78 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



thus protracting for a long time the period of fruit, which quality, 

 with its remarkablj' fine style of growth, should recommend it to 

 every tree-planter. 



Mr. Goodale, in his report for 1864, already referred to, recom- 

 mends for cultivation in Maine, the following varieties : Of the 

 Duke cherries, the Mayduke, Reine Ilortcnse, Belle Magnifique 

 and Belle de Choisy. Of the Heart and Bigarreau varieties, the 

 Black Eagle, Coe's Transparent, Elton, Napoleon and White 

 Bigarreau. 



It is a noticeable fact that during the last ten years, in all the 

 treatises which have been read, and lengthy discussions which 

 have occurred in the Board of Agriculture on the subject of fruit 

 and its cultivation, no allusion is found to the cherry as a fruit 

 worthy of cultivation in Maine, excepting two or three brief notices 

 by the Secretary of the Board. 



The committee of this Society, whose report on a catalogue of 

 fruits for Maine was published in the Society's transactions for 

 1814, have recommended a list of 12 varieties of cherries. It will 

 be noticed that this list does not include certain varieties which 

 had been previously recommended for cultivation by some of our 

 leading writers on fruits adapted to our State. Doubtless a care- 

 ful experience with some of the kinds recommended in former 

 years, with close observation of their adaptability to our climate, 

 or some other sufficient reason, caused a modification of the judg- 

 ment of the committee regarding the kinds best suited to the cli- 

 mate and general conditions of soil and culture. This fact is men- 

 tioned as evidence of the liability we risk of changing our judg- 

 ments and preferences, and illustrates the force of the apostolic 

 injunction to "prove all things and hold fast to that which is good." 



The unexpected length to which this essay has extended, ad- 

 monishes me to draw towards a conclusion as speedily as possible. 

 In connection with the subject of " What kinds of cherries to 

 plant," I append a brief synopsis of the character of the several 

 kinds heretofore included in the Society's catalogue: 



1. Belle de Ghoiffy. Rather early, sub-acid, moderately pro- 

 ductive, but needs good cultivation. — Thomas. 



2. Black Heart. An old variety, better known than almost any 

 cherry in the country ; hardy, good flavor, very productive ; tree 

 grows to a large size. Fruit above medium ; skin glossy, dark 

 purple ; deep black when fully ripe. Flesh tender and juicy, with 



