82 



$350 with a profit of about $150, This will in all probability- 

 be reduced to $100 per acre as an average. 



Blackberries while more productive than raspberries 

 seldom bring over .08 per quart and while it is possible 

 to produce 5,000 per acre yet the average yield is much 

 smaller than this. 



If 5,000 quarts are produced a net profit of $200 per 

 acre ought to be realized but for general cultivation not 

 more than $125 can be expected. 



It should be borne in mind that most of these small 

 fruits cost from 2 1-2 to 4 cents a quart to produce so it 

 will not be as hard to figure our profits when the matter is 

 looked upon in this way. For instance if you can produce 

 6,000 quarts to the acre that fruit has probably cost you 

 $240 all expenses counted ; if you sell it for $600 you will 

 have a comfortable margin of profit. 



Therefore cultivate with the purpose of getting as much 

 for your labor as possible. 



In conclusion let me repeat that for profits with small 

 fruits in Massachusetts we have got to cultivate small 

 areas intensively rather than large areas extensively, we 

 have got to select our varieties not only with regard to 

 their productiveness but also to their quality and hardiness, 

 and most of all having once grown our crop to market it 

 honestly packed in the most attractive form, and our prof- 

 its will not be measured by dollars and cents alone but we 

 will have the satisfaction of producing those fruits that are 

 both healthful and delicious for all mankind. 



Former Mayor W. H. Blodgett exhibited a barrel of 

 handsome Baldwin apples which were grown and packed 

 at Belchertown and kept in storage since last fall. Every 

 apple was perfect. Samples were free to the fruit growers. 



The meeting then adjourned to 2 P. M. 



The afternoon session was a joint meeting with the 

 Worcester County Horticultural Society as has been the 

 custom for years. Prof. Fred C. Sears, Pomologist of the 

 Massachusetts Agricultural College, spoke on "How Can 

 We Develop Commercial Orcharding in Massachusetts." 



This was printed in the report of the Worcester County 

 Horticultural Society. 



