102 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



too far should be shortened, to preserve uniformity in the shape 

 of the tree ; all friction among the limbs must be avoided by re- 

 moving the offending member. The top thus formed and disposed 

 will admit the rain and air and light upon the upper and lower 

 branches alike, thus distributing in equal and just proportion 

 the influences which are to mature and ripen the fruit. 



Pear trees require little or no pruning except when young. 

 Young and thrifty peach trees should be pruned at least twice 

 a year. Early in June the exuberant growth should be checked 

 by topping, thus reserving the vital forces for the develop- 

 ment of buds and fruit nearer to the central strength of the 

 tree ; and again, in August, another topping should be resorted 

 to for a like reason. We wish to secure good, rich fruit in- 

 stead of wood and leaves. 



These views are in accordance with my experience in the 

 management of fruit trees, and are submitted for the benefit of 

 any who may be disposed to make improvements in this useful 

 branch of agriculture. 



FOREST TREES. 



HAMPSHIRE. 



Report of the Committee. 



Notwithstanding the liberal premium offered from year to 

 year by the society for the best plantation of forest trees, — 

 consisting of white oak, yellow oak, locust, white ash, or white 

 pine, not more than three years old, and of not less than one 

 thousand trees, produced from seed, — no competitors have yet 

 appeared to claim it. Now, if he is worthy of being called a 

 benefactor who makes two blades of grass grow where but one 

 grew before, then should he be called a good economist, to say 

 the least, who causes to grow three thousand white pines on a 

 sandy acre that has not produced a single blade of grass for a 

 quarter of a century. 



The whole area of the State is said to contain four million 



