1889,] TRANSACTIONS. 11 



that first intention, liealtli lies inherent, or that it is inevitably 

 imparted, ex vi tndneris. Ilap-hazard some superb peaches were 

 shown in our Hall within a few j'ears last past. Might not per- 

 severance convert such chances into a certainty? We know 

 that excellence was not confined to a few varieties, for the 

 equals, if not superiors of the Cooledge and Cravvfords have been 

 developed in this County and exhibited upon our tables. Your 

 Secretary never beheld finer specimens than were shown to him 

 during the first week of September, ult., that had been suflfered 

 to mature, whether on John, Richards or Sever Streets; perhaps 

 forgotten by the donor, or overlooked by the ubiquitous thief. 

 We may not ol^ject to the insertion in thrifty stocks, of buds 

 from trees of such unqualified excellence. But why not secure 

 and plant sound pits from choice fruits that we are sure were 

 never infected by disease — gathering where we ourselves have 

 strewn ? "Be aye stickin in a tree, Jock !" said rare old Sir 

 Walter. 



Still another problem whose solution may upset pre-con- 

 ceived notions, or dispel the vague mists of irrational prejudice. 

 It has been taken for granted for long years that the out-door 

 grape, for instance, requires a protracted warm season to which 

 the direct rays of the sun must contribute heat and light. And 

 yet, upon the fifteenth of September, ult., when the attention of 

 your Secretary was first arrested, the Diana, — that latest of all ap- 

 proved varieties to mature, — hung from the vine of as ripe 

 quality and full color as often on the first day of November ! 

 What latent forces in the laboratory of Nature conspired to 

 achieve this surprising result ? The winter it is true, had been 

 mild. But there ensued, for a wonder in Massachusetts, a 

 rainy season ; when clouds dripping moisture were daily with us 

 and the sun gradually faded into a tradition. The very early 

 maturity of that grape cannot, of course, be owing to solar influ- 

 ence, operating as usual. It is easy enough to frame theories 

 that tnight hold water this year, at least, since there has been 

 little else. Have we stumbled perchance, upon a clue? Does 

 the grape crave water, and thrive upon it, when supplied in 

 abundance ? We know that the wild native grape-vine selects for 



