Cornell Univer.

istory and progress of the Massachusett

ii

HISTORY AND PROGRESS

OF THE

MASSACHUSETTS

State Hoard of Agriculture

FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF A CENTURY,

WITH A

REPORT ON FRUITS,

AT THE ANNUAL MEETING, FEB. 5, 1878.

BY

MARSHALL P. WILDER.

1878.

BOSTON :
Band, Abery, & Co., Printers to the Commontocalth,

117 FRANKLIN STREET.

1878.

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HISTORY AND PROGRESS

OF THE

MASSACHUSETTS

State Board of Agriculture

FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF A CENTURY,

WITIT A

REPORT ON FRUITS,

AT THE ANNUAL MEETING, FEB. 5, 1878.

BY

MARSHALL P. WILDER.
Z a ee

1878.

BOSTON :
Band, Avery, & Co., Printers to the Commontocalth,

117 FRANKLIN STREET.

1878.
a)

HISTORY AND PROGRESS OF THE BOARD.

BY MARSHALL P. WILDER.

GENTLEMEN, — With the close of this session, the first
quarter of a century in the history of the Massachusetts
Board of Agriculture will have terminated. -In view of this
fact, and also that only one member of the original Board,
and Secretary Flint, are present with us on this occasion,
and that he who now addresses you will soon be numbered
among those who will have passed beyond the river, to work
with you no more, I have thought it proper to submit a few
thoughts in regard to the history and progress of the Board,
although at the risk of repeating some things I may have
stated before. The results of our labors are so fully set
forth in the beginning of the Secretary’s Report, and in former
reports, as scarcely to need an additional remark, except by
way of confirmation. And what I shall say, I beg may not
be considered as valedictory for myself or for the Board:
God only knows when the time shall arrive for the utterance
of these. As for the Board, we believe it will speak for
itself for many years to come.

Anterior to its establishment, very little united action had
taken place between the agricultural societies of our own or
other States of the Union for the purpose of creating State
Boards of Agriculture. But the example of Massachusetts
and a few other States produced a change in public sentiment,
which has resulted in great improvement. True, there were
agricultural societies in many of our States, some of which
still live ina green old age, and are actively at work with us;
but there were no State Boards of Agriculture, with represen-
tatives, constituting, as they now do, departments for great
agricultural influence and importance. It is also true that
there were many illustrious examples of men, who, as pio-
neers, were endeavoring to establish the importance of sci-
ence as especially applicable to agriculture: but it was not

4

until the appointment of Henry Colman of Massachusetts as
a State Commissioner in 1886 that such improvement took
definite shape; and, notwithstanding his reports were sus-
pended in 1840, they are now regarded as treasures of great
practical knowledge, especially those in regard to the charac-
ter of our soils, the reclamation of waste lands, and the adapta-
tion of crops. These awakened a more thorough examination:
into the subject; and the seed then sown finally germinated,
and produced the Central Board of Agriculture. This was
organized March 20, 1851, Marshall P. Wilder as president,
Henry W. Cushman and John W. Lincoln as vice-presidents,
Allen W. Dodge corresponding, and Edgar K. Whitaker
recording secretaries, with three delegates from each of the
incorporated societies. Ata meeting of the Central Board
of Agriculture, Jan. 14, 1852, it was resolved to petition the
Legislature in the following resolution :—

‘* Resolved, That, inasmuch as agriculture is the chief occupation of
her citizens, the Commonwealth, in the organization of her government,
should be provided with a department of agriculture, with offices com-
mensurate with the importance of the duties to be discharged, and the
labors to be performed.”

This action resulted in the establishment of the present
State Department, which succeeded the Central Board of
Agriculture.

This Act was passed in the session of 1852; and Mr. Flint
entered upon his duties as Secretary of the Board in Febru-
ary, 1858, which office he has filled with signal ability and
fidelity for a quarter of a century, and with honor to the
Commonwealth, having fully justified the unqualified in-
dorsement of Hon. Edward Everett, president of Harvard
College at the time of his graduation, who earnestly recom-
mended him for election.

One of the best things which Massachusetts has ever done
to advance the cause of agriculture was the creation of this
Department of Agriculture, and locating the office of the sec-
retary at the Capitol. This has been a source of great con-
venience to the public, as reliable information can there be
obtained from the best sources, and where the secretary is
always at his post. This centre of information has become
of great importance, where persons have been put in com-

5

munication with one another, so as to be able to obtain par-
ticular classes of stock, positions on farms as foremen, &c.
It is a convenience to both parties. This, in future, will be
more recognized and appreciated.

