U MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



is measurably independent of circumstances, the adverse seasons even 

 proving a benefit to him, because of the enhanced price of his fruits. 

 As an illustration, take the case of Mr. Daniel Clark of Waltham, who 

 exhibited as fine specimens of Concord Grapes as can ever be found in 

 the most favored seasons, in the best sections for the vine. These were 

 grown in open culture, without any protection except a ledge of rock for a 

 trellis; were fully ripe September 11th, and were so superb as to be in de- 

 mand at three times the ordinary price of Grapes. Here is a result, in one 

 of the most adverse years ever experienced with the Grape, the time of 

 ripening being also advanced at least ten days from the average of years. 



It will be said that the situation was peculiarly favorable. Pre- 

 cisely so, and this is the point we wish to bring to notice. These 

 peculiarly favorable conditions should engage the constant attention 

 of the culturist. These are synonj'mes of success. Peculiarly 

 favorable situations make the price of the vineyards of the Rhine 

 to reach a point which to an American cultivator would seem quite 

 extravagant. The Langon, St. Julien vineyard of 100 acres, sold for 

 $1,300 per acre in 1851. Mouton sold in 1853 at $3,629 per acre. 

 These are in the Bordeaux district. Favorite localities on the Rhine 

 are seldom sold, but are estimated as high as S8,000 to iP10,000 per acre 

 in the settlement of estates. If then there is such a determined value 

 for the choice spots exactly suited for the requirements of the vine, in 

 Europe, why should not we seek for and prize the sunny hill-side ledges, 

 of which there are thousands in our Commonwealth similar to Mr. Clark's, 

 which could be made, with equal certainty, to ijroduce similar results? 



Nor is this suggestion applicable to the Grape alone. Every fruit 

 has its conditions. And it is only by a careful study of the pecul- 

 iarities and requirements of each that the highest results and the 

 most complete success can be attained. Though this truth is so obvious, 

 yet it is also true that very few perfect trials in fruit culture have yet 

 been made in this country. This work has generally been subordinate 

 to other occupations, and the orchard has been located on the homestead 

 without special regard to the fitness of the means to the end in view. 

 A prominent example may illustrate this fact. Ex-President Wilder 

 has given his pear orchard a reputation the countr}' over, and he has 

 made his experiment a decided success. Yet he located his orchard on 

 a hard, rocky soil, by no means naturally adapted to the pear, and he 

 has always said that the fruit obtained from his soil has come by main 

 force. The location was chosen because of its nearness to his residence. 

 His then is bj'^ no means a full illustration of what can be done with the 

 Pear. In order to the best results with the Pear, the jtrecise soil, a clay 

 loam, retentive yet friable, with a porous, or else a most thorough and 

 deeply drained sub-soil, a level, humid tract, not exposed to dry and 

 ^exhausting winds, in short the, precise spot is to be chosen, without 



