44 ESSEX SOCIETY. 



to deny the assertion of our chairman, who brought it forward, 

 nor can we yield entire assent to the theory. In considering 

 the causes of the decHne, or running out, of particular kinds of 

 fruit, the exhaustion of the fruit bearing qualities in the soil, 

 is to be regarded. From our earliest years we have heard the 

 remark, that a young orchard will not flourish well where an 

 old orchard has been. Such sayings do not become common 

 without some foundation, although those who use them may 

 not be able to give a reason for the faith that is in them. Per- 

 haps, as a general thing, it may be the soil and not the fruit, 

 that declines. Still we think there are cases in which decline 

 is peculiar to, or inherent in, the particular variety. This is 

 probably true of the Nourse Sweeting, so distinctly recollected 

 by the chairman in his youth. Calling to mind the recollection 

 of many varieties of apples that were cultivated and much es- 

 teemed in our youth, which are not now to be found, at first 

 thought, seems to corroborate the theory. Nevertheless, we 

 have no such certain data respecting them, as will warrant 

 definite conclusions. Mr. Newhall showed the committee trees 

 on his own farm, that were grafted sixty years since under his 

 own observation, scions from which he has attempted to propa- 

 gate, without success ; from which experiments, he has confi- 

 dence in his views, which are distinctly expressed in his letter 

 hereunto armexed. 



For the committee, 



J. W. PROCTOR. 



Asa T. NewhalVs Letter. 



To J. W. Proctor. 



Dear Sir, — Upon the subject of decay by old age, and final 

 extinction of varieties of the apple, and the necessity of raising 

 new varieties from the seed, I can add but little to what I have 



and vigorous appearance, and ofler an opportunity to those, who believe the variety can be 

 prolonged another hundred ijears, to test the experiment ; as did the philosopher, who, having 

 heard that a crow would live a hundred years, bought one to try the experiment. 



Apples were exhibited at the show in Salem, this year, that grew on a tree in Marshjield. 

 Plymouth county, said to be two hundred years old. Their appearance was fair and sound 

 Thev were too iiard to bo lasted. Pears were exhibited that grew on a tree in Salem two 

 }iwDdr^d and ten years old. 



