1891.] ESSAYS. 117 



ter. The tree requires a rich, moist soil for the best results, 

 hmd bordering running streams, if free from stagnant water, 

 otfers the most favoral)le situation. The fruit is desirable for 

 preserves, either alone or with other fruits to which it imparts 

 its peculiarly fine flavor. The variety most widely grown is the 

 Orange, but Mammoth and Eea's seedling more recently intro- 

 duced are both larger and finer in appearance. The only enemy 

 that seriously interferes in growing the quince is the borer, and 

 the trees require careful watching to prevent his getting a 

 lodgment. 



The formers who are inclined to compare the advantages of 

 fruit growing in the New England States with some of the 

 more Southern States where the tropical fruits are grown, should 

 remember that they possess every advantage in producing some 

 of the most widely known and universally used fruits, and 

 they should not forget the advantage of a large and constantly 

 increasing home market, reducing the cost of transportation 

 and commissions to a minimum, with an export trade to absorb 

 the surplus of an abundant crop. Those who hesitate in grow- 

 ing the orchard fruits because the returns are more immediate 

 from assured crops can in no way add more to the appearance 

 or value of their farms or ofter stronger inducements to the 

 sons to remain on the farm than in the prospective revenue from 

 growing orchards which, combined with the small-fruits, may be 

 made a source of income every month in the year. The owners 

 of small estates can in no way add more to the enjoyment of 

 their families than by growing a liberal supply of the various 

 fruits in their season. Some of the pleasantest recollections of our 

 childhood are associated with the fruits of the field and garden. 



As expressing the thoughts of one whose life was largely 

 devoted to the improvement of the fruits of the temperate 

 climate, I quote the words of Charles Downing: " Fine fruit 

 is the flower of commodities, it is the most perfect union of the 

 useful and the beautiful that the earth knows. Trees full of 

 soft foliage blossoms, fresh with spring beauty and finally fruit 

 bloomdusted, melting and luscious such are the treasures of the 

 orchard and the garden temptingly ofiered to every landholder 

 in this bright and sunny though temperate climate." 



