TRANSACTIONS OF NORTHERN II.L. HORTICULTURAL SOCIETV. 289 



not exceed four dollars per year, and they will produce, at the lowest esti- 

 mate, three hundred pounds of grapes. 



There is probably no fruit grown in this latitude which contains more 

 health-producing properties, as food, than the grape. 



The fruit can be used in its fresh state from the first of August, in this 

 latitude, until the first of January. The clusters intended for late keeping 

 should be not over-ripe, clipped off with shears, the damaged or defective 

 berries picked out, and the clusters laid away in shallow boxes, not more 

 than three clusters deep, with cotton batting between, placing them so 

 that they will not come in contact with each other, covering the whole 

 and placing in an upper room or closet, where they will keep cool — a^ 

 near the freezing point as may be — without freezing. 



Those housewives who have canned grapes, almost universally prize 

 this fruit as highly as any — peaches not excepted. 



The following is the most approved mode : Take grapes ripe, but not 

 over-ripe, and slip off the skins, which is very rai)idly done by taking each 

 berry between the thumb and forefinger, throwing the skins in a dish by 

 themselves, scald the pulp and rub it through a coarse sieve, to separate it 

 from the seeds, then mix pulp and skins together, and can as other 

 fruit. 



I will say to those who have not tried this mode, that they need not 

 consider it as experimental, and therefore put up the fruit sparingly, for 

 fear of failure; as there is little doubt all will be used before the ripening 

 of strawberries the next summer that may be put up. 



This fruit is pre-eminently alterative and corrective in its effects — even 

 much more so than the most highly recommended patent medicines, and 

 is, j)erhaps, on this account, better relished and api)reciated in the spring 

 than any other; and, if used habitually and in moderation, will greatly 

 conduce to health. 



1 am aware that this paper contains very little, if any thing, that is 

 new ; but it is found to be necessary to reiterate truths in practical horti- 

 culture, and exhibit them vnider different lights, to persuade the owners 

 of the soil to plant and use such fruits as are sure to repa\' tliem for their 

 labor, and promote health. 



I will conclude by exhorting every owner and occupant of soil, even 

 if it be no more than a village lot, to plant and care for a few grape vines. 

 They may be planted close beside and fastened to any fence or buikling 

 e.xcept upon the north side — where they will flourish, and will repay for 

 labor bestowed upon them. 



After a short discussion upon protection fororchards, vineyards, etc., 

 in which nothing new was elicited, the Society adjourned till nine o'clock 

 to-morrow morning. 



