REPORTS. 



REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON GARDENS, 



For the Year 1858. 

 BY F. LYMAN -WINSHIP, SECRETARY. 



On Monday, January 4, the Committee visited the Grapery of M. H. 

 Simpson, Esq., at Saxonville. The Committee have been desirous of con- 

 tinuing their visits to this place for the purpose of watching Mr. Simpson's 

 novel process of growing grapes, during the most unfavorable season of the 

 year. The price of grapes must be somewhat enhanced on account of the 

 additional cost of cultivation during the winter months, but the gratification 

 they afford to persons suffering from illness is certainly compensation suflS- 

 cient for the increase in cost. 



The Committee found in the first or advanced house, the crop of grapes 

 in as favorable condition as those of previous years. Mr. Simpson has 

 heretofore allowed his vines to bear too heavily, and acting upon a former 

 suggestion of the Committee, he had this season thinned the vines so thor- 

 oughly, as to leave but about seven pounds to each vine. 



The grapes, consisting of Black Hamburgh, Syrian, Frontignan, Zinfin- 

 dal, Muscat of Alexandria, Cannon Hall, and Black Prince, were, to judge 

 from their appearance, well ripened, having been started about five months 

 previously. 



The vines in the adjoining house were just bursting into bloom, and 

 gave promise of a good crop. But for the constant watchfulness of Mr. 

 Burns, the gardener, Mr. Simpson would not be enabled to attain such emi- 

 nent success, as every one familiar with grape culture at this season of the 

 year, well knows that constant attention is required day and night. 



On Wednesday, July 14, the Committee visited the estate of John D. 

 Bates, Esq., at Swampscot, a general description of which was given by the 

 Chairman of the Garden Committee, J. S. Cabot, Esq., on the occasion of 

 their visit, June 23, 1853. Since the former visit of the Committee the 

 grounds have been improved with such surprising rapidity, as to almost 

 obliterate every trace of what they were at that time. The estate has been 

 enlarged and the addition artistically laid out under the immediate super- 

 vision of the proprietor. The clumps and belts of trees have from time to 

 time been judiciously thinned, having been planted with that object in 

 view, and their thrifty and luxuriant appearance betoken great care and 

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