422 ANNUAL KEPORT. 



cross-fertilization, he asks for a pear "with the richness of the Seckel, 

 form and size of the Bosc, and vigor and productiveness of the Bous- 

 sock." Again he urges the injunction "Plant the most mature and 

 perfect seeds of the most hardy, vigorous and valuable varieties; as a 

 shorter process, insuring more certain and happy results, cross and 

 hybridize our finest kinds for still greater excellence. Go on ! Go on ! 

 while you live, and when we are gone, others will rise up to chant our 

 old song: — 



Plant the best seeds of all your best fruit, 

 Good fruits to raise that some lands may suit; 

 Fruits which shall live their blessings to shed, 

 On millions of souls when you shall be dead. 



Plant! plant your best seeds — no longer doubt 

 That beautiful fruits you may create; 

 Fruits which, perchance, your name may enshrine, 

 Inemblems of life and beauty to shine." 



In conclusion he adds : "Fruits are the overflow of nature's bounty, 

 gems from the skies, which are dropped down to beautify the earth, 

 charm the sight, gratify the taste, and minister to the enjoyment of 

 life; and the more we realize this, the more shall we appreciate the 

 Divine goodness to us, and the duty of providing them for others.'' 



The subject of new fruits was then taken up, and apples being the 

 first called, Mr. Green, of New York, asked about Yellow Transpar- 

 ent. Mr. P. M. Gideon, of Minnesota, said it was of Russian origin, 

 and about as hardy as Oldenburg, although last winter proved too 

 much for it. Several members spoke well of it as an early apple, which 

 was two weeks earlier than the Red Astrachan. Mr. Chase wanted the 

 Dickenson apple to go on the list starred for Pennsylvania. It was a 

 seedling of the Yellow Bellflower, and similar to it in quality. The 

 Shannon apple was thought by many to be especially adapted to the 

 soil and climate of Arkansas. Mr. Lyon said it was of poor quality, 

 but good to sell. The Cellena was said to be of Polish origin, and 

 about as hardy as Fameuse. The Glast apple was considered by Mr. 

 Auger, of Connecticut, as being delicious for baking and a fine fruit 

 generally. Mr. Gibb said the Thaler was considered an early market 

 fruit in Nova Scotia, ripening in July much like Yellow Transparent. 

 Mr. Lyon asked about Wolf River, a seedling shown at New Orleans. 

 Mr. Gideon said it proved tender in Minnesota. Prof. Budd thought 

 it was 30 per cent, hardier than Fameuse. Mr. Gideon said the hardi- 

 est apples, before last winter, were the Oldenburg and Wealthy; but 

 jast winter killed these also. He said the more crab we can get into 

 our seedlings the hardier they are. In response to an inquiry regard- 



