FRUIT CULTURE. 147 



the vine under all circumstances ; and any one by a little prac- 

 tice can perform the work. Some varieties of moderate growth 

 are pruned and trained according to what is called the reneival 

 system, upon stakes. The mode of training which is gaining 

 favor with us is that upon wires. This method is suited in a 

 remarkable degree to the vine, as its nature is to ramble far 

 over hedges, trees and fences, and to clasp its tendrils tenaciously 

 around every twig and shrub within its reach. By trellising 

 upon wire, no tying up is necessary which saves much labor ; 

 for the tendrils, their natural and best support, eagerly take 

 hold of the strands of wire, and have a chance to indulge their 

 rambling and climbing propensities. Wall trellising is gaining 

 favor wherever practiced, and can be done with much economy. 

 A few feet of waste or unoccupied ground about a barn, out- 

 house, shed, or near the walls of a dwelling, afford a most con- 

 genial spot for grape-vines, and they are easily trained so as 

 to cover a large area on the side or roof of a building." 



We trust that ere long this New England character will 

 overcome all obstacles of climate and the lack of desired varieties ; 

 and so make our own section of the country abound in this 

 excellent fruit, bringing it, in its perfected state, within the 

 reach of all. E. F. Bailey, Chairman. 



HAMPSHIRE, FRANKLIN AND HAMPDEN. 



F?-om the Report of the Committee. 



The introduction of any new variety of good fruit, whether 

 by bringing from abroail, or propagating at home, should 

 receive special encouragement from the society. 



Your committee believe the time is near at hand when the 

 orchard will be considered the most valuable part of the farm. 

 New England can hardly expect in grain-raising to compete 

 successfully with the rich soil of the western prairies ; but most 

 of its land, and even a large part of that which is given up to 

 poor pasturage and flourishing alders, might be converted into 

 smiling and thrifty orchards. Many of the failures and dis- 

 couragements in fruit-raising arise from ill-advised and poor 

 culture. Different varieties of fruit require each its particular 

 soil and aspect, in order to do well ; and all must have good 



