352 Notes and Gleanings. 



Fruit Items from Maryland for May. — We have received the two 

 following notes, describing the appearance of the crops in Maryland, written on 

 two successive days, the second of which presents a most lamentable contrast 

 to the first. We are sure that all our readers will sympathize with the cultiva- 

 tors whose hopes were so suddenly disappointed. 



"The pears have now almost all lost their blossoms and set their fruits, of 

 which there is a very flattering prospect of the largest kind of a crop, unless 

 disease or insects commence their ravages ; but Maryland, at least this portion 

 of it, has been very little, if any, troubled with either insects, or the different 

 diseases to which this most excellent fruit is subject in some unfavorable locali- 

 ties. The Duchesse, Bartlett, Louise Bonne, and others, are particularly full 

 of miniature pears, many, in fact most of which, will have to be removed in 

 about a month, so as to increase the size of the fruit, as well as to preserve the 

 tree, for many years, in its pristine health and productiveness. 



The profit from pear culture, in this locality, is not at all problematical, but is 

 a " sure pop ; " it is so much so, in fact, that, although we have a good-sized 

 orchard in bearing of the popular sorts, we intend to set others out, to a large 

 extent, next year. 



Grapes have grown to the length of six or eight inches, and, owing to the rather 

 wet weather lately, are very easily brushed off from the vine, requiring us to use 

 great care in tying up the young shoots. They have advanced sufficiently for us 

 to see the great wealth of blossoms, which a propitious season will develop into 

 an abundance of delicious, healthful, and inviting fruit. 



The grape seems to have found its home hei'e, for almost all varieties flourish, 

 and bear large and remunerative crops ; even the most tender of our native 

 grapes do well, and promise a rich reward of golden gains, with a systematic 

 course of treatment. 



Gooseberries and currants are filled to overflowing, and here have proved to 

 be exceedingly profitable, not being troubled with insects, mildew, or other 

 diseases to any noticeable extent. 



Of strawberries there will be an abundant harvest, — except in localities 

 where the " weeds took 'em," — the berries having already set on the vine, in 

 great quantities, and the plants have that peculiar freshness and glossy-green 

 color which indicates healthfulness and vigor — its attendant. 



On carefully examining the buds of the peach, on trees in some of the large 

 orchards in the state, I find that very few, if any, of the buds have been injured ; 

 and there will be an enormous crop of this fruit shipped from the States of Mary- 

 land and Delaware, — the great peach states ; but, as a matter of course, the 

 majority will be of an inferior quality, and will bring corresponding prices. 



The raspberries and blackberries will, on an average, produce a good crop, 

 the yield depending upon the careful cultivation bestowed upon them. 



The apple trees are just now shedding their blossoms, which are in such 

 quantities as to cover the ground with a white mantle, resembling, from a dis- 

 tance, a slight fall of snow. If they mature but half of the fruit, which luc do not 

 intend they shall, there will be an ample supply in this j^ortion of Uncle Sam's 

 domain. 



