290 TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 



Mr. Koch. — I have purchased a great variety of fruit trees, 

 grape vines, and vegetable seeds, for the purpose of demonstrat- 

 ing whether I can grow any thing true to its kind in that climate. 

 I intend to graft the apple and pear upon the guava tree. I shall 

 take great pleasure in transmitting to the CJub the results of my 

 experiments. 



Mr. Carpenter asked, what was the temperature of Tobasco ? 



Mr. Koch. — Tobasco is situated in about latitude IS'^ north, 

 and the range of the thermometer from 65"^ to do^. The rainy 

 season commences in May and continues until October, during 

 which time a great part of the country is covered with water. 

 One great drawback to the prosperity of the country consists in 

 the numerous varieties of insects and reptiles. These are very 

 troublesome and annoying. 



Mr. Pardee asked if there was much sickness in consequence of 

 so much rain. 



Mr. Koch. — We have intermittent fever, but it is soon cured. 

 My own health has been very good since I have resided there, 

 which I attribute to the wearing of flannel next the skin. 



Mr. Robinson moved that the thanks of the Club be presented 

 to Mr. Koch for the instructive information furnished, which was 

 unanimously adopted. 



DESSICATED VEGETABLES. 



Mr. Henry presented specimens of Anjerican dessicated food, 

 made on Long Island. This article is now extensively used for 

 feeding our army, and in his opinion, is likely to drive the French 

 preparation out of our market. 



The regular subject of the day was then taken up, viz : ** The 

 neglected Fruits of our country." 



Mr. Robinson said he had a matter that might be very appro- 

 priately discussed under this head ; it was, 



"What kind of grapes shall we plant." I have been induced 

 to undertake to answer this question now, in consequence of 

 receiving the following letter of inquiry from a German friend 

 who called to consult me on a subject nearest to his heart. 



" I have two sons to whom I wish to leave each a vineyard. I 

 came from Steinberg, and my sons inherit a love for the vine ; 

 but your favorite American kijids are not good to our palatfes^ 

 Now, will not the American taste soon so far improve as to reject 

 such poor flavored kinds as the Isabella and Concord, and just as 



