FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. 409 



cerning the proper soil for tlie finest pears is of the utmost 

 importance in the cultivation of this fine fruit. 



John M. Ives, Chairinan. 



Report of the Committee on New Fruits, 



The only fruits exhibited for the premiums offered by the 

 society, subject to their awards, were two varieties of grapes 

 from Mr. James Blood, of Newburyport j that were presented, 

 as coming within the conditions entitling them to the first and 

 second prizes, offered for seedlings of this species of fruit. 

 The premium was, " for a new variety of native or seedling 

 grape, of decidedly superior quality, ripening in this county in 

 the open air, by the middle of September, prolific and suitable 

 for the table." These grapes were examined on September 

 12th, by one of your committee, who found them then, as he 

 states, "ripening in the open air, prolific, <fec." Mr. Blood 

 represents that these grapes were raised from seeds of a Malaga 

 raisin, sowed in pots, and transplanted into the open ground — 

 that they have been in bearing for eight years, and have never, 

 during that period, failed to produce a crop, he farther says 

 that this year they were fully ripe in the last week in August, 

 and that consequently when exhibited, they had lost the pecu- 

 liarly rich and delicate flavor that distinguishes them from 

 other grapes. 



From this, it would seem, that the grapes of Mr. Blood, " if 

 of decidedly superior quality " — were justly entitled to the 

 premium of the society; for certainly those of the character 

 here represented, would be considered an acquisition to our 

 somewhat limited stock of grapes suited to out-door culture — 

 but yet your committee hesitate to make such award. 



It is very difficult, and must be dangerous, to form a decided 

 opinion respecting the quality of any fruit from testing it once 

 only, and then perhaps but a few specimens, because all fruit 

 growers know that not only many species, but many varieties 

 of the same species vary much in quality in different years. 

 This is especially true of grapes, that seem to be peculiarly 

 subject to the contingencies of the season, and whose adapta- 

 tion to general cultivation can only be ascertained by a some- 

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