36 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



tiou and for the market. Its size is regarded as more than an offset to 

 its slightly interior quality to the old Eed Dutch. Mr. J. C. Park ex- 

 hibited the Berton's Seedling Currant, resembling La Versaillaise, but 

 not quite equal in size. Who will give us a Seedling Currant as large 

 as the Cherry and as good as the Eed Dutch? It is a tempting opportu- 

 nity. Rasptjerries are a neglected fruit. The amount in the market is, 

 perhaps, less than it was ten years ago. We must reform in this respect. 

 The Knevett's Giant is an advance upon old varieties, and is a noble 

 fruit. The Philadelphia is perfectly hardy and is remarkably produc- 

 tive, but its size is a great drawback. We have not had the fruit of the 

 Clark upon our tables, but it is regarded with much favor by those who 

 best know its merits. 



The Dorchester Blackberry has continued to take the first prize. The 

 Wilson and Kittatinney Blackberries have not, as yet, been exhibited and 

 of these we cannot speak. The great increase in the number of varieties 

 of small fruits will of itself increase the public interest, and the extent 

 of culture, and thus in some measure offset the loss resulting from worth- 

 less novelties. The maxim seems to be to try all " and hold fast that 

 which is good." 



The Plum is virtually an abandoned fruit. H. Vandine continues to 

 exhibit several varieties, but we should judge his crop is not large. Mrs. 

 T. W. Ward has exhibited very fine specimens of Plums which have 

 been protected from the curculio by showering the whole tree with lime 

 water, of the consistency of a thin whitewash, twice a week, from the 

 time the fruit is as large as a pea, until the 24th of June. This is foimd 

 to be a perfect protection. Peaches have been more abundant than 

 usual, though by no means reminding us of the years gone by. Foster's 

 Seedling resembles Early Crawford, and may prove to be superior in 

 appearance and in hardiness. Of this we can only judge Avhen it is cul- 

 tivated in various localities. The Van Buren Dwarf is a fine looking 

 fruit, of high flavor, but the flesh is firm and clings to the stone to an 

 objectionable degree. 



Pears have been abundant and of fine size, but very deficient in quali- 

 ty, owing to the superabundance of rain and the lack of sunshine and 

 heat. Beurre Gilfard was prominent as the best early kind on exhibi- 

 tion, receiving the three prizes. Clapp's Favorite maintained its high 

 reputation, gaining the first prize for Autumn. Doyenne du Comice 

 wins favor with each season, and ranks among the very best. Beurre 

 d'Anjou, Sheldon, Beurre Superfin, Swan's Orange, Url)aniste, Duch- 

 esse, Louise Bonne and Beurre Bosc all sustained their high rank, as 

 Autumn Pears. Mention may also be made of fine dishes of Dix, St. 

 Michael, Glout Morceau and Beurre Diel, not commending them to pub- 

 lic favor, but as showing that protection and favoring circumstances will, 

 even now, restore these old favorites. It is clearly incorrect to say that 



