54 



and the other twelve varieties, the twelfth variety four' 

 bunches on a vine, after removing this vine and leaving 

 eleven varieties in each exhibit, the two plates were to the 

 minds of the committee of equal merit, and the conclusion 

 was that the first premium should be divided equally be- 

 tween the two. But the officers decided that this could not 

 be done. So one was given the first premium and the other 

 the same amount as a gratuity. To avoid another occurrence 

 of this kind we would advise that this article be changed 

 that the collection of grapes shall he placed on plates of the 

 several varieties of two hunches each, not less than six vari- 

 eties (instead of ten as now) be required. 



We have many grape growers who could compete with- 

 six varieties, and but very few who could show ten. 



Peaches. We were pleased to see so good a display of 

 geedling peaches, and in this connection we would like to- 

 be informed whether Essex County seedling means any 

 seedling peach raised in Essex County or a particular va- 

 riety, which has been shown at former fairs and claimed 

 that name. We are of the opinion that no one variety 

 should be allowed that sweeping claim. 



Quinces. The exhibits were few and all of the orange- 

 variety. It appears to be an off year, either for quinces or 

 quince growers. 



Plums. The exhibit of plums was also small, but there- 

 was one exhibit by,,Mr. Knight, of Byfield, as gieen gages^ 

 but according to the books does not answer the description 

 of that variety, being smaller, lighter color, earlier and 

 sweeter than the green gage at that season of the year.- 

 It is a fruit of superior excellence and well worthy of the 

 society's attention. 



We were early taught that "Eternal Vigilance was the- 

 price of Liberty." In later years we have found that the 

 same is true in regard to the price of Marketable Fruit. 



We fear that many of our fruit growers have let their' 

 pruning shears rust from want of use. We are aware that 



