ORCHARDS AND VINEYARDS. 121 



of the previous year's growth (especially the dwarfs), and 

 pinching back some of the stronger growing branches during 

 the summer ; thereby forming stronger and better trees, which 

 are not so easily disturbed by the wind, and the fruit is not 

 shaken off so readily as when the branches are long and 

 slender. 



The soil is a black, heavy loam, too wet and cold for corn in 

 ordinary seasons. In the fall of 1863, I commenced draining 

 with two-inch tile, laying the drains thirty-four feet apart, and 

 midway between every row of trees, and about three feet deep. 

 The effect of this was so plainly seen the next season, that in 

 the fall of 1864 I drained the remainder of the piece. 



On the west side of the piece there are about seventy-five 

 grape-vines, four feet apart (set within the last five years), of 

 the following varieties, viz. : Concord, Delaware, Hartford, 

 Creveling, lona, Israella, Adirondac, Allen's Hybrid, Clinton, 

 Rogers' Nos. 4 and 19, and two varieties not true to name. 

 These are grown on a slat and wire trellis. I prune on the spur 

 system, in November and December. 



On the north end there are eight apple-trees, of about twenty 

 years' growth, of the following varieties, viz. : Hubbardston, 

 Moore's Sweet, Saps of Wine, Pumpkin Sweet, and Williams. 



On the east side and south end are set Norway spruce, about 

 eight feet apart. They are now about eight feet high, and were 

 set to form a break-wind. 



This piece of ground has been used since the pear-trees were 

 set for raising all the various kinds of vines and small fruits, 

 and as a vegetable or kitchen garden ; also, for raising garden 

 seeds of various kinds, but most extensively, beet, parsnip and 

 carrot. 



Concord, Oct. 1, 1869. 



MIDDLESEX NORTH. 



Statement of Messrs. E. Bunce and Son. 



The fourtli acre of vineyard which we would enter for your 

 consideration, is situated on a side hill sloping to the west. 

 Variety of grape. Concord, mostly strong one year old vines, 

 from cuttings when set. Soil, generally loam. Heavy wood 

 cleared off in 1847, burned over and sown to rye and grass. 

 16* 



