136 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



render the tree of double value. As the fruit-buds are formed 

 the preceding year, the reuioval of one-half the specimens 

 would not, I think, have the desired result. It would be a 

 labor of raajynitude to do this with large trees in a laro;e 

 orchard, but if commenced when the trees were young, the 

 labor would be less every year. Let all having orchards, 

 whether large or small, give this matter a fair trial for several 

 years, on one tree at least, and note the result. The fruit will 

 certainly be of enough additional value to pay for the labor 

 expended. The most efiectual method of exterminating 

 insects, — cheap, and in the largest way effectual, — is accom- 

 plished by inclosing the orchard with a suitable fence, and 

 giving poultry the range of the premises. In these days 

 when it is fashionable to rear poultry, and the profits are 

 somewhat questionable, it is quite certain they would all have 

 an increased value if used in this connection. 



The main crop should be of few varieties, and in selecting 

 them attention should be paid to those that are the most 

 vigorous and productive in our own locality. An apple may 

 be beautiful in appearance and of the first quality, and yet 

 quite unprofital)le to cultivate. As a rule, the more varieties 

 the less profit. The following list we do not think can be 

 improved, although locality may add or diminish one or two 

 varieties : Red Astrachan, Porter, Hubbardston, Gravenstein, 

 Baldwin, Rhode Island Greening, Roxbury Russet. 



LoEiNG W. Puffer, for the Committee. 



