REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OxV FRUITS. 33 



growth of the latter is better. Smith's Improved, or Smith's Seed- 

 ling, was sliown for the first time. It is a seedling from the 

 Houghton, but of more upright and vigorous growth ; color green ; 

 and of first quality. Tlie Downing, the best of all the natives, has 

 not been shown. 



Plums. — The specimens of this fruit have been even more 

 scanty than previously ; it being represented at the Annual Exhibi- 

 tion by a single dish, while the earlier exhibitions were little better. 

 In gratifying contrast with this meagre show, we may mention the 

 fine crops produced by Mr. Harris, under glass, at Mr. Hunnewell's 

 grounds at Wellesley. The trees of Coe's Golden Drop, Sharp's 

 Emperor, Washington, Standard of England, and other varieties, 

 were in perfect health, and entirely free from the black wart, which 

 has completely annihilated most of our plum-trees. This condi- 

 tion of perfect health, together with the abundant crops, yet not 

 too abundant, so evenly distributed over the trees, formed a most 

 pleasing as well as a rare sight. 



Peaches. — The earlier specimens of this fruit were few in 

 number, and too frequently presented the appearance of having 

 grown on unhealthy trees; but at the Annual Exhibition fine 

 specimens of Crawford's Early and other varieties wei-e presented. 

 Aug. 19, a specimen of that fine old variety, the Noblesse, from 

 the houses of Mrs. Ward at Canton, was tested by the Committee 

 and, though small, was of its usual superior quality. This variety 

 cannot, however, be recommended for outdoor culture, being even 

 more tender than the glandless kinds in general, and but a moder- 

 ate bearer. Sept. 2, John L. Whipple showed a seedling peach, 

 handsome, and of good size and first quality, — a white-fleshed 

 variety. The same day Mr. E. J. Gerry exhibited some fine speci- 

 mens, supposed to be seedlings, which would have taken a prize had 

 the exhibiter been a member. At the Annual Exhibition, Mr. J. 

 E, M. Gilldy exhibited a yellow-fleshed seedling of fine quality, 

 large, and highly colored. Mr. Thomas S. Adams also exhibited 

 a large, white-fleshed seedling of fine quality, and parting very 

 clean from the stone. The Highland Belle, a fine, white-fleshed 

 seedling, originated by Mr. C. E. Grant, was exhibited by him. 

 It is easier to raise fine new seedlings of this fruit than of any 

 other; and the large proportion of seedling varieties shown in 

 unfavorable seasons confirms the impression, that they ai-e more 

 hardy than worked trees. The varieties may not be distinct; but, 

 if good, this is of no practical consequence; and we believe that the 

 best way of securing a crop of this delicious fruit is by planting 



