PRESIDENT BRECk's ADDRESS. 121 



occurred in tliis month, in some places in the interior, so that we can say 

 we had frost in every month of the season. 



No wonder that many of the members of our Society thought it not ad- 

 visable to hold our Annual Exhibition, for the prospect really Avas most 

 discouraging". 



The next noticeable event of the season was a severe frost early in Sep- 

 tember, which was a damper upon dahlias and tender annuals. 



But the grand finale of the disasters of the season was a severe gale of 

 wind, that was experienced about ten days hefore the Annual Exhibition, 

 which blew off and damaged nearly half the small crop of pears, and made 

 havoc among the apples. With all these disasters and discouragements^ 

 even those whose faith had not failed them respecting the success of the 

 Exhibition, now began to fear. But the energy of the Committee of 

 Arrangements, and other members, was apparent when the Music Hall was 

 opened to the public. Where all the fruits and flowers came from was a 

 marvel to many. 



The Exhibition was a perfect success and highly satisfactory to the pub- 

 lic, as well as to the members themselves. It would, without doubt, have 

 been a success financially, had it not been for the mo^t uncomfortable rain- 

 storm which prevailed tiie whole lime; for the expenses of the Exhibition 

 were never before so small. The display of grapes was more extensive, of 

 better quality, and finer specimens than have usually been exhibited^ on such 

 an- occasion. The show of apples and pears may have been exceeded in 

 former years, bat there were many exhibitions of very choice specimens. 

 Of peaches there were but a few dishes, and those grown under glass. 

 There were many fine specimens of rare plants, and taking all together, 

 with the cut flowers and the large and excellent collections of vegetables, 

 very few Exhibitions have excelled it. 



The dry weather of August had a favorable influence upon the grape, as 

 very little mildew was noticeable. The Isabella fully ripened in my garden 

 for the first time for a number of years. Early in the season I supposed 

 my vines were so severely injured that there would be no fruit; but later 

 than usual in the season they broke and showed a small quantity. Probably 

 owing to this circumstance, partly, the grapes ripened, showing the impor- 

 tance of pruning. My Diana vine was so much injured that it produced 

 but a few bunches. The Concord was not in the least injured, and gave an 

 abundance of fruit. Tlie present season has confirmed the value of this 

 variety, if it needed any confirmation. As the vines acquire age and 

 strength the fruit is greatly improved. It is gratifying to learn that the 

 originator of tliis grape has been successful in producing a number of supe- 

 rior seedlings, which, when brought to notice, will undoubtedly be of great 

 importance to the country. 



From some samples of wine, made from our wild native grape, to which 

 my attention has been called the past season, I feel assured that when im- 

 proved varieties of grapes are originated and disseminated, and a more 

 perfect knowledge of the manufacture of wine becomes familiar, New 



