STATE HOBTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



213 



fair prices. I observed but little rot this season, though have heard some 

 complaints in unfavorable locations; I think, as a rule, we have been 

 exempt from it. When the month of June is dry at Alton we need not 

 fear rot on our southern hill-sides. 



The Goethe has proved valuable with me ; it ripens its fruit late, 

 but when ripe surpasses in beauty and flavor, to my taste, any variety in 

 my vineyard, and I shall plant more of it. 



The Lindley has been fine in every respect, and if it continues as 

 well I shall plant more; the color of the Goethe and Lindley make them 

 very desirable for the table. 



Perkins also made a fine show of salable fruit. 



Martha was perfect in fruit and foliage, though foxy, of course. I 

 think it will do to plant, to a limited extent, for profit, in our section. 



Wilder and Merrimac also proved valuable this season, and, from 

 the size of the berry and bunch, will be desirable for the table ; both have 

 borne very well with me for the last five years, and I feel safe in recom- 

 mending them in good grape locations. 



Elvira is also, I think, a safe grape to plant, to a limited extent ; it 

 is small in berry and bunch, but the vine is healthy and produces a fair 

 crop of nice fruit. 



I have other varieties of less value that I will not mention, but will 

 add something from the experience of others. 



The Champion has not proved valuable at Villa Ridge, as I learn 

 from Mr. Ayers; it has not fruited yet at Alton. 



Mr. Riehl claims that the Worden is valuable. 



Moore's Early and Brighton are on trial, and many hope good 

 results from them. 



As for the new process of preventing rot by inclosing the bunches in 

 paper sacks, I have very good evidence that it has a good effect, and that 

 it is possible to do it on a large scale for a comparative small outlay. 



DISCUSSION UI'ON THE REPORT. 



Mr. Murtfeldt. — I trust that such papers as this will start a revival 

 in grape culture. The cultivation of grapes for the last (ew years in 

 Missouri has not been remunerative owing to disease and phylloxera, and 

 a depressed market; our best grapes come from Kelley's Island. The 

 Hartford being a little earlier, and a more sour grape, is put upon the 

 market, and by the time the Concord comes into market the people have 

 had enough of sour grapes, and not generally recognizing the difference 

 between them and Hartford they will not buy them. It would be better 

 to dig up all the Hartfords. 



Mr. Wier. — I grow Ives instead of Hartford, and prefer it. 



Mr. Hatheway said, in answer to a question, that Champion is not 

 valuable with him. 