By the Act constituting the State Board, all the duties
which had been performed by the secretary of state in
regard to agricultural matters now devolved on the secre-
tary of the Board of Agriculture. This new and independ-
ent system of operations was established, whereby the
secretary became the chief officer and organ of the Board,
on whom has devolved ever since the duty of digesting the
returns of the societies, and of preparing the annual volume
of the department. Thus the Board became the organ of
the farming community, being placed near and connected
with the government; so that the whole legislation in refer-
ence to bounties, premiums, and general agricultural inter-
ests of the State, has been controlled or influenced by the
department; and thus by its operations it was also brought
into friendly communication and reciprocal relations with
the various local agricultural associations of the Common-
wealth and country, dispensing to them, and receiving in
return, valuable information for the benefit of the public.

Few are aware of the salutary influences which the Mas-
sachusetts Board of Agriculture has exercised on the farming
community and the public mind during the period of its
existence. An entire and complete change has taken place
in public opinion with regard to the paramount importance
of agricultural education. There are some here who remem-
ber, at the time of the organization of the Board, the great
prejudice which existed against what was then termed “book
farming ;”’ and there were but few papers or periodicals that
would boldly stand forth as champions of the cause.

But, amidst all the discouragements, here were sustained
and cherished the first general efforts for the establishment of
an agricultural college, now so favorably known and appre-
ciated; and here, ever since, it has been fostered and encour-
aged as one of the most important branches of edncation,
receiving the patronage of the government, and good will of
the people. Almost an entire revolution has taken place in
the received principles and practices of cultivation during the
existence of the Board; and much of this can be traced to

6

the investigations of its members and the publication of
their experience, thus not only teaching each other, but mak-
ing the knowledge of one the property of all.

And here it may be stated, that, twenty-five years ago, the
agricultural literature of the country was far from being
creditable to us. Most of the works of ability were reprints
of English publications, and were not generally read, or
adapted to our location. The Board has contributed largely
to the improvement of the agricultural literature of the
country, raising it to a much higher standard of merit, until
now it stands on a par with that of any other science.

Among the labors of the Board it should also be remem-
bered that it early instituted an elaborate series of farm
experiments.

It originated the law for the protection of sheep, which
has also been adopted by many other States.

It effected legislation for the organization and encourage-
ment of farmers’ clubs, which are now so popular and useful.

Twenty years ago it was difficult to get an audience of
farmers to listen to the most distinguished scientific men,
like Agassiz and Johnson: now farmers will go great dis-
tances to hear lectures from such men upon agriculture.

It originated the law for the inspection of fertilizers, and
appointed the State agricultural chemist.

And, as a crowning glory, it arrested the progress of that
dreadful scourge, the pleuro-pneumonia, and extirpated it from
our State. Had it not been for the united and persistent
action of the Board, it probably would here, as in Europe,
have devastated not only our own, but other States, at a loss
of hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars. But
who that is cognizant of these facts can doubt that this action
of the Board with reference to that disease was worth more
to the State and the country than many times the cost of
our department from the beginning, or the expenses of sus-
taining it longer than any of us shall live?

In regard to the influence of the Board, we have a striking
illustration of the power of association as stated by Mr.
Webster. “The great truth of the present generation,”
said he, ‘‘is that public improvements are brought about by
voluntary combinations and associations.” So it has been in
the operations of this Board.

7

It has brought together from time to time a band of the
most intelligent, practical, and scientific co-workers that the
State possessed ; and it is to this centralization that we are
much indebted for the progress we have made. If any one
doubts this, let him examine the reports of the Secretary for
the last quarter of a century, and I think he will have his
doubts removed.

With the Report now in press there will have been pub-
lished twenty-five yearly volumes, containing more than
sixteen thousand pages of matter pertaining to agriculture
and kindred pursuits, including numerous engravings of
cattle, horses, swine, farm-implements, and other illustrations,
some of which are of high character as works of art.

These annual volumes, embracing in all an issue of more
than two hundred and fifty thousand copies, have gone forth
not only to the farmers of this Commonwealth, but have
been distributed throughout our own and foreign lands.
They constitute a comprehensive library in themselves,
embracing essays, reports, and discussions on almost every
subject in agriculture, and are eagerly sought for with every
issue.

These reports have greatly promoted the objects for which
the Board was established, and extended its influence far
and wide. No similar publication, within my knowledge,
contains more practical and useful information: for farmers.
Complete sets have already become valuable, and are more and
more appreciated. By these reports young men have been stim-
ulated to become farmers; and by the example of the Board,
and the correspondence of its members, other States have been
led to establish State Boards of Agriculture on our plan.

Nor must it be forgotten, that, from the first, the Massa-
chusetts State Board have been the firm friends of agricul-
tural education, and have always co-operated heartily for the
advancement and welfare of the Agricultural College, whose
influence is now beginning to be felt, not only at home, but
in the far-off islands of Japan, where, to the honor of our
Commonwealth, William 8. Clark, the President of her Agri-
cultural College, has erected the first agricultural college
of Japan, and installed in its faculty (under the auspices
of that nation) a president and two professors, all of whom
were graduates of the Massachusetts Agricultural College.

