PROCEEDINGS OF THE FARMERS' CLUB. 405 



the right and the other to the left, about three feet, in a horizontal 

 direction. About every eight or ten inches on each of these arms 

 a cane is trained vertically, and each one alloAved to produce one 

 or two bunches of grapes. 



He stated that when a vine is transplanted the stake should 

 always ))e driven into the ground before the roots are spread out, 

 so that the stake may not injure or displace any of the fibres. 



In answer to the inquiry as to what is a merchantable, first-class 

 vine, he brought with him a few vines to show the difference 

 between a first-rate vine, that will sell for $1 or more, and such 

 vines as are sf)ld for eight or ten cents each. The former had a 

 small stem, and almost a complete mat of strong roots ; the second 

 and third class vines have only a few roots, and sometimes it is 

 difficult to make a vine live because the roots are so few. 



Mr. Wm. S. Carpenter thought close pruning likely to result in 

 failure ; that vines should grow eight or ten feet long for bearing 

 wood, and that these complicated methods are not suited for the 

 common people or for large vineyards. 



Mr. B. W. Holton. — Some vines need more pruning than others, 

 and must have it, if success is to be secured. 



What Dikection is Best for Rows. 



Mr. H. Murray, Clay City, Clay county. 111., asks : In what 

 direction should rows run to receive greatest benefit from the sun. 

 Some say from east to west ; others from north to south. A long 

 stack of grain running from east to west always will sprout on the 

 north side ; if running from north to south it will not sprout on 

 any side. 



Mr. N. C. Meeker. — This subject was thoroughly discussed by 

 western grape-growers a few years ago, and elaborate calculations 

 were made. The conclusion was, that to receive the greatest heat 

 the sun rows should run a few points east of south, because the 

 heat beino; irreatest about two o'clock p. m., the sunlight then 

 directly will shine into the rows. 



Feeding Bees. 



Mr. M. Quinby, St. Johnsville, N. Y. — The past season was a very 

 poor one for honey in this, the eastern, and many other States. 

 A great many bees starved. Last spring was unfavorable ; a 

 great many through this section lost their bees as late as tJic mid- 

 dle of June, after using old stores, which, at this time (April 1), 



