2 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



We next passed down to the rear of the house, (taking a glance in pissing at 

 the strawberry beds, of Jenny Lind) to the farm proper, as it plight ahnost be 

 called, though seventeen acres comprise the whole extent ; here we noted 

 luxuriant grass and other signs of industry, thrift, and energy, for the Doctor 

 had been out at four o'clock in the morning mowing. At the lower end 

 quite a little pond had been excavated, giving a small sheet of water, bordered 

 with shrubbery; and a small boat upon it, with pond lilies and decoy ducks, 

 added a variety to the surroundings. With so much to praise and commend, 

 and such evidences of industry and zeal, we must be excused for saying the 

 Doctor's skill in pomology and pear growing was not so apparent ; we must 

 condemn growing pear trees in grass ground, and should recommend more 

 attention to shortening in and pruning; want of time, might well be alleged, 

 as the Doctor keeps but one man permanently, and having two glass houses, 

 and now putting up a third of considerable size, we apprehend he will soon 

 find his labor so increased as to demand more help, or else he must make a 

 toil of pleasure, besides seeing something neglected. 



Having passed a little over three hours very pleasantly, we returned home 

 by the upper route, more satisfied than ever of the pleasure and satisfaction it 

 gives to those who have labored in the garden with zeal, to have their premises 

 inspected officially ; and duly appreciated. 



On the last day of August the Committee visited, by invitation, the Fruit 

 garden and nursery of Mr. Hervey Davis of Cambridge, and also the garden 

 of Mr. P. Brown Hovey, and the nurseries of Messrs. Hovey & Co. Mr. 

 Davis has of late been a successful competitor for our prizes, and de- 

 serves much credit for his zeal and enterprise in pear culture, but like most 

 amateurs (as well as veterans) will probably be disappointed in some of hia 

 sanguine hopes and aspirations. A visit to his acre patch in the rear of hia 

 store discloses a rich piece of soil, (where an old stable formerly stood), well 

 stocked with very thrifty nursery trees, some of which (Diels,) had made a 

 growth of over seven feet the present season on the centre leader; this ram- 

 pant growth may answer for sale trees, but if designed for fruiting where they 

 stand, it Avould be better to cut out the centre leader and give strength to the 

 side limbs, and more spread to the tree. Further back were older trees in 

 bearing, generally thrifty, but in some parts showing sadly the effects of the 

 drought; among the larger sorts we noticed the "Doyenn6 Boussock," the 

 " De Tongres " and " Beurr6 Clairgeau," all of large size and great beauty, 

 and we could only regret the quality of these varieties did not correspond 

 with their good looks. All around the sides of the acre patch, (except the 

 south side) were trained neatly to trellises, about eight to ten feet high, grape 

 vines of different varieties, of which a member of our Committee (Mr. Strong, 

 who has made the grape somewhat a specialty) took the following notes, 

 "^r. Davis has shown special interest in grape culture. On the north and 

 west line of his lot he has planted all the popular, new, and older varieties, 

 training them upon an upright trellis, in front of his h'gh protecting fence. 