8

Gentlemen, I have spoken with freedom; for I have
co-operated with this Board from its inception, and am
familiar with its operations. I have ever felt a deep interest
in the agriculture of Massachusetts, especially in the welfare
and usefulness of this department; and I think facts fully
substantiate the statements I have made. I have therefore
thought it but just to submit to you my views in regard to
what it has accomplished in the first quarter of a century
of its existence. This I have done without any intention of
magnifying its importance, and only for the purpose of ren-
dering justice to those who assisted in laying its foundations,
and also to those who have labored with us for its advance-
ment. Most of its progenitors have been removed from their
earthly mission. Only one of thé original members (he who
now addresses you) and Mr. Secretary Flint are now con-
nected with the Board. Nearly all the rest of the twenty
original members constituting the Board have passed away.
If any think I have spoken too favorably of the Board, or
what it has accomplished in the first twenty-five years of its
existence, let them compare the condition of agriculture at the
time of its organization with the subsequent improvement, in
well-defined and systematic knowledge, of the present day.

When we consider the embarrassments which most institu-
tions have to labor under in their early history, I think we
may regard the operations of the Board as reasonably suc-
cessful. Our movements are in the right direction; and, in
the future as in the past, time will greatly promote the pros-
perity and wealth of the State.

For myself, I desire to be thankful that I have been per-
mitted to witness the progress already made by the Board.
Soon all of those who were banded together at its organiza-
tion will have ceased from their labors on earth; but I rejoice
that I have lived to see the doubts and opposition of that day
pass away, and the Board receive, as it does, the public favor
and the fostering care of the government. But we cannot
stop here. Much has been accomplished ; but greater results
are to be attained. We have but just entered the field which
Massachusetts is to occupy in the successful cultivation of
her lands; and we confidently believe the time may not be
distant when science shall have improved the arts of cultiva-
tion to its utmost extent, and we shall better understand the

9

laws which govern it; when, by a better knowledge of the
constituents and capacities of our lands, a proper division
of labor, a wise selection of crops and the constituents for
fertilizing them, we may be enabled to compete favorably
with the richer lands of the West.

This review of our work should be satisfactory. Much of
our progress is the result of individual exertion; but, after all,
the grand motive-power is associated effort. Let us, then,
take fresh courage, and work right onward for the advance-
ment of our cause, thus receiving and disseminating infor-
mation for the benefit of all; and as you come up from
year to year, from all parts of our Commonwealth, with the
results of your observation and experience, may you have
the satisfaction of believing that you have done and are
doing something to increase the wealth, happiness, and pros-
perity of the people of our beloved Commonwealth.

On motion of Major PHINNEY, it was unanimously

Voted, That the thanks of the Board be presented to Col.’
Wiper for the highly interesting facts in regard to the
history and the operations of the Board for the last quarter
of a century.

REPORT ON FRUITS.

BY MARSHALL P. WILDER.

In accordance with the request of the Board, I have the
pleasure to submit the following Report. Although it has
been generally considered that the climate of Massachusetts
is somewhat unfavorable to the cultivation of fruits, except-
ing the apple, it is found that the enterprise and indomitable
perseverance of her sons compel her unfertile soil to yield
some of the finest fruits that are produced in any part of the
world ; and it is safe to say, that nowhere else in the Union
are finer specimens of the apple, the pear, the strawberry,
and occasionally other fruits, to be seen, than at the exhibi-
tions of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. By the
enterprise and perseverance of the cultivators of Massachu-
setts, many of the most popular varieties in our country have
been raised from seed, constituting some of the most desira-
ble sorts for wide and general cultivation.

With the close of this year, half a century will have
passéd since the organization of the Massachusetts Horticul-
tural Society, from which has emanated, more than from
any other source, the remarkable extension of fruit-culture
which now permeates and enriches our whole land. In few
things is progress more apparent than in the advancement of
pomological knowledge on this continent. I have on many
occasions spoken of this; but I have thought it might not
be inappropriate, now, at the close of the first quarter of a
century in the history and operations of this Board, to allude
again to the remarkable

EXTENSION OF FRUIT-CULTURE, AND THE IMMENSE CROPS OF OUR
COUNTRY.

At the time of the organization of that society, the cul-
tivation of fruits for the market, or for exportation, was
limited to a few States. In the year 1816, Mr. Coxe, the first

11

great American pomologist, thought the fine apple-growing
section bounded by the Mohawk River in the North, and the
James River in the South. Fruit-growing in this State was
confined principally to apples and peaches. But very few of
the latter found their way to the markets of the North; while
strawberries and other small fruits were scarcely to be seen,
except in the locality where they were raised.

