214 MASSACHUSETTS IIOKTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



the refuse of humanity — brought there not bj' misfortune alone — 

 Mr. ]\Iarsh, the superintendent, found the influence of flowers most 

 beneficial; and the superintendent of the Hospital for the Insane 

 at AVorcester, and others, would acknowledge the aid derived from 

 flowers. 



The Chairman of the Committee on Discussions announced that 

 on the next Saturday Hon. Marshall 1\ AVilder would read a i)aper 

 on the " Ripening and Preservation of Fruit." 



BUSINESS MEETING. 



Saturday, April 10, 1886. 



An adjourned meeting of the Society was holden at 11 o'clock, 

 Vice President Benjamin G. Smith in the chair. 



No business being brought before the meeting, it adjourned to 

 Saturday, May 1. 



MEETING FOR DISCUSSION. 

 The Ripening and Preservation of Fruits. 



By HoK. MARSHALL P. WILDER, Dorchcster. 



Mr. President : — In compliance with the request of Mr. Had- 

 wen, Chairman of the Committee on Discussion, I have consented 

 to address this meeting on the Ripening and Preservation of 

 Fruits. 



So much has been written and said on this subject that I cannot 

 expect to offer much, except in confirmation of what I have uttered 

 in former addresses. 



The principles upon which success must ever depend are now so 

 well established that it is onl}' necessary to bring them to mind 

 for our government. The preservation of apples through the win- 

 ter months is now prettv well understood, but with the pear, 

 grape, and other delicate fruits more care is requisite. 



The ripening of fruit depends on the saccharine fermentation ; this 

 is followed b^' the vinous and acetous fermentations. To prevent 



