S CULTIVATION OF FRUIT. 



those which grow in a longer and warmer summer; slill the peach is very fine in some 

 parts of this extensive area, especially in the counties of Cayuga, Genesee, Monroe and 

 Erie. We must not, however, suppose that any of the fruits here named have reached 

 that degree of excellence of which they are susceptible. The public mind has but just 

 awakened to the subject, and we have great reason to expect that fruits, brought under 

 improved modes of cultivation, in favorable circumstances, will acquire qualities much 

 superior to those they now possess. 



It is not my purpose to attempt to state in this place the principles upon which the 

 cultivation of fruit is to be conducted. I have alluded to the favorableness of the climate 

 of this State, for the purpose of enforcing the duty of raising crops which have been here- 

 tofore considered rather as things convenient than necessary in the family, or at least were 

 not held of that importance which they deserve, or in a just ratio to other farm products. 

 Without doubt all the larger fruits have been held in too low esteem, and as products 

 which could add but a trifle to an annual income. There is a change, however, in the 

 views of farmers, and it is now well established that money can be made in raising good 

 apples and pears ; and there is probably no readier way by which a farmer can raise one 

 hundred dollars, than by resorting to the avails of his orchard. It may be supposed by 

 many persons, that as fruit is easily raised, there is much danger that the time will soon 

 come when the markets will be overstocked, and the price of fruit fall below remuneration. 

 There is, however, little danger to be apprehended from this source. The demand has 

 thus far steadily increased with the supply ; and the price of fruit of all kinds has rather 

 increased than diminished within the last five years, although the amount brought to 

 market has increased three or four fold. 



The history of pomology, for a few years past, has been characterized by the introduction 

 of correct views in regard to the cultivation of fruit ; and these views may be well referred 

 to as omens of good. These views respect the quality of fruits, rather than the quantity, 

 and there is a determination to discourage the cultivation of every thing which is inferior. 

 In this fact we have an assurance of improvement in those fruits which are now ranked in 

 the first class of excellence. In the western and middle counties, the tendency of fruit of 

 all kinds is to become large : this result diminishes their high flavor. If this tendency can 

 be counteracted, we have reason to believe that the flavor and taste will be particularly 

 improved. We have yet to learn how far the qualities of fruit can be improved by culture. 

 It is easier to produce a growth of large fruit, than to improve its qualities ; still I believe 

 that the latter result is attainable by culture, and that a method will be found which will 

 give a fruit of almost any desirable quality. 



To promote results so desirable, it is necessary that a knowledge of our fruits should be 

 more widely extended. Many excellent treatises on this subject have been written, and 

 they have had a wide circulation ; but there have been defects in all of tliem, which has 

 prevented that usefulness they would otherwise have secured. These defects consist in an 

 imperfection of method, in a faulty arrangement, and in a want of that clear and definite 

 description which is so essential to practical works, and without which the objects described 