Now the culture of fruits has extended from Canada to
the Gulf of Mexico, and from the Atlantic to the Pacific
coast. Almost every steamer from New York for Liverpool
or London, in the fall and winter months, takes apples, vary-
ing from five hundred to three thousand barrels. Shipments
have been made from other ports; and, as late as last May,
there were fifteen hundred barrels sent to England from
Philadelphia. In December last, ninety thousand barrels of
American apples were landed at Liverpool. These exports
have varied much in yearly amounts, occasioned by scarce or
abundant seasons. In 1861 the amount was only $269,000;
in 1871 it was $509,000; while for the year ending June 380,
1877, it amounted to $2,937,025,— as kindly furnished me
by Dr. Young, chief of the Bureau of Statistics — showing
an increase of more than five hundred per cent in five years.
Very little difficulty is experienced in the winter months; but
arrangements have been made to ship in warm weather by
vessels with refrigerator compartments.

As the refrigerating process becomes more and more per-
fect, it will aid largely the exportation, not only of apples,
but of more delicate fruits. Pears, peaches, and grapes have
been sent to England in good order; and it is confidently
expected that American peaches will soon be well known in
the markets of England.

How great the progress! Massachusetts, in fruit-culture
as well as in other departments of educational and industrial
life, has been a great leader; and from her has emanated, in
the early history of American pomology, more than from any
other source, the wide-spread interest that has distinguished
our land.

Now Canada, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Kansas, Nebras-
ka, California, Oregon, and other new States and Territories,
where the cultivation of fruits had scarcely commenced
when this Board was established, have made exhibitions of

12

fruit at the various sessions of the American Pomological
Society in Richmond, Boston, Chicago, and at the Centen-
nial, which have astonished the world with the progress made.
Thirty years ago, when this society was formed, the area of
fruit-culture and the value of our fruits was so limited, that
it was not thought worth while to collect the statistics.
Then many States, Canada, and Nova Scotia, had given but
little attention to fruit-culture, except that of apples. These
and other sections were deemed too far north for successful
fruit-cultivation. Now they produce large quantities of fine
fruits, even in the cold northern regions; the Nova-Scotia
Society having received four medals from the Royal Horti-
cultural Society in London, and the Ontario Society, at the
quarter Centennial session in Boston in 1878, the Wilder
Medal, for the best collection of fruits.

The estimate by the government for the Centennial, last
year, furnished the following statistics of the fruit-culture of
our country : —

The number of acres under cultivation in orchards, vines,
and small fruits, is estimated at 4,500,000. The number of
trees is estimated as follows, — apples, 112,000,000; pears,
28,260,000 ; peaches, 112,270,000; grapes, 141,260,000: total,
393,790,000. The estimated value of fruit products is, —
apples, $50,400,000 ; pears, $14,130,000; peaches, $56,135,000 ;
grapes, $2,118,900; strawberries, $5,000,000; other fruits,
#10,432,800: making a grand total of $188,216,700, or nearly
equal to one-half of the value of our average wheat-crop.
California, to say nothing of figs, oranges, olives, and almonds,
has sixty thousand acres of vineyards, and forty-three mil-
lions of vines, yielding annually, besides grapes and raisins for
the market, ten millions of gallons of wines; to which may be
added the wines of Missouri, Ohio, and other States; the
whole annual wine product being fifteen millions of gallons.

The following are a few illustrations of the immense quan-
tities of fruits which are sent to market in addition to what
is consumed at home : —

Of strawberries there were received in one day in the
New-York market, at the height of the season, from all
sources, seven thousand crates,— more than ten thousand
bushels. The crop of peaches raised in this country is so
enormous, that we hardly dare state the quantity. The

13

largest crop was in 1875; and, on the peninsula of Delaware
and Maryland alone, it was estimated at between seven mil-
lion and eight million baskets.

From California there were sent East, in 1876, three
hundred and thirty-four car-loads of fruit, of four hundred
bushels each.

The increase of strawberry culture in the vicinity of
Norfolk, Va., is astonishing, completely heading the page of
horticultural progress. The shipments this year have been
over three millions of quarts. There were nearly ten thou-
sand pickers in the field in one day. One grower had a hun-
dred and eighty-five acres. To Boston alone there have
been shipped this year 11,547 crates, of. forty-five quarts
each, or more than sixteen thousand bushels.

The increase in the crops of apples in New York, Michi-
gan, and the more Western States, is wonderful.

From New York it is estimated, that, in abundant years,
a million and a half of barrels are exported in addition to
those consumed at home. One county, it is said, received
one million a year of dollars for apples sold: a single firm at
Boston receives from that State from thirty thousand to forty
thousand barrels of apples per year.

The immense collection of fruit shown at the Centennial
Exposition last year, surpassing even the great exhibitions
of the American Pomological Society at Boston and Chicago,
deserves mention here. One of the judges writes me, “I
know that the judges examined over twelve thousand dishes
of fruit during the week, commencing the 10th of September ;
and I have no doubt that the entire exhibition during the
season reached the grand number of over sixty thousand
dishes and over four hundred thousand specimens.”

In view of the wonderful progress which has already been
made, we begin to realize the great importance of American
pomology; nor should we forget, as among the great bene-
fits of fruit-culture, the employment of thousands of men,
women, and children, or the immense amounts paid for
freight on fruits to railroads, steamboats, &c., and the profits
to dealers.

