FRUITS. 41<J 



NORFOLK. 



From the Report of the Committee. 



In the last Annual Report of the Fruit Committee of this 

 society, the vast importance of fruit culture was urged on the 

 ground of economy in living, of health, of refreshment, and of 

 enjoyment, in hopes to stimulate to an increased planting and 

 cultivation. 



It has been found by observation and experience, — 



1st. That fruit is a very economical article of food when 

 compared with meats and mixed dishes, even at its present 

 scarcity and consequent high price. 



2d. That it is not only the most conducive of any arti- 

 cle of diet to the general health of families, particularly of the 

 young, but that it is a panacea in many diseases, and that it is 

 the most salutary and strengthening medicine for invalids. 



3d. That to all, young and old, and of every condition and 

 stage of life, fruit of various kinds forms a delicious refresh- 

 ment, and that it is a universal delight. 



4th. That it is a diet most of all favorable to mental activity, 

 and contributing, in a high degree, to liveliness of spirits and 

 serenity of mind. 



And, besides these reasons for its more extended culture and 

 use, it should be observed, that, as fruit is thus the principal 

 food of a highly-cultivated, refined, and paradisiacal state of 

 society, it will be more and more in demand continually ; and 

 the wise agriculturist and thrifty farmer will find his account 

 in making large plantations of various fruits. In New England, 

 fruits of all kinds, save apples, are still extremely scarce and 

 high; and even this more common fruit, the year preceding, 

 was beyond the reach of the great mass of people. During 

 the last year, and in fact we may say in most years, peaches in 

 this part of the country are by the many wholly unattainable as 

 an article of regular common food, however they may be in New 

 Jersey and its highly-blessed neighborhood; and at no time 

 can eatable pears be purchased in our market save at most 

 exorbitant prices. And yet there is no reason why, in heavy, 

 clayey soils, properly drained and manured, — for such soils 



