TKANSACmONS OF HORTICUI^'fURAL SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILL. 



301 



cessfully, and prove to be a valuable acquisition to extend the small- 

 fruits, as they are so valuable for canning, ])reserving, drying, etc. The 

 greatest humbug of the age is the "Utah Hybrid, or Cluster Cherry." 

 The well-known varieties are E. Richmond, Morello and Kentish. 



As I have taken up so much time, I will endeavor to make only a 

 few remarks on Grape culture, giving a general outline, and leave the 

 balance to others. 



Grape culture is so simple that every farmer should try a few square 

 rods of land to vines. For location, select the warmest place in the 

 garden, well drained, if possible on the south side of a hill. Prepare 

 the ground by a heavy coat of manure, plowing deep and pulverizing 

 thoroughly; stake off the ground in rows north and south, eight feet 

 apart, so as to admit the sun as much as possible; set in the row from 

 eight to twelve feet apart, according to the kinds and manner of training. 

 In setting, dig the holes from eight to ten inches deep and two feet 

 across, set the plants on an angle of forty-five degrees, for the convenience 

 of covering, put in a light covering of earth, press down with the fingers 

 among the roots, fill up the hole with loose dirt, and mulch well, so as to 

 keep moist and insure a large growth the first year. One cane is sufficient 

 for the first year; pinch off all the others, cut back in the fall to three 

 buds, cover lightly with earth or coarse litter, tie to a stake the second 

 year. Undoubtedly all the buds will grow; after they have started well 

 select three or four of the strongest canes and pinch off the balance, cut 

 back in the fall to three or four feet, leaving from two to three buds on the 

 branches; in the fall cover as usual. The third you are ready for your 

 trellis (or stake as you choose); this year they will begin to bear a little. 

 Further information, and cuts explaining trimming and manner of train- 

 ing, can be had by procuring a '^'^ Hand-book for those who grow fruit for 

 their oivn use,'' by F. R. Elliott, author of the "Western Fruit-Grower's 

 Guide," price 60 cents. 



The grapes for the farmer must be hardy, early and prolific. The 

 Concord takes the lead for a standard variety ; the Worden, a very nice 

 flavored dark grape, is quite a favorite, and ripens a few days earlier than 

 the Concord; the Janesville, a great favorite for the Northwest, ripens 

 about two weeks earlier than the others, is very hardy, but second quality 

 for flavor; Delaware, A No. i for quality of fruit, but not quite so hardy ; 

 the Rogers' Hybrids are not behind; No. 15, Agawam, very popular; 

 No. 9, Lindley; No. 4, Wilder; No. 19, Merrimac. With the new 

 varieties come the Brighton, Florence, Martha, Lady and Lady Wash- 

 ington, and one of the latest, the Prentiss; all of these come well recom- 

 mended. 



With all of these facts before us, what farmer is there who can deny 

 his family the luxury of small-fruit, when it can be had for so small an 

 outlay ? 



A few dollars to start with, with the increase they make, in a short 

 time will supply any family with all the fruit they need ; it will, of course, 

 require care and attention to keep the ground in good condition. One 

 acre of land devoted to small-fruit will add largely to the comfort and 



