8» ON FRUIT TREES. 



They have grown remarkably well, nearly all the trees being 

 now thrifty, and in bearing condition. In ' the intermediate 

 spaces between the trees, an orchard of peach trees has been 

 cultivated at the same time, which have been highly produc- 

 tive of some of the best varieties of peaches that we have met. 

 The committee were highly gratified with the success of Mr. 

 Pettingil's experiment, and can with confidence refer to it, as 

 a good illustration of what can be done by intelligent culture 

 of this kind of fruit. Some half a dozen of the best varieties 

 of pears presented at the exhibition of fruits in Salem, grew 

 upon these trees, that have been set within the last five years. 

 The committee are pleased to award the first premium of ten 

 dollars to Mr. Pettingil. 



Dr. Merriam exhibited to the committee some handsome 

 pear trees, that have been cultivated with much care and at- 

 tention. With the appearance of these trees they were well 

 pleased. The committee were not aware that the number 

 came up to what the conditions required, until they read his 

 statement. Not being aware of this fact, they had not suppos- 

 ed there was any competition in the claim for the premiums 

 offered ; under this state of facts, they did not feel at liberty 

 to award any premium the present season. When the trees 

 are more fully grown, they will probably be more likely to ar- 

 rest the attention of visiters. 



The competition for the premiums offered for apple trees was 

 greater, there being four distinct claims. The trees of Amos 

 Gould, of Wenham, were thought by the committee to be en- 

 titled to the first premium of ten dollars. They have been 

 cultivated for three years past with marked attention. They 

 were selected at first from one of the best of nurseries, and from 

 the best trees of the nursery. These are facts, in the opinion 

 of the committee, of great importance. It may be, after a 

 growth of ten years, ordinary trees at first, will overtake those 

 that were more promising ; but such an event is not probable. 

 Mr. Gould's trees are in very fine condition, and are a good il- 

 lustration of what can be done by careful attention. 



Lewis Allen, of Danvers, to whom is awarded the second 

 premium of eight dollars, has an orchard of a larger number of 



