PRESIDENT BRECK's ADDRESS, 85 



to color, commenced decay ; and, while in some places and on some trees 

 the fruit was fine, in others it was a complete failure. 



All the summer months were cold and wet, and on the 1st of September 

 the season was at least two weeks behind the average of seasons. 



Grapes, which gave abundant promise, were retarded by the cold weather? 

 and the excessive moisture brouglit on the mildew, which spread rapidly 

 upon the vines, when it began to be doubtful whether any fruit would come 

 to maturity. The severe cold weather on the night of the 29th of Septem- 

 ber gave the finishing stroke to all hope of any ripened grapes, except in 

 warm, sheltered places. The thermometer fell to 28°, and in some places 

 as low as 22°. In my garden it stood at 24°. Concord grapes, nearly or 

 quite ripe, were completely frozen through, as were the Dianas by their 

 side, which, however, were already hopelessly injured by the mildew. 

 Some of the Isabellas, where well sheltered and partially free from mildew 

 and beginning to color finely, met with the same fate. What is very un- 

 usual, the Black Hamburgh and other varieties of foreign grapes, in a cold 

 grapery, were also frostbitten, so that most of them were almost worthless, 

 notwithstanding the house is very close and well made. 



The past year has been one of the most prosperous since the formation 

 of the Society, if we may judge from tlie great number of gentlemen of 

 high respectability who have become associated with us during the season. 

 Sixty-six new members were admitted in 1860; fifteen have ceased their 

 connection with us, and six have died. The whole number at the present 

 time is five hundred and eighty. i)f these, two hundred and thirty-five are 

 life, and three hundred and forty-five subscription members. In addition to 

 these, there is a large number of honorary and corresponding members. 



Gentlemen : Before concluding these remarks, I wish to express my 

 gratitude and thanks for the kind forbearance and friendly support I have 

 invariably received from you since I have occupied the chair. It was not 

 my intention to have given you an opportunity to place me the third time 

 in this honorable position ; but, through the influence of our departed friend 

 Walker, and others, I was persuaded to permit my name to be reported as 

 a candidate once more, and I thank you for the unanimity with which I was 

 elected. Expecting a continuance of your kind forbearance and friendly 

 support, I shall enter upon the duties of another year with more confidence 

 that I shall be able to discharge the duties which devolve upon me in the 

 last term of service in this capacity ; but ever happy and willing to take 

 any subordinate office in which I can benefit the Society. 



