FRUITS AND FLOWERS. 267 



tee two years," we have not as yet seen ; but as the new hybrid 

 grape of J. F. Allen, of Salem, approximates to this desidera- 

 tum, and as he as well as some others are now raising seedlings 

 from year to year, we have no doubt that ere long this great 

 addition to our list of this wholesome and excellent fruit will 

 be forthcoming. We say wholesome fruit, for, as Prof. Salisbury 

 has clearly demonstrated, the " free use of ripe grapes and ap- 

 ples not only prevents disease, but their regulated enjoyment 

 helps to remove that which already exists. They are superior 

 to the potato in the principles that go to increase the muscle 

 and the brain of man." Ripe grapes have cured epidemic dys- 

 entery. Families where fruit is most plentiful and used as an 

 article of food are most free from disease of all kinds, and more 

 especially from fevers and bowel complaints. Most fruits aid 

 digestion, some directly, some indirectly, and lessen the desire 

 for alcoholic or stimulating drinks. 



With regard to the best soil for fruit trees generally, but more 

 especially for the pear, much has been said and written ; and, 

 although we can and do produce as fine apples and pears as are 

 to be found elsewhere, yet a pretty careful observation of several 

 years has convinced us that a light sandy loam, (a most com- 

 mon soil, of which a great proportion of the fruit gardens in our 

 county is composed,) is not the most proper. From the easy 

 manner in which it is worked, owing to its loose nature, and 

 the quickness with which, from its warmth, trees come into 

 bearing, it is looked upon with almost universal favor. On the 

 contrary, we believe that, imder the bright skies of July and 

 August, a fruit tree requires a soil which will retain and afford 

 a moderate and continued supply of moisture, and here the 

 sandy soil fails. In consequence of this, the vigor of the tree is 

 checked, and it becomes feeble in its growth, and is compara- 

 tively short-lived, or at least unproductive. 



John M. Ives, Chairman. 



From, the Report of the Committee on Flowers. 



The committee on flowers having attended to their duty, 

 respectfully report: — 



That no former floral exhibition in this society has been equal 

 to the present. Their only regret is the want of means to 



