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Hardy and productive; succeeds well in any part of the country; flesh similar to Concord, and ripen earlier than that variety.

Mr. MILLER. Thinks the sentiment of this Society is in favor of birds. The Commissioner of Agriculture considers the sparrow a useful bird, as it destroys an enormous amount of insects.

Mr. HARRISON. Announced the hour of ten, and moved an adjournment. Adjourned.

THURSDAY MORNING, January 22.

Meeting was called to order at nine o'clock, Judge Stitzel in the chair. Mr. HARVEY, from the committee to confer with Mr. Rutter, concerning selections to be read from his manuscript, reported that they recommend the reading of such extracts as Mr. Rutter would select.

Mr. RUTTER stated that he cared but little more for yellows than for worms at the root. Could not give the manuscript over to the Society, as it will be printed in book form in within a week. It will be reviewed in twenty or thirty papers, and would furnish the Secretary with copy of review. Would like a full attendance when extracts are read.

On motion of Mr. ENGLE, reading of the extracts was postponed until there was a fuller attendance.

The following was read by the Secretary:

I contemplate to set out eight hundred or one thousand grape vines this coming spring in Berks county, six miles southwest of Reading. Nature of soil a light sand underlaid by clay, inclined southeast. What kind of grapes can I plant, and how many varieties? corresponding with above number of vines for the following purpose: for wine, market, and table use, to meet with best success for thrift and profit. Respectfully submitted.

J. H. HERBIEN.

Mr. ENGLE thought the Society would not like to prescribe for the Doctor. His best plan would be to see what varieties succeed in his neighborhood, and then make his selections. Could advise what to plant in his own vicinity; but not for the Doctor's.

Dr. HERBEIN Would like every member's opinion. By discussing we can draw out what varieties succeed best in different localities, not so much for his own as for general information.

Mr. HARVEY had the "grape fever" badly twenty or thirty years ago. Had planted about one hundred and fifty varieties, and rejected one hundred and forty-seven as of not much account. Would be pleased to hear how some of the new candidates are progressing. As for self, would not go much beyond Concord and Clinton.

Mr. ENGLE agreed with Mr. Harvey that we have too many varieties, and that many should be rejected. Concord still seems to lead as the grape for the million. It may eventually be superseded; but not yet. Dr. Grant once said that "he that relishes the Concord had not a cultivated taste." Have Martha also under cultivation, and find it of better quality, equally hardy, not quite so productive; but brings generally twenty-five to thirtythree and one third per cent. more in the markets. Hartford is one of the earliest varieties, and of good quality; but drops from the stem when ripe. Telegraph is also early and of good quality; but crowds itself upon the bunch, and frequently bursts. Roger's Hybrids are not fully hardy, and sometimes winter-kill; but they are of large size, excellent quality, and a good keeper. Has not sufficiently tested Lady; but it seems a very desirable white grape. Rickett's seedlings seem ahead of all for size and quality, and think there are enough varieties of them to make a selection and grow

as fine grapes as the foreign varieties. Salem is one of the best of Roger's varieties. Thinks Massasoit the best of all; but it is one of the weakest growers and least productive.

Judge STITZEL. Wilder succeeds well in town.

Mr. RUTTER. In considering this question, we should know whether they are intended for market or domestic use. For market there is really but one kind to be named. Concord is the best variety for general cultivation. It will bring most money, and no one should hesitate to plant it largely. Its success depends somewhat on locality; but it has a wider range of success than any other kind in cultivation. Roger's Hybrids,,in Maryland, are almost equal to hot-house fruit. They are too loose for a market grape. Dealers want grapes that look and pack well in a box. Clinton is better for wine than Concord. Agreed with Mr. Engle that best plan is to ascertain what varieties do best in our own vicinity; but not to experiment with too many varieties. If so, will be disappointed.

Judge STITZEL asked what number of Roger's Hybrids Salem is.
Mr. ENGLE. Originally No. 22, but thinks it has since been changed.
Dr. HERBEIN inquired about Ives seedling.

Mr. ENGLE. Has grown Ives for a number of years. It is hardy and a rampant grower, but has a thick skin, and brings the lowest price in our markets. In the West it is a standard variety for wine. Would plant it sparingly.

Mr. STEVENSON stated that Dr. Farley, of Union Springs, New York, was present, and is quite an extensive and practical vineyardist. Would like to hear his opinion.

Dr. FARLEY. Has for twenty-five years cultivated grapes pretty extensively, and has had some experience. The French system of close pruning would not do in this country. Mr. Longworth, of Cincinnati, tried it; it proved a failure. Vines in this country must make wood in order to make roots. Should not plant too close. Found that by removing alternate vines he grew one third more fruit. Vines are often left to over-bear, and when injured by over-bearing, never recover. As to varieties, early sorts do well, and are profitable in every section of his State, while late ones are not. Would not plant a dark-colored grape. Finds that light varieties bring twice the money. Roger's Hybrids and Catawba are among the best. Delaware also does well. Concord not worth planting. Stated that he had placed a sample of a new white grape, Duchess," upon the table for testing by the Society. It is a hybrid, one quarter foreign blood, same nature as Brighton." It originated in Ulster county, New York, some ten years ago; is a strong grower, hardy, and of good quality.

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The next question on the programme, "Should the tree agent be encouraged?" was taken up for discussion.

Mr. RUTTER thought not. The agent comes around with his illustrations and samples in jars, and offers them at fabulous prices, on the plea that they cannot be obtained elsewhere. Five thousand dollars' worth had been sold by them in his vicinity, charging $2 to $2 50 each for pear trees that could be bought at Hoopes, Bro. & Thomas' nurseries at 50 cents each; grapes at $150 to $3 per vine that turned out to be Clinton. Time and again the agent would come around. People would buy and be swindled, when they could go to home nurseries and buy from parties who are responsible, and would not wilfully misrepresent.

Mr. HOOPES. Is not an agent nor the son of an agent. The fault is not so much the agents' as the people's. Find in own business that people expect to be waited upon, and but few go to the nurseries. If it were not for the dealers, many would never plant at all. It is customary to deride

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