.1877.] REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 45 



heit, — decimated the Chevry trees and almost exterminaled the Peach 

 orchards that still lingered ia existence. The few which escaped entire 

 destruction, from propitious conditions of shelter or otherwise, were so 

 far weakened as to fall an easy prey to the Yellows. 



But, within a few years, it has become rapidly evident that this exqui- 

 site fruit is not longer to be neglected by the Pomologists of "Worcester 

 County. Shrewsbury, which so constantly challenged competition, may 

 sulk and withdraw from the lists, contenting herself with past honors. 

 But Millbury and West Boylston step to the front, and — scarcely in their 

 rear — the Shire presents its Seedlings. Trial has not yet proved if the 

 Singletary of Mr. ]N'ewell Wood will perpetuate itself, from the stone. 

 The superior Seedling of Mr. William H. Willard is reputed to endure 

 that test successfully. The very promising Seedling of Joseph C. Lovell 

 and Benjamin Walker* merit further and thorough trial. The ground 

 has long lain fallow and may have regained its original elements. Sci- 

 ence, too, has advanced; and the wit of man may, quite possibly, replace 

 and restore what was wasted by shiftlessness and unthrift. 



But, if the Peach failed to yield of its increase, and was apparently 

 threatened with extinction, our Pomologists would not yield to despair. 

 The Concord Grape had been originated, so timely, as though its produc- 

 tion were of itself intended to indicate the infinite possibilities which it 

 provoked. At our late Annual Atjtttmnal Exhibition, there were 

 One Hundred and Four (104) Plates, comprising Thirty-Eight (38) vari- 

 eties of Grapes, grown in the open air without other protection than the 

 chance shelter of cornice or tree. Substantially ripe, their developement 

 was due to no artificial cause. Just thirty (30) years since, A. D. 1847, 

 when the lamented A. J. Downing published his invaluable work on " The 

 Fruit and Fruit Trees of America," the refined gold of which subsequent 

 editions have but served to gild, he could find only the Catawba and Isa- 

 bella as objects of decided commendation, although the Diana was " said 

 to be of superior quality." His estimate of the actual condition of Viti- 

 culture, at that period, with his bright outlook for the future, is, like all 

 which proceeded from his pen, well worth your renewed attention: 



" The varieties of native grapes at present grown, are chiefly either the 

 " finer sorts of wild species, or, which is most generallj^ the case, they are ac- 

 " cidentally improved varieties, that have sprung up in woods and fields 

 " from wild vines. They are, therefore, but one remove from a v/ild state, 

 " and, as extensive trials are now being made by various cultivators to pro 

 " duce new varieties from these, there is little doubt that in a few years we 



[*NoTE.— Mr. Walker disclaims all knowledge of the Peach shown in his name, or any connection 

 with it. It was hrought to the Society from tlie Office of the Eoening Gar.etle, and, by whomsoever origi- 

 nated, merits, as stated in the text, further and tliorough trial.— E. W. L.] 



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