66 CHARLES ANTHONY GOESSMANN 



composition of the fruits themselves nor of the plants 

 was definitely known, nor had the effect of different 

 fertilizers been observed. Judging from past experi- 

 ence in general farm-management, it seemed wise to 

 assume that much benefit may accrue to fruit culture, 

 and horticulture generally, by studying the relations 

 which exist between the composition of the soil and 

 the ash constituents of the fruits grown upon it. Exper- 

 iments, therefore, were conducted with grapes in the 

 College vineyard, and the following subjects proposed 

 for careful analytical investigation : 



1. What are the chief characteristic organic and in- 

 organic constituents of the Concord grape as compared 

 with those of the wild varieties of Vitis labrusca (L.), 

 the vine from which the Concord originated? 



2. To what extent is it possible to alter the quantity 

 and relative proportions of the ash constituents in the 

 fruit of both varieties; and, in case of such alterations, 

 what are the changes which are likely to result with 

 regard to their most characteristic organic constitu- 

 ents, such as sugar and acid? 



He describes the method of carrying out the experi- 

 ment, and gives the detailed analysis of the juice, wood, 

 seed, skins, and pulp, stems and young branches. He 

 found that the application of potash and phosphoric 

 acid largely increased the amount of these two constit- 

 uents hi the ash, and was accompanied by an increase 

 of sugar and a decrease of free acid. 



Later, experiments were conducted in girdling vines, 

 to secure definite data regarding the best methods to 

 employ, and the effect of the practice on the vine and 



