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HISTORY AND PROGRESS

OF THE

MASSACHUSETTS

STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTUEE

«
jFor t|}e Jftrst Quarter of k Century,

WITH A

EEPOKT ON FRUITS,

AT THE ANNUAL MEETING, EEB. 5, 1878,

MARSHALL P. WILDEIi.

1878.

BOSTON:

lant(, ^&Erg, $c dLa., ^rfntcrg to t^e Cotnm0nbj£alt|[,

117 Franklin Street.
1878.

. "Vm. o until, i;.T.

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THK.rnmNT of the American fouologjcal society

ANV
. T OF THE mU'ED S'lATES ACmCULTlTRAL SOCTBIT.

HISTORY AND PROGRESS

MASSACHUSETTS

STATE BOARD OF AGEICULTUEE

jFor ttje Jfirst (Quarter of a Century,

REPORT ON FRUITS,

AT TIE ANNUAL MEETING, FEB. 5, 1878.

BY

MARSHALL P. WILDER.

1878.

BOSTON:

JEvanti, ^fcierg, $c Co., ^rinterg to tlje CcmmonlDeall^,

117 Franklin Stkeet.
1878.

HISTORY AND PEOGEESS OF THE BOARD.

BY MAESHALL P. WILDEE.

Gentlemen, — With the close of this session, the first
quarter of a century in the liistory of tlie Massacliusetts
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 Avho will have passed beyond the river, to work
with yoLi 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 Avhat I shall say, I beg may not
be considered as valedictory for mj^self 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 in a 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

until the appointment of Henry Colman of Massachusetts as
a State Commissioner in 1836, 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. At a 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, 1853, 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 clone
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-

munication with one anotlier, so as to be able to obtain par-
ticular classes of stock, j^ositions 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 indepen-
dent 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-
Avealth and country, dispensing to them, and receiving in
return, valuable information for the benefit of the pablic.

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 was 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 education,
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

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. diificult to get an audience of
farmers to listen to the most distinguished scientific men,
like Agassiz and Johnson : noAV 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 probabl}'- 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.

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 illustra-
tions, 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 apreciated. 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 S. 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 gradi"ates of the Massachusetts Agricultural College.

8

Gentlemen, ' I have spoken with freedom ; for I have
co-operated Avith 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 the 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 mj^self, 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.
Wilder for the highly interesting facts in regard to the
history and the operations of the Board for the last quarter of
a century.

REPOET ON FEDITS.

BY MAESHALL P. WILDEK.

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
passed 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 30,
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 1873, 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, 150,400,000 ; pears, 114,130,000 ; peaches, 156,135,000 ;
grapes, 12,118,900; strawberries, 15,000,000; other fruits,
110,432,800 ; making a grand total of 1138,216,700, 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 hun-
dred and thirty-four car-loads of fruit, of four hundred bush-
els 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
hundred 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 I 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 dried 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 ev^ry 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. JFrom 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.

FEUITS FOE 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 Bougli, Ked Astrachan, and Wil-
liams. Autumn: Gravenstein, Porter, Foundling, Holden Pippin or
Fall Orange of Downing, Mother, Lyscom, Hubbardston Nonesucb, and
Cogswell. Winter : Baldwin, Rhode-Island Greening, Roxbmy Russet,
Hunt Russet, King of Tompkins County, I^Torthern Spy (strong soil and
high cultm-e). 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, Ministerj and Washington Straw-
berry (a fine variety).

16

Pkaes. — Early: Doyenne d'fite, Beurre Grffard, 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, Doyennd Bous-
sock, Doyenne du Cornice, Duchesse d'Angouleme on Quince, Goodale,
Howell, Louise Bonne of Jersey on Quince, Merriam, Paradis d'Au-
tomne, Seckel, Sheldon, St. Michel Archange, Souvenir du Congrfes (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, Win-
ter Nelis (fine, but too small for market). Cooking: Vicar of Winkfield
(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 Congrfes is a
very beautiful, large pear, quite as early as the Bartlett. The Beurre
Diel and Flemish Beauty, like the White Doyenne, 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 com-
bined characteristics of excellence, the Beurre d'Anjou. It increases in
popularity 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 comitry, that the introduction of this pear thirty-eight
years ago was a blessing to our land.

Grapes. — 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. 43) 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 vaiieties, 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 years old ; being the first successful attempt
at improving the strawberry), President Wilder, Seth Boy den, Triomphe
de Gaud, and Wilson's Albany. The last is 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.

CENTEAL DIVISION.

