties that, under certain conditions, on peculiar 

 soil, or with special culture, may be made profitable, but time will not 

 permit of even a reference to them at this time. 



Peaches. — It has been practically demonstrated that we can make 

 peach growing a success by planting varieties to the " manor born." And 

 fortunately we have a number of varieties that are in no way inferior to 

 the best of those named and described by horticultural writers, and giving 

 a succession from the last of July to the first of November. Perhaps this 

 Society has been derelict in duty in not naming and describing some of 

 the most valuable of these peaches. Is not here an opportunity offered for 

 some of the local nursery-men to attain fame and fortune ? 



Pears. — Commercial pear growing is now scarcely thought of, but it 

 is not wise to abandon the cultivation of this Jfruit altogether. By a judi- 

 cious selection of varieties, and special culture, we may in time partially 

 succeed. 



Cherries. — We have no reliable cherry but the Early May, and the 

 expense of gathering absorbs too much of the profits. It will not pay to 

 grow them in commercial quantities. 



Piu?ns. — It has been found practically impossible to successfully resist 

 the ravages of the curculio ; plum growing has, therefore, been almost 

 abandoned. I believe, however, that by patience and perseverance we 

 may finally succeed with some of our native varieties. 



But the question may be asked, should we, under any circumstances, 

 recommend the planting of commercial orchards? Are not the drawbacks 

 greater than the incentives ? In view of the experience of the last few 

 years, may we not conclude that a general system of farming will, taking 

 a series of years, be more profitable than fruit growing ? We unhesita- 

 tingly reply that the man of skill, and patience, and indomitable will, 

 who makes horticulture a specialty, may expect to succeed ; but the ordi- 

 nary farmer who plants a commercial orchard, with the expectation of 

 profit, will probably be disappointed. 



The exceptional crop of last year, when almost every thing in the 

 shape of a fruit tree produced heavily, will probably stimulate excessive 

 planting by unprofessionals, and the result will be, in many cases, a 

 lamentable failure. 



Capt. Hathaway said that the essay had rather a dark outlook 

 for us. 



