XXYI REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE. 



Fruit, like Bartlett pears and peaches, that ripens quickly after pick- 

 ing, and which is stored for a short time only, keeps best in open 

 packages in which there is a free circulation of air which quickly 

 reduces the temperature of the fruit; but winter apples, to be held 

 for a long period, keep best in a closed package, which prevents evap- 

 oration from the fruit. The Department is investigating the influence 

 of cultural conditions, methods of transportation, and systems of 

 refrigeration, and the results seem likel}^ to clear up many of the 

 present cold-storage difficulties. 



VITICULTURAT. INVESTIGATIONS. 



The viticultural investigations of the Department relate largel}^ to 

 the introduction of European table grapes into the Southern States, 

 to various problems connected with the propagation of European and 

 native grapes, and to the manufactured products of the grape. 



In the experimental vineyard of European varieties at Earlton, Fla., 

 established in 1899, several varieties are very promising and seem 

 worth}" of commercial planting in a restricted wa}". In this vineyard, 

 which is on sandy soil, the distinct superiority of stocks of the Rupes- 

 tris type over Riparia stocks has been demonstrated for the Vinifera 

 varieties. 



In North Carolina the experimental vineyard of similar varieties 

 shows several promising varieties, though the results are less encour- 

 aging than in Florida. 



An extensive experiment in bench and Held grafting of Vinifera 

 grapes has been begun to determine the relative congeniality of difi'er- 

 ent varieties to difierent resistant stocks and the behavior of the 

 grafted vines on various kinds of soils. This work is planned to have 

 distinct bearing on the grape industry of the South and of the Pacific 

 coast. 



An investigation of the influence of dipping grape cuttings in 

 water at different temperatures and for varying lengths of time upon 

 their growth, and to destroy the Phylloxera, has demonstrated that 

 the limit of safety was reached in a temperature of 50° C. with a five- 

 minute immersion. 



Investigations are also in progress relating to stocks that are resist- 

 ant to the Phylloxera, and which are adapted to the grape growing of 

 the Pacific coast. 



The Department is also making a careful study of the methods of 

 manufacturing unfermented grape juice and of its importance as a 

 commercial product. 



FRUIT DISTRICT SURVEY. 



The adaptability of varieties to the conditions under which the}" are 

 grown is a matter of fundamental importance, and no question is more 



