876 [Assembly 



t'le prevalence of the curculio,and the general destruction of the 

 crop.* 



Peachesj Apricots arid Quinces^ are seldom cultivated, and only 

 with extreme care and labor. None but the common cherrjj has 

 been extensively planted, although the choice varieties are gradu- 

 ally introduced, and with success. 



An association, embracing both shores of the Lake, and desig- 

 nated the " Champlain Valley Horticultural Society," has been 

 organized, which, under the direction of active and efficient offi- 

 cers, is exerting a decided and most valuable inHuence, in the ad- 

 vancement of this important pursuit. f The festivals of the so- 

 ciety, have been distinguished by the great beauty and variety of 

 the displrty in their floral department, while the exhibition of fruits, 

 appropriate to the climate, is seldom surpassed. The collection 

 of apples at the autumnal fair, in variety and excellence, is rare- 

 ly equalled. 



ANALYSES OF SOILS. 



It was my purpose, to procure an examination of samples of 

 all the prominent soils of the county. In selecting them, I in- 

 tended to exhibit a type of each class, and not to procure spec!-' 

 mens merely of such localities, as would give a ftilse and inflated 

 idea of the fertility of the county. I am not able to give an 

 analysis of every variety of earth, but the tables of results al- 

 ready incorporated in this report, and which will now be intro- 

 duced, nearly complete the series I desired. 



I obtained two specimens of the soil, near the Adirondac works. 

 These earths, are taken from, probably, the highest cultivated 

 land in the State. The analysis will be regarded with interest 

 on this account, and with surprise, at the high degree of native 

 richness they present. 



♦ Is not a remedy of this evil, suggested by these facts, to be accomplished by a careful 

 destruction of all the fruit affected by the irsect ? 



I The Rev. John Wheeler, D. D., is at the head of this valuable society, and is communi- 

 cating a deep ihterest and usefulness to it operations. 



