40 Reports of Committee*. 



as the home of good culturists and good fruit. It is well to notice, that, 

 in tier soil and situation she fulfills two important conditions, much urged, 

 just now, by pomologists. These are shelter from our severe winds, and a 

 supply of mineral properties in the soil. 



It is generally admitted that the soil best adapted to fruit is one rich in 

 mineral elements. All nitrogenous and stimulating manures induce a great 

 growth of wood, but do not furnish the necessary elements for the develop- 

 ment of perfect fruit. The famous vineyards of Europe, which grow such 

 wines as Johannisberg, and Lafitte, are planted in a soil where a decaying 

 shale furnishes the requisite mineral elements, and such a soil combines the 

 greatest possibilities in productiveness, with great durability ; growing ex- 

 cellent fruit for a long series of years, with little manure. The great Alle- 

 ghany slope, so admirably suited to fruit, is an instance in point. 



We see with regret that our Berkshire apple orchards are less produc- 

 tive than formerly, but Ave cannot afford to abandon them for that reason. 

 We have many insect enemies to conquer, but science moves, in entomolo- 

 gy at least, and we are slowly learning their history and habits, and the 

 means of preventing their ravages. It is strongly recommended for this 

 climate, to plant orchards much more closely than was formerly practiced, 

 as experience has shown that the trees are as great natural protection from 

 storms and wind. Soil and climate influence the varieties of all fruit so 

 greatly that much care is requisite in selecting those suited to any partic- 

 ular locality. Experience is the only test in this matter. Having chosen 

 from the lists of really good fruit those varieties which succeed upon our 

 soil, planted them upon thoroughly well prepared ground, given them pro- 

 tection — if no natural wind-bread of forest can be secured, by a hedge of 

 quick-growing evergreens — and after all this, watched over them with con- 

 stant carefulness, we may reasonably count upon a generous return. 



Your committee had the pleasure of deciding upon the merits of sDme 

 fine peaches grown in Sheffield. It is now stated that the destructive dis- 

 ease known as the yellows, which made a progress from Deleware to New 

 England, a quarter of a century ago, is disappearing, peach orchards being 

 in as good condition as before at the South, and it is hoped Massachusetts 

 may yet grow her own peaches as profusely as in the good old times. 



Fruit growers may well give more attention to the culture of the quince. 

 Jt is a valuable fruit for preserving, of superior flavor, and considered 

 especially healthful ; and as the demand exceeds the supply, prices are 

 high, and likely to continue so. 



Good pears, and grapes of the more hardy sorts, are fruits of such uni- 

 versal popularity as to need no recommendation to your attention. The 

 Bartlett, Seckle, and other well known pears are raised in perfection in this 

 vicinity, and the more delicate Ioua and Israella, Rebecca and Delaware 

 grapes, were exhibited, as well as the hardy Concord and Isabella. The 

 superb clusters of hot-house grapes shown by Mr. Maekie and Mr. Leavitt, 

 ought certainly to incite some proprietor to the erection of a grapery. A 

 fruit so delightful may be grown with comparative certainly in a cold 



