REPOKT OF THE COMMITTEE ON" FKUIT. 87 



Cherries. — Though not as good as in 1871, the cherry crop 

 was far superior to the average of late years, but the hot, wet 

 weather was very unfavorable to their soundness. The prizes 

 were mostly taken by those old favorites, the Black Eagle, Black 

 Tartarian and Downer. Fine specimens of a new variety called 

 the " Norfolk," were exhibited by Mr, J. H. Fenno. 



Currants. — Notwithstanding the prevalence of the currant 

 worm, the show of this fruit has never been more extensive or 

 of better quality. The exhibition of currants and gooseberries on 

 the 20th of July, was thought to be the finest ever made in the 

 Hall. As usual, the Versaillaise carried off all the prizes for red, 

 while Dana's Transparent was superior to any other white. The 

 specimens of this variety were the best ever shown, and it may 

 safely be pronounced the most desirable of the white currant. 



Gooseberries. — The shows of native gooseberries have been 

 remarkably fine, while no foreign kinds have been exhibited. The 

 prizes on the 20th of July were awarded first, to the Downing, 

 second, to Smith's Seedling, and third, to Houghton's Seedling, 

 and we think that these awards justly express the relative value 

 of the kinds. Certainly they are all superior in quality to the 

 Mountain Seedling. 



The experience of another year has shown that hellebore is not 

 only the most efiectual, but when promptly applied, as cheap 

 as any remedy. A good method of using is to place it in a 

 wide-mouthed jar, with a lip around the edge, over which can be 

 tied one or two thicknesses of fine muslin. The hellebore can 

 then be shaken through the muslin directly where it is wanted 

 with very little waste, and, if good, is certain death to every 

 worm it touches. 



Raspberries, owing to the injury of the canes by the winter, 

 have not been shown as freely as in previous years. The Clarke 

 has continued to grow in estimation, especially for family use. 

 No new kinds have been shown. 



Blackberries. — The same may be said of this fruit as of the 

 raspberry. Only two varieties, the Dorchester and Wilson, have 

 been shown, Messrs. Clapp exhibit a superior dish of the 

 Wilson on the 10th of August, though the Dorchester still holds 

 the preference for general cultivation. 



Apricots. — We are gratified to be able to record the exhibition 

 on the 3d of August by Mr. J. Q. A. Wild, of Quincy, of a very 



