VALLEY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 275 



The sweetest sin<i;er in this part of the State is the l)r()\vii thrush. 

 Who has not been charnieil in the early sprinj^ mornings by its li- 

 quid tlutelike notes? It has but few notes, but they possess a sweet- 

 ness Ix'voiid description. 



Tlie })]uniage of the restless little huiiiniiii^birds is the most 

 beautiful and brilliant, and it is a source of great pleasure to watch 

 them as they dart from flower to flower gathering their accustomed 

 food. 



The swallow is another l)ird that every one is familiar with, that 

 comes quite early in the s})ring. Last year, just after they had com- 

 menced building their nests in the little house they have occupied for 

 years the blueltirds tried to drive them away. The swallows, how- 

 ever, never left their houses alone for an instant, one of them being 

 on guard all the time. It was amusing to watch the manoeuvres of 

 the blue birds. They Avould fly away as though they had given up 

 the contest, but Avould shortly return from a different direction. The 

 swallows never relaxed their vigilance though, and then what a chat- 

 tering and scolding there would be. Finally the bluebirds did give 

 up, and left the swallows to finish their nests in peace. 



Even if the birds did nothing l)ut charm us with their songs, 

 and delight the eye with their brilliant ]iluniage and graceful move- 

 ments, most of us, at least, would not be willing to have them des- 

 troyed, or mourn over the fruit they eat: but besides that, they more 

 than pay for their food by destroying injurious insects. 



I think it rather absurd to put me down for an essay, when 

 there are so many here that could do so much better than I can; 

 but if I have said anything to interest or amuse any one I shall feel 

 repaid for my efforts. 



The subject, '' Best varieties of Fruits to plant," was then dis- 

 cussed. Varieties of ajjples were first considered. 



Mr. Mortimer was called. He said by planting hardy kinds we 

 are sure to have some fruit every year. Duchess of Oldenburg is 

 perhaps the best early variety. It is an ironclad. I think it will 

 stand a temjjerature thirty to forty degrees below zero. Wealthy is 

 another of our ironclads, and can be depended upon. Maiden's ]31ush 

 T prefer for fall. It is one of our very best fruits, and when it fails 

 we have nothing to fall back upon but the ironclads. Lowell is also 

 an excellent apple, but bears only on alternate years. Of raspberries 

 I believe the Turner will stand any cold we have here. 



Dr. Small l)eing called upon, replied to the effect that the varie- 

 ties named by Mr. Mortimer, with the addition of Ben Davis, are 

 among the best. 