But who can estimate the amazing quantities of fruits
that are to be produced on this continent when the lands
suited to fruit-culture are brought into use? Look at the

14

vast amount of these in the eastern slope of our country,
and, still more wonderful, the land on the Pacific slope! Of
these, California alone has a territory eight hundred miles in
length and two hundred miles in breadth,—three times as
large as all of the New-England States, four times as large as
the State of New York or Pennsylvania, — having millions
of acres for fruit-cultivation.

Some have feared that there might be an over-production
of fruit; but the whole crop may now be saved and utilized
by the new methods which are being constantly invented for
curing and distributing this surplus. In fruit districts large
amounts of capital are invested in establishments for the dry-
ing and canning of fruits, which promise to put the surplus
of abundant seasons in condition for preservation till wanted
for consumption or exportation. Some of these are yet to be
tested; but no doubt exists that we shall eventually thus
utilize our fruits, and make them not only profitable, but a
source of increasing revenue.

The perfection now attained in the drying and canning
process — possessing the great advantage, for transportation,
of reducing the weight three-fourths or more by the removal
of water, and rendering it capable of shipment to all climes,
and of being preserved perfectly for years— will, in all proba-
bility, overcome this difficulty, which only occurs on bearing
and abundant years. The demand abroad for dry fruits is
very large, and is daily increasing. The exports for the year
ending June 30, 1877, were 14,318,052 pounds; and, if they
can be afforded at a little less price, it is thought it would
be enormous. England, Germany, and Australia would be
great purchasers. Besides, we are constantly inventing new
methods for preserving fruits by preparations in various
nutritious and elegant forms, which might absorb our abun-
dant crops, and take the place of those unhealthy preserves
and sweetmeats in which our markets abound, and which are
so injurious to the health of our people.

By the production of new varieties from seed, we have not
only secured native kinds adapted to every section of our
country, but varieties which have prolonged the season of
fruits in some sections, either by early or late kinds, for one
or more months. Especially is this to be seen in the peach,
grape, and strawberry; so that many of our markets are sup-
plied for a much longer period than ever before.

15

By the introduction of early peaches, the season for this
fruit has been advanced nearly a month. From South Caro-
lina and Georgia shipments were made last year to Northern
markets as early as May 25; and, by a wise selection of early
and late peaches, Mr. Berckmans, president of the Georgia
Horticultural ‘Society, states that peaches may now be had
from May to November. Similar illustrations might be given
of the prolongation of the season of the strawberry, the
grape, and the pear, in our markets; those of the North
being now supplied with the strawberry from the first of
May to the middle of July, and with the grape, the pear,
and the apple, from the first of July until April or May.
And why may not those who have the means supply their
tables with fruits in some form through the year? Some of
us already enjoy this luxury, beginning with the strawberry,
and following in succession with the other small fruits, the
grape, the pear, and the apple; thus furnishing a circle of
fruits which delights the eye, gratifies the taste, improves
the health, and crowns our daily meals throughout the year.

FRUITS FOR MASSACHUSETTS.

But to confine our observations to Massachusetts. I would
state, that, with the exception of a few new seedling varieties,
the same standard sorts as have been mentioned in previous
reports still continue to be most prominent for the market.

In regard to those best adapted to the various sections of
the State, I would remark, that by dividing the State into
three sections, having Boston, Worcester, and Springfield as
their centres, we may arrive at pretty correct conclusions as
to the fruits most approved of for general cultivation.

EASTERN DIVISION.

AppLes. — Summer: Large Early Bough, Red Astrachan, and Wil-
liams. Autumn: Gravenstein, Porter, Foundling, Holden Pippin or
Fall Orange of Downing, Mother, Lyscom, Hubbardston Nonesuch, and
Cogswell. Winter: Baldwin, Rhode-Island Greening, Roxbury Russet,
Hunt Russet, King of Tompkins County, Northern Spy (strong soil and
high culture). Sweet Apples: Pumpkin Sweet, Ladies’ Sweet, Danvers
Winter, Tolman Sweet, Pound or Lyman Sweet. Many other varieties
succeed well, but are only grown in small quantities; such as the Fa-
meuse, Garden Royal, Maiden’s Blush, Minister, and Washington Straw-
berry (a fine variety).

