SECRETARY'S PORTFOLIO. 355 



Sow plaster on the vines during the season, beginning when they are in 

 blossom. 



My last year's experience leads me to believe there is sulphur enough in the 

 plaster to keep off the mildew. My vines look more healthy when it is used. 



The kind of vines to plant depends very much upon the person who is to 

 attend them. Some of our choicest varieties have tender leaves and are subject 

 to mildew. Vines of this character should be in the hands of the most careful, 

 observant, and painstaking. Such persons would prevent mildew. Others 

 would try to cure it as soon as they observed it, and in most cases they 

 would be too late, as the destruction of the fruit would have already been ac- 

 complished, and perhaps the vitality of the vine destroyed for all time. The 

 coming vine will be as hardy as the Concord, and the fruit as delicate and high 

 flavored as Allen's Hybrid. 



The Concord will not come up to the standard for a good grape, as the skins 

 are too offensive to be eaten, but it has so many good qualities that a list of de- 

 sirable grapes would hardly be complete without it. 



Here is a list that would please a large majority of persons : Concord, Dela- 

 ware, Salem, Agawam, Wilder, and Eumelan. It would suit me better to 

 change the first two to the Lady and Brighton. Other lists almost equally good 

 could be made. Some of the best of these have faults which will cause them 

 to be superseded at no distant day. 



It is not best to be too sanguine about new kinds. Let those who are able to 

 spare the means try the new kinds. 



Too great a variety is not advisable, but no home should be without half a 

 dozen vines. 



The grape will give more satisfaction for the labor bestowed upon it than any 

 fruit I am acquainted with. Raise good fruit, eat it as I have told you, pulps, 

 seeds, and skins ; be healthy and you will be happy. 



Saginaw, Mich. Dr. L. C. Whiting. 



BERRIES. 



THE CUTHBERT RASPBERRY. 



This remarkable berry, now becoming exceedingly popular, originated with 

 the late Thomas Cuthbert, in New York city, fifteen years ago, or thereabouts, 

 but has not been introduced to the public under its correct name until recently. 

 Mr. Cuthbert appears to have made no further effort than to exhibit his great 

 berry to a few friends, one of whom was Mr. Conover, of Asparagus fame, 

 who, also spreading it in his neighborhood, gave it undesignedly the name of 

 the "Conover," as it was nameless and must; of necessity be known by some 

 name. 



Persistently the Cuthbert pushed its way over the State, demanding recog- 

 nition of its merits. In some instances it was supposed to be the same as the 

 Franconia or Naomi, and was sold extensively under these names. William 



