Summer Meeting. 65 



too much foliage. We think it best not to ripen any fruit the second 

 year, thereby allowing the vine to better develop. 



Spraying — We have not found it necessary to do this to any great 

 extent. We have not lost more than 10 per cent of crop at any time and 

 often much less. But if fungus diseases have prevailed, first use copper 

 sulphate before the buds swell. For the second application, use Bordeaux, 

 being careful to use enough lime to prevent burning of foliage. Make 

 the same application ten days later if needed. 



In marketing, we recommend the eight-pound basket. We pack care- 

 fully, avoiding decayed or unripe fruit. Our home market is best, being 

 so situated that consignment is not necessary. Our crop, too, is well out 

 of the way before the northern or eastern fruit is with us. 



If at any time our market is overburdened, we desire to strongly rec- 

 ommend the manufacture of the unfermented grape juice. This is most 

 palatable and wholesome. When properly prepared, its healthful nutri- 

 tion is not excelled in the whole catalogue of fruits, and for the sick room, 

 where fruit is permitted at all, it has first place. 



In comparing the grape with other perishable fruits, we must give 

 it the meed of praise. It will thrive under adverse conditions and yield 

 a crop. With us, it has had but few insect pests. For nearly six thou- 

 sand years it has been a valued fruit for mankind. We are glad to be 

 able to say that thousands of tons of native American grapes find a profit- 

 able market every year. 



DISCUSSION OF GRAPES. 



G. T. Tippin — The trellis, which Mr. Ferguson has described, is one 

 of the best ideas for controlling the rot fungus of grapes. It serves two 

 purposes ; by holding the vine high it allows the air to circulate and pre- 

 vents the collection of dampness, at the same time it forms a shade and 

 protection from too much sun. As a rule, grapes rot less in shade than in 

 open sunshine. I am convinced that the fungus rises from the ground, 

 and therefore the position is well taken that approves of raising the 

 trellis higher. 



Secretary Goodman — Many people make a failure of the few vines 

 about the house because they do not know how to prune. We can not get 

 the best results on canes from old wood, but on canes from one-year- 

 old wood. Too many times we save a healthy cane from the ground, 

 but we should cut it back to two or three buds and get a bearing cane 

 for the next year. If you have out two vines it will pay you to remember 

 this principle ; it will give you more grapes. Every year grow a sprout 

 or shoot or cane for the bearing wood for the next year. If no new wood 



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