JANUARY. 5 



greater if the English cuUivators were not so far behind us 

 in the introduction of new kinds. It is only a few years 

 since the finer pears of tlie Continent have found favor with 

 the British nurserymen ; and in consequence of such neglect 

 our American collections at the present moment are far more 

 extensive than any in that country, while the number of 

 sorts which have been fully proved is also far greater. Even 

 in Belgium there seems to be a lack of accurate observation 

 in the identification of synonyms ; for the same fruits are 

 figured and described in one of the most recent publications 

 under two or three different names. The absence of speci- 

 men trees, together with an enthusiasm in regard to the intro- 

 duction of new sorts, has led to this result, and it now re- 

 mains for us to detect and make known their errors, so preju- 

 dicial to the interests of all fruit growers and the reputation 

 of honest nurserymen. 



In our own country the organization of Local or State 

 Pomological Societies will be the means of assisting in the 

 important labor of establishing a correct nomenclature, and 

 disseminating information in regard to new seedlings, and 

 varieties of local reputation. Meetings were held the last 

 autumn in the West, fine collections of fruit exhibited, and 

 discussions elicited, which have tended to give additional in- 

 terest to the whole subject of fruit culture. These societies, 

 cooperating with the American Pomological Society, which 

 holds its next session in Rochester in 1856, will be the means 

 of drawing increased attention to the parent society, and of 

 enhancing the value of its labors. 



Looking at the results of the year in a practical view, we 

 may name the experiments of Mr. Simpson in grape culture 

 as deserving especial notice. Last year we alhided to his 

 success in producing two crops in one year from the same 

 vines ; since then, through his kindness, our readers have 

 been furnished with an article giving his entire routine of 

 treatment, showing the manner in which it was accom- 

 plished. To some of the older cultivators liis system ap- 

 peared ruinous, and a total destruction of the vines was con- 

 fidently anticipated. Such, however, has not taken place ; on 



