322 ANNUAL REPORT. 



4th — Synonyms. Give as much information as may be in your 

 power in rep^ard to the different names by which the same fruit is 

 known in your state. 



5th — Obstacles to Successful Fruit Culture. What are the 

 chief obstacles to successful fruit culture in your state, as regards 

 soil, climate, insects, diseases, etc., and what remedies have been 

 most effectually employed ? 



6tli — Culture and Pruning. What treatment of the soil of fruit 

 tree plantations, and what system of pruning, have yielded, in 

 general, the best results? 



7th — Storing and Keeping Winter Fruits. What methods are 

 most successfully practiced ? 



8th — Packages. What sort of package has been found most 

 advantageous, especially for shipment to distant markets, and 

 especially for Europe ? 



9th — Statistics. If convenient, statistics showing the extent 

 and progress of fruit culture in your state. 



If. for any reason, it may not be in your power to report upon 

 all the points enumerated above, be kind enough to do what you 

 -can, giving precedence to 2d and 3d, relating to '' Varieties of 

 Fruits." 



In cases where state committees have made full reports at recent 

 sessions, they will not be expected to go over the same ground 

 again, but will simply report such changes in regard to the value 

 of varieties, as later experience may justify; and such new facts in 

 regard to the general subject of fruits and their culture, keeping, 

 marketing, etc., as may have come to light since the last report. 



The 9th point, " Statistics," showing the extent and progress of 

 fruit culture in your state, will always be interesting and instruc- 

 tive. The extent of recent planting, the largest orchards, the 

 varieties most extensively planted, average prices of the various 

 fruits, estimated value of total fruit production in the state, etc., 

 etc. 



This circular is sent out at this early period for the purpose of 

 giving committees ample time to organize and have the benefit of 

 two full seasons' experience before making up their report. The 

 next meeting is to be held in Philadelphia, in the month of Sep- 

 tember, 1883. 



And now I ask of the state committees to continue their kind 

 co-operation. Through their reports the society must accomplish 

 its most important work. 



