226 BOARD OF AGKICULTUEE. 



out the Atlantic slope, where the use of guano or other artificial 

 fertilizers is profitable. 



"But is it true/' we hear it asked, " that the manure made front 

 one ton of clover hay is worth as much as that made from a ton 

 and a half of timothy or meadow hay ?" There is no doubt on 

 this point ; and it is a fact we have often mentioned. It is one 

 reason why we so repeatedly urge the importance of an increased 

 growth of clover as a means of enriching the soil. But in addition 

 to this, it is also true that clover does not impoverish the soil so 

 much as timothy or other grasses when both are consumed on the 

 farm. If both the clover and the timothy are sold ofi" the farm, 

 the clover may impoverish the soil as much as the timothy, thougb 

 there is some doubt on this point." 



Notes on some of the newer Grapes. 



Tn my report for 185*1, were some remarks on several recently 

 introduced grapes. Three seasons having elapsed since then, which 

 have added materially to our stock of information, I propose now, 

 m response to repeated requests to do so, to state the results of 

 experience during these years. That grapes can be grown and 

 ripened in the open air in our State, from Kittery Point to Calais, 

 has been demonstrated. A luxury so great and so healthful is worth 

 the expenditure of considerable care and expense. 



The principal requisites to success in grape culture, are a rich, 

 deep, warm, dry soil, overlying a porous subsoil, or else thoroughly 

 drained, a warm exposure, shelter from cold winds, judicious prun- 

 ing and a severo thinning out of fruit, leaving one bunch only on a 

 shoot, or two of the smaller growing varieties on old well estab- 

 lished vines. The vines should be laid down in winter and covered 

 with evergreens. If hardy they will survive without this, but 

 with it they start stronger and ripen earlier, which is a great 

 object and well worth the additional labor. I said a rich soil, but it 

 should not be filled, as some practice, with carrion or other v(^y 

 strong manure, as this induces a late, rank, unripe growth, and a 

 thoroughly ripened growth of wood is indispensable. 



During the past season the writer raised grapes upon a clayey 

 soil naturally wet and cold, but underdrained, in the most opea 



