28 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



OKCHAEDS. 



MIDDLESEX. 



From the Report of the Committee. 



The Committee on Orchards received invitations to examine 

 the pear orchards of Mr. John R. Poor, of Somerville, Mr. 

 Hervey Davis, of Cambridgeport, Mr. Edwin Wheeler, of Con- 

 cord, and Mr. George C. Wright, of West Acton, all of which 

 they visited. 



Mr. John R. Poor's orchard was one of 286 trees, 136 of 

 which were offered for premium. They were planted in 1863 ; 

 they were, when set, well-grown, handsome trees, and have been 

 so well cared for as not to have been checked in growth. They 

 were remarkably uniform in size and shape. For a statement 

 of how they were planted and cultivated, we would refer to the 

 instructive account given by Mr. Poor. 



All the varieties, as by Mr. Poor's statement, your Committee 

 found showing most perfect fruit. From what we saw as the 

 effect of his skill in cultivation of this fruit, we do not hesitate 

 to recommend a careful consideration to all who wish success 

 in this, what may be made, most profitable branch of orchard 

 culture. 



The orchard of Mr. Davis was found to have received the 

 society's first premium last year, and therefore debarred receiv- 

 ing one this year. This orchard was found in the hands of a 

 skilful cultivator, and for its age would compare favorably with 

 any orchard in the county. It would well pay for a visit to one 

 about commencing an orchard, whether to learn how best to 

 plant, or what varieties to select. 



Mr. Wheeler's orchard was one of 378 trees, part of them 

 having been planted some eleven or twelve years ; the balance, 

 say 81 trees, were set two years ago. This orchard was found 

 to be truly a model orchard, in all its arrangements — neatly 

 kept and skilfully cultivated, nothing lacking and nothing over- 

 done. This will no doubt be the most profitable part of Mr. 

 Wheeler's farm. Those who in the vicinity of Concord w^ish to 

 learn how best to grow pears, will do well to call and examine 

 this orchard and consult its intelligent owner. 



