258 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



measured bj' the momentary sensation which the}' communicate to 

 the palate, but their great excellence and power of attraction con- 

 sist in the animation and vigor which they impart in their refresh- 

 ing power, and the aid which they give to nourishment. For this, 

 the peach in its perfection is eminent; also the citron melon, and 

 the best pears and apples ; but the true grape stands at the head 

 of refreshing fruits, greatly surpassing them all." 



We have from the pen of Dr. Fisher, a ver^' full and interesting 

 account of the manner of cultivating and caring for the vineyard^ 

 which is of unusually practical value, and is of greater interest 

 than any extended report of the observations of the Committee 

 could be. The healthy and vigorous vines and the even crop of 

 fruit, together with the excellent condition of the vine3'ard, were 

 highly satisfactory to the Committee. 



The following letter gives Dr. Fisher's method : 



FiTCHBDRG, October 5, 1889. 

 Committee on Gardens : 



Gentlemen: — I send you herewith a sample of the grapes taken 

 from my vineyard October 1st, and which you visited September 4th. 

 I do not send " show clusters," but rather those which will give 

 the most satisfaction in the eating, for which these are intended. 

 I wish to ask your assistance in deciding a question in regard to 

 fertilization. My vineyard is divided into three parts, designated 

 as the 1st, 2d, and 3d. One of the three has been fertilized 

 for three years with sulphate of potash among other ingredients, 

 while the other two have had muriate of potash. Sulphate is 

 believed by some to be much better adapted to the production of 

 sugar than muriate. The grapes in the bottom layer of the basket 

 are from Vineyard No. 3 ; the middle layer from No. 2, and 

 those in the top layer are from No. 1. I have put in No. 1 also 

 some of the girdled grapes which you saw, and which 1 think were 

 as good September 20th as these which were left until October 1st. 

 You will know them by the larger berries. After you have dis- 

 posed of them all, please tell me if one la3'er — omitting the girdled 

 ones — contains to the taste more sugar than either of the others. 



This basket is a sample of m}' way of marketing and I hope may 

 get to you in good order. The quality is not nearl}' so satisfactory 

 as in a dry and sunny year, nor does the crop handle as well. 



Yours truly, 



Jabez Fisher. 



