136 HAMPSHIRE, FRANKLIN AND 



the pear quince ; the former an early, the latter a late variety. 

 The apple quince is truly a noble fruit, large, handsome, and, 

 when cooked, of exceedingly soft texture, and well flavored. 

 The pear quince is more hardy, will keep much longer uncooked 

 or preserved, and, although of a little firmer texture, is rich, 

 and, by many, thought to be of more delicious flavor than the 

 apple quince. Both are good, and are raised in as great perfec- 

 tion on the rich lands of this valley, as any where else in the 

 country. We are at the northern limits of this fruit; above the 

 northern line of Massachusetts, it rarely comes to perfection. 

 The quince is a profitable fruit to raise. The average price in 

 New England, from year to year, is about a dollar a bushel. 



Grapes. Isabella, Catawba, and Sweet-water grapes were 

 exhibited. There are two or three varieties of the native grape 

 of New England, worth extensive cultivation. They are much 

 earlier than the Catawbas and Isabellas, and are very large 

 and rich-flavored. Our best varieties of southern and foreign 

 grapes, require ample protection, to insure good crops of ripe 

 fruit ; these northern varieties are more hardy, will grow any 

 where, and ripen before the appearance of autumnal frost. The 

 cultivation of the grape is easy, and the product unusually abun- 

 dant. The ground should be made very rich, winter and sum- 

 mer primings be judiciously applied, and the crop is quite sure. 

 Soap-suds from the wash-tub is an excellent manure for the grape. 



Peaches. The exhibition was too late in the season for the 

 best display of peaches, yet there was considerable variety, and 

 many specimens of fine fruit. Solomon Stoddard presented fine 

 specimens of the late Red Cheek Melicotoon. The bearing trees 

 were from stones planted by Mrs. Stoddard. On his grounds 

 are many specimens of excellent fruits, produced in the same way. 

 This venerable lady is living to enjoy fruits planted by her own 

 hands, at the age of threescore years ; an example which, if 

 followed, would fill the country with delicious fruits, adding to 

 the \ijealth and enjoyment of the community, and bringing with 

 it, health, cheerfulness and good old age. 



The farmer is wholly inexcusable, who has not a good variety 

 of peaches on his grounds. The trees are raised with very little 

 care. Budding or engrafting, will insure a variety of excellent 