16

Pears. — Early: Doyenné d’Eité, Buerre Giffard, Clapp’s Favorite,
Brandywine, Manning’s Elizabeth: Clapp’s Favorite surpasses others of
its season in size and beauty, and is, withal, of fine quality, everywhere
increasing in popularity. Autumn: Bartlett, Belle Lucrative, Beurre
Bosc, Beurre Hardy, Beurre Superfine, Beurre Clairgeau, Doyeuné Bous-
sock, Doyenné du Comice, Duchesse d’Angouléme on Quince, Goodale,
Howell, Louise Bonne of Jersey on Quince, Merriam, Paradis d’Au-
tomne, Seckel, Sheldon, St. Michel Archange, Souvenir du Congres (a
very handsome, large pear, ripening quite as early as the Bartlett), Ur-
baniste on Quince. Late Autumn or Winter: Beurre d’Anjou, Dana’s
Hovey (small, very rich, comparing favorably with the Seckel in quali-
ty), Josephine de Malines (as late regarded with favor), Lawrence,
Winter Nelis (fine, but too small for market). Cooking: Vicar of Wink-
field (on rich, warm soils, with care in thinning; a good dessert variety),
Catillac, Uvedales, St. Germain or Pound. New Varieties: The Mount-
Vernon (fine, late russet pear) is regarded with favor. The same may
be said of Clapp’s (No. 22, now Frederick Clapp), also of the President
and Admiral Farragut, raised by the late Dr. S. A. Shurtleff. The
Emile d’Heyst is a fine foreign, rare variety. Souvenir du Congres is a
very beautiful, large pear, quite as early as the Bartlett. The Beurre
Diel and Flemish Beauty, like the White Doyenn¢, once so popular,
are being discarded on account of cracking (occasionally they are as
fine as ever). The orchards of Massachusetts, especially in the eastern
part of the State, abound in fine varieties of the pear. The above
constitute the principal popular varieties in market; but, of all the sorts
introduced within the last fifty years, no kind surpasses, in its combined
characteristics of excellence, the Buerre d’Anjou. It increases in popu-
larity every year, and with proper care is susceptible of being kept in
fine condition for two or three months. Of the thousand or more varie-
ties which I have proved in the forty-six years of experience, no other
has given me so much satisfaction. It is also found, by the catalogues of
the American Pomological Society, to succeed well in more than thirty
of our States and Territories. And I think I may be allowed to say,
without personal merit or motive, if I have done nothing else for the
pomology of our country, that the introduction of this pear thirty-eight
years ago was a blessing to our land.

Grares. — Few new varieties have been introduced of late. Those
old sorts most approved of around Boston and in the eastern section of
the State are the Hartford, Concord, Creveling, Delaware, Diana, Lindley
(Rogers No. 9), Massasoit (Rogers No. 3), Wilder (Rogers No. 4). Barry
(Rogers No. 48) is a fine kind, similar to the Wilder in size, appearance,
and quality. There are a few new varieties which are regarded as giving
good promise; among which, especially, is to be mentioned Moore’s Early,
a seedling of the Concord. It is very prolific and constant in crop, ripen-
ing fully two weeks before the Concord, growing beside it. The bunch is
large and handsome; berry larger than the Concord, and equal in quality.
It has been exhibited for several years before the Massachusetts Horticul-
tural Society, and was awarded last fall a prize of sixty dollars for the
best new seedling grape. It is considered a valuable acquisition for the

17

North. The Worden, a new native variety, ripening earlier, and con-
sidered of better quality, than the Concord, by Mr. Hadwen of Worcester
and Mr. Adams of Springfield, is being introduced around Boston. The
Champion, as an early grape, is attracting some attention, ripening a
week before the Hartford, of fair quality, very hardy, vigorous, and pro-
lific. Hon. E. W. Bull, the originator of the Concord, Hon. George
Haskell of Ipswich, and several other gentlemen, each presented seedling
varieties at the exhibition of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society,
some of which are of good promise

STRAWBERRIES. — New varieties, some of excellent character, are
coming to notice every year. The older kinds that carry off the prizes of
the Massachusetts Horticultural Society are Charles Downing, Jucunda,
Hovey’s Seedling (now forty yedrs old ; being the first successful attempt
at improving the strawberry), President Wilder, Seth Boyden, Triomphe
de Gand, and Wilson’s Albany. The last i8 not regarded as of good
quality, but is valuable for its productiveness. Among the new varieties
which are attracting attention may be named the Belle, Caroline, and
Hervey Davis.

CENTRAL DIVISION.

From the Annual Report of the Worcester-county Horticultural Society,
a society second only to the Massachusetts for wealth, activity, and influ-
ence in New England, it will be seen that most of the fruits grown in
the eastern section of the State are alike successful in the central. Mr.
Hadwen, our associate member, reports the following : —

