536 The Pomological Convention.^ at Bnffalo. 



to discuss subjects connected with the culture of fruits, — to 

 bring into notice new varieties of merit, — and to clear up the 

 existing confusion in nomenclature. 



The BulTalo CiDnvention was a national one. It was pro- 

 jected by the New York State Agricultural Society, in con- 

 nection with the Buifalo Horticultural Society, and mvitations 

 were sent out early last spring, to the Horticultural Societies 

 of the country, to appoint delegates to the convention. The 

 object was one of general interest, and the assemblage of so 

 many cultivators and pomologists from various states in the 

 Union, must have been highly gratifying to the State Society. 

 No less than fourteen states, besides the Canadas, were re- 

 presented, and the number of delegates which were present, 

 was between seventy and eighty. Fifteen or sixteen differ- 

 ent Horticultural Societies or Associations were represented. 



Owing to circumstances beyond our control, we unfortu- 

 nately, and to our great regret, was not able to reach Buffalo, 

 until the morning after the convention adjourned ; but as we 

 have a full report now, we are enabled to give a complete ab- 

 stract of all that was accomplished during an interesting ses- 

 sion of three days. 



Of the utility of such conventions as this, no one can have 

 a doubt ; yet we apprehend that greater results will be ex- 

 pected than can be realized. The simple fact, that a hundred 

 cultivators come together from various parts of the country, 

 all deeply interested in the subject of pomology, and inter- 

 change sentiments upon this engrossing science, is, in itself, a 

 result of no small importance. It must not be expected, that, 

 in the short space of three days, with hundreds of varieties of 

 fruits before the members, they are to test every one of them, 

 and decide upon tbeir merits or demerits. It would be im- 

 possible to do so. This is a labor of years, and not of days; 

 yet, if a beginning is made, much will be accomplished every 

 season, and, in a few years, a large amount of information 

 will be collected together, of the greatest value to fruit culti- 

 vators, throughout the country. But we have little space 

 now for further remarks, and proceed to notice the report. 



The discussion of fruits was commenced, and that first 

 taken up was : — 



