48 YALE AGRICULTURAL LECTURES. 



the pear. They are well adapted for cities, where garden 

 room is scarce, and for persons advanced in life, who, were they 

 relying on the standard pear for fruit, would die without the 

 sight thereof. Some of the best cultivators practise this plan. 

 The failures in fruit-growing were mainly attributable to bad 

 selection of soil and varieties, injudicious treatment, or bad 

 cultivation. All soils are not suitable for fruit-orchards, nor 

 are all kinds of fruit adapted to every locality. An orchard 

 of half an acre, near Rochester, yielded forty barrels, which 

 sold for $16 per barrel, making $640 for half an acre. Seventh, 

 Pruning, which requires the exercise of the most careful judg 

 ment. The pruning-knife of the pomologist is like the ampu 

 tating knife of the surgeon, to be used only in cases of extreme 

 necessity. As to pruning, it is to be remembered that different 

 varieties require different treatment, for they are not all alike 

 in constitutional vigor, or external form. Hence no general 

 rule could be given ; each man must learn from experience. 

 Eighth, Preserving and ripening of fruit. Much progress has 

 been made of late. Fall fruits have been kept till spring. 

 Summer fruits should be gathered before the ripening process 

 commences. The pear, if left to ripen on the tree, forms fibre 

 and farina, but when removed, and placed in a still atmosphere, 

 sugar and $uice. Fruits should be kept in a cool, dry, and dark 

 place. About 40 Fahrenheit is the best temperature, but 

 different varieties require different treatment. 



The lecturer concluded with a congratulation for those who 

 were entering upon the inviting field of pomological culture. 

 "The innate hope to regain a 'Paradise Lost,' inspires 

 even the most humble to have a country home, and to embel 

 lish that home with fruits and flowers. * * * The mission 

 of the pomologist is to multiply our varieties of good fruit 

 to increase their abundance to scatter them profusely along 

 the rugged path of life, and thus would he extend the sphere 

 of rational enjoyment, dignify labor, adorn our beloved land 