From the Annual Report of the Worcester-county Horticultm'al 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, om- 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,
McLeUan, 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 Beauty, 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 aU 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, maybe had to the list abeady given.
Mr. James Draper, an intelligent nurseryman of Worcester, in his essay

18

on tlie pear, regards with special favor Clapp's Favorite, Bartlett, Shel-
don, Beurre d'Anjou, Beurre Bosc, Belle Lucrative, Lawrence, Duchesse
d'Angouleme, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Doyenne du Cornice, the three
last named on quince.

Grapes. — 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 Bogers's Hy-
brids, and the AVorden, 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 ISIr.
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 : —

Apples. — 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.

Pears. — Summer: Doyenne d'iSte, Manning's Elizabeth, Clapp's
Favorite, Bartlett, Belle Lucrative, Doyenne Bonssock, Duchesse d'An-
gouleme, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Onondaga, Seckel, Beurre Bosc, Law-
rence, and Winter Nelis.

Grapes. — The gi-ape-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."

Strawberries. — Mr. Adams states that the cultivation of the Straw-
berry is increasing. The kinds most approved of are Charles Downing,
Col. Cheney, Kentucky, Mcanor, 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 wlilch 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 thirtj^-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. Sum-
mer pears should be picked some days before the ripening
process commences. A summer pear ripened upon the tree
is generally inferior. In respect to the latter Mr. Patrick

20

Barry has 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 commence-
ment of ripening, and placed in a still atmosphere, the nat-
ural 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 sa}^ that, where
fruits are kept for some months under its influence at a low
temperature, 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. Expe-
rience 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 accord-
ing 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 com-
paratively dry atmosphere, while others are improved by a
warm and humid air. Some varieties of the pear ripening
with difficulty, and formerly esteemed only second-rate, are
now pronounced 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, Rochester, N.Y., to Australia, after one hundred and
fifty-three da3^s, arrived in good condition. So well is the art
of keeping 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 Keport 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 3,252,-
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 is 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. Strike 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.

^Zj

SOME OF THE

rrineipal published Writings

MARSHALL PINCKNEY WILDER.

1835. 1878.

Historical Addresses and Lectures.

Observations on the Camellia and its Varieties, with an acconnt

of its introdnction into Great Britain and this country. 1835.

The Hybridization of the Camellia and its Varieties. 1847.

On Laying the Corner Stone of the First Massachnsetts

Horticultural Hall, Boston. 1844.

Speeches at the Triennial Festivals of the Massachnsetts
Horticultural Societ}', with Valedictoiy, after eight
years' service as President 1842, '45, '48.

Before the Sons of New Hampshire, at their First Celebra-
tion, Nov. 7, Boston. 1849.

On the Reception of the Members of the New Hampshire

Legislature — Obsequies of Webster, Boston. 1852.

As President of the Sons of New Hampshire, at their Second

Celebration, Nov. 2, Boston. 1853.

Speech for the Wilders, at the 200th Anniversary of the

incorporation of the town of Lancaster, Mass. 1853.

As President, on the Celebration of the 225th Anniversary

of the Settlement of Dorchester. 1855.

As Commander of the Ancient and Honorable Artilleiy

Company, Faneuil Hall, 219th Anniversary, June. 1857.

As President of the Sons of New Hampshire, on the Recep-
tion of the Second Regiment of New Hampshire Volun-
teers on the march to the Battle-Field, Boston, June 20. 1861.

Speech on the Fortieth Anniversary of the Settlement of

Rev. Amos W. Burnham, D.D., Rindge, N. H. - 1862.

Speech as Representative of the Grand Lodge of Massachu-
setts at the World's Convention of Freemasons, in
Paris, France. 1867.

Southern Horticultural Tour. 1869.

Speech at Plymouth at tlie Celebration of the 250th Anni-
versary, Landing of the Pilgrims. 1870.

Lecture on California, in Music Hall, Boston, and in various

other cities. 1871.

Response at the Centennial Celebration of the St. Andrew's
Lodge, Boston, in Behalf of the Survivors of Four
Thousand Freemasons of Boston and Vicinit}', who
Signed the Declaration in 1831. • 1871.

Speech at Banquet given to Grenadier Guard Band,, of Lon-
don, at World's Peace Jubilee, Boston. 1872.

Speech at Banquet given to the Japanese Embassy, Boston,

August 2. 1872.

Speech on the Twentj^-fifth Anniversary of Settlement of the

Rev. James H. Means, D. D., Dorchester, Mass. 1873.

Speech at the Bi-Centennial Celebration of Dunstable,

Nashua, Oct. 27. ' 1873.

Speech at the 25th Anniversary of Essex Institute, Salem, 1873.

Speech at the Centennial Celebration of the Battle of Lex-
ington, April 19. 1875.

Speech at the Semi-Centennial Celebration of the town of

Lowell, March 10. 1876.

