FRUIT committee's repokt. 35 



in quality, that the Committee has sometimes labored under considerable em- 

 barrissnient in making up their awards, an embarrassment that has been in- 

 creased by the fact, that all the contributions for a particular premium are not 

 always made on the same day. Under these circumstances, it may have 

 happened that the Committee have in some instances failed to do that which 

 they desired and intended in every case, equal and exact justice to all. 



An over supply of fruit has produced its natural effect upon the market, and 

 caused prices for it to rule very low. This over supply, exceeding the demand, 

 is probably to be mainly attributed to the most abundant crop, and cannot be, 

 so far as this is the cause, permanent in its effects; but it may be that it arises 

 in pirt from the fact that the great number of trees, especially of pears, and 

 in pears was this excess most apparent, set out during the last few years, are 

 now coming into bearing, and that it is their product that is creating a supply 

 beyond the wants of (he public. If this is so, if it should prove to be the 

 case that the raising of fruit has been overdone in this vicinity, the natural 

 consequence of an excess in production, low prices, must be expected to pre- 

 vail, and no great recovery tiierefrom anticipated until an equality in produc- 

 tion and consumption is restored by a diminution of the former or an increaae 

 of the latter. 



With these observations, and the announcement of their awards of premi- 

 ums that are hereto subjoined, tiie Committer liave, with the termination of the 

 period for which they were elected, arrived at the termination of their duties. 



For the Committee, 



JOSEPH S. CABOT, Chairman. 



Boston, December 20, 18G2. . 



