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AMERICAN nOKTICULTUEE. 



of one town, there are .13 many fruit trees grown and sold as in all Enfjland, or wo 

 might say the "three kingdoms." Withal, the supply has not been, so far, equal to 

 the demand, and orders to Europe for some years past have been so numerous and so 

 extensive as to materially affect the business there. To our own knowledge the lead- 

 in"- European nurseries have greatly extended their propagation on account of the 

 American trade ; and the inferior samjiles of many articles latterly sent out, sbow 

 how closely their stock is annually disposed of. 



It is unnecessary to examine more closely into these matters to become convinced 

 that in the culture of fruit trees at least there is no lack of enterprise ; and that as a 

 branch of horticulture and profitable industry, it has become a gi-eat national interest, 

 entitled to all the attention that can be given it by this and o-ther journals devoted to 

 the interests of horticulture. It is of great importance, not only to individuals, but to 

 the country at largo, that so much capital, labor, and skill as are absorbed by this 

 pursuit, should be turned to the best possible account, and that every step be made in 

 the right direction. The organization of an "American Pomological Society" was a 

 timely and fortunate proceeding, and one which placed us, in this respect, in advance 

 of other nations. No such society has yet been instituted in Europe, although greatly 

 needed there as well as here, if only for the sake of reform in nomenclature. Those 

 who import varieties from abroad well understand what confusion prevails there in 

 regard to names. "We look to this Society not only for a much needed reform in this 

 respect, but for the collection of all useful information in regard to soils, climates, 

 modes of culture, and in short everything pertaining to fruit and its culture. We 

 consider the last session as establishing its character for utility, and substantiating 

 its claims to public support. It has now the benefit of a constitution and laws, and 

 is placed under the guidance of a wise, experienced, and zealous head, with worthy 

 coadjutors. American fruit growers and nurserymen far and near look to it as the 

 nucleus of an institution that shall be to them a beacon light, and a monument of 

 their zeal and intelligence. In addition to this national society, various state and 

 sectional societies of a similar character are already organized, and have held very 

 interesting and instructive meetings. These will be so many auxiliaries, and can not 

 fail to be of great service in concentrating the experience of their respective districts, in 

 promoting a taste for fruit culture and in collecting and diffusing information on the 

 subject. Association is one of the most powerful aids of science and art in all countries. 



In descending from a general to a more particular view of the condition and pro- 

 gress of fruit culture, we find that one of its most remarkable phases is the attention 

 given to the pear. Until within a few years, Boston held undivided sway in pear 

 culture ; her exhibitions alone displayed extensive collections. Very few cultivators 

 beyond the limits of city suburbs had thought of planting a respectable collection 

 of pear trees ; throughout Western New York, which has latterly been styled the 

 " Belgium of America," there were but a few scattering trees of the Virgalieu, the 

 Summer Bell, ( Windsor,) and the old Summ,er Bonchretien. How is it now ? The 

 exhibitions of late years answ'er — collections of ten, twenty, thirty, fifty, and up to 

 nearly two hundred vni-ieties, grown in the highest perfection, and accurately named. 



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