REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON GARDENS. 261 



The loss of acid at the second period is the only explanation of 

 the increased sweetness evident to the palate, particularl}' in those 

 not girdled, and unpleasantly in those girdled. The results of 

 girdling, so far as they are apparent from this trial, show a 

 gain of ten days in fitness for market with largely increased size 

 of berries. The drawbacks are, in a season as wet as the past, a 

 loss of from twenty to forty per cent of the berries by cracking 

 open ; berries too soft to bear carriage ; both of which would be 

 lessened in a dryer season but not overcome in my experience, 

 and a decided diminution in quality for connoisseurs. Add to 

 this the harm which may come to the vine from the operation 

 repeated year after year, but the amount of which is not yet settled. 



The vines are pruned preferably as soon as the foliage has 

 dropped, but it may be safely done at an}' time before the swelling 

 of the buds in spring. The new arms upon the lower wire are 

 allowed to remain through the winter without protection, which, if 

 the wood and roots are thoroughly ripe is unnecessary, and if they 

 are not, is nearly or quite useless. 



Insects have done no appreciable injur\' this season, and although 

 mildew and black rot have both prevailed, yet the loss thereby has 

 not equalled two per cent of the product. Jabez Fisher. 



The Arnold Arboretum. 

 This is always an interesting and instructive place to visit. Go 

 when you will there is something to learn, and very much to see. 

 In our report for the year 1885 your attention was called to the 

 Arboretum ; since that time many changes have been made and 

 many new and rare trees and shrubs have been added to the large 

 and choice collection. The readers of " Garden and Forest," 

 more tlian any other journal have been favored with valuable notes 

 and suggestions from them, which, we are glad to record, are 

 alwaj'S anxiousl}' looked for and eagerl}' read on account of their 

 reliable and practical character. The opportunity for obtaining 

 information and instruction in regard to trees and shrubs is unsur- 

 passed, especially if 3'ou meet our friend Dawson and are fortunate 

 enough to get him to accompany you around the grounds. On a 

 recent visit we were charmed by a delightful bed of Compositae 

 which was in the height of beaut}- when the summer flowering 

 plants were all past. At our request Mr. Dawson has furnished 

 us a statement concerning this bed, which we are sure will be read 

 with interest and profit. Mr. Dawson writes : 



