426 ANNUAL REPORT. 



close of the afternoon session of the second day, Mr. Campbell, of 

 Ohio, read a paper on "American Grapes Forty Years Ago." Said he, 

 "Catawba, Isabelle and Clinton, were about the only varieties we 

 had. 



"Mr. Downing names only about one hundred and sixty varieties in 

 his catalogue. In 1880 the Mississippi Valley society had two hundred 

 and forty-nine distinct varieties on exhibition. Now, we probably 

 have over three hundred in cultivation, and still they come. But 

 improvement in character and quality has not kept pace with the 

 increase in number of varieties. In quality very little advance has 

 been made since the Delaware. We have mildew of foliage, rotting 

 of fruit and tenderness of vine in winter. Perhaps these obstacles will 

 be entirely overcome in the future. What is wanted is a vigorous 

 vine that will resist attacks of mildew, endure a temperature of 40^* 

 below zero in winter, and 100° above in summer. Hardiness, healthy 

 foliage, and good quality are now the desired points in grapes. There 

 is a tendency to too many new varieties. Many are most unworthy, 

 but advance has been made and still further improvements may be 

 expected in the future." 



The evening session was given up to an illustrated lecture on "Econ- 

 omic Entomology," by Prof. Cook, of Michigan. At the morning 

 session of the last day, after the usual amount of routine business had 

 been disposed of. Commissioner Colman, of Washington, addressed 

 the society, after which came a paper on "American Grapes," by T. 

 y. Munson, of Texas. This paper was among the ablest presented 

 during the sessions. The subject was treated from a scientific stand- 

 point, showing the characteristics and adaptabilities of the difiFerent 

 species of grapes. A discussion of some of the newer grapes was then 

 taken up. Mr. Rogers, of New Jersey, spoke of the Ironclad grape, 

 and said that it was worthless; and Mr. Hubbard, of New York, said 

 that it was a worthless wild fox grape, and good for nothing. Mr. 

 Lyman, of Virginia, had grown the Wyoming red for years and pro- 

 nounced it very good. Several other members spoke favorably of it. 

 The Niagara was pronounced good, free from mildew and rot, and as 

 hardy as the Concord. 



Mr. Barry, of New York, thought the Empire State was a good 

 variety. Mr. Campbell said it was fine flavored and remarkable for 

 healthy foliage. Several members had grown the Ulster Prolific, and 

 pronounced it one of the best. 



Mr. Smith, of Massachusetts, spoke favorably of the Hayes, as did 



