THE SECRETARY'S PORTFOLIO. 373 



dormant state, and that it circulates freely only at a certain temperature, after 

 it has been relieved from its icy bondage. As the tree thaws out the sap is set 

 in motion, the freezing nights being as essential to its flow as the thawing day- 

 times. Any further que.-^tions in regard to the philosophy of sap-llow or sap- 

 rest, I decline to answer just now. — Western Farm Journal. 



EXPERIMENT WITH SEEDS. 



There are many questions constantly presenting themselves for solution to 

 every thoughtful person engaged in the propagation or cultivation of plants. 

 These questions relate to all the infinitely varied conditions and influences un- 

 der which plant-growth can take place. Every farmer and gardener has many 

 opportunities to throw light on these subjects by a little effort in the way of ex- 

 perimenting. The whole future life of the plant is often greatly influenced by 

 the conditions under which germination takes place. The condition and qual- 

 ity of the soil, the nature, condition, and amount of manure or fertilizer used, 

 and the conditions of liglit, heat, and moisture during the germination and 

 early stages of the plant, have a decided and in most cases a controlling influ- 

 ence on the future growth and vigor of the plant. These things are all gov- 

 erned by established laws. The reason that success is not more general and 

 uniform is that our knowledge of the laws of germination and growth is too 

 limited, and even what is known is not as generally and intelligently applied as 

 it might and should be. A simple, carefully conducted experiment, in which 

 all the known elements are taken into the account, may be the means of throw- 

 ing light on some important point that will result in great practical good. 

 Soaking seed in various mineral or chemical solutions before planting, often 

 has a very important effect on the health and vigor of plants. 



A series of trials that would determine what these effects are, would be of 

 great practical utility to farmers. Would it not be a good subject for the con- 

 sideration of Granges and Farmers' Clubs? Suppose the different members of 

 a Grange should arrange for a series of experiments to be made during the 

 present season, so arranging it that each one shall have a definite and specific 

 duty to perform ; every step in the process, with the results, to be reported to 

 the Grange at the proper time. These reports might be placed on the records 

 of the Grange for future reference, and thus serve as a guide to future opera- 

 tions. — Correspondent Coiintrij Gentleman. 



AX EXPERIMENT IN GRAPE CULTURE. 



Seven years ago, in grubbing up a Catawba vineyard, the writer left one row 

 of the vines. The stakes had been taken away, and as a lot of apple tree trim- 

 mings were convenient, a quantity were placed on eacli side for the vines to run 

 on, just keeping them off the ground, but scarcely more than a foot from it in 

 any place. 



The experiment has been completely successful. Tlie last three years have 

 been excessively wet, and both rot and grape curcnlio have run riot among the 



