FRUITS. 417 



can engage. There is no longer any force in the old objection, 

 that there is no use to raise good fruit, because there is no 

 market. Now the market of the world is open to the Ameri- 

 can orchardist. The shipment of American apples of the finest 

 quality to England is now a regular and profitable branch of 

 commerce. Downing says that no apple that is sent from any 

 part of the continent of Europe commands more than half the 

 price in London that is readily paid for Newton Pippins. 



We rejoice in this increased attention paid to the raising of 

 fruit, because it is one of the most attractive and interesting 

 occupations of the farmer. If one would strongly attach him- 

 self to his home, let him engage in the culture of choice fruit 

 of every variety. He will find pleasure and excitement in it ; 

 he will watch the growth of each tree with interest; it will 

 hold to him the relation of personal friend. Even the fruitful 

 prairies of the West will hardly tempt him away from the New 

 England hillside, where he must leave behind him these objects 

 of his watchful care. 



We are glad to see so much fruit raised, because we believe 

 fruit to be a natural and wholesome article of food, of which 

 most families partake only too sparingly. The reason they 

 assign is, that they are not fond of fruit ; which is not strange, 

 when the poor quality of most of that with which they have 

 had experience is considered. 



The committee first gave their attention to apples, of which 

 a truly beautiful display was made. We are pleased to know 

 that so many of our farmers can show from twelve to twenty, 

 and even more, varieties of apples of first quality — apples 

 which it did our eyes good to see, and which will gratify other 

 senses than the sight in the course of the coming winter. 



John F. Moors, Chairman. 



RERKSHIRE. 



From the Report of the Committee. 



The increased attention to the culture of fruit in Berkshire 

 County is a matter of congratulation. Believing, as your com- 

 mittee do, that our soil and climate are well adapted to the 



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