484 Notes of a Visit, *^'c. 



this with their views 1 Will they pretend that frozen sap had 

 anything to do with these imported trees? We suspect not : 

 on the contrary, we should suppose that this would be suffi- 

 cient evidence to destroy all belief in any such theory ; and 

 that other causes must now be looked to. as producing this 

 dreadful malady. 



But, while the cause of the blight remains unknown, it will 

 be gratifying to learn, that there is some probability that a 

 remedy has been discovered for its attacks, or rather that its 

 ravages may be checked as soon as first perceived. Mr. Bis- 

 sell, desirous of doing something to check a disease, if so it 

 may be called, which is likely to desolate the pear orchards 

 in some localities, has tried various experiments upon his 

 trees, the past season ; and, among others, the application of a 

 solution of copperas and saltpetre ; and, so far, with the best 

 effect; a tree which had one limb destroyed, was immediately 

 cut off" below the attack, and the wood and bark carefully 

 washed with the solution ; its ravages were stayed, and fresh 

 •wood had begun to take the place of the blackened and de- 

 caying bark ; with only the few experiments which have been 

 tried, it would be altogether premature to warrant decisive 

 results ; but, thus far, the experiment has worked well, and, at 

 another time, when an opportunity may offer to test them fur- 

 ther, we hope to have a detail of them from Mr. Bissell him- 

 self 



The collection of cherries here is large, and the trees fine 

 specimens ; upwards of forty varieties, we believe, were fruit- 

 ed in the nursery this year : the collection of peaches is also 

 excellent. The past season has been favorable to the peach in 

 this vicinity, and we found Mr. Bissell's trees covered with 

 fruit. The collection of shrubs and forest trees is limited, 

 but comprises the most prominent kinds. 



Mr. Bissell had recently erected a span-roofed grapery, 

 about sixty feet long, and had just planted out the vines; the 

 interior arrangements were not yet done; but, when finished, 

 it will be a fine house, and will produce a large quantity of 

 fruit, if properly managed. It is one of the first graperies, 

 we believe, erected in the city. 



To Messrs. Bissell & Hooker, we are deeply indebted for 

 many favors, especially in procuring us specimens of fruit, 



