326 



TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



ten inches in diameter. The variegated Dahlias are better than the selfs, 

 but even they do not generally give good satisfaction. The Gladioli are 

 at the head of all flowering bulbs, and are worthy of all praise. Every 

 garden should be supplied with the newer sorts, which are indeed superb 

 They are as sure to gi^ow and bloom as a thistle. 



On the 29th of March the discussion was on the Grape. 



President Fuller has not had a great deal of experience with the Grape, 

 but has tried trenching, and has experienced the best results. He dug 

 his trenches two feet deep, and then put in bones, lime, plaster, etc., and 

 had them spaded in with the sub-soil ; then he put back the top soil, and 

 planted his vines. Was careful to have his ground so drained that the 

 water would be carried away from the trenches. His vines had made a 

 growth the first season of from 8 to 10 feet. Did not know whether his 

 success depended entirely upon this method of planting. He planted 

 principally Rogers' and Allen's Hybrids, and Delawares. Thinks trench- 

 ing very important. Everybody admits Delaware to be the best native 

 grape, yet we do not want all Delawares ; a variety is indispensable. 



R. W. Hunt thought this a very important question. He grows 

 Hartford Prolific, Concord, Delaware, Clinton, and many others. He 

 liked Clinton ; it was a late and a good grape. He gave great credit to 

 those who have brought forth new varieties, but we should obey that pre- 

 cept of St. Paul: " try all things and hold fost that which is good." 

 Those grapes that did not prove to be valuable, should be thrown over 

 the fence. He expressed himself as entirely opposed to trenching. We 

 should endeavor to keep the i"oots as near the surface as possible. Any 

 soil that will grow good corn will grow good grapes. They should not 

 be plied with stimulating manures, nor the roots driven down into stagnant 

 water nor uncong^enial soil. Such treatment has brought disease and 

 death among our grapes. He read from authorities to prove his positions. 

 His sytem of planting would be to stake off' the rows and then turn fur- 

 rows up on both sides, planting the vines on the ridge, and having an 

 open furrow between the rows to cany off" the surface water. Would 

 not use a particle of manure, but would mulch. The roots musi be kept 

 near the surface if we would have healthy vines. 



Pres. Fuller did not believe in high manuring, and when trenches 

 were used they should be drained. 



Mr. Hunt said the drains should not be under the vines, but between 

 the rows. 



Judge Kitchell has had some experience. He had planted vines near 

 his house, on the east and south sides, which bore well and the fruit did 

 not rot, while that on other vines, well drained, 30 feet from these, rotted 

 badly. The vines near the house were planted on top of a pit, some four 

 to six feet deep. 



Mr. Hunt stated that all vines here should be covered through the 

 winter to secure the best results. He laid his on the top of the ground and 

 threw a couple of inches of soil over them. They should not be trimmed 

 too much. To severely prune our most vigorous vines injures them very 

 materially. 



