FRUIT CULTURE. 141 



twenty inches apart. If there are more branches than is 

 necessary, they must be cut away. 



Mildew. — The oidium of the vine is supposed to be a variety 

 of mildew which generally attacks the under surface of the 

 leaf, and is presumed to follow after rains or a continuance of 

 cold, damp days, especially if these conditions follow a period 

 of dry, hot weather. The fact that grape-vines growing in 

 sheltered positions, and the occasional occurrence of vines 

 growing upon trees, retaining their health, while branches 

 near by will be mildewed, seems to show that the foliage of 

 the tree protects them, and is some evidence that the cause is 

 atmospheric. We are inclined to think that shelter, a well- 

 drained soil, and the avoiding of strong animal manure, will 

 do much to prevent this evil. 



WORCESTER NORTH. 



From the Report of the Committee. 

 Pears. — We are much of the opinion that farmers should 

 more generally engage in the business of pear-raising. When 

 we reflect how few people ever have the pleasure to regale 

 themselves upon the best varieties of this delicious fruit. Owing 

 to the high prices at which it is sold, we can readily see that the 

 production of this crop can be very largely increased, with no 

 danger of breaking down the market. For an increased supply 

 will be followed by such an increased demand, as to prevent the 

 price from falling below that point that shall be fairly remu- 

 nerative. With an acre, or half an acre, devoted to pears, the 

 farmer would find ample time to attend to the requirements of 

 his little orchard, without encroaching upon his other crops. 

 And with the requisite knowledge which every intelligent man 

 can now so easily obtain, he would make pretty sure a generous 

 return for the outlay. And then, the intellectual effort of 

 reading himself up on this subject, the knowledge he might 

 obtain of the laws of vegetable growth and development — which 

 knowledge is so richly interspersed through the writings of all 

 those who treat on pear culture, — would become a valuable 

 accession to one's mental store-house, and serve to incite to a 

 wider thought, and a habit of closer observation. 



