38 



"that the sea air so essential to the perfection of our Russet, is 

 poison to your Jersey Black." This is doubtless true in other cases, 

 suggesting that, having so fine a list of excellent, proved varieties r 

 we can well afford to disuse fruitless experimenting for the impos- 

 sible. 



Your Committee found the Pearmain doing duty under another 

 name — probably through mistake. They differed, also, in a few in- 

 stances from the exhibitors as regards their record of the times of 

 ripening, and would have reckoned some specimens offered as Fall, 

 rather as Winter apples. They would suggest that no fruit be re- 

 garded in the former category which has not passed its prime before 

 the 1st to the 15th of December. Some examples on the shelves 

 catalogued as Fall fruit, evidently required time beyond that period 

 for perfection ; but differences of seasons and locality — even within 

 a limited range of county — are such as to render the line of de- 

 marcation somewhat misty and prompt an excuse for the record 

 which the Committee allowed to the exhibitor. 



It was a matter of surprise to some of us that no sample of the 

 Jersey Black, before mentioned, appeared among the claimants to 

 favorable notice. Mr. Wilder regarded it as a superlative fruit, and 

 years ago, it was recommended, at a meeting of the American Pomo- 

 logical Society, as one of the five best varieties of Fall apple. The 

 specimens shown at that time were carried from Stockbridge, where 

 it is said to have been introduced by the Indian missionary Sergeant 

 about the year 1735. Perhaps a wider acquaintance therewith 

 might induce the advantageous supplanting by it of some inferior 

 varieties now in vogue. 



Most of the exhibitors complied with the regulations as regards 

 naming and date of ripening, presenting lists containing these 

 items, and also attached the same to the several specimens. This is 

 as it should be, as it saves valuable time to the Committee and es- 

 pecially to the reporter. 



As a whole the exhibition was one of great credit both to the 

 competitors and to Southern Berkshire. We see not why— were 

 proper measures taken to effect it — our county should not rival 

 Orange, Dutchess and Westchester counties in certain fruit markets 

 of New York. Inter-communication by steam has now become so 

 sure and speedy, as to encourage large exportation to the less favored 

 portions of our own country and also abroad. 



There were fifteen entries of Fall apples— all fine, several emi- 

 nently so, and all comprising the regulation number or even more. 

 As between presentors who had— some partially and others fully- 

 complied with the rules, the latter were, of course, given the prefer 

 ence. Only two competitors contended for the premiums on vane- 

 ties, one entering twelve different varieties of pears ; 23 of Fall and 

 Winter apples; 11 of grapes ; 6 of plums and 2 of quinces. The 

 other 10 of Fall and 15 of Winter apples : 12 of pears ; 5 of grapes 

 and 1 of quince. 



After some discussion, but with final unanimity, your Committee 



awarded as follows : 



