116 TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 



July 29, 1861. 

 Mr. Henry Steele, of Jersey city, in the chair. 



APPLES. 



Mr. Carpenter exhibited specimens of apples — the Ked Astra- 

 chan, ^vhich is one of the earliest apples, and fine for cooking, 

 but rather acid for the table. They will ripen gradually for a 

 month or six weeks, a few at a time. Also, the Early Joe, one of 

 the earliest and finest apples. The GijBTord is a few days later. 

 The early Strawberry apple is another desirable apple for every 

 farmer. 



Mr. Pardee. — The Summer Rose is one of the best early apples. 



Mr. Carpenter. — The Jersey Sweeting is a little later than 

 these ; but I know of none so desirable. Its quality is almost 

 equal to some of our best pears. It is a great bearer, and bears 

 every year. I obtain good fruit in two or three years, by graft- 

 ing on the top of an old tree. The trees may be grafted from the 

 middle of April until they are in full bloom. I think it is not 

 very safe to graft after the blossom has fallen ; but I have been 

 as successful when the trees are in full blossom as at any other 

 time. 



WHEAT CORN. 



Mr. C. also exhibited a new variety of spring wheat, of very 

 promising yield, some of the heads being six inches long. It was 

 sown about the first of May. Also, a specimen of early Narragan- 

 set sAveet corn, a week earlier than other varieties of sweet corn. 



Mr. Robinson exhibited a specimen of Mediterranean wheat, 

 and remarked that boiled wheat is an. excellent dish for the table. 

 It is to be gathered as soon as it is ripe enough to shell, or may 

 be used after it is ripened, and is cooked like rice ; to be eaten 

 either as a vegetable with meat, or with syrup or sugar. It is 

 far superior to rice ; more nutritious, and costing less. 



DROUGHT WATERING CULTIVATION, 



Mr. Carpenter, after referring to the drought now pervading 

 some sections in this neighborhood, said that he Avas convinced 

 that upon ground Avhich has been trenched, digging often to 

 mellow the ground is more serviceable than watering. The 

 atmosphere penetrates the soil and its moisture is condensed 

 about the roots. 



Dr. Trimble suggested that early in the season, before the 

 plants are large enough to permit digging, the surface may be 



