190 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 



In the main hall were tables of pears, grapes, and quinces, and 

 large collections of apples in the lecture hall. A noteworthy- 

 feature of this exhibition was the display of the "Peasgood's 

 Nonesuch" apple by Mrs. Harry F. Fay of Lexington, Mass. 

 This is an apple of English origin and averaged more than a pound 

 apiece. They were grown on dwarf stock and the crop this year 

 on one tree was 110 apples. There is no record of any previous 

 exhibition of this variety of apple. 



The good work done by this and other Societies in raisiiig the 

 requirements has largely eliminated the San Jose scale and dis- 

 couraged the display of fruit with other blemishes. 



We feel that this Society is falling behind and losing ground in 

 its present narrow views for the fruit schedule and exhibitions. 



The elimination of the third prize discourages the amateur and 

 other exhibitors from doing their best, for if they go to the expense 

 and labor of preparing an exhibit, be it a dish of twelve specimens 

 or a collection and are just a little behind second prize, their labor 

 and expense is in vain. 



We have had exhibitors who come here, took third prize, received 

 instruction and education, and went home encouraged to raise 

 such fine fruit that they could take first prize with credit. 



We also feel that the schedule of prizes should be arranged to 

 give the fruits and vegetables a just and honest share of the prize 

 money and not have their departments constantly reduced in 

 favor of another. 



All these and other things are against the broad policy established 

 bj^ the foimders of this grand old Society and are estranging not 

 only exhibitors but stanch members, whom we cannot afford to 

 lose if we desire to continue the beneficent work done in the years 

 gone by. 



Edward B. Wilder 1 Committee 

 William Downs V on 

 Ralph W. Rees ) Fruits. 



