2. The Soil. — What is its general character — such as texture, color, depth, dryness, 

 subsoil, &c. ; and what kind of soil do you find to produce the largest, soundest, and most 

 productive trees, and the fairest fruit? 



3. Climate. — What is the average temperature of the different seasons of the year ; the 

 greatest degree of cold usually experienced in winter, and its length of continuance ; how 

 late have you frosts in spring, and how early in autumn, &c., &c. ? 



4. General state of Cultivation. — In what proportion are the various fruits grown, 

 and what degree of attention is given to the tillage of the soil, and to the pruning and gen- 

 eral management of trees ? What mode of culture and pruning have you practiced, or seen 

 practiced, to the best advantage; and what the best manures or composts and modes of 

 applying them to fruit trees, under various circumstances? 



5. Do you know any fruits of local origin, and remarkable excellence, or any good seed- 

 ling varieties not named or introduced? [Specimens of all such should be sent to the 

 General Chairman, for examination.] 



6. Varieties of the different Fruits under Cultivation. — Which, according to the 

 experience of cultivators, are the most profitable fur market, for feeding stock, drying, &c. ; 

 and the most esteemed for family uses in various ways, as dessert, baking, stewing, &c.? 



7. Particular Instances of successful and profitable Culture. — [Give an account 

 of such, with any particulars having an important bearing upon them.] 



8. Have you observed any signal failures, either in transplanting trees or in budding, 

 grafting, &c. ; or any disasters befall orchards and nurseries, from unusual cold, drouth, or 

 other extraordinary causes ? [Give an account of such, with any circumstances that may 

 afford an explanation. The effects of the intense cold of the past winter will be very inter- 

 esting, and should be carefully observed and noted.] 



9. Insects injurious to Fruits and Fruit Trees. — Note their habits, modes of attack, 

 and progress, and give an account of any successful remedies. [Specimens of all, except 

 such as are very common and well known, should be collected and sent to the General 

 Chairman. It may be useful to note under what circumstances of cultivation, &c., insects 

 are generally most injurious to fruit trees.] 



10. Diseases. — What diseases are prevalent and injurious to fruit trees in your district? 

 [Give an account of the nature and extent of injuries, and what remedies, if any, applied.] 



It is also required, or recommended in the Society's By-Laws, that eacla county com- 

 mittee shall report, as often as once a month, such information as may have been col- 

 lected during that period. These monthly reports have been recommended on the 

 ground that when the preparation of a report is postponed to the end of the year, it is 

 either done hurriedly and loosely, or it is not done at all ; Avhereas a few notes made 

 during a month can be written out in a few minutes, and, being fresh in the memory, 

 will be much more likely to be correct. This plan' strikes us favorably, and is at least 

 worthy a trial. One thing it will do for those who put it in practice, and that is, it 

 will give them, what is of great value, a habit of observing matters of interest closely, 

 and of putting on record useful and interesting facts concerning their daily affairs. 

 How negligent the mass of mankind are in this respect ! 



In addition to the minute practical investigations of this general committee, the 

 Society intends to liold annual or semi-annual meetings, for the exhibition, examination, 

 and comparison of fruits ; to hear reports ; and discuss such matters as may at the 

 time be deemed of most importance. These meetings are to be held alternately in all 

 the large towns, lying at accessible points, within the twenty-three counties. 



Tliis is obviously an organization which must, if it act with any considerable 



