64 [Assembly 



It has happened that new varieties of fruit have been very confi- 

 dently recommended to the public by the producers, as possessing 

 every desirable quality, but which, after a fair trial, and the expen- 

 diture of considerable sums of money, have been unccrimoniously re- 

 jected, as decidedly inferior to many kinds already in cultivation. 

 In short it would appear that there are already too mai,y varieties 

 of some kinds of fruit under cultivation, and we should therefore 

 pause before admitting new kinds which have not been properly test- 

 ed; lest, by attempting to improve the quality and quantity of our 

 fruits, \ve should retrograde rather than advance toward perfection in 

 Horticulture. And the sauie remark will hold good of the indiscri- 

 minate distribution of grafts and buds, of which we have no means 

 of forming a correct judgment as respects their chaiacters. 



Mr. A. J. Downing, in his popular work, entitled " The Fruits 

 and Fruit Trees of America," very justly observes, that " the novice 

 plants and carefully watches his hundred seedling Pippins, to find at 

 last, perhaps, ninety-nine worthless or indifferent apples. It appears 

 to him a lottery, in which there are too many blanks to the prizes. 

 He therefore wisely resorts to the more certain mode of grafting 

 from WELL KNOWN and esteemed sorts." 



These remarks are not intended to discourage the distribution of 

 choice grafts and buds which have been properly tested by judicious 

 and experienced Horticulturists, but that inconsiderate spirit which 

 would accept every thing offered, merely because it is new. 



In conclusion, I must confess that I feel an honest pride in being 

 able to report so favorably of the Twentieth Annual Fair, which, 

 when contrasted with the first I superintended, seven years ago, is as 

 a full honey-comb to a single cell. My age and infiunity forbid me 

 to promise much for the future; I trust, however, that if I am not 

 spared another year, you will find a subtitute, who, like the " busy 

 bee," will, after luxuriating on the sweets of the garden, enter your 

 National Hive, and afford gratifying proofs of his industry. Future 

 generations will thus be stimulated to exertion and diligence in the 

 cause of Terraculture, until its importance is acknowledged and its 

 influence is felt throughout the extent of our confederation. 

 All which is respectfully submitted. 

 By your faithful friend, 



THOMAS BRIDGEMAN. 



Jfew-York, JYovcmber 1, 1817. 



