Notes and Gleanings. 309 



The next order being called up, — pruning, and the season in which it should 

 be done, — 



Judge Larrovve premised by saying that this was a matter in which we should 

 be guided by common sense. He would prune close in the winter to prevent 

 over-production : a small crop is always better than a large one. He allowed 

 his Catawbas to carry ten pounds : five would be better. In summer, he preferred 

 to let the vines alone ; but, if they got above the stakes or trellis, they might be 

 cut off. He preferred pruning in the fall rather than in winter or spring. 



The president thought that no absolute rule could be laid down which would 

 be applicable to every vine in any vineyard. There were different habits of 

 growth in the several varieties, and different conditions of strength and vigor in 

 the several plants. He had seen seventy to eighty pounds of grapes upon a single 

 vine : he had harvested from sixty to seventy pounds in his own vineyard. He 

 thought that some vines should be set at wider distances on rich land, ten or 

 twelve feet apart ; and some kinds even sixteen or eighteen feet. He dia not 

 advise manuring. 



Mr. Griffith made some excellent remarks upon pruning, in which he showed 

 that the amount of cutting should bear a direct relation to the space of ground 

 occupied by each vine. He would prune also according to the variety of grape, 

 and the soil in which it had been planted. He objected to the severe summer- 

 pruning practised by some vignerons ; pleading the necessity of leaving the 

 foliage to effect its peculiar functions, particularly in regard to the ripening of the 

 fruit. He thinks, that, for most varieties, six feet space is sufficient. (Thirty- 

 six ?) 



Judge Larrowe coincided, but would select the soils for the vines, and also 

 plant wider or closer upon the same principle, using poor land and wider spaces 

 for the most vigorous sorts. 



The discussion upon this very important subject was exceedingly interesting, 

 and might have been extended with great profit to the assembly of practical 

 grape-growers, but was prevented by the lateness of the hour. 



Second Evening. — The meeting was opened by the president reading the 

 list of awards made by the several committees during the day. The secretary 

 then read a very interesting address prepared by the veteran vine-grower. Dr. 

 Grant of lona Island in the Hudson. The subject was the successive advances 

 in grape-culture in the United States, which were ranged in three stages, — those 

 of the original natives ; of the introduction of the Israella and Catawba ; and 

 lasdy by that of the Delaware, and of the lona and Isabella, his own produc- 

 tions. The writer made a very strong case in favor of his pets, and was less 

 complimentary in regard to some other candidates for the public favor. Of the 

 Hartford, he said that it was " Nature's most successful effort at improvement." 

 The thanks of the association were voted to Dr. Grant for the preparation of the 

 annual address ; but, as there was manifest dissent from some of its positions, 

 this deserved compliment was not understood to commit the members as indors- 

 ing them. 



Discussion of tlie paper was passed by calling the order, " Varieties, and their 



