36 [Assembly 



must be admitted that there was a falling off : the display of native 

 grapes was inferior, in quantity at least, to what has been seen on se- 

 veral occasions before ; but in regard to quality, the remark will not 

 hold so good, for some specimens were of great excellence. Of for- 

 eign grapes the number was unusually large, and of very superior 

 quality. The display of pears far exceeded any thing of the kind 

 ever seen here before. The number of varieties was very large, in- 

 cluding all the choicest kinds in cultivation, and among them many 

 of luscious appearance, which was far from being deceptive. This 

 iJioice fruit is receiving increased attention, and deservedly so ; but 

 we are still far behind many of our sister states in the cultivation of 

 this and some other superior fruits. One would suppose that the juicy, 

 melting pulp and delicious flavor of the Beurre and other choice pears 

 would recommend them to general favor, and assuredly will when they 

 become better known among us. Of apples there was also a large dis- 

 play, among them many choice varieties, including some of mammoth 

 size ; and also some fine seedlings, and some said to be seedlings 

 which were not. Peaches, plums, nectarines, and other dainties must 

 be passed over with a mere mention of there name. When the fruit 

 from the Pomological convention was brought in, which, however, did 

 not embrace half that was seen there, the sight presented was exceed- 

 ingly grand. 



In this connection, a brief allusion to the Pomological convention 

 will not, perhaps, be considered out of place. This proved to be 

 much larger than was anticipated, though it was known that considera- 

 ble interest had been manifested in regard to it in various sections of 

 the country. The objects for which it was got up were such as to re- 

 commend them to the attention of the public generally, and it was 

 thought would be especially appreciated by fruit growers and amateurs 

 in every part of the country ; and the event proved this to be true. 

 The interest felt in this subject was deep and wide spread, and dele- 

 gates and others came from the most distant parts of the Union, bring- 

 ing with them specimens of the choicest varieties of fruit grown in 

 their neighborhood, and the result was the most magnificent display 

 of fruit that eye ever beheld, and of which mere words are totally in- 

 adequate to give any proper conception. The proceedings of the con- 

 vention were characterized by a commendable spirit of harmony and 

 good feeling, and each member seemed more than satisfied with the 

 addition made to his knowledge of fruits and the culture. 



