THE SECRETARY'S PORTFOLIO. 213 



cheaper manure. Also uses much night-soil. Dry it Avith road dust every day 

 and it is perfectly deodorized. Spreads broadcast, and cultivates it in. Level 

 land, plows in fall, but terraced land, cultivates only. 



Mr. Craine would like to see much improvement, even in the Delaware. 

 Would like to see a larger berry and cluster, a healthier leaf, us it sometimes 

 mildews. Has had one failure in twelve years. Has made more money out of 

 the Delaware than any other grape. Concord has failed of tener than Delaware, 

 but not from mildew. Thinks we can grow more with profit. Others had 

 made it profitable. One had sold Delaware in Massachusetts for 12£ cts. ; 

 Rogers for 15 cts. ; Salem from 12 to 15 cts. Shipped Delawares in boxes hold- 

 ing 2 lbs. each, Kogers in baskets holding 20 lbs. 



Mr. Hooker does not believe that we have reached the height of excellence 

 in some directions. Thinks we can sacrifice seeds and gain in sweet quality of 

 American grapes. Can not get all the fine qualities in one grape. If we want 

 higher flavor, we can get it; if we want wine we can get that; we have not 

 reached the highest by a great deal. We want a handsomer bunch in some, 

 longer keeping qualities in others. Mr. Moore thinks we want hardiness and 

 quality combined. Mr. George Ellwanger said Catawba is our best flavored 

 grape, but will not mature in many localities. Mr. Craine thinks Concord 

 needs a tougher skin, so we can ship it. No black grape pays to send to an east- 

 ern market. Rogers No. 39 is a good black, — better than No. 4. 



George S. Conover said it is not always best for this society to recommend 

 those that sell best, but such a society should educate the tastes of the people. 



Mr. Hubbard agreed with Mr. Hooker that we must sacrifice in one direction 

 to gain in another. We want better quality and healthier foliage. There is 

 now no grape that combines those qualities. Thinks the prospects now better 

 for profitable grape culture, in Western New York, than for years. Three- 

 fourths of the vineyards have run down, and those who cultivate well and 

 intelligently will succeed. Catawba, one of the best on the lake. Delaware 

 does well on rich soil but sometimes affected with leaf -blight. Concord, so far, 

 most profitable. No one variety best in all sections. Each locality must de- 

 termine for itself. He would plant half Concord ; Delaware, Salem, Sogers' 

 15 do well. Grapes have deteriorated from some cause ; once could ripen Isa- 

 bella every year, but now it fails every few years. Mr. Babcock thinks there 

 are no successful vineyards, inland, but they succeed along the lake. 



C L. Hoag said, if we select the right varieties, no other fruits pay so well. 

 Has a vineyard of Hartfords that has not failed in twenty years, and he con- 

 siders that variety the most profitable. Rogers sell for no more than Isabella. 

 Geo. T. Fish has grown a few acres of Concords and Hartfords, and they pay 

 for labor and interest on land. They have never failed but one year. Jones 

 thinks that some vineyards away from the lake pay very well. Concord and 

 Hartfords pay better than other varieties. 



Hooker had noticed what appeared like tar on some of the leaves and grapes, 

 and inquired if any one knew anything about it. Craine, Barry and Hubbard 

 thought it black rust. 



H. Dale Adams said, we need a grape in Michigan of the size, productiveness, 

 and hardiness of Concord, and of better quality. Asked growers to mention 

 their most profitable varieties. Hubbard said, Concord ; Jones, Concord ; 

 Hoag, Hartford ; Craine, Delaware ; Hooker, Delaware ; W. C. Barry, thinks 

 Hartford more profitable than Concord, ships better, and has a longer period. 



