ADDRESS OF MR. BRECK. 117 



fruit in the highest state of perfection as to size, shape, color, and flavor ; 

 while with others, who apparently exercise the same care, there is a very 

 strong contrast in every particular. There are some varieties which not 

 unfrequently prove a perfect failure, even with those who, with other va- 

 rieties, are most successful — for example, the Easter Beurre. We see 

 splendid specimens of this variety grown by some cultivators, perfect in 

 every respect, ripening off in the proper season, with delicious flavor. 

 There are others who do not succeed in obtaining hardly fair specimens ; 

 and these cannot be brought into an eatable state. With some the pear 

 crop is a most profitable one ; with others it is indifferent, and with others 

 almost a total failure. 



It is important to know what makes the difference : to know what varieties 

 succeed best in a dry, moist, heavy, light, or loamy soil, or in what combi- 

 nation of soils, or the chemical ingredients of such soils ; what succeeds 

 best in any particular soil, either on the pear or quince stocks ; the best 

 compost or manures, and the best time and mode of applying them, with 

 all the details of cultivation, with the best method of preserving and ripen- 

 ing late or winter varieties when grown. I think essays by practical men 

 on these and other points in the pear culture would be of great service to 

 those who have had but little experience. I would suggest to the Society 

 the importance of offering special premiums for one or more of the best 

 well written and practical articles on this subject. 



The cultivation of the grape is becoming a subject of great interest to 

 the country, not only that we may have an abundance of good fruit for the 

 table, but that we may be enabled to supply ourselves with a pure, cheap, 

 and wholesome wine. While we have many hopes and expectations, there 

 are also many discouragements. Climate is against u^ here in the North, 

 and mildew often defeats our most careful efforts. The Isabella, Catawba, 

 and some other hardy varieties, are very excellent when fully ripened ; but 

 it is only in the very best seasons, and in some favored localities, that they 

 are brought to perfection. The Diana, the most desirable hardy grape that 

 has been tested, as well as the delicious and hopeful Rebecca and Dela- 

 ware, with others, and the varieties just named, are all subject to mildew, 

 or have been within a few years past. When the foliage is injured or 

 destroyed by mildew, or any other cause, the fruit cannot be ripened and 

 brought to perfection, nor the wood be fully prepared to endure the winter, 

 or for fruiting the following season. 



Sulphur has been recommended as a preventive, and has been used to 

 some extent, but with what general success I have not been informed. In 

 one case that came under my own observation, it did not prevent it; possi- 

 bly it might not have been applied in season. Any information as to its 

 cause and prevention will be of great service at the present time, and if 

 there are those among us who have experience, and can throw any light 

 upon the subject of mildew, they will confer a favor upon tlie Society, and 

 receive the thanks of the public, if no other reward should be received. 



But if climate and disease are hostile to the varieties I have alluded to, 

 we are not to be discouraged in our efforts to obtain more hardy varieties 