Speech at the Centennial Celebration of the Massachusetts
Grand Lodge of Freemasons, as a Sovereign . Grand
Lodge, Independent of the Mother Country. 1877.

Annual Addresses before the New England Historic Genea-
logical Society, Boston. 1868 to 1878.

Agricultural Addresses.

Addresses and Speeches, before the Norfolk Society. 1849 to 1869.

Before the Bristol Society, Taunton. 1849.

Speech in Massachusetts Senate for an Agricultural College. 1850.

Before the Berkshire Society, at Pittsfield. 1851.

Before the Hampshire Society, Amherst, Mass. 1851.

Before the New Hampshire State Agricultural Society, at

Manchester. 1851.

Before the Massachusetts Central Board of Agriculture,

Boston. 1852.

Before Rhode Island Society for the Encouragement of

Domestic Industry, Providence. • 1855.

As President of the Advisor}^ Board of Agriculture, Wash-
ington, D.C. 1857.

Report of Commissioners to Massachusetts Legislature, con-
cerning Agricultural Schools. 1857.

Lecture on Progress and Importance of Fruit Culture, New

Haven, Conn. * 1860.

Report, as Chairman of United States Commission, on the

Culture and Products of the Vine, at Paris Exposition. 1867.

Before the Massachusetts Board of Agriculture, at Framing-
ham, on the History of the Board. 1869.
.Valedictory Address before the Norfolk Agricultural So-
ciety, after twenty years' service as President. 1869.

Before Massachusetts Board of Agriculture, Pittsfield. 1870.

Speech at Re-union of Mass. Board of Agriculture, Boston. 1870.

Lecture on the Hybridization of Plants, Boston. 1872.

On the Progress and Influence of Rural Art, Fitchburg. 1872.

At the Graduation of the First Class of the Massachusetts

Agricultural College, Amherst, Mass. 1871.

Before the Massachusetts State Board of Agriculture, on

its Twenty-fifth Anniversary'-. Address and Report. 1878.

Adbkesses Before the American Pomological Society.

On the Inauguration of the Society in New York, 1848. At the
meeting in New York, 1849. At Philadelphia — Eulogy on An-
drew Jackson Downing, 1852. At Boston, 1854. At Rochester,
N. Y., 1856. At New York, 1858. At Philadelphia, 1860. At
Boston, 1862. At St. Louis, 1867. At Reception in Independence
Hall, Address and Banquet, Philadelphia, 1869. At Reception
in the Capitol, and Address, Richmond, Va., 1871. At Boston —
Quarter-Centennial Celebration, Reception in Faneuil Hall, Address,
and Banquet, Music Hall, 1873. At Chicago, 111., Address and
Banquet, 1875. At Baltimore, Md., 1877.

Addresses Before the United States Agricultural Society.

At its formation, Washington, D. C, 1852. At Washington,

1853. At the First Exhibition, Springfield, Mass., 1853. At
Washington, 1854. At its Second Exhibition, at Springfield, O.,

1854. At Washington, 1855. At its Third Exhibition, at Bos-
ton, 1855. At its Fourth Exhibition, at Philadelphia, 1856. At
Washington, 1856, '57. At its National Field Trial of Reap-
ers and Mowers, at Syracuse, N. Y., 1857. At its Fifth National
Exhibition, Louisville, K}^, 1857. At Washington, Valedictory
Address, after six 3^ears' service as President, 1858.

For other writiiigs, see Transactions of above-named Societies.

BIOGRAPHIES

MARSHALL PINCKNEY WILDER

BIOGRAPHIES

MARSHALL PINCKNEY AVILDER

MAY BE FOUND IN THE FOLLOWING PUBLICATIONS:

The Horticulturist ; Downing. Vol. 3, p. 14. 1848.

Journal of Agriculture.' Vol. III., p. 529. 1848.

Boston Atlas. 1851.

New Hampshire as it is. 1853.

Book of the Lockes ; page 198. 1853.

Livingston's Eminent Men, page 513. 1854.

Hunt's Merchants' Magazine. 1855.

The Horticulturist. Barry; p. 111. 1855.

The Happy Home. Vol. 3, p. 53. 1856.

Tilton's Journal of Horticulture. Vol. 1, p. 65. 1867.

New England Historical and G-enealogical Register. 1867.

The Rural New Yorker. . 1869.

California Farmer, (June and July) . 1870.

Biographical Dictionary, p. 982*. 1872.

The Loudon Gardener's Chronicle, p. 463. 1872.

Universal Biograph}?-. 1873.

Boston, Past and Present ; p. 167. 1873.

The Chronotype, N. Y. ; p. 40. 1873.

History of Kludge ; p.. 335. 1875.

Cyclopedia of Literature ; p. 841. 1875.

Richardson Memorial; page 777. .1876.

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