WE copy from the Transactions of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society a portion of the excellent Report of the Committee on Fruits for the year 1867, by W. C. Strong, chairman:

It is a rare occurrence that a season may be called perfect for the development of all the various kinds of fruit. So many conditions are required, covering the cold of winter, the heat and moisture of summer, the early and late frosts, the growth of previous years, so multiplied, various, and disconnected are the elements, that we are accustomed to expect unequal results. It is a reason for thankfulness that we have such a variety in fruits, so distinct and independent, that the abundance of one crop may be a supply for the want of another. With us, a total failure is even more rare than perfect success. If we examine the record of fruits exhibited before this society for nearly twoscore years, we shall find, that, while the items vary, the tables are almost uniformly filled. It is with the greatest surprise that we note the conclusions of an eminent cultivator, "after two years of travelling all over the Christian world, . . . that America is the worst fruit-growing country in the world, except the north of Europe." It is indeed true, that in this transition period of exhaustion of our virgin soil, and aridity of climate consequent upon the wholesale destruction of our forests, together with a natural increase of injurious insects, certain crops are not as spontaneous as in former years. The peach will be recalled as a marked illustration of this fact. Yet, if we look on the encouraging side, we shall find that every season of the year is abundantly supplied with fruits of the highest known excellence; so that we are rather inclined to say that exactly the reverse of Mr. Sargent's proposition is true. Take the crops in their order. For forced fruits, our clear, bright sun more than counterbalances the extreme cold of winter. With ease almost amounting to certainty, we can produce the best of forced fruits for the spring months. Promptly in June comes the inestimable strawberry, nowhere surpassed, and never before equalled, in quantity. The small fruits which follow, the raspberry, the currant, blackberry, and native gooseberry,all yield almost certain returns for judicious culture. The pear was never more abundant, or more easy of management. The successful example of several apple-orchardists demonstrates that this standard fruit can be grown with entire success, even in the most infected districts. And for the life-invigorating grape, with all the drawbacks of rot and mildew and early frosts, what can we say for the grape? This we will say, that in this unprecedented year of rain, with complete failure in some localities, and with some varieties, yet a considerable, and, under the circumstances, a most encouraging crop was gathered even in New England; a single exceptional Isabella vine yielding over a thousand pounds. under the very shadow of the White Mountains. Enterprising cultivators in New England were never more hopeful for the grape than now. If we go back from the Atlantic coast, where the season has been, in marked contrast, excessively dry, we shall find the grape-crop has fully equalled that of the most famous wine-growing districts in the world, with the possible exception of our own Pacific coast. An eminent and reliable writer who has had the best facilities for procuring statistics has yet so greatly exceeded previous estimates, that we must doubt the accuracy of his data. He gives the number of acres of grapes in bearing, east of the Rocky-Mountain range, in 1867, as 1,500,000. The yield is over

two tons per acre. Three million tons of grapes at ten cents per pound makes the round value of $600,000,000 (six hundred million dollars). He also estimates the land planted in vineyard, not yet in bearing, at a million acres. Granting this to be an over-estimate, yet it indicates a rapid stride, and a success in grape-culture which is without a parallel, if we except our own Golden State, where single vineyardists have a million vines in bearing. In the foregoing list, or in fruits of equal value, can any country show a brighter prospect? Grant that the peach and the plum fail in many localities, and that the cherry is less certain than formerly; yet even these are by no means abandoned fruits, and throughout wide regions they are abundantly prolific. This is our bright side of the picture ; and while we freely admit that far more care and toil are required than when the soil was new, yet we must be encouraged by the fact that ours is not an exceptional case. Such a list of fruits of such intrinsic value cannot be produced in any temperate clime, the world over, without the price of eternal vigilance. It is our duty to note the influence of the varying seasons, and other operating causes, in order that we may, as far as possible, eliminate every element of failure.

The past season has been remarkable chiefly for the amount of rain-fall during the growing months. From R. T. Paine, Esq., who has kept a careful record at Boston for the past forty years, we have obtained the following data:

The whole amount of rain for the year was 49.84 inches; being an excess of 4.5 inches over the average for forty years past. The amount for July was 568 inches; which is an excess, over the monthly average, of 1.54 inches. In August the amount was much greater, reaching the large quantity of 9.96 inches; which is 5.54 inches above the average. Large as this is, the quantity increases as we go south on the Atlantic coast, until it reaches the unprecedented amount of 17 inches at Philadelphia during the single month of August. The nearest approach to this was in July, 1863, when the monthly fall was 12.5 inches, and 5.64 inches in August; and the total for that year was the enormous amount of 67.84 inches. The amount for 1862 was 61.06 inches; which shows an aggregate of 128.9 inches in two consecutive years, - over 10 solid feet of water; an ample amount for a second deluge. This is 38.3 inches in excess of the average gauge for two years, which is 90.06 inches.

