226 ANNUAL REPORT 



stances, in fact, where young and vigorous trees have been well 

 nigh destroyed, and made more fitting for a heap of brush than 

 bearing heavy loads of ripe and toothsome fruit. Our thought- 

 ful orchardists are not dismayed at this, as yet. l^ot quite dis- 

 heartened at the amazing havoc wrought by our late ''trying" 

 winter, they seem determined still to persevere and fully test the 

 question whether we can grow that best and fairest fruit of 

 fruits, which tempted, it is said, our Mother Eve to lead the race 

 astray ! 



The hordes of insects which infest our fruits and usually are 

 so destructive, were said to be less numerous than heretofore, 

 and there was not the same amount of injury from codling moth 

 as commonly has been experienced, nor has there been so much 

 complaint of rust and blight, and kindred maladies that might 

 be named. 



The drought of summer shortened up the berry season and 

 ripened small fruits quickly, although there was a fair and aver- 

 age yield. Strawberries ripened fully two weeks earlier than 

 usual, while most of the delicious fruit produced was very large 

 in size,and fine in fl.avor. 



HORTICULTURE 



in its broader sense has reference to investigations into scientific 

 modes and methods to be followed and observed by those who 

 seek to be its votaries. Its elevating influence as an art is known 

 and freely recognized, and tends to the promotion of the nobler 

 aspirations of the mind and heart. The laws that govern plant 

 and vegetable life are varied in their nature, yet full of profit- 

 able and instructive lessons. Associations which attend the 

 dressing of the vine, the culture of the choicest fruits, the care 

 and close attention to the growth and cultivation of the fairest 

 flowers, which in its laboratory so abound, must necessarily be 

 calculated to promote aesthetic tastes, and tend to cherish admi- 

 ration for the beautiful and good. This is a proposition it seems 

 to us so palpable to all as scarcely needs the weight of mere as- 

 sertion, or argument of any kind. 



The question has been often asked, why are not more engaged 

 in growing fruits? From lack of thought, or lack of zeal, this 

 industry is surely much neglected. With some the lack of pro- 

 fit is a cogent reason, and this indeed with many is perhaps the 

 gravest question of them all. Just how to make the business 



