25 



REPORT ON FRUIT TREES. 



The Committee on Fruit Trees have to report but one entry 

 for their examination during the season. On the 18th of Septem- 

 ber, notice was received from the Secretary that Joseph H. Bil- 

 lings, Esq., of West Roxbury, had invited the Committee to 

 examine his pear orchard, with reference to the premium of the So- 

 ciety. The Committee Avere notified to meet at the residence of 

 Mr. Billings, on the 25th of September, and though the day 

 proved rainy, there was but one absence. They spent about three 

 hours among his trees, with much interest and profit; noticing all 

 the particulars of soil, planting, pruning, manuring and culture, 

 which have resulted in the thrifty and beautiful trees now enrich- 

 ing the grounds of Mr. Billings. 



There are nearly four hundred trees ; not planted together, but 

 occupying different positions on the grounds, suited to the soil and 

 exposure. The attention of the Committee was especially attracted 

 by the strong and vigorous habit of the trees, and by their sym- 

 metry of shape. The form is pyramidal ; commencing to branch 

 about a foot from the ground, they are filled to the very tops with 

 strong, healthy wood, — not crowded and interlaced, — but open to 

 receive the full benefit of the sun, and at the same time shading 

 the trunk from its too intense rays, and thus, perhaps, preventing 

 the '• Blight ;" not more than two or three instances of which were 

 visible in this whole collection of trees. 



The Committee are able to account for the thriftiness of these 

 trees in the following manner : — 



1st. They are not crowded together ; but are allowed room to 

 feel the full eifects of the sun on their tops, and the full benefit of 

 the soil on their roots. A great mistake is made in crowding 

 trees too closely together. With some, the rule is, to plant trees 

 on the quince eight feet apart ; but when they feel the effect of 

 the pear roots, and begin to spread, every other tree must be sac- 

 rificed. In our opinion, the distance apart, even for those on the 

 quince, should not be less than twelve feet. 2d. For the most 

 part, the soil is trenched and drained, — thus deepened and pul- 

 verized ; and sweetened by the removal of all superfluous moist- 

 ure, it is prepared to ensure a healthy and vigorous growth. 

 3d. The Committee are inclined to attribute, in no small degree, 

 the healthiness and beauty of these trees to the system of pruning 

 adopted. They have been under the care of Mr. Robert Watt, 

 of West Roxbury, who has exercised great skill and care in their 

 culture. Mr. Watt seems fully aware of the advantages gained 

 by the pyramidal growth of the pear ; — he relieves the tree of 

 ail superfluous wood, shortens in the last year's growth, especially 



