160 PROCEEDINGS. 



estimation, the gratification of a desire for novelties — an interest in watching the progress 

 and development of some new varieties, and of contributing from their experience a share 

 to the common stock of pomological knowledge — form a sufficient recompense for 

 probably repeated and frequent disappointments. 



The cultivation of the Pear seems, for many years past, to have occupied the almost 

 exclusive attention of horticulturists ; and the interest in this fruit, both in this country 

 and Europe, has led to the production from seed of almost countless varieties. While 

 it is not intended or desired to underrate this, one of our most valuable fruits, yet it is 

 to be regretted that this almost exclusive devotion to its cultivation, and the production 

 of its varieties, has caused the almost entire neglect of another species — certainly as 

 useful, and, in an economic point of view, more valuable — the Apple. Of this last, 

 it is true, we possess numerous varieties, and some of great excellence, but for the 

 most part of accidental origin, and without the application to their production of those 

 scientific principles that, in the case of the Pear, has conduced to so great perfection. 

 Although, as has been said, we have numerous varieties of the Apple, yet there are purposes 

 and seasons for which suited varieties are yet to be supplied. We need, among others, an 

 Apple suited to our soil, climate, and general cultivation, and of superior quality, to succeed 

 the Early Harvest ; a late-keeping Sweet Apple ; Apples for the table, as well as those for 

 culinary purposes, that shall retain their spirit and flavor until towards that season when 

 the fruits of the succeeding year make their appearance. No better field for the exercise 

 of the skill and judgment of the pomologist, it is believed, remains open, than attempts, 

 conducted upon scientific principles and with a view to the supply of existing wants, to the 

 production of Seedling Apples ; and none that will better reward his efTorts. 



It should be kept in mind that the Committee, in making their award of prizes, have had 

 reference not only to the superiority of the articles competing, but their adaptation to 

 general cultivation ; and that they have hesitated or declined to award a prize to a fruit 

 that only arrives at perfection under the most favorable circumstances ; that is disposed to 

 canker, or from other cause is not suited to general culture, even when the particular 

 specimens exhibited might be of a superior excellence — an unwillingness to mislead the 

 inexperienced having induced this kind of. discrimination. 



The Committee would especially notice the many fine specimens of fruit exhibited by 

 the President of the Society ; and they do so with the greatest pleasure, as he has declined 

 taking any premiums. 



With these remarks, your Committee now submit their award of the prizes offered by 

 the Society, for the past year : — 



For the best and most interesting exhibition of Fruits during the season, to John F. 



Allen, the Lowell Plate, valued at $20 00 



For the 2d best, to Hovey & Co., 12 00 



Apples. — For the best twelve Summer Apples, on or before the last Saturday in 



August, to Otis Johnson, for the Red Astrachan, ..... 6 00 



For the next best, to Aaron D. Williams, for Williams's Favorite, - - 4 00 



For the best twelve Autumn Apples, on or before the last Saturday in November, 



to John S. Sleeper, for Hubbardston Nonesuch, ..... 6 00 



For the next best to Josiah Lovett, 2d, for the Gravenstein, ... 4 qo 



For the best twelve Winter Apples, on or before the last Saturday in December, 



to Otis Johnson, for Baldwin, 6 00 



For the next best, to Joseph S. Cabot, for Rhode Island Greening, - - 4 00 

 Blackberries.— For the best specimens^ not less than two boxes, to Josiah Lov- 

 ett, 2d, 5 00 



For the next best, to C. E. Grant, 3 00 



