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the Japanese varieties, is very fine in quality, of good size, and 

 very productive. 



The one grape that stands out as having especially valuable 

 qualities, among the many new kinds, is the "Winchell"or 

 " Green Mountain." This is a very early, green grape of 

 medium size and growth of vine, but of very fine quality, and, 

 so far, free from disease. 



Among the small fruits, the red raspberry known as 

 Thompson's Early Prolific has proved the earliest variety upon 

 the grounds. It is hardy, of vigorous growth and good quality, 

 and, if it proves as productive as the Cuthbert or Marlboro, it 

 will be one of our most valuable varieties. Of the strawber- 

 ries, those taking the highest rank are the " Beder Wood" and 

 "Parker Earle," the first a very early, perfect-flowered variety, 

 valuable for home use or market, grown in the matted row or 

 in the hill, and the second a late variety, growing naturally in 

 hills, yet producing runners enough for its rapid propagation. 



An efibrt is being made to test all the new varieties of large 

 and small fruits, and such of the vegetables and flowers as may 

 be sent to us for trial, but with limited means this is all that it 

 has seemed advisable to undertake. The testins; of all varie- 

 ties of vegetables and flowers, in a comparative way, is of great 

 importance to the people who cannot afibrd to spend the time 

 and money necessary for this work. 



One of the pleasant duties connected with the work of this 

 department has been answering the numerous questions sent to 

 us upon all horticultural subjects, and receiving reports of the 

 interesting results obtained by those who are experimenting in 

 a private way. All such questions or reports of results are 

 earnestly solicited, and full credit will be given to the parties 

 communicating them. 



