REPORTS OF LOCAL SOCIETIES. 305 



failure. On the other hand, are not our seasons passing round in a cir- 

 cle, and may we not confidently look forward to milder winters ? The 

 time has been when the peach was one of our surest crops, and why 

 may it not be again 1 The conditions are more favorable now than 

 then. In some of the more eastern States the peach failed where it 

 had once succeeded and they have never succeeded in reinstating it 

 and probably never will. The reason is obvious. The vast forests 

 which once protected that country and modified its climate, have been 

 removed and will never be replaced ; while with us, it is different. The 

 orchards, hedges and groves, which have been planted will more than 

 balance the native timber destroyed. So that in this respect we are in 

 better shape than when the first white man set foot on our soil, and 

 this process is going on year after year to the west and northwest of 

 us. I look forward with much confidence for a change for the better 

 and I am planting some each season. Should the peach come in again, 

 I look for prosperous times to our peach growers, as most of the ene- 

 mies of the peach have perished for want of something to feed upon. 

 There is one more question I wish to touch upon, that has received 

 very little notice ; yet it is one which I have no doubt is of great im- 

 portance; that is the selection of hardy varieties. We all know some 

 varieties of apples are hardier than others ; the same is true of black- 

 berries, raspberries, grapes, and in fact all other fruits; but when it 

 tiomes to peaches, it has hardly been considered. I am aware that they 

 have failed for the last few years, but that does not prove that some may 

 not succeed when others fail. In conclusion I will say, plant peaches ; 

 plant them both for home use and profit ; plant some every year, and 

 if you don't raise any peaches you can raise some stovewood and have 

 an approving conscience — you have at least tried. The peach is too 

 fine a fruit to give up without a mighty effort. 



