STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 117 



needs further trial. Concord and Isabella, both late and not of 

 the best quality. 



Foreign grapes shown were the Black Hamburgh, Muscat Ham- 

 burgh, Red Chasselas, White Muscat. Chasselas Musque, Early 

 White Chasselas. 



Much interest was manifested in the fruit by all who were pres- 

 ent, and none appeared reluctant to test its qualities for desert, 

 when an opportunity was given. It is to be hoped that hereafter 

 this feature of the winter meetings will receive more attention^ 

 and that time will be taken for full discussion of varieties. 



ON THE KEEPING OF FRUIT. 



BY GEO. E. BRACKETT, OF BELFAST. 



[The following paper, designed for presentation at the Winter Meeting, (though not 

 etrictly connected with any subject assigned for consideration,) was omitted for want of 

 time. — G. B. s.] 



The State of Maine- is undoubtedly specially adapted to the 

 raising of some kinds of fruits, prominent among which is the 

 apple, which seems to be particularly suited to our soil and 

 climate and grows to perfection upon our rolling uplands and our 

 rocky hillsides. In no other State in the Union can better apples 

 be grown. California may produce monstrosities in size, but they 

 lack flavor; other States may grow larger and more beautiful 

 specimens, but they lack solidity, and soon decay, and New York, 

 and the other New England States may raise as good apples but 

 they cannot surpass us, for in flavor, solidity, and the keeping 

 qualities, Maine grown apples may well challenge the world. 



I do not propose to write an essay upon the apple or its culti- 

 vation, but to refer briefly to the question of its preservation after 

 »it is grown. It is said that it is a good thing to earn money but 

 a better thing to know how to take care of it ; so it is a good 

 thing to know how to raise apples but as good or a better thing 

 to know how to save them or keep them sound and fair until 

 wanted for the table or the market. Of course as apples are a 

 perishable crop, I do not mean to refer to keeping them longer 

 than the following crop is harvested, but to keeping them in good, 

 sound, fair, saleable condition until late in the spring and early 

 sunmier, when they are scarce and consequently bring high prices. 

 And of course I refer only to the winter varieties, Baldwin, Green- 

 ings, and allied sorts. 



