MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 725 



more than one safe way of proceeding, there is probably only 

 one best way, and what that is may well be a subject of fre- 

 quent and earnest, though, it is to be hoped, in all cases, of 

 fair and good-humored controversy. When we consider the 

 adaptation of the apple-tree to the climate of all the States 

 lying north of the Carolinas, the variety of soils and situations 

 in which it will flourish, and the many ways in which its fruit 

 may be used as an agreeable and nourishing article of food, 

 we may pronounce this tree to be of more importance to our 

 country than all other fruit trees united ; and the beauty of 

 a thrifty orchard in full bearing, striking as it is to the most 

 careless observer, must be deemed by far the least of its recom- 

 mendations. 



January 12, 1853. 



