26 BOAPvI) OF AGRICULTUP.E. [Pub. Doc. 



recognize soil adaptation to different crops. It is a matter of 

 economic efiicieney. 



Attention has been called to the further fact that the best 

 results from eerlain vai'ieties of some crops have been ob- 

 tained under definite soil conditions, and this is especialh' well 

 illustrated by different varieties of ai)])les. Other fruits, 

 such as the ])each and the pear, show a similar range of soil 

 adaptability as to the individual variety, but these will Udt 

 be considered at this time. 



Excellent opportunities for fruit culture in ]\[assachusetts 

 are abundant. Ko other State can grow a greater number of 

 really good varieties of apples, and very few States can equal 

 her in this respect. Yet choice fruit is constantly being 

 brought into the State to supply her wants, while cheaper fruit 

 is as constantly being exported because it is not grown as well 

 as it should be. In common with other northeastern States 

 Massachusetts possesses a climate in which a large number of 

 varieties of apples thrive. Her soils vary greatly, but include 

 large areas in the aggregate which are well adapted to produce 

 all the choice apples the State can consume. This land may be 

 bought, furthermore, at a low price, — in fact, at a lower price 

 than in many States that now ship large quantities of aj^jdes a 

 long distance to her markets. ]\Iassachusetts markets are un- 

 excelled, and there are plenty of favorable soil areas within 

 the State on sites suitable for orcharding that are adapted to 

 productive varieties of high quality. It seems strange that 

 such opportunities have not been taken advantage of more 

 fully, yet I would not advocate that those without experience, 

 or at least careful study, plant orchards extensively, even 

 under the favorable conditions that Massachusetts affords. 

 Orcharding is a business requiring a high degree of skill and 

 much patience, and there is danger lest some be led by the 

 present popular wave of enthusiasm for the business to engage 

 in it without due consideration of these matters. Yet there is 

 always a good opportunity for any one who will so study the 

 business as to master it, ar.d for such, conditions are highly 

 favorable in IMassachusetts. 



Mr. Sherwood. I would like to ask what is the best slope ? 



