Notes and Gleanings. 169 



The plant is a strong grower, and resembles that of the Valparaiso. The 

 fruit is somewhat ovoid, but rather irregular in form, broadly and faintly ribbed 

 (sometimes, however, without rib-markings), and varies in weight from twelve to 

 thirty pounds and upwards ; stem large, striated or reticulated, and often turned 

 at right angles near its connection with the fruit ; the opposite extremity termi- 

 nates in the wart-like excrescence peculiar to the class ; skin reddish-yellow, not 

 unlike that of the Autumnal Marrow ; the flesh is remarkably thick, of a salmon- 

 yellow color, sweet and well flavored. In some forms of cookery, and especially 

 for pies, it is esteemed equal if not superior to any other variety. When served 

 in the customary manner of serving squash at table, it is inferior to the Hul)bard 

 or Autumnal Marrow. The seeds are white. 



Winter Striped Crookneck. — This a sub-variety of the Common Winter 

 Crookneck. Fruit of large size, varying in weight from six to twenty-five 

 pounds ; neck large and solid ; seed-end of medium size, and usually smooth ; 

 skin thin, pale green, or light cream-white diversified with lengthwise stripes 

 and plashes of bright green, the colors becoming gradually softer and paler after 

 gathering ; flesh bright orange, and, like that of the Common Winter Crookneck. 

 not uniform in texture or in flavor. Different specimens vary greatly in these 

 respects : some are tough and stringy, others fine-grained and well flavored ; 

 seeds not distinguishable in size, form, or color from those of the Winter Crook- 

 neck. The variety is hardy, grows luxuriantly, is prolific, and keeps well. It 

 is more uniform in shape, and generally more symmetrical, than the Winter 

 Crookneck ; though varieties occur of almost every form and color between this 

 and the last named. As the plants require considerable space, tlie hills should 

 not be less than eight feet apart. Two or three plants are sufficient for a hill. 

 " The 'Crookneck Squash,' as it is commonly but incorrectly called, is a kind of 

 'pumpkin,' perhaps a genuine species ; for it has preserved its identity, to our 

 certain knowledge, ever since the year i6S5, when it was described by Ray. 

 Before the introduction of the Autumnal Marrow, it was raised in large quantities 

 for table use during the winter in preference to pumpkins, which it almost en- 

 tirely superseded. Many farmers now use it instead of pumpkins for cattle ; 

 the vine being more productive, and the fruit containing much more nutriment 

 in proportion to its size. It varies considerably in form and color. The best 

 kinds are those which are very much curved, nearly as large at the stem as at 

 the blossom end, and of a rich cream-color. It is said to degenerate in the 

 Middle and Southern States, where probably the Valparaiso, or some kindred 

 variety, may be better adapted to the climate." — Dr. Harris. 



The Prices of American Wines. — I should like to ask some of the great 

 wine-makers who advertise in the columns of this Journal, or write for its pages, 

 what I consider a very pertinent question ; viz., How long shall we have to wait 

 before we can buy American wines, as good as we have now, at one-half or one- 

 third the present prices ? It will be no answer to say that the present prices are 

 much lower than those of foreign kinds of the same classes. What I and a great 

 many others wish to know is, when shall we have decent American Hock, Claret, 

 and Burgundy at twenty, thirty, or forty cents per bottle ? Of course, 1 and 

 most amateur grape-growers look forward to the time when we shall make our 



