Notes and Gleanings. 371 



against its further introduction. Although in many cases, when eaten, this fruit 

 has been inoffensive, yet the fact that it is not only deleterious but poisonous in 

 occasional ones is sufficient to condemn it in toto. In this vicinity, it had been, 

 years ago, cultivated in our gardens, as of old the true tomatoj for its novelty : 

 and, owing to its sweetish taste, it became a favorite of children ; and, in several 

 instances which we can call to mind, death resulted. Even last summer, two 

 cases of fatal poisoning from this fruit came under our observation. We in 

 this section use every endeavor to eradicate it ; for we would as soon permit 

 arsenic to lie about in the reach of the little ones as 10 allow this abominable 

 plant to have room in our gardens. Now, we would not impugn the motives of 

 any one ; but the efforts of any gardener to introduce this plant into use 

 betrays great ignorance indeed. It may be said that cultivation destroys the 

 noxious quahties. This is true in some measure ; but the instances narrated oc- 

 curred front fniit subjected to high cultivation. If, in time, those interested in 

 the success of this plant can demonstrate, or rather convince the public, that it 

 is no longer hurtful, and that it is really a great addition to our catalogue of 

 vegetables, we shall be among the first to commend it ; but, until such be the 

 result, the cause of humanity pleads the more strongly. W. H. 



Harrisburg, Penn. 



Prices of American Wines. — In the March number of your Journal, a 

 correspondent asks, " How long shall we have to wait before we can buy Ameri- 

 can wines as good as we have now at one-half or one-third present prices ? " In 

 reply, I will suggest that he may have to wait until the growth of hops and grain 

 for brewing and distilling has given place to the growth of grapes and pure 

 wine. When the owners and cultivators of the land recognize the fact, that the 

 production of hops and grain for brewing and distilling is at least a deviation 

 from what is right ; that it adds to the poverty of the country and to the distress 

 of the people ; that the production of grapes and pure wine is not only a duty, 

 but a privilege ; that it adds to the wealth of the country and to the comfort of 

 the people, — then the hop-yard and barley-fields of this country .will become 

 vineyards, and we shall have pure wine in great abundance, and at low prices, 

 leaving no temptation to adulterate or alter the natural composition of the juice 

 of the grape. J. M. APCuUongh. 



Bees among Peaches. — The article in your April number headed " Birds 

 among Fruits " has suggested to the writer of this the consideration of Bees 

 among Peaches. Many, in days long since gone by, when the peach-crop was 

 remunerative, if not profitable, can call to mind the visits of the honey-bees, 

 which came in swarms to feast upon the fruit, making a small puncture, which 

 in a day or two became a small speck of rot, that ultimately destroyed its com- 

 mercial value, thereby greatly modifying the admiration of cultivators for this 

 "industrious insect ; " making it a query, which was of more importance, — the 

 bees, or the peaches. Believing this subject of importance to all who contem- 

 plate the culture of the peach, it is introduced with a view to invite discussion in 

 your columns. A'. 



