172 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



into the most productive portion of the fiirni in proi)ortion 

 to the expense for cultivation, and at the same time making 

 a permanent addition to the vahie of the farm ; second, by 

 the cultivation of the tree and small fruits in combination 

 they may be made a source of income every month in the 

 year ; third, with the constantly increasing demand and the 

 rapid growth of the foreign trade in both green and dried 

 fruit, as shown within the last few years, there would seem 

 to be no reason why, with more care in the cultivation of 

 fruit, it should not become one of the most protital)le prod- 

 ucts of the farm. 



Many hesitate to set out an orchard because the returns 

 are not so inmiediate as with annual crops ; but the land 

 among the trees in a young orchard may be used for growing 

 the ordinary crops and all the small fruits. Nothing adds 

 more to the appearance or creates a more pleasing impres- 

 sion upon the stranger or the purchaser of a farm than a 

 thrifty, well-kept orchard. I doubt if upon any of the so- 

 called abandoned farms advertised by our Secretary there 

 could be found a well-cared-for, productive orchard of any 

 considerable dimensions. Such farms are not abandoned. 

 If from any change of circumstances a change of ownership 

 becomes necessary they readily find purchasers. 



Aside from the advantages of fruit as an article of com- 

 merce, nothing produced on the farm conduces more to the 

 health and enjoyment of the family than a liberal supply of 

 the various fruits in their season. 



Charles Downing, who was a life-long co-laborer with our 

 own Colonel Wilder in their efforts to improve the quality 

 and extend the variety of our fruits, says : — 



Fine fruit is the flower of commodities. It is the most perfect 

 union of the useful aud the beautiful that the earth knows. Trees 

 full of soft foliage, blossoms fresh with spring beauty, and finally 

 fruit, rich, bloom-dusted, melting and luscious — such are the 

 treasures of the orchard aud the garden, temptingly offered to every 

 landholder in this bright and sunny though temperate climate. 



The Chairman. Gentlemen, I hope you will avail your- 

 selves of the short time that remains to ask any questions of 

 the lecturer that you may wish. 



