FRUIT COMMITTEE S REPORT. 45 



REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FRUITS, 



For the Year 1860. 

 BY JAMES F. C. HYDE, CHAIRMAN", PRO TEM. 



The Fruit Committee, in accordance with the rules of the society, sub- 

 mit their Annual Report. It has been the practice in years past for the 

 Chairman to make a lengthy Report of the exhibitions during the season 

 of new fruits, and other matters of interest, before announcing the award 

 of premiums. These reports have in past years been of considerable 

 value. The Chairman of our Committee having been absent in Europe 

 during nearly all of the past year, the making of this Report devolves upon 

 a chairman pro fern., and it will not be found to be so full and complete as 

 it would otherwise have been. The past year has been in some respects 

 quite remarkable, for during the months of April and May, when there is 

 usually an abundance of rain, there was very little ; but about the first of 

 June, the rains commenced, and from that time forward the earth was well 

 supplied. Though the drouth was severe yet nothing seemed to suffer. 

 The fruit trees came on well, and presented a beautiful bloom, giving prom- 

 ise of the abundant harvest that was fully realized in the autumn. It has 

 been observed that all the fruits, and especially the pears, have been deficient 

 in flavor the past season, which may have been in consequence of the great 

 amount of wet weather. It has been impossible to form a correct opinion of 

 the merits of new pears from having tested them this year. The same will 

 apply in a measure to other fruits. 



The winter fruit, apples and pears, have ripened up a month or more 

 earlier this year than usual, while the pears have an unusual tendency to 

 decay. It is the opinion of the most intelligent fruit-growers that the early 

 and severe frost we had was partly the cause of this. Such pears as Win- 

 ter Nelis, Lawrence and Glout Morceau, were fully ripe in the autumn 

 months, and before winter fairly set in there were comparatively few pears 

 to be found. The season has been one very favorable for the growth of 

 trees, and fears are entertained by some that pear trees may suffer during 

 the approaching winter. Fruit of all kinds has been very abundant and 

 comparatively cheap. It is doubtful if money can be made by raising apples 

 at the prices they have been sold for this fall. So it is doubtful if the cul- 

 tivation of pears can be made profitable, unless under favorable circum- 

 stances, and by good management. In proof of this position we would ask, 

 how many have succeeded in growing good fruit, and profitable crops, out 

 of the great number that have engaged in this pursuit ? Very few. This 

 often arises from a poor situation, neglect, or bad management, or perhaps 

 an unfortunate selection of kinds. While this is true, it is equally true 

 that some have been very successful with this fruit, and what has been 

 done may be done again. It is a fine fruit, and even though it may not be 

 grown to profit in all cases, still should be grown for home use, let it 

 cost what it will. This rule will apply to all fruits, for no home would 

 be complete without such luxuries. 



