FRUIT. 211 



fair sample to judge from, would render it unfit for cultivation 

 except by the amateur. The Isabellas and Catawbas were not 

 nearly ripe ; Amber, sweet and ripe ; Diana, not quite ripe. 

 The other varieties were unripe, except the wild ones, which 

 were like all wild grapes, foxy, and would not be eaten by any 

 one who could procure a Concord, Isabella, Diana, or any of 

 the good varieties. 



Your committee would recommend to those about planting the 

 grape, if they intend to plant one vine only, to plant a Concord ; 

 if a dozen, let most of them be of that variety also, because 

 they are handsomer than any other variety said to be suitable 

 for our climate ; as hardy as any kind grown, not excepting the 

 wild, foxy varieties ; as early as any good variety and earlier 

 than mpst of them ; as good in quality ; as productive ; not 

 liable to mildew ; a vigorous grower ; more salable in the 

 market, and combining more good qualities than any variety 

 that has been well tested, in the knowledge of your committee. 



John B. Moore, for Committee. 

 Concord, Sept. 19, 1861. 



HAMPSHIRE. 



From the Report on Fruits. 



Apple Trees and Apples. — A farm without an apple orchard 

 is a sad spectacle ; the farm is quite as imperfect as our national 

 flag without the stars. The farmer who has, and wishes no 

 orchard, lacks both taste and economy. Taste, because an 

 apple orchard is a " thingof beauty ;" economy, because raising 

 apples is a source of decided profit. What more beautiful 

 scene than an apple orchard in full bloom, in the freshness 

 and glory of spring-time ? The trees themselves elegant in 

 conformation, and clad in their simple, leafy verdure, are orna- 

 ments. But when crowned in the blooming-time with millions 

 of blossoms, pink and white, and laden with sweet perfume, 

 they remind us of the " Elysian fields." 



Apples are a palatable and healthful article of food ; eaten 

 without preparation they are a luxury, and the choice dishes 



