REPORT OF THE ORCHARD COMMITTEE 



FOR 1874. 



BY CFIARLES BETTS, AGRICULTURAL EDITOR OF THE DETROIT TRIBUNE, 

 AND CHAIRMAN OF THE ORCHARD COMMITTEE. 



Gentleiten of the State Pomological Society: The committee ap- 

 pointed to examine the orchards, vineyards, nurseries, gardens, etc., entered 

 for premiums under the rules of the State Pomological Society, respectfully 

 report that they have performed the duty assigned them with as much care 

 and thoroughness as circumstances permitted. They beg to say, however, 

 th"at could they have given more time to the work in each locality visited, this 

 report might have embraced a wider range of subjects, and the committee 

 would have been enabled to have gathered together here in a more systematic 

 plan, a larger amount of practical information. 



The real work of the Orchard Committee, or the true purpose for which the 

 committee is sent out by the Society, as we understand it, is not merely to 

 compare the entries made in the different classes with each other, and award 

 the premiums to which such entries may be entitled, but also and chiefly to 

 obtain from fruit-growers in the localities visited local facts in relation to the 

 general business of fruit-growing, — embracing soils, varieties of fruit, adapta- 

 tion of varieties to certain soils and locations, hardiness and feebleness of trees, 

 productiveness and unproductiveness, etc., etc.; to gather up and bring together 

 these facts, generalize and average them in a way which will make them of 

 general interest and value, and which will afford to some extent a sort of chart 

 or guide to whoever may wish to cultivate fruit or gardens, either for profit or 

 pleasure, for commercial purposes or for home consumption. 



THE ORCHAEDS OF C. ENGLE, PAW PAW. 



AVith this view as to the work before them, a portion of the committee first 

 visited the orchards of Mr. 0. Engle, near Paw Paw, in Van Buren county, on 

 September 1. The location of these orchards is a point worthy of some study, 

 and required more time than the committee found at their service. The 

 orchards are upon high ground, or rather upon a hill, from which extended 

 views of the east may be had. The surface of this hill is not flat nor regular, 

 but varied with ridges or depressions, but with a general inclination rather to 

 the east and south. 



