1873.] REPORT ON APPLES. 33 



There were entries for each of the three premiums in the first five 

 classes, except for the 2d and 3d in the 2d class, and in most cases the 

 number of varieties entered was in excess of the number called for. In 

 Class 6, where two premiums were offered for the best and next best col- 

 lections of not less than /our new varieties, not previously exhibited, there 

 were no entries, and none were to have been expected. These preminms, 

 (Class 6), were offered for the first time this year, and it is doubtful 

 whether, even if the apple crop had been as large as that of last j'ear, any 

 apple grower could be found within the jurisdiction of this Society able 

 to exhibit apples that would satisfy the terms of the class. Of twenty- 

 four premiums of $2.00 each, offered for single dishes of ten specimens 

 each, eighteen were sharply competed for, the number of entries being in 

 most cases so great and so excellent as to render the award a matter of 

 difficulty. The six 82.00 premiums for which there was no competition 

 were for the following varieties: Eed Astrachan, Duchess of Oldenburg, 

 Golden SAveet, Palmer, Roxbury Russett, and Twenty Ounce, but all 

 these varieties were on exhibition as parts of collections. 



The Committee had no difficulty in awarding the last premium of $2.00 

 "for the best ten of any other sort " to a plate of American Beauties — 

 facile prince])S — entered by Mr. Sanders, of Worcester. If this new vari- 

 ety shall turn out eventuallj'' as well as its present promise, it will be a 

 truly valuable addition to our Apples. 



A few competitors placed their apples on the Society tables with their 

 skins rubbed till they shone, imitating the practice of old apple women 

 vending fruit on street corners. It cost your Committee an eifort to be 

 just to such lack of good taste. 



We were pleased to notice in one department several plates of Crab 

 Apples. No premiums were offered for this kind of fruit, but deemiug it 

 worthy of culture and encouragement, we awarded to Mr. Morse a gratu- 

 ity of .$1.00 for his plate of " Transcendants." And we recommend here- 

 after the offer of a special premium for Crab Apples. 



The Committee have made x\.wards and recommend Gratuities, as 

 follows : 

 CLASS 1.— 



For the best collection of not less than twenty-five nor more 

 than thirty-five varieties, ten specimens of each vari- 

 ety, Joseph Pratt $15 00 



For the second best, A. II. Sears 12 00 



For the third best, J. L. Ellsworth 9 00 



