FRUITS. 153 



what it feeds upon, and can yield compensating returns only 

 when generously fed. The requirements of each tree or vine, 

 in its particular situation and surroundings, should be carefully 

 studied and made the subject of intelligent experiment. The 

 empirical application of any manurial substance is to be avoided, 

 unless in such a way as will insure a result meaning something. 

 A great difficulty is, that when we put a question, we ask it in 

 such a way that nature cannot answer it by a simple negative or 

 affirmative. She is compelled to use circumlocution, and the 

 answer is valueless, if it do not even mislead. The fault in such 

 case is our own, and not hers. Compel her to say yes or no, 

 and the answer is at once valuable. It is very common to hear 

 cultivators allege, in cases where one occurrence follows another, 

 that the first must be the cause and the second the effect. If, 

 fpr instance, a particular tree has not blossomed for some years, 

 and, following an application of some kind during the winter, 

 it shows a full bloom, it is at once concluded that the application 

 was the cause of the blossoming. A very little knowledge of the 

 matter in which fruit buds are formed and matured during the 

 previous season, would prevent the exposure of such ignorance. 

 It is as ridiculous as was the annually repeated assertion of an 

 old gentleman who was a confirmed invalid, that he had always 

 noticed that if he could manage to live through the month of 

 March, he did not die that year. 



It is very satisfactory to notice, from year to year, the mani- 

 fest improvement that is exhibited in our display of fruits. 

 Worthless and inferior varieties gradually disappear, and the 

 collection grows more choice and select. It is getting to be 

 understood that it requires no more labor or skill to produce only 

 the desirable varieties, and in fact less of either, if the less be 

 accompanied by increased knowledge how to begin. 



The writer has often taken the first premium for a display of 

 the largest number of varieties of pears. Although he enjoyed 

 the victory, he would dissuade others from attempting it, and it 

 is doubtful if the society should encourage it. If any one thing 

 has tended to dishearten the cultivator and drive him^from the 

 pursuit, it is the failure arising from wasted time and money 

 spent over a large number of varieties. As a matter of per- 

 sonal satisfaction it may answer, but the public can never ^be 



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