140 [Assembly 



"We did not intend by the exhibition to enter into competition with 

 others for the prizes; our object was two-fold, to test the genuine- 

 ness of some of our own apples by comparison with eastern speci- 

 mens of the same varieties; and to enable the numerous visitors at 

 the Fair to judge of the size and quality of our western fruit. But 

 if by the rules of the Institute we are found entitled to the premium 

 we shall highly appreciate it, as a compliment to the excellence of 

 our Ohio apples. 



The specimens exhibited by us were obtained in part from our 

 own trees, and partly from the orchards of two amateur cultivators 

 in our neighborhood. As to these last we can only state in general 

 terms, that by a moderate winter pruning, the trees have handsome 

 well formed heads, are thrifty; the soil is sandy with a slight mix- 

 ture of loam; land occasionally cultivated, and but little manured. 

 Neither fhey nor ourselves raise any apples for the market, there- 

 fore of the amount raised, expense, or profit, we can give no account. 

 Our own trees are planted along the walks in our nursery, and are 

 cultivated to test the accuracy of the fruit, and furnish scions for 

 grafting; soil, deep rich loam; land constantly cultivated. Our pru- 

 ning is done the latter part of winter or early in the spring. We 

 aim to give each tree a handsome open head. In the spring we rub 

 the trunk of the tree with soft soap. 



We ought to add, that of all the varieties exhibited we have 

 grafted trees in our nursery of suitable size for transplanting. Our 

 soil and climate are highly favorable to the culture of fruit. The ap- 

 ple, cherry, and peach are extensively cultivated in this vicinity, and 

 large quantities are annually exported. 



Very respectfully. 



Your ob't servants, 



McINTOSH & CO. 



QUINCES. 



Worcester, Mass., JYov. 23d, 1846. 



Sir: — I have received your communication apprising me that I 

 was awarded a premium for the best assortment of quinces exhibi/cd 

 at the late Arnual Fair, and also making inquiries with regard to 