The extremes of variation are between the maximum of 1863 and the minimum fall of twenty-six inches in 1846, showing a difference of over forty inches. It is evident that the common impression, that about the same quantity of rain falls each year, is an error. Yet the cases cited are extremes, and it is true that the variations from the average are not greater than we might expect. We were greatly relieved the present season by the absence of rain during the ripening month of September; the fall being only three-quarters of an inch, cr one-thirteenth part as much as in August previous. This change was an inestimable advantage to the grape and other ripening crops; and also to the trees, which were unusually succulent. Yet the remedy came too late to prevent the injury caused by the excessive rain of the summer months. Forage-plants may luxuriate in the moisture; but even with these the growth is too succulent. Of course, the evil is greatly mitigated by thorough drainage; and it is less felt in soils naturally porous. Yet nothing can compensate for the lack of the warm, genial influence

of the sun. Vegetable growth has been luxuriant; but there has been a uniform lack of flavor in all our fruits. Perhaps the pear has suffered in quality as much as any fruit; being watery, and lacking in the high flavor of former years. Many kinds have cracked worse than ever, owing to the stagnant action of the roots in the cold, wet ground. As we should expect, grapes have been subject to the different forms of mildew; which cause, in addition to the unusually late start in the spring, has prevented many kinds from ripening. It seems evident that moderate dryness is essential to the development of the highest quality in fruit. Along the shores of Lake Erie, the showers which are generated by the lakes are carried over and empty themselves upon the interior hill-country, while the shore belt and the islands are favored with a gentle humidity and a uniformity of temperature which insure the best results. In the vicinity of Boston, where the average rain-fall during the three summer months is about 12 inches (an inch more than at Cleveland, O., and from three to four inches more than in the wine districts of Europe), we must choose dryer and more porous soils, steeper declivities; we must see that drainage is perfect; in a word, we must make it the great problem to counteract the effect of a superabundance of rain. The difficulty is that our rain is most unequally distributed, excessive drought following excessive rain. Belts of evergreens have a surprising effect in modifying these extremes, and preserving a uniformity of temperature and moisture. But we have exceeded our limits in these speculations, and now turn to record the work of the season.

On the 16th of January, your committee visited the fruit-house of E. S. Converse, in Malden, constructed on the plan of Prof. Nyce. Mr. Converse gave us most liberal opportunity for testing the keeping qualities of various fruits, and also for inspecting the plan and merits of the house. Well-known principles of science have been applied in the construction of the house, so that the results are highly satisfactory. While there are some exceptions, the strawberry being an example, the great majority of fruits may be kept as in a dormant state for a great length of time. In most cases, the flavor of the fruit is not materially affected, though the change is generally rapid when brought into the open air. With good judgment in the selection of varieties, there can be no doubt of the practical value of these fruit-houses; though it is to be borne in mind that fruits out of season are often out of place. Bartlett pears sold at lower rates in November than in September. Were they brought in as abundantly in the latter month, the market would be quite over-stocked. This law of the market is recognized by every dealer; no enterprise for securing the earliest fruits being considered hazardous, while the late varieties of a given kind of fruit have to meet a satiated appetite. This accounts, in a degree, for the neglect of the socalled ever-bearing, or fall-bearing, varieties of fruit. At the Pomological Convention of this year, there was a disposition to condemn the entire list. The Catawissa Raspberry, at least, deserves to be excepted, since it is so entirely separated from all the other crops of small fruits as to be called an independent crop. Under good management, it will yield a large crop in September; not valuable for the market, it is true, but supplying a tea-table want which has been met only by peaches.

As has been stated, the appetite is keen for early fruits; for good specimens of which, extravagant prices are paid. No variety of fruit is so well adapted for forcing as the grape. It is easy of management; it retains the highest excellence of flavor under glass; it is an attractive and salable fruit in the market. As a pecuniary enterprise, we think, that in sheltered positions, and in low houses. adapted solely to this purpose, grapes may be forced with great success, and at prices much below those now ruling, during the months of April, May, and a part of June. M. H. Simpson was the only exhibiter of early grapes. His Muscat of Alexandria, on the 22d of June, were compact and fine bunches, yet scarcely ripe. C. S. Holbrook has been very successful in growing forced peaches, bringing them in just before the ripening of strawberries, in June, and obtaining from twelve to eighteen dollars per dozen for the fruit. The house in which these are grown is sixty feet long, and contains thirty trees, in boxes three feet square. The present was the thirteenth crop, and on one tree two hundred and twenty fruit were picked. These figures are remarkable, and, it must be added, are entirely deceptive in estimating the profit of the crop. We may say it is an extraordinary crop of an extraordinary tree, at an extraordinary price. Probably the crop of this tree did not attain the size to command any thing like the price named. Yet enough is seen and known to warrant the statement, that, with skilful and high culture, forced fruits are a source of profit as well as highest enjoyment. It is to be hoped that the number of contributors of forced strawberries, peaches, and grapes, instead of diminishing, may at least increase relatively with our population.

