JQ HANDBOOK OF CONNECTICUT AGRICULTURE. 



The vines planted by cuttings, without removal, in the 

 sandstone rock broken up to a depth of two feet, are, as the 

 old vine-dresser predicted at the planting, now the most pro- 

 ductive. Later, in 1890, I caused a new vineyard to be 

 planted wholly by cuttings of the Concord, without fertiliza- 

 tion, which have produced full crops of grapes during the past 

 few years, and have been entirely free from rot, without hav- 

 ing made use of any preventive on this special vineyard. 

 At the planting the soil was worked, and continued to be for 

 a few successive years. Later, as a test to avoid rot and les- 

 sen the growth of the vine, no culture has been given. The 

 annual pruning is all the outlay. The yield has been suffi- 

 ciently large to insure success, and proves our soil and cli- 

 mate is the home of the grape. If a forced large growth in- 

 duces disease, curtailment of production may be the best 

 remedy. 



The Green Mountain grape has also endured this severe 

 test with perfect success, and fully ripened on full-bearing 

 vines in a grass sod. My tribute of praise is due the Green 

 Mountain grape as the best out-of-door grape in cultivation 

 for a table grape, taking into account its early ripening and 

 sweet flavor without any of the unpleasant after-taste caused 

 by a surfeit. 



The wine-making qualities of the Concord and Clinton 

 grapes, when mixed in the fermenting tanks, are of sufficient 

 sweetness without sugar. Very truly yours, 



J. H. DlCKERMAN. 



Apples are grown successfully all over the State. The 

 strong soil of the hills is best adapted for winter fruit in 

 color, flavor, and long-keeping. 



Peaches, which had become almost extinct from the yel- 

 lows, restored by the skill of a few cultivators, find a conge- 

 nial location on the hills in the less elevated parts of the State. 

 The quality of Connecticut peaches is unsurpassed, and the 

 market is the best, for we are near the northern limit of sue- 



