1889.] TRANSACTIONS. 19 



although but a portion of our interest is directed towards the 

 origination and development of Fruits, Horticulture is all-enibrac- 

 ing, and vital with generous influence. It is not liable to strict- 

 ure, as appears to be the conceit of that funny aggregation, — the 

 New England Agricultural Society. It was not left for Groton 

 and Salcin to separate those who were united at the creation. 

 And, even though a rude ploughshare may be driven through 

 our especial field of science and practice ; drawing a faint line of 

 distinction where difference never existed ; establishing Horticul- 

 ture, Floriculture, Pomology, and Vegetable growth apart, by 

 themselves, in a novel and peculiar terminology ; we have posi- 

 tive evidence continually before us that those who were joined 

 when the stars sano; together cannot be severed though the 

 brasses clash. The oranges of Florida concern us — largely their 

 consumers. It is our hope, and interest alike, that no untimely 

 frost may chill their nascent bloom or cut off tiieir ample prom- 

 ise. Doubtless, ere long a system of interchange will make the 

 traffic in semi-tropical fruit more a matter of mutual barter than, 

 as now, of direct, one-sided outlay. The Belleflower, Northern 

 Spy, or Hoxbury Russet may yet find place upon the tables in 

 Jacksonville and St. Ausrustine. Tiie trade, at present, does not 

 impoverish us, although we have to pay in cash. As with bread 

 cast upon the waters we are benefited ultimately. In this case, 

 by the commerce, by the personal intercourse, by the enjoyment 

 of delicious and healthful fruit, that we cannot ourselves pro- 

 duce, and should therefore rejoice to get so near our own doors. 

 It is of interest, and perhaps advantage, to note the difierent 

 opinions expressed in various sections of the Republic, concern- 

 ing varieties of the Pear more or less favorably known among 

 ourselves. Thus, the JSTew York Times, which keeps a close and 

 usually intelligent watch of the fruit market, had only to say of 

 the Bosc that, like the boy's puppy, it was better than it looked ! 

 In a subsequent issue, it referred to the Sheldon as — 



" An apple-shaped pear, rusty in appearance, somewhat sweet, 

 and is really a very good pear either for cooking or for eating in 

 a raw state." 



But a ver}' few weeks since, one of our few surviving Honorary 

 Members — John J. Thomas — who, since the death of Marshall P. 



