FRANKLIN SOCIETY. 257 



proved kind. Cutting your hay, moistening and sprinkling on 

 meal, will prove economical, as well as a good preventive of 

 many of the ills that horse flesh is heir to. Feed regularly and 

 systematically three times a day ; be your horse ever so long, be 

 sure that he is curried every morning ; five strokes of the comb 

 will do more to enliven his spirits, than ten of the whip. Give 

 him a better bed (if not softer) than you have for yourself, and 

 by his expression of regard, spoken in language that cannot be 

 misunderstood, as well as by his faithful and affectionate ser- 

 vice, he will repay you for all your care. 



G. DICKINSON, Chairman. 



Fruit. 



The exhibition of apples was peculiarly rich, and would not 

 suff'er, we think, by comparison with the older societies of the 

 State. In this department, the town of Shelburne stands fore- 

 most, and gives unmistakable evidence that the smiles of Po- 

 mona have not been courted there in vain. 



The soil and climate of Franklin county are as well adapted 

 to fruit culture, as any other portion of New England, and far 

 better than many other parts of our Commonwealth. In Essex, 

 Middlesex, Norfolk and Worcester, such a degree of interest 

 has been awakened in this subject, that farmers, mechanics and 

 professional gentlemen have, most of them, become fruit-grow- 

 ers, and are now contending for the enviable distinction of rear- 

 ing the best trees, and producing the most delicious fruits in 

 the greatest abundance. 



It is otherwise in our county. There is, however, evidence 

 of increasing interest on this subject. It may be seen in most 

 of our towns, in the planting and rearing of young trees, and 

 in the rejuvenating process which multitudes of old trees are 

 undergoing by grafting. We ought not only to supply the de- 

 mand for home consumption, but contribute liberally for the 

 supply of our cities, and this can be done. It is only necessa- 

 ry, that the intelligent yeomanry of this county understand 

 33 



