363 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



any apparent nnusnal conditions of temperature or moistnre. These observa- 

 tions were continued through many years, and with a perfect uniformity of co- 

 incidence between the barometric pressure and certain observed phenomena. 



When peaches were at the ripening stage, the occurrence of low atmospheric 

 pressure always accelerated the ripening j)i'ocess, while a rise of mercury as 

 uniformly retarded it. As a practical use of the fact, I learned to secure extra 

 help when the mercury was running low ; and the help was always needed. 



On the other hand, when weather was fine and peaches showing by the color 

 that they were on the verge of ripeness, if mercury was high and steady, I was 

 slow to put on help. I had occasional attacks of peach-rot, and sometimes of 

 grape-rot, but they were always at times of decidedly low pressure, and the 

 spread of it as surely ceased, in every instance, when mercury went above ordi- 

 nary fair weather stage. 



THESE COIXCIDENCES 



should lead to no positive conclusions, for rot did not always appear at all 

 times of low pressure ; other conditions seemed also to be necessary, as it did 

 not seem disposed to appear unless there was nearly the ordinary amount of 

 moisture in the soil; and. it was rarely seen in orchards but little cultivated. 

 At places much farther south, I understand that orchards standing in grass 

 do not seem to be saved from rot when it prevails. 



THE DEKANGEJIENT OF THE FOLIAGE 



of apple trees, which is sometimes seen in summer, seems to be a serious mat- 

 ter as aflfecting the setting of buds for the next year's crop, and may, possibly, 

 be traced to an atmospheric origin. This derangement is often unnoticed, but 

 is easily seen by turning the leaf up to strong light, thus showing the patches 

 of pale green or yellow. 



I am unable to say whether the occurrence of this malady is sudden, and 

 have only given it attention during the last few summers. Yet I think I see 

 some coincidences which, though they may not be of great value, I mention to 

 excite interest in the matter, hoping we may have some more decisive observa- 

 tions ; for the unhealthy foliage is, of itself, a thing of importance. 



In a season of its prevalence I found, in a pretty full canvass of the town in 

 which I live, that it seemed to be worst on good soils with what we call good 

 cultivation. 



Altitude, apparently, had nothing to do with it, nor did shelter from prevail- 

 ing winds. 



.The question arose in my mind whether we ought, on good soils in good 

 condition, to stir the ground at those times when it would result, to ordinary 

 crops, in the greatest amount of growth. 



These coincidences, though leading us to many points where our knowledge 

 stops, as I said, must not be despised, for out of the knowledge of them much 

 practical good has arisen. The derangement in the leaves of grape vines which 

 shoAv patches of discoloration may be akin to the unhealthy state of apple 

 leaves referred to, and it is quite clear that best results are not reached under 

 the influence of either malady. 



VI]S"EYARD PHENOMENA. 



A fact of interest is shown in the coincidences of circumstances among the 

 very celebrated vineyards of Europe, though, in distance, they are widely sep- 

 arated. These coincidences are everywhere very poor soil, — though dissimilar 

 in composition, — and open, airy exposure. In treatment of vines there is 



