218 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



range of varieties. The trees are apparently nearly or quite uninjured by the 

 past winter, and generally in a healthy condition, although yet young and but 

 few of them in bearing. Among them Golden Eusset and Rhode Island 

 Greening seem to be the leading varieties, although we also recognized Wag- 

 ener, Rambo, Red Astrachan and some others, the majority of them being 

 unrecognizable in the absence or immature state of the fruit. 



As has already been stated, it is proposed to extend the plantation of peaches 

 higher up the slope ; the experience of the past indicating that, by so doing, 

 the injuries resulting from very low temperatures in winter are likely to be to 

 a considerable extent avoided. 



The grape is also so far encouraging that, in addition to the very consider- 

 able space already devoted to this fruit, an additional vineyard was planted 

 last spring, and the roots now in nursery for a further planting next season. 

 These plantings are to be chiefly if not entirely of lona and Delaware, which, 

 everything considered, are believed to be the most profitable among the large 

 number of varieties tested here. 



The climate here is such that grapes, apples, and the other late fruits con- 

 tinue their growth, upon the branch, without danger from freezing until near 

 the setting in of the winter, which occurs in November ; so that, when gathered, 

 they are not (as is the case further south) subjected to an interval of warm 

 weather after gathering, hastening maturity and decay, but may be at once put 

 away for the winter. 



Applying this advantage to the grape, (and it applies with greater appropri- 

 ateness to the apple and pear) the Judge has constructed a cellar, apart from 

 other buildings, excavated in a gravelly knoll, entered upon the level, guarded 

 against frost at the entrance by double doors, and provided with ventilation 

 for the regulation of the temperature and the removal of excessive moisture. 

 When gathered, the grapes are stored here, in shallow boxes or in layers upon 

 shelves, and with freezing weather the temperature is allowed to run down to 

 near the freezing point, and is maintained at that point, as nearly as practi- 

 cable, during the winter. The result is that the fruit undergoes very little 

 change till the advent of warm weather in spring. As an illustration of the 

 effectiveness of this process under the above circumstances, we were favored 

 during the latter part of March, 1872, with specimens of Agawam and Dela- 

 ware grapes, still in fine condition, which had been grown here and preserved 

 in this manner. 



The grapes grown here have also, to some extent, been tested for the manu- 

 facture of wine ; some of which from the lona grape, now two years old, is to 

 our taste superior; although we might distrust our own judgment in the mat- 

 ter were it not reinforced by the verdict of those known to be connoisseurs. 



September, 1873. 



