ORCHARDS. 



103 



been published in the several volumes of the Agricul- 

 ture of Massachusetts ; from these much that is valuable 

 may be gathered. Most individuals who have planted 

 an orchard have made some mistakes, either in their 

 mode of planting, the selection of a location, or subse- 

 quent management. These mistakes they have stated 

 to warn others that they may avoid the same. To 

 those about to plant an orchard, I would say, consider 

 well the subject before you begin ; you are about to 

 erect a moumcnt for several generations to come : if you, 

 and those who come after you do your duty, it will 

 stand firm for more than a century. Should a work of 

 this magnitude be commenced without due preparation? 

 The mere bringing together of all or many important 

 facts which have been well established by past experi- 

 ence of the most scientific cultivators of fruit, would 

 not be as satisfactory and convincing as for each 

 individual to collect for himself from the various sources 

 heretofore alluded to, and others which may be within 

 his reach, where he will find the facts and convincing 

 proof of these facts which could not be collected and 

 spread before you in this report. I cannot close with- 

 out particular reference to the excellent report of your 

 own Committee of last year, which contains much that 

 is worthy of careful consideration ; also to the report 

 of Mr. Ives of Salem, and the address of Marshall P. 

 Wilder, all of which may be found in the Agriculture 

 of Massachusetts. Examine them carefully and you 

 will be richly rewarded, one word more, learn to handle 

 an apple without bruising it, which is my first command- 

 ment. 



Respectfully for the Committee, 



JONAS A. MARSHALL, Chcdrman. 



