76 STATE rOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



in the virgin soil, the time required to bring it into bearing was of 

 short duration compared with the present development, and the 

 expectations of the owner were for quantity rather than quality in 

 the product, for there would invariably be a sufficient number of 

 trees among the many that would give a pleasing variety of the 

 tart and common sweet, and a supply to meet the demands and 

 needs of a rapidly increasing famil}'. and which would be utilized 

 by the frugal housewife in such ways as were common to that early 

 period. 



The next generation, however, became imbued with a spirit of 

 improvement, and the orchard received its full share of attention, 

 a careful scrutiny being given to each tree, and all having evidence 

 of a healthy growth were grafted to those kinds which were then 

 considered the best, and resulting after a few years in a most 

 wonderful supply of choice and valuable fruit, which found a 

 market in the large towns and cities of New England. 



A few leading spirits, however, after a careful study of the situa- 

 tion, boldly ventured forth into a new line of fruit-raising, and the 

 inspiration seemed to be infused into the hearts of all the people, 

 for upon many a hillside and fertile ridge, upon level stretches of 

 extended field which had received careful cultivation for a century 

 or more, and within the narrow limits of village enclosures, there 

 sprang up as if by magic an almost countless number of trees that 

 are being as tenderly watched and nutured as a provident farmer 

 would bestow upon a field of corn. 



And go in whichever direction you will the eye now beholds the 

 thrifty young orchard, which in its season, is bending beneath its 

 load of well-formed and luscious appearing fruit, which has not 

 only gratified the soul of the patient and methodical grower as he 

 has daily watched nature's developments, but will be the means of 

 Inflating his pocketbook to an extent unknown since the days when 

 beef brought living prices, and wool and other staples gave to the 

 producer those satisfactory returns so necessary to his financial suc- 

 cess. And a pardonable pride may be granted me when 1 refer to 

 the acknowledged fact that in no other section can the standard 

 apple be brought to that degree of perfection as is found in this 

 portion of our State. Oh, the crispy juiciness and delicious flavor 

 found in the red-cheeked and perfectly formed Baldwin ! How the 

 mouth waters as the ej^e takes in the proportions of its fellow of 

 less ruddy hue, the Northern Spy ! And the richness and 