AppLes. — Summer: Red Astrachan, Williams, Duchess of Oldenburg,
and Sweet Bough. Autumn: The Gravenstein, Porter, Twenty-Ounce,
Hubbardston Nonesuch, Cogswell, Maiden’s Blush, Pumpkin Sweet,
Leland Spice. Winter: Baldwin, Rhode-Island Greening, Yellow Bell-
flower (on warm, rich soil), Ladies’ Sweet, Leicester Sweet, Roxbury
Russet. He also regards with favor the Sutton Beauty, Worcester Spy,
Foundling, Washington Strawberry, Mother Apple, Holden Pippin,
McLellan, Tetofsky, Sterling, Washington Royal or Palmer Greening,
(‘‘ having as many desirable qualities as any apple’’ ), nearly all of which
originated in Worcester County, and are of excellent quality, yielding
abundant crops. The soil and climate of Worcester County are especially
adapted to fruit-culture, and has long been celebrated for the apples it has
produced from seed, such as the Hubbardston Nonesuch, Holden Pippin
or Fall Orange of Downing, Mother, Washington Royal or Palmer
Greening, Sutton Beanty, Foundling, Worcester Spy, Leicester Sweet,
and probably the Twenty-Ounce or Cayuga Red Streak. Mr. Hadwen, in
his excellent essay on the apple, states that the cultivation of the apple
has long been an important interest in Worcester County ; the money-
value received in 1876 for apples exported probably exceeding the value
of any other product.

Pears. — Nearly all the sorts named in the list of approved kinds for
Boston and the Eastern Division are alike adapted to the-central section
of the State. Reference, therefore, may be had to the list already given.
Mr. James Draper, an intelligent nurseryman of Worcester, in his essay

18

on the pear, regards with special favor Clapp’s Favorite, Bartlett, Shel-
don, Buerre d’Anjou, Beurre Bosc, Belle Lucrative, Lawrence, Duchesse
d’Angouléme, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Doyenné du Comice, the three
last named on quince.

Graprrs. —Most of the grapes which succeed elsewhere at the North
are on trial here. The most noticeable old and popular sorts are the
Concord, Hartford, Delaware, Diana, Eumelan, some of Rogers's Hy-
brids, and the Worden, originating in Western New York.

STRAWBERRIES. — The ‘‘ Essay on the Strawberry ’’ of Mr. William
H. Earle, an eminent cultivator, states that the most profitable kinds are
the Charles Downing, Jucunda, and Wilson’s Albany. Amateurs are
growing all the new varieties. Of the profits of strawberry culture Mr.
Earle remarks, ‘‘ If one takes interest in the business, he will be surprised
at the possible results. On about three acres of land I realized a gross
income of a little over two thousand dollars.”’

WESTERN DIVISION.

Mr. John W. Adams, an intelligent cultivator of Springfield, regards
the following as leading sorts :—

AppLrs.— Summer: Red Astrachan, Duchess of Oldenburg. Autumn:
Porter, Gravenstein. Winter: Baldwin, Hubbardston Nonesuch, Tomp-
kins-county King, Northern Spy, Rhode-Island Greening. Sweet Apples:
Sweet Bough, Orange Sweet, Talman Sweet.

Pars. — Summer: Doyenné d’Eté, Manning’s Elizabeth, Clapp’s
Favorite, Bartlett, Belle Lucrative, Doyenné Boussock, Duchesse d’An-
gouléme, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Onondaga, Seckel, Beurre Bosc, Law-
rence, and Winter Nelis.

Grapes. — The grape-culture, Mr. Adams remarks, is still confined to
a few varieties which have proved themselves best adapted to this locality.
Among those classed for hardiness, vigor, and productiveness, he names
Concord, Clinton, Champion, Hartford, Ives, Martha, and Worden, He
regards the Champion or Talman, which is the same, as the best very
early grape, and the Worden as much prized, and earlier than the
Concord. Of the Concord Mr. Adams remarks, ‘‘ A single vine, eight
years old, on my own place, allowed to grow at random, ripened this year
a quantity estimated to exceed three thousand bunches, equalling in
sweetness and flavor those that came from the South.”

Srrawserrises. — Mr. Adams states that the cultivation of the straw-
berry is increasing. The kinds most approved of are Charles Downing,
Col. Cheney, Kentucky, Nicanor, Seth Boyden (No. 30), and Triomphe
de Gand. The Duncan is attracting attention on account of its earliness
and richness, and the Monarch of the West for its size and productive-
ness.

THE PRESERVATION AND RIPENING OF FRUITS.

In regard to the preservation and ripening of fruits there
is very little new to be reported. The conditions of success
are now pretty well understood. Our farmers who raise

19

\

apples in large quantities know how to do it; but with deli-
cate fruits, such as the pear and grape, more care is requi-
site.

The ripening of fruit depends on saccharine fermentation :
this is followed by other fermentations, as the vinous and
acetous. To prevent these, and preserve fruit in all its
beauty, freshness, and flavor, the temperature must be uni-
form, and kept below the degree at which the fermentation,
or ripening process, commences. Mr. Robert Manning in his
prize essay many years ago said, “The ripening of fruit is
the completion of the chemical process: by which starch is
transformed into sugar, and is the first step toward fermenta-
tion or decay: therefore whatever promotes fermentation will
hasten the ripening; whatever retards fermentation will tend
to its preservation.”

