SECRETARY'S REPORT. 227 



dried state are over 300 per cent, above former prices. Pears 

 by the piece were then one and two for a penny ; now the same 

 at corresponding seasons sell for from live to ten cents each. 

 Cherries were from ten to twelve cents a quart, and now cigliteen 

 to twenty-eight cents per pound. 



In fact, we need not dwell longer, but ask why it is so, and 

 what are the causes ? Can they be ascertained, or shall we be 

 obliged to abandon the culture of fruits in this Commonwealth, 

 except in small gardens, or at such extravagant outlay, that the 

 prices must continue to advance, until tliey arc beyond the 

 means of the great mass of consumers ? 



We hear it said every day, by persons going into fruit-shops, 

 " Do you say that apples are fifty cents a half peck ? Well, I 

 can't aiford that." And so they are debarred from the use of 

 one of the most healthy fruits, and one that enters into the 

 greatest variety of dishes (as well as the dessert,) of all that 

 are known. 



When the cost of transportation has been so materially 

 reduced by the increased facilities of getting to markets, we 

 should suppose they could be afforded for the same, or a less 

 price, than formerly, by allowing for the difference in the value 

 of money and taxes. 



Still, we are aware the above quei'ies can be partially answered, 

 by the fact of the population in the Commonwealth having 

 about doubled in the last thirty years, the large cities and towns 

 receiving the increase, thus rendering the lands adjacent of more 

 value for building and market-gardening, to the destruction of 

 orchards and neglect of fruit cndture, except by the amateur, 

 and he, by knowing the wants and resources of these large 

 commercial and manufacturing cities and towns, asks such prices 

 for his surplus products as will amply repay him for the great 

 outlay in producing them. And, again, as the population 

 increases, the forests decrease; and thus, by destroying the 

 natural refuge of birds, and shelter of the orchards, we are 

 exposing the former to every sort of enemies, and the latter to 

 sweeping winds and the ravages of insects. 



The question now arises. Is it best to abandon the culture of 

 fruit in this Commonwealth, or shall we declare a war of exter- 

 mination upon the insect tribes that are destructive to the 

 orchards and gardens, (and we almost said upon all who destroy 



