146 BRISTOL SOCIETY. 



would have been larger, and I probably should have had an 

 equal amount in weight. 



About the time the vines began to run, I strewed upon the 

 ground a coating of coarse stable manure. This, I think, sub- 

 served many valuable purposes. In the first place, it prevented 

 the growth of a subsequent crop of weeds. Secondly, it served 

 to imprison the moisture of the earth's surface, and to prevent 

 the otherwise more rapid drying up and induration of the 

 ground, by the immediate action thereon of the sun's rays. It also 

 facilitated the entering info the earth of the roots that start from 

 the numerous joints of the vine. 



By the fermentation and gradual decomposition of this super- 

 ficial dressing of manure, there was also furnished, both down- 

 wards and upwards, an additional supply of nutritious matter, 

 as food for the vine. The gases that came off" by exha- 

 lation were readily taken up by the absorbent vessels of the 

 leaves. A weekly ablution from the wash-tub, which the vines 

 also received, was highly beneficial, especially during the dry 

 season. 



Easton, October 14th, 1846. 



Manufactures. 



Among a variety of articles worthy of notice, the Commit- 

 tee would especially commend some beautiful power-loom Ging-- 

 hams, manufactured by Charles Richmond, Esq., of Taunton. 

 The successful application of power, in the manufacture of this 

 article, has hitherto failed, both in Europe and this country. 

 The object has now been fully attained by Mr. R., who is ex- 

 tensively producing a fine fabric, in every variety of pattern, 

 unsurpassed even by the ginghams of France or Scotland. 



Specimens of De Laine,from the Bristol printing company, were 

 also offered, which, for brilliancy of color, elegance of style, and 

 perfection in every particular, do great credit both to the com- 

 pany, and the manager of their works. 



G. P. Foster, of Taunton, exhibited a window-spring invented 

 by himself. The improvement consists in substituting springs 



