appearance, they would give up the cultivation of this fruit, on account of the competition and low prices prevailing when the crop matures naturally and grapes are sent to this market in large quantities from locations outside the State. The prac tice of girdling is worthy of the attention of amateur growers, as by its application and by spraying the vines with the copper solutions or Bordeaux mixture the crosses with foreign varieties, which are more subject to mildew than pure natives, may be successfully grown. Girdling is not adapted to varieties having compact bunches, like Moore's Early and Delaware, as the increased size of the berries causes cracking and decay; but the value of the Concord and Worden, the two kinds of dark grapes most widely cultivated, may be increased by the operation. Strawberries came through the winter in good condition, but set their fruit irregularly, some varieties being affected more than others and producing but a partial crop. At the Strawberry Exhibition some excellent fruit was shown, the Marshall easily taking the lead as an exhibition variety. This is the first season growers for market have given any considerable space to this variety, and the complaint was made that it did not prove as productive as some other kinds. Possibly the peculiarity of the season had something to do with this result, but its large size, superior quality, and fine appearance will make it desirable for the garden, and further experience may make it profitable for the commercial grower. It evidently requires rich soil and high cultivation to secure satisfactory results. The public showed a growing interest in the exhibitions throughout the season by an increased attendance; these exhibitions afford those interested in fruit growing the best opportunity to learn by comparison the most desirable varieties for cultivation. The prices received by fruit growers for their product has been, like the crop, unusually irregular. As a result of the over supply of apples for the home market, a larger quantity has been sent to foreign ports than in any previous year, and the returns from the earlier shipments were often unsatisfactory. Pears, owing to the short crop, brought higher prices than have prevailed in recent years. The small fruits brought fair prices and met with a ready sale. George W. Campbell, Delaware, O., has entered his new grape, Campbell's Early, for the Special Prize offered from the Benjamin B. Davis Fund, sending samples of the fruit in August, September, and October. Although the Committee offered in prizes $136 more than their appropriation, owing to the partial failure in several lines of fruit they have awarded in prizes and gratuities only $1,527, leaving an unexpended balance of $273. Charles H. Hovey, Pasadena, Cal., Navel Oranges. 3 00 Any other variety, George V. Fletcher, Rhode Island Greening Third, Samuel Hartwell, Blue Pearmain WINTER PEARS. — Any variety, George V. Fletcher, Dana's Hovey, Gratuities: Charles H. Hovey, Pasadena, Cal., Oranges and Lemons 1.00 3 00 2.00 100 3 00 2.00 1.00 3 00 2.00 1.00 3 00 2.00 B. K. Bliss, Navel Oranges 3 00 200 ROSE AND STRAWBERRY EXHIBITION. JUNE 23 AND 24. Special Prizes from the Theodore Lyman Fund. STRAWBERRIES. - For the best four quarts of any variety, Warren Fourth, Barnard Farm, Fifth, Sumner Coolidge, 20.00 16.00 12.00 Special Prizes offered by the Society. For the best two quarts of any variety, to be judged by points, Marshall F. Ewell, Marshall Second, Hon. Joseph S. Fay, Marshall Third, Warren Heustis & Son, Marshall Regular Prizes. For the largest and best collection, not less than twenty baskets Ten baskets, not less than three varieties, two quarts each, George Five baskets, of one variety, two quarts each, Marshall F. Ewell . 6.00 500 4.00 3.00 25.00 15.00 12.00 10.00 8.00 6.00 5.00 4.00 3.00 4.00 3.00 2.00 4.00 3.00 2.00 4.00 3.00 2.00 4.00 3.00 2.00 8.00 Collection, not less than six varieties, one quart of each, Sumner Second, George F. Wheeler 8. 00 6 00 One quart of any new variety not previously exhibited, J. D. Gow ing, Seedling 3 00 Second, A. R. Howard, Seedling 2.00 CHERRIES. Two quarts of any variety, Edwin Hastings 4 00 FOREIGN GRAPES. Two bunches of any variety, Elisha S. Con Second, Warren Heustis & Son, Marshall Third, Hon. Joseph S. Fay, Marshall CHERRIES. Two quarts of Black Eagle, Samuel G. Damon. Two quarts of Downer's Late, M. W. Chadbourne Any other variety, the second prize to E. S. Chapell, Napoleon 2.00 3 00 2.00 1.00 3 00 3 00 2. 00 1 00 |