REPORTS. 



REPORT ON FRUIT. 



Your commit! ee were somewhat disappointed in the display of 

 fruit, as it was rather inferior to that of some former years. This 

 may be accounted for b}- several reasons. Foremost among these 

 causes is the effect which the long drought of the summer has brought 

 about, and which rendered the choice of selection much more limited. 

 The number of exhibitors was small ; the largest exhibit entered for 

 premiums was that of Mr. Dillon which numbered forty-eight plates. 



While your committee would commend the interest taken in this 

 line by the exhibitors, we would offer some criticism, and this criti- 

 cism only that it may aid future exhibitors in their preparation and 

 make the displays more instructive to fruit growers. We must first 

 take into account the fundamental idea of ottering premiums, namely 

 the instruction and benefit of those engaged in the industry. The 

 Hampshire society offers such prizes as shall encourage the produc- 

 tion of better fruit. Probably never has the effort of him who raises 

 a strictly first-class article been better repaid than at the present 

 day. Such fruit is not only ornamental to our tables but sure of sale 

 at profitable prices. 



One of the first things that attracted our attention was the large 

 number of plates bearing no names. Now this state of affairs is 

 wrong. One interested in fruit culture might just as well view a 

 fancy exhibit, as far as gaining knowledge is concerned, as to look 

 at a fine plate of fruit bearing no name. In case the spectator is 

 sufficiently familiar with the specimen to know its name, he also 

 would be familiar enough with its character and qualities so as to 

 need no encouragement in its production. He is probably a man 

 who is aware of its value and already grows it. Hence no one is 

 benefited by the display. To clearly see how this neglected phase 

 would set off a table of fruit, one had but to view the exhibit of the 

 Massachusetts Agricultural College where each plate was labeled. 



