68 BOAED OF AGRICULTUEE. 



proposed enlargement of the plant-house would also furnish 

 room for the exhibition of all the most important tender 

 exotic plantsin cultivation, and give more ample opportunity 

 for experiments in regard to the production and improvement 

 of varieties by the growth of seedlings, by h3^bridization, by 

 modifications of heat, light, soil and plant-food in the liquid 

 or gaseous state. Valuable results might also be obtained by 

 the trial of various methods for the prevention of injury to 

 plants, cultivated under glass as well as out of doors, from 

 both the vegetable and animal enemies which cause so much 

 loss and annoyance to the gardener. 



In order to accomplish the proper work of the College in 

 this department, whether for the instruction of its students, 

 the improvement of agricultiire in its various branches, or the 

 advancement of botanical science, it is essential that orchards, 

 vineyards and gardens be cultivated in the best manner, with 

 every desirable variety of large and small fruits and esculent 

 vegetables which are known to thrive in our own climate ; 

 besides which experiments should be undertaken with such as 

 are new and untried in Massachusetts, but are found to be 

 valuable in other localities. It is quite possible that varieties, 

 originating in different regions of our own or other countries, 

 might prove great acquisitions to us, even though decidedly 

 modified by our soil and climate. Thus it is said the Roxbury 

 Russet, so remarkable for its keeping qualities here, becomes 

 in Mississippi a fine summer apple. Some French pears, like 

 the Beurre d'Anjou, introduced by Colonel Wilder, are found 

 to thrive well here ; while many others, apparently promising, 

 for some unknown reason produce uncertain crops, worthless 

 fruit or unhealthy wood. It is certainly reasonable to sup- 

 pose that judicious experiments might demonstrate the fact 

 that these modifications, desirable or otherwise, depend upon 

 the nature of the soil in its proportion of water, clay, lime or 

 organic matter ; the aspect ; the shelter or exposure to winds ; 

 the elevation above the sea level ; the pruniHg ; the thinning 

 of the fruit ; or the stock on which the variety is set. In 

 Robinson's interesting work, "The Parks, Promenades and 

 Gardens of Paris," are many suggestive facts relating to this 

 matter. He informs us that even in that delightful, sunny 

 climate, apples, pears, peaches and apricots are grown in 



