300 MASSACHUSETTS IIOUTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



suffered from the first frosts and the fruit was sold in a damaged 

 condition, with unsatisfactor}- returns. 



P'oreign Grapes were shown in more than tlic usual quantity. 

 David Allan presented a large number of varieties — among them a 

 bunch of Victoria Hamburg weighing seven pounds, and a bunch 

 of Syrian weighing eight pounds and four ounces. 8. R. Payson 

 and N. S. Simpkius also showed some large and well finished 

 bunches. 



At the October and November exhibitions the later varieties of 

 Apples and Tears are shown much larger in size and in better con- 

 dition than at the Annual JShow in September ; in fact, these 

 exhibitions set before us the best types of these fruits as grown in 

 this State ; and the exhibitions of the past season on October 2 

 and November 10-12 were especially noteworth}' for the quantity 

 and quality of both apples and pears. 



Of new fruits shown, to which allusion has not alread}- been 

 made, C. A. Dickinson presented, September 4, a seedling pear 

 of good size and quality, but, coming at the same time as the 

 Bartlett, which it can hardly be claimed to excel in any desirable 

 quality, its cultivation will naturall}' be confined to the amateur. 



There have been an unusually large number of seedling peaches 

 shown, and among them some of good size and quality ; and could 

 vigorous, healthy stocks be secured, on which to bud them, we 

 might reasonably hope for better success in the cultivation of this 

 most desirable, and, when good crops can be produced, profitable 

 fruit. 



The Eaton Grape, as shown by John B. Moore & Sou, has 

 attracted much attention. In size of bunch and individual 

 berries and in its generally attractive appearance, it excels any 

 native grape shown at our exhibitions. 



Of fruits entered for the Prospective Prizes, there are the Hayes 

 Grape, the Belmont and Jewell Strawberries, and a seedling 

 Peach by J. W. I'age. In the judgment of the Conmiittce, none 

 of them have been sullicicntly cultivated by others than the 

 originators to justify awarding the prizes at the present time. 



Of the appropriation of $1,700 the Committee have awarded in 

 prizes and gratuities $l,G24, leaving an unexpeuiled balance of 

 $76. 



In reviewing the year, we find much to encourage the cultivators 

 of fruit, both for commerce and domestic use. The most valuable 