The conditions of success may be briefly stated as follows :
The perfect control of temperature, light, and moisture. Nu-
merous structures have been built both in our own and other
countries for this purpose; and all experience shows that
these conditions must be complied with, or success cannot be
attained: hence these apartments must be cool, and con-
structed so as to exclude at pleasure the external atmosphere,
which starts fermentation. After many years of experience,
both with and without the use of ice, I have adopted a house
built in a cool, shady aspect, with door on the north, and
with a thoroughly drained and cemented cellar whose win-
dows may be opened or closed at pleasure. In this way I
am enabled to keep my late fall and winter pears until Feb-
ruary or March in good condition. Apples may be kept at a
lower temperature than pears, —say thirty-four to forty de-
grees. In such a cellar, our associate member, Mr. John F.
Brown of Lunenburg, has kept Baldwins to the middle of
June, when he has realized as high as from six to nine dollars
per barrel. Mr. Brown barrels his apples, and places them
immediately in his cellar, where he has control of the tem-
perature.

Late fruits may remain on the trees until severe frosts are
feared, but should be gathered with great care. Summer
pears should be picked some days before the ripening process
commences. A summer pear ripened upon the tree is gener-
ally inferior. In respect to the latter, Mr. Patrick Barry has

20

so aptly expressed my own opinion, that I use his language:
‘“‘ The process of ripening on the tree, which is the natural
one, seems to act upon the fruit for the benefit of the seed,
as it tends to the formation of woody fibre and farina. When
the fruit is removed from the tree, at the commencement of
ripening, and placed in a still atmosphere, the natural process
seems to be counteracted ; and sugar and juice are elaborated
instead of fibre and farina.” Thus pears which become
mealy, and rot at the core, if left on the tree to ripen, are
juicy, melting, and delicious when ripened in the house. In
regard to the use of ice, I would say, that, where fruits are
kept for some months under its influence at a low tempera-
ture, they seem to lose much of their flavor; the cellular
tissue also seems to have become dry, and to have lost its
vitality, or power to resume the ripening process. Experi-
ence proves, that, for the common varieties of the pear, about
forty degrees of Fahrenheit is the temperature best suited to
hold this process in equilibrium. The proper maturing of
fruit thus preserved demands skill and science. Different
varieties require different degrees of moisture and heat,
according to the firmness of the skin, the texture of the flesh,
and the natural activity of the juices. Thus some varieties
of the pear will ripen at a low temperature and in a compara-
tively dry atmosphere, while others are improved by a warm
and humid air. Some varieties of the pear ripening with dif-
ficulty, and formerly esteemed only second-rate, are now pro-
nounced of excellent quality, because the art of maturing
them is better understood. Great improvement has taken
place in the handling, packing, and preservation of fruits; so
that they are delivered in perfect condition from distant
places, every class of fruit having its suitable style of package.
This remark also applies to the packing of trees for foreign
countries ; so that trees shipped by Ellwanger & Barry, Roch-
ester, N.Y., to Australia, after one hundred and fifty-three
days, arrived in good condition. So well is the art of keep-
ing grapes now understood, that we have the Concord from
Fitchburg and other towns in that vicinity, and from New
Hampshire, in such fine order as to command twenty-five
cents per pound in December and January.

The pear-tree blight has been more prevalent in several
localities around Boston, for the last two years, than ever

21

before, and we are as much in the dark as to the.cause and
remedy as are others; but we trust, that, like former visita-
tions of this malady, it will prove only temporary. In some
instances the apple has been affected in the same manner.

In closing this Report, I beg to state that the importance of
the fruit-crop of Massachusetts has not been fully appreci-
ated. Of the apple alone the returns of 1874 gave us 8,252,-
057 bushels, valued at $1,450,252; Worcester County having
produced in the same year 933,018 bushels, valued at $380,-
000. Similar results have been realized in other sections of
the State, not only with the apple, but with other fruits.

When we reflect on what Massachusetts has done for the
cause of American pomology in the last half-century, I think
we should feel well satisfied. To Massachusetts the world is
indebted for many of its best fruits. There are the Baldwin
apple, the Roxbury Russet, the Williams and Hubbardston
Nonesuch apples, and the Clapp’s Favorite, Dana’s Hovey,
and other pears. Nor must it be forgotten that Massachu-
setts was the first to introduce from Europe the Bartlett and
the Beurre d’Anjou pears, so popular throughout the whole
country. In her soil originated the Hovey’s Seedling straw-
berry and the President Wilder. To these may be added
the Diana, Rogers, and other grapes, and last, but not least,
the Concord, which has overspread our hills and valleys from
one end of the continent to the other. Other states and
societies have done nobly ; but Massachusetts, as a pioneer in
the early history of our pomology, has wielded a strong in-
fluence. Styike out from our catalogues the fruits which
Massachusetts has introduced from Europe, root out from
our orchards, gardens, and vineyards the fine native fruits
which have originated in our cold and rough soil, and we
should require a long list of valuable kinds to fill their
place. Massachusetts has more good fruits stored up in the
laboratory of her resources. Her mission is not yet ended.
Let us help her to fulfil it. ,