39 



SUMMARY OF FRUIT CROP CONDITIONS. 



The increased interest in fruit production and in apple 

 growing manifested in Massachusetts and 'New England dur- 

 ing the past few years has been the direct result of an ener- 

 getic agitation of the subject, by exhibitions and otherwise. 

 This agitation is accomplishing four results; first, it is in- 

 creasing the interest and activity of those already engaged in 

 fruit growing, and causing them to grow more and better 

 fruit; second, it is calling the attention of those desiring to 

 engage in farming, and of capitalists who have money to in- 

 vest, to the opportunity offered by this special phase of 

 agriculture ; third, it is bringing to the attention of all grow- 

 ers the wonderful markets at our very doors, now being sup- 

 plied with western apples, and which may be secured to New 

 England growers if they will only put up the better-flavored 

 New England product in the style which appeals to the con- 

 sumer, and with an understood guarantee such as that which 

 backs the western product; and fourth, it is demonstrating 

 to the consumer in the most practical manner that Massachu- 

 setts apples are imexcelled in quality, and are far superior 

 to the much-advertised fruit from the west. Thus has been 

 created a tide of enthusiasm for the industry which has now 

 reached such proportions as to engulf many who before had 

 no personal interest in it whatever. In view of this fact the 

 need of special reports upon the conditions and prospects of 

 apple and other fruit crops is more than ever apparent. 



This first special report is but a start. With the help and 

 co-operation of those who consent to act as our correspondents 

 we hope to work out and perfect a series of questions which 

 will bring out in their proper proportions all of the details 

 necessary for a complete and comprehensive report. 



In the first blank of the season, sent out to 125 prospective 



