WILD AND CULTIVATED GRAPES. 347 



planted in these plots. The soil of the vineyard consists of 

 a gravelly loam, a drift formation, of good depth. 



The fertilizers used, numbered the same as the plots, are 

 as follows : — 



No. 1. 450 pounds superphosphate, 12 per cent soluble phosphoric acid ; 



180 pounds nitrate of potassa. 

 No. 2. 250 pounds sulphate of magnesia (crude Kieserite) ; 180 pounds 



nitrate of potassa. 

 No. 3. 450 pounds superphosphate, 12 per cent soluble phosphoric acid; 



250 pounds sulphate magnesia (crude Kieserite) ; 180 pounds 



nitrate of potassa. 



The superphosphate giving about fifty-four pounds of solu- 

 ble phosphoric acid ; the amount of nitrogen, about twenty- 

 four pounds ; the potassium oxide, eighty pounds ; and the 

 magnesium oxide, thirty-eight pounds. 



The following subjects were proposed for careful analytical 

 investigation : — 



First, What are the chief characteristic organic and inor- 

 ganic constituents of the Concord grape as compared with 

 those of the wild varieties of Vitis Labrusca (L.), the vine 

 from which the Concord originated? 



Second, To what extent is it possible to alter the quality 

 and the quantity of their ash constituents in the fruit of both 

 varieties? and, in case such alterations are noticed, what 

 are the consequences of changes of that kind in the relative 

 quantity of their most characteristic organic constituents, as 

 sugar, acid, &c. ? 



The solution of these questions may require some years of 

 study ; but every fruit-grower must recognize their impor- 

 tance, while it is evident that they suggest the possibility of 

 progress, and point out the way for future study and observa- 

 tion which may lead to valuable practical results, — valuable 

 not to the grape-grower alone, but to the cultivator of every 

 variety of fruit. 



The growth the first year after the application was 

 remarkably good, the foliage being of very dark color ; and, 

 while vines in the other parts of the vineyard suffered from 

 mildew, those fertilized were nearly free from its injuries. 

 The fruit was larger and of better quality. 



The first analyses forming the bases of future comparison 

 are as follows : — 



