1873.] REPORT OP SECRETARY AND LIBRARIAN. 61 



maximum of ignorant pretension is combined with the minimum of ac- 

 tual knowledge. As a result, the canes of Brinckle's Orange and North- 

 umberland Fillbasket were amputated at bi-east high. Somewhat of the 

 shortness of the crop has already been attributed to the scarcity of winged 

 insects. But, for nine years in sequence, when he took personal charge 

 of the canes, suffering them to retain their entire Summer growth, there 

 never failed to be an abundant and even superfluous yield. 



The yield of Cherries, throughout the City and its suburbs, was un- 

 expectedly large. The fruit was also fair and of unusual quality. But 

 few specimens, however, were shown upon our tables, as it seems impos- 

 sible to frame a Schedule, in advance, which shall closely approximate 

 the period of maturity of this most uncertain of all fruits. It is never- 

 theless a matter for congratulation that the Cherry^ so long enjoyed in 

 New England, should be found in the possession of its wonted vigorous 

 vitality. The fearful and quite Arctic frosts of a dozen years ago killed 

 outright all the Cherry trees then in bearing, or so enfeebled them that 

 they might have as well died at once. The case was similar with the 

 Quince. Since that date, new trees have been planted and come into 

 bearing. The life of the Cherry tree is estimated by the best authorities 

 at Thirty years. If then, we are provident enough to set out a young 

 tree, occasionally, there would appear to be no ground for a failure of the 

 crop, barring those extreme seasons whose severity is the event and fable 

 of a life-time. The fruit, itself, although not of first-rate excellence, is 

 yet agreeable and refreshing. 



Too many of the lots of Currants were untrue to the accredited traits 

 of the alleged varieties. Thus La Versaillaise, which has no especial 

 characteristic if not its long clusters, was misrepresented by stems bearing 

 at least but five (5) or six (6) berries. The most experienced cultivators in- 

 cline strongly to the opinion that the distinction between the Cherry and 

 La Versaillaise, is without a difference. But what if gi'owers are not 

 even careful to maintain a distinction ? So, too, of th6 White varieties. 

 There were displayed during the past Summer, boxes of White Dutch, 

 White Gondouin, and White Grape ; of very great similarity in appear- 

 ance ; and between which it would not be desirable to preserve any line 

 of demarcation, unless elements of superiority are more obvious than was 

 the case on tlie 17th of July. It is noteworthy that one noble box of 

 Red Dutch surpassed in size its fashionable and modern rivals, as it 

 notoriousl}^ does in flavor whenever and wheresoever put in competi- 

 tion. 



The Rule that all Fruits should be exhibited in stated quantities and 

 specific measures should be rigidly enforced. Ornamental dishes have 

 their place, but Fruit is wanted at a Pomological Exhibition and not an 



