80 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



life; especially when <i;ro\viii;^ in its nritive clirimte and soil, and 

 surrounded l)_v contliLions not uul'avoriible to its life, growth, ma- 

 turity, and method of reproduction. 



In attempting the inquiry into the period of longevity of fruit- 

 bearing trees, and fruits growiug thereon, together witli the 

 fruit-bearing bushes, shrubs, canes and vines, I find but few data 

 relating to the subject, and must rely largely upon my personal 

 observation and experience, and my own recollections of the past 

 fifty 3'ear8. 



All the fruit-bearing plants are naturally grown from seed, 

 planted by the intricate i)rocesses of nature. The seed contains 

 all inherent natural forces requisite for reproducing its kind ; and 

 the seedling plant seems endowed with the vitality and functions 

 requisite for and pertaining to its growth, maturity, and reproduc- 

 tion during its destined period of life. 



The time allotted for the continuance of [jlant life seems as 

 variable as the external features of the plant itself. While the limit 

 of human life may be three score years and ten, in tree or plant 

 life we know it may be many times three score years. The average 

 lifetime of the lower animals is well known ; but comparatively 

 little is known of the life of fruit-bearing trees, and even less re- 

 garding tlie time our popular varieties of fruits will continue to be 

 produced in perfection under the prolonged cultivation of the 

 sagacious horticulturist. 



The causes, natural and artificial, of fruits degenerating and 

 becoming unworthy of cultivation are but imperfectly understood ; 

 as the many sorts seem to be subjected to many varying condi- 

 tions. In the case of each we have to consider its natural hardi- 

 ness and longevity, the influences of soil and climate, the 

 stimulating effects of liberal cultivation, the mysterious infiuences 

 of engrafting, both as to stock and scion. All these and similar 

 questions underlying the subject are so clouded and obscure that 

 we can neither tuUy explain nor comi)rehend them. Nevertheless 

 there are some facts that seem to throw a little light u|)on the sub- 

 ject. While perhaps it is utterly impossible to fully verify the 

 causes that seem to augment the ilegenerating tenilencies in fruits, 

 the facts we rely upon seem apparent, and although the evidence 

 by which we trace the causes seems partially circumstantial yet it 

 is unequivocal, so far as it goes, and cannot well be set aside, in 

 communities where cultivation has been pursued lor fifty years or 

 more by •' the art which doth mend nature." 