On the 15th of June, the Jenny Lind Strawberry opened the list of out-door fruits; a worthy herald of the continuous and bountiful supply which fills out the year to its close. Other varieties are almost equally early; the Boston Pine, for example, being exhibited on the same day with the Jenny Lind. The Wilson has been an unpopular fruit in our markets, on account of its poor quality; but its productiveness is so marked, that it is gaining favor. The Jucunda is a finelooking fruit, yet not equal to La Constante in this respect; while it has disappointed us, as to quality and productiveness, upon its first year of trial: but we trust another trial, and in various soils, may demonstrate its claim to the high praise it has received in other sections.

The favorable opinion entertained last year of the Seedling Strawberry of Hon. M. P. Wilder, a cross between La Constante and Hovey's Seedling, and now designated as No. 60, is confirmed this season. The fruit is of the largest size, of good flavor, in appearance a medium between its parents, not so polished or glazed, and with seeds more embedded than in La Constante. An examination of the bed gave indications of vigor and decided productiveness. Mr. Wilder's other seedling was shown as No. 13, and more nearly resembles Hovey's Seedling. Both varieties are promising, and we trust the former may prove worthy of the name of the distinguished originator. Other new strawberries were exhibited, but did not appear to be noteworthy. La Constante continues to be the finest exhibition-fruit, though not sufficiently productive to compete with the Hovey, Triomphe de Gand, Agriculturist, and Wilson, in the market. . . .

Pears have been abundant and of fine size, but very deficient in quality,

Beurré

owing to the superabundance of rain and the lack of sunshine and heat. Giffard was prominent as the best early kind on exhibition, receiving the three prizes. Clapp's Favorite maintained its high reputation, gaining the first prize for autumn. Doyenné du Comice wins favor with each season, and ranks among the very best. Buerré d'Anjou, Sheldon, Beurré Superfin, Swan's Orange, Urbaniste, Duchesse, Louise Bonne, and Beurré Bosc, all sustained their high rank as autumn pears. Mention may also be made of fine dishes of Dix, St. Michael, Glout Morceau, and Beurré Diel, not commending them to public favor, but as showing that protection and favoring circumstances will, even now, restore these old favorites. It is clearly incorrect to say that these varieties have deteriorated: we may rather say that the conditions of healthy growth have failed. Dr. Shurtleff exhibited specimens of his seediing pears, a lengthy description of which was given in the report of last year; to which we can add nothing at present. The following seedlings worthy of note were exhibited by F. and L. Clapp : Sarah, above medium, obovate, yellowish, with russet patches; flesh white, melting, sweet, flavor of the Seckel; ripe Oct. 12; promising. Newhall, a seedling from Marie Louise, which it resembles; promises well; ripe Oct. 20. Also a seedling not named, a russet, above medium, a perfect pyramid ; juicy ; a spicy, mace-like flavor; good. F. Dana extends his long list of seedlings, exhibiting one resembling the Marie Louise, and another very like the Dix.

The Goodale Pear was on the tables at the annual exhibition; but, as it has been fully described in previous reports, we can add nothing. Asahel Foot exhibited a seedling of the Seckel, which is more oblate, but otherwise like its parent. Another seedling by Mr. Foot is called Weeping Willow, from the remarkably pendulous habit of the tree; but the fruit is of third quality. The only prominent winter varieties were Lawrence, Winter Nelis, and Caen de France.

Apples are grown with perfect success in the very heart of infected districts. It may be difficult, yet plainly it is possible, to triumph over canker-worms, curculio, and caterpillars. When the cultivator has but few trees, it is scarcely an object to exercise eternal vigilance; but, for a large orchard, the cost of continuous tarring for the canker-worm is comparatively trifling. Enterprise is the main requisite. It has been a great mistake to sacrifice healthy young orchards, which, with little expense, would probably yield as large profit as any other product. The single orchard of the Messrs. Clapp disproves the whole list of diseased, neglected, and stunted orchards to be seen on every side. The evil is, however, in many cases, beyond remedy. Trees which have been stripped of foliage for three or four years, especially if of full age, become so stunted and checked as to be scarcely worth recovering. Hence the greater need of protecting all that are yet vigorous.

The Williams was, as usual, the most prominent summer apple, followed by the Gravenstein in autumn, and, with unusual prominence, by the Hubbardston for winter. Of course, it is not safe to follow these indications blindly. The best and most showy fruits may not be productive, or adapted to general culture; yet it is believed that an examination of the prize varieties of the various fruits will, in the main, guide to safe conclusions.