340 TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



brightest, smoothest skinned, and soundest-cored potatoes that ever the 

 earth rolled out. And, one thing worthy of note ; while those surface-grown 

 were tainted with rot, th ..-se were like ivory, and now are as sound as when 

 first taken from the ground. It is not my intention to theorize much, but is 

 it not fair to suppose that potatoes planted near the surface are affected by 

 the changes of the weather ; that the blistering sun and drenching rain 

 contribute in no small degree to their decay ; while those deeper planted 

 draw their sustenance from a soil whose temperature is more equal, nestle, 

 as it were, in the cool, moist bosom of earth, and, sucking her deep founts, 

 are protected from the extremes of heat and cold, of wet and drouth. 

 But enough of speculation. I have given the facts, and potato growers 

 can draw their own conclusions. In any event, however, will it not be well 

 enough for them to try the experiment this year of planting a row or two 

 of their potatoes at twice their usual depth. The result in the Fall may 

 impel them to adopt the experiment as a rule, and give them cause to 

 gratefully remember the suggestion of C. H. AV." 



Solon Robinson. — Here is another letter asking for information about 

 another new potato ; and as I see the author of it present, I shall call upon 

 him to give the desired information. It is the " Pelham seedling." Will 

 Robert L. Pell give some account of it ? 



Mr. Pell said: I started this seedling ten years ago, and have carefully 

 cultivated the product to obtain an early and dry variety. It is now the 

 earliest potato known. I have manured this potato with liquid manure, 

 as well as other crops, and the result has been highly beneficial. I look 

 upon it as a valuable acquisition. A sample of it, both cooked and in its 

 natural condition, I will place before you. 



Judge Meigs. — Here are some of the potatoes boiled, and I will pass 

 them around to be tasted. 



They were all cracked open, and almost as dry as meal, of a good flavor, 

 and grow of a good size, roundish in form, white color, and very sound 

 and heavy. The Club made the following resolution in regard to these 

 potatoes : 



Resolved, That the Pelham Seedling potatoes exhibited to the Farmers' 

 Club to-day in a raw and boiled state, are fine, large, white, mealy, of good 

 flavor, and an acquisition of value to the present stock. 



GRAPE-GROWING IN CONNECTICUT. 



Solon Robinson. — Nath. Dustin of Uncasville, on the Thames River, 

 wants to know if he can grow grapes successfully, and what sort, and what 

 situation. 



Several persons answered that they would grow the Isabella, Diana, 

 Delaware, Concord and Hartford Prolific, on the south side of hills with- 

 out shelter, and with certain success, by laying down the vines in the Fall. 



HALLOCK'S PATENT FRUIT BOXES. 



N. Hallock exhibited specimens of his new style of fruit boxes, made 

 for two cents each, of thin shavings of wood, to hold a quart of berries, 



