266 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



The dry weather was favorable for maturing and gathering the 

 cherry crop, and there was much less waste than frequently 

 happens from the fruit rotting on the trees. Of quinces there was 

 an unusually large number of specimens shown at the Annual 

 Exhibition of Fruits. The quantity, quality, and different varieties 

 shown, indicate that more attention is being paid to their cultivation 

 than formerly. 



Considered in connection with other products of the soil, the 

 fruit crop, both in quantity, and the value received for it, 

 compares favorably with other products. The apple market has 

 been materially benefited by the large amount exported to foreign 

 markets, which is larger, up to the present time, than in any previous 

 year at a corresponding date. Thousands of barrels of apples 

 have gone to waste the past season. The quantity of windfalls 

 was so large that the cider mills could not consume them, and if 

 that had not been the case they could be more profitably used by 

 the evaporating companies. Where these machines have been in 

 operation, the proprietors have paid thirty cents per bushel for 

 windfalls, which, without any expense for barrels or packing and 

 heading, leaves a fair price for the fruit. Owing to the drought a 

 larger proportion than usual fell from the trees, and if all that 

 were suitable could have been evaporated, it would have furnished 

 employment for many laborers, and added an important item ta 

 the fruit growers' receipts. 



The prices received for pears have not compared favorably with 

 those for other fruits. The large quantity of this fruit received 

 from California early in the season, much of which was sold at 

 extremely low prices, produced an unfavorable effect on the 

 market for home grown fruit. The prices for the small fruits 

 compared favorably with previous years. 



There have been no new fruits shown, requiring special mention. 

 PjX- President Strong offered liberal special prizes, at the Straw- 

 berry Exhibition, for new varieties that had not previously been 

 exhibited, but it did not result in bringing out anything equal to 

 varieties now in general cultivation. 



The Schedule of Prizes for 1895, if adopted by the Society as 

 recommended by the Committee, will contain but few changes 

 from that of the past season. It has been the endeavor of the 

 Committee to include in the list of varieties for which premiums 

 are offered, all that are desirable for general cultivation, either for 



