Meteorology in Horticulture. 215 



metric condition of the air, and that we need also reports of the amounts 

 of moisture suspended in the atmosphere ; we need observations upon the 

 dew poi/it. Practical observers of the condition of the crop have also ascer- 

 tained that serious effects are often produced by the sudden alternations 

 of temperature, and have found that the inroads of fungous attacks gene- 

 rally follow sudden depressions of temperature, even when the atmosphere 

 is comparatively dry. Every greenhouse-man of any experience will cite 

 instances of his plants having suffered in this way from cold draughts, 

 which seem to have favored the development and spread of the microscopic 

 spores of these destructive fungi. The question thus becomes a mixed 

 problem from the number of elements that enter into it: hence the increased 

 difficulty in its solution, and the necessity for more extended and careful 

 investigation. 



Fortunately, we have observers already engaged in this very interesting 

 field of labor, who are quietly, but laboriously and patiently, working out a 

 solution of the climatic problem of grape-culture. Where they can do 

 their work fairly, and without the bias of prejudice or preconceived and 

 favorite theories, we may look confidently for happy results. Of such ob- 

 servers is our estimable friend George Huntington, who has long continued 

 his valuable observations in one of the favored grape regions of the West 

 (on Kelley's Island, in Lake Erie), which, from its insular situation, has many 

 conditions that have contributed to the successful production of this crop. 



At the recent meeting of the Lake-shore Grape-Growers' Association, 

 held at Cleveland, O., Mr. Huntington read a most interesting paper upon 

 the " Grape-Rot and the Weather," in which he shows, by transcripts of 

 his meteorological observations continued during ten years, that there is 

 another element, which has not received sufficient attention : the period of 

 the rains he thinks of more importance than the total amount, at least in 

 the production of the rot and in the setting of the fruit. He considers a 

 rain-fall during the time of blossoming very obnoxious to the crop. 



The value of these facts, which are the result of reliable observations, 

 is such, that no apology need be offered for the presentation of Mr. Hun- 

 tington's tables. They are, indeed, a contribution to our knowledge, from 

 which each reader may deduce his own inferences. The important points 

 have been so well presented by the observer himself, that it is better 



