308 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



part of the State, abound in fine varieties of the pear. The above 

 constitute the principal popular varieties in market; but, of all the 

 sorts introduced within the last fifty years, no kind surpasses, in its com- 

 bined characteristics of excellence, the Bcurre d'Anjou. It increases in 

 popularity every year, and with proper care is susceptible of being kept in 

 fine condition for two or three montlis. Of the thousand or more varie- 

 ties which I have proved in the forty-six years of experience, no other 

 has given me so much satisfaction. It is also found, by the catalogues of 

 the American Pomological Society, to succeed well in more than thirty 

 of our States and Territories. And I think I may be allowed to say, 

 without personal merit or motive, if I have done nothing else for the 

 pomology of our country, that the introduction of this pear thirty-eight 

 years ago was a blessing to our land. 



Grapes. — Few new varieties liave been introduced of late. Those 

 old sorts most approved of around Boston and in the eastern section of 

 the State are the Hartford, Concord, Creveling, Delaware, Diana, Lindley 

 (Rogers No. 9), Massasoit (Rogers No. 3), Wilder (Rogers No. 4). Barry 

 (Rogers No. 43) is a fine kind, similar to the AVilder in size, appearance, 

 and quality. There are a few new varieties which are regarded as giving 

 good promise ; among which, especially, is to be mentioned Moore's Early, 

 a seedling of the Concord. It is very prolific and constant in crop, ripen- 

 ing fully two weeks before the Concord, growing beside it. The bunch is 

 large and handsome ; berry larger than the Concord, and equal in quality. 

 It has been exhibited for several years before the Massachusetts Horticul- 

 tural Society, and was awarded last fall a prize of sixty dollars for the 

 best new seedling grape. It is considered a valuable acquisition for the 

 north. The Worden, a new native variety, ripening earlier, and con- 

 sidered of better quality, than the Concord, by Mr. Hadwen of Worcester 

 and Mr. Adams of Springfield, is being introduced around Boston. The 

 Champion, as an early grape, is attracting some attention, ripening a 

 week before the Hartford, of fair quality, very hardy, vigorous, and pro- 

 lific. Hon. E. W. Bull, the originator of the Concord, Hon. George 

 Haskell of Ipswich, and several other gentlemen, each presented seedling 

 varieties at the exhibition of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, 

 some of which are of good promise. 



Strawberries. — New varieties, some of excellent character, are 

 coming to notice every year. The older kinds that carry off the prizes of 

 the Massachusetts Horticultural Society are Charles Downing, Jucunda, 

 Hovey's Seedling (now forty years old ; being the first successful attempt 

 at improving the strawberry), President Wilder, Seth Boyden, Triomplie 

 de Gand, and AVilson's Albany. The last is not regarded as of good 

 quality, but is valuable for its productiveness. Among the new varieties 

 which are attracting attention may be named the Belle, Caroline, and 

 Hervey Davis. 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 



From the Annual Report of the AVorccster-county Horticultural Society, 

 a society second only to the Massachusetts for wealth, activity, and influ- 

 ence in New England, it will be seen that most of the fruits grown in 



