278 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



8th year's growth, valued at . . . 

 9th u u .... 



10th " u .... 



$10 00 



By this estimate, the vahie of a tree in ten years from setting 

 would amount to $10, which, for an apple or pear, cannot he 

 considered as too high. Because at this age such trees, well 

 cared for, are generally in a condition to produce a crop, the 

 average annual value of which is sufficient to pay the intei'est 

 on a much larger sum, in fact, often to ten times this amoiuit. 

 What more profitable occupation then can the farmer pursue 

 than to bring a portion of his land into orchard. Even if he is 

 a man that looks at the present entirely, the annual increase in 

 value of his farm, in consequence of the accumulation of fruit 

 trees, will always command a price more than enough to cover 

 the Avhole expense. 



To every man, then, we say, plant fruit trees ; but what is of 

 more importance, cultivate and care for them with the same 

 zeal that you bestow on any other crop, and you will be sure of 

 a return that Avill fill your heart with satisfaction and your 

 purse with something useful. 



Apples. — In this department, although the specimens, as a 

 whole, were not quite equal to those of last year, yet the display 

 was a good one, and in some respects unequalled by those of 

 previous years. We hail with much pleasure the introduction 

 of such varieties as the Gravenstein, Minister, Hunt Russet, 

 and some others. There were some very fine specimens of the 

 Northern Spy, grown on scions, three years set, giving fine 

 promise. ^ Much too large a part of our collections is made up 

 of such apples as the Cathead Sweet and Blue Pearmain, apples 

 entirely unworthy the attention given to them, while so many 

 superior varieties may be obtained for the asking. 



Pears. — Of this fruit the display of varieties was quite in 

 advance of last year. We noticed fine specimens of many that 

 are but little known, but of good promise. For one pear, the 

 Flemish Beauty appeared to stand first, even before the Bartlett, 

 which is this year hardly up to its reputation. 



Of peaches the display was quite unexpected. They were 



