254 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



the production of a satisfactory crop of fruit. For last year's 

 report. Mr. Smith furnished at our request a list of small fruits 

 which he had successfully grown. This season we take pleasure 

 in adding to this report a letter in which he gives his experience in 

 the cultivation of Hardy Grapes. We are glad that an opportunity 

 has been afforded us to give a second account of Mr. Smith's fruit 

 garden ; we only wish there were many more like it and that their 

 owners could enjoy the pleasure and satisfaction of a personal 

 interest in the growth and cultivation of fruits and flowers as he 

 does. 



Cambridge, Nov. 19, 1889. 

 My Deab Mr. Barker : 



At your request I briefly note my experience the past season 

 with regard to the cultivation of hardy grapes. The collection 

 covers fifty-five varieties, and I have given them especial atten- 

 tion, in order if possible to ascertain the best dozen varieties 

 to cultivate in Eastern Massachusetts. At the time of the visit of 

 your Committee, Jul}' 31, the vines and fruit presented a promising 

 appearance, several varieties being well furnished with large clus- 

 ters of fruit. Ihe weather during the six weeks following was 

 the most unfavorable for maturing out-door grapes within my 

 recollection. 



A superabundance of rain and cold damp weather not only caused 

 mildew but retarded the ripening of the fruit. The grapes arrived 

 at a certain point and did not progress, the fruit being very defi- 

 cient in grape sugar. Champion, Moore's Early, Cottage, Early 

 Victor, Geneva, Brighton, and Lindley, were the first to ripen and 

 in about the order named. None were up to the usual standard. 



This has been a phenomenal year with regard to rain and moist- 

 ure : therefore cultivators ought not to be discouraged, as such 

 a season may not occur again in twenty years. My experience in 

 laying down and covering the vines for winter protection has 

 proven very satisfactory ; this practice I continue until the yines 

 are too large and unyielding to admit it. 



Yours sincerely, 



Benjamin G. Smith. 



Nurseries of William C. Strong, Newton Highlands. 



August 7th the Committee spent a portion of the afternoon 

 with Mr. W. C. Strong, who is delightfully located at Waban, on 



