96 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



vines were set closer than they are now placed, and we began by growing 

 several canes from the root, instead of one as is now done. Some do this 

 way yet; but in the main there is but one cane and that is trained to two 

 wires, and the vines are set a greater distance apart. Yet it is hard to con- 

 form to any one method of training, because of the peculiarities of culture. 

 Many buds are left, because the number is likely to be decreased by rav- 

 ages of insects and by frost. Many buds are now to be seen which will 

 not be left when the growing season is at hand and these dangers averted. 

 The Wood system is now much in vogue, being many canes spread fan- 

 shape. This year we shipped 200 cars of grapes by freight, 3,000 baskets 

 per car, and 30,000 packages by express. An advantage we have is in the 

 fact that our crop is marketed and out of the way before the bulk of that 

 of western New York is ready. Concords are the standard as yet, for all 

 of the new sorts, many of which are tried. The Concord always sells well, 

 and bears everywhere, while the others fail in some localities. The Con- 

 cord rots least of all. The Niagara is next in favor. We grow grapes here 

 on all kinds of soil, though the vines are not so soon ready for bearing on 

 the lightest sands, yet they finally do as well. AVe used to think that only 

 the highest places would do, but such is not the case. Other places will 

 do as well if there are depressions about, into which the cold, frosty air 

 may fall away from the vines. Our maximum elevation is 170 feet above 

 the flats. Grapes grow upon the flats, however, and look as well as those 

 from the heights, but they are less sugary and not so well flavored as those 

 from the hills. The Concord grown here is better than it is anywhere 

 else, so far as my knowledge extends. We know this to be a fact, that we 

 produce this grape at its very best. There has been decadence in 

 the methods of marketing, and there is need of reform in this respect. 

 Lawton used to be a great apple region, but many orchards have been cut 

 out because they did not produce well. Pears do well but are not largely 

 grown. No fruit I grow is more profitable than the pear, and I expect to 

 see more of this fruit produced here. 



Mr. Kellogg: What is your total acreage? 



Mr. Lawton: Two thousand acres and upward. 



The secretary presented a large number of reports from difl'erent parts 

 of the state concerning the condition of fruit trees and plants, results of 

 the season of 1893, etc., and others were made by parties present, all agree- 

 ing that existing conditions were highly favorable. At close of these 

 reports the society proceeded with the programme, first in order being a 

 report from Mr. Garfield as a delegate to the meeting of the Illinois 

 state society. He said in substance: 



