MARCH. 147 



ficiently early to insure a crop in this region. Their success has been most 

 flattering, in varieties heretofore spoken of, and to which may be added 

 several from each gentleman, which have fruited the past year for the first 

 time ; all give the best promise as to quality. 



It will be remembered that M. II. Simpson, Esq., gave us a fine display 

 of grapes in January, 1855, and also furnished an article { !ee report of last 

 year) on the feasibility of producing two crops a year. July 7th, 1855, Mr. 

 S. made a fine exhibition of his several varieties of grapes, grown on the 

 same vines which produced the crop in January preceding. The berries 

 ■were fully grown, and well ripened. 



Grapks, Open Culture. — Contributions have been made of the Isabella, 

 Catawba, Diana, Concord, Winne, Breck, Wyman, Swan, and Delaware. 

 In consequence of the early spring frosts, and the mildew, which made its 

 appearance just previous to the time of the ripening of the fruit, most crops 

 of grapes were much injured. 



The Isabella has been shown in abundance, though somewhat late, except 

 those from Mr. G. B. Cutter; contributions from him have been exhibited 

 somewhat in advance over others, and he has uniformly shown the b'st spe- 

 cimens of this variety. At the time of writing, January 29, Mr. Levi Jen- 

 nings, (who, we understand, procured his vines of Mr. Cutter,) is selling 

 Isabellas at from 75c. to $1 per lb. He raised about fifteen hundred lbs. the 

 past season, which were sifely packed for winter. These being about the 

 only grapes procurable at this time, will account for the enhanced price. 



Oct. 6lh. — E. C. Tracy, Windsor, Vt., presented the Isabella, in bunches 

 of extra size, while the berries were of so remarkable a size for this variety, 

 that the Committee awarded Mr. Tracy the Society's silver medal. They 

 were produced by the ordinary mode of ringing the branches. 



Though the Cataivha is grown in perfection by a few, so also is the Rose 

 Chasselas, Sweetwater, &c., in our city gardens, and we should almost 

 as soon recommend the culture of the latter varieties as the former, with 

 the view to a remunerative crop. 



The Diana has this year proved early, and superior to any former year, 

 and we can recommend this variety, believing it will not fail to give 

 a good crop in any season. Mrs. Diana Crehore presented a fine display of 

 extra fine bunches and berries, from the original vine. 



Mr. Brackett has uniformly given us the finest specimens of this variety, 

 and as his mode of culture may be somewhat new to some, we herewith 

 subjoin an extract of a letter from Mr. B., who will be found equally thor- 

 ough whether in his studio or vineyard : — 



Winchester, Oct. 3d, 1855. 

 To the Chninnmi of the Fruit Committee : 



Dear Sir, — To your request that I would communicate to you my methnd 

 of cultivating our native grapes, particularly the Diana, the nature of the 

 soil, system of training, &.C., I cheerfully reply, not that I expeot to throw 

 any new light on the subject, or that my mode will be found to differ mate- 

 rially from that of others. The growing interest felt in this department, 

 the certainty that it must continue to occupy a prominent position in the 



