326 PISCATAQUIS CENTRAL SOCIETY. 



country is occasioned bj the want of it. It is the great scarcity of 

 good fruit that creates such a demand for physic in our western 

 country. Tlie various fevers and bilious disorders prevalent in the 

 summer season, are more owing to the want of it than to any other 

 cause. And not until fruit is generally cultivated, and used as an 

 article of diet, shall we be rid of those disorders, which are sapping 

 the life fountains of thousands of our farmers annually. And if the 

 fruit were administered, in many cases, as an article of medicine, 

 instead of the physician's prescription, we have no doubt that it 

 "would be far better for the patient. 



Nature, in this, as in all other respects, has bountifully supplied 

 us with varieties, which, if properly cared for, will enable us to enjoy 

 a succession throughout the year. But fruit is not only a necessary 

 of life — it is one of its great luxuries. What is more enticing to 

 the palate than luscious fruit? And as an article of diet, nothing 

 equals it. It is easily raised, costs but little, promotes health, and 

 is liked by everybody. Most people content themselves by culti- 

 vating but two or three varieties. This should not be so Fruit is 

 more needed throughout the summer season than almost any other 

 part of the year. And the varieties which ripen at this time are 

 least cultivated. The farmer cannot take a step Avhich will add 

 more to his own joys, and to -those of his own family, than by having 

 Buch a succession as will furnish him with fi'uit the entire year. 



First on the list in spring time, comes the delicious strawberry. 

 But a little spot of ground is required for its cultivation for the use 

 of the family. Its healthful qualities are well known. Cities well 

 supplied with it are remarkably exempt from disease while the straw- 

 berry season lasts. We have accounts of wonderful cures, effected 

 in ancient times, by its use. There are many varieties, but it is not 

 our purpose to note the best of these at this time. 



Next in order comes the raspberry — a most excellent fruit, and 

 indispensable to every family. Then comes the blackberry, the 

 cherry, currants and gooseberries. Then comes the apricot, the 

 peach, the nectarine, and the plum. Apples and pears also com- 

 mence ripening early in summer, and the winter varieties, if properly 

 stored, may be kept till the appearance of fruit next season. Who 

 will not have this succession? How much it would add to home 

 happiness." [Valley Farmer, St. Louis.] 



