64 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



16. What are the net profits per annum of the best orchards in your 

 vicinity ? state age, number of trees, varieties and quantity of fruit 

 produced. 



17. What lias been the increase or decrease in the crop of apples 

 produced in your vicinity since 1850 ? 



PEARS. 



1. What six and twelve varieties of the pear on pear stock are best 

 for family use ? 



2. What varieties are best for the market, and what number of each 

 for an orchard of 100 or 1,000 trees? 



o. What varieties of the pear on the quince root do you consider the best 

 for family use ? What sorts best for a plantation of 100 or 1,000 trees? 



4. In each of the above cases, please state the dates of maturity 

 periods of gathering, and the qualities for keeping. 



5. "What do you regard as the best method for keeping pears for late 

 fall or winter use ? 



G. What soil and aspect do you consider the most favorable for certain 

 varieties, or for the productiveness and longevity of the pear tree? 



7. What do you consider the best method of preparing the ground for 

 an orchard of pear trees ? 



8. Do you consider under-draining advantageous to the pear tree, 

 irrespective of the wetness and dryness of the soil ? 



i). What manures or fertilizers do you consider the best for pear trees ? 

 when and how should they be applied ? 



10. Have any of those substances an influence in forming fruit buds, 

 or on the productiveness of the tree ? 



11. Have you applied mulching around your pear trees? if so, with 

 what beneficial or injurious effects ? 



12. What experience have you in raising new and choice varieties of 

 the pear from seed ? if any, please state your method of obtaining such ? 



13. What is the average longevity of the pear tree, either on its own 

 stock or on the quince root ? 



1 1. Which is the most profitable, an orchard of pear trees on their 

 own, or on the quince stock ? State the comparative value. 



15. What has been the increase or decrease in the amount of pears 

 produced in your vicinity since 1850 ? 



PEACHES. 



1. 1 designate the best six and twelve varieties of peaches, time of ripen- 

 ing, properties for keeping, and facility for transportation to market. 



2. Have you ever originated any choice varieties from the pit or stone 

 of the peach ? if so, how do they compare as to hardiness and longevity 

 witli worked or budded varieties? 



