19 



hold the ripening process in suspense. The air, by pass- 

 ing; over the ice, is deprived of its moisture, and, being 

 cokl, and specifically heavier than the surrounding at- 

 mosphere, falls through his descending flues, and, by a 

 ventilator, escapes on one side of the room, thus creating 

 a temperature not only cool, but dry. This principle, I 

 am informed by a distinguished member of the medical 

 faculty, may be applied to the construction of hospitals 

 with great advantage, so that the air may be kept at a 

 uniform temperature and degree of humidity. For a 

 more particular account of this process, I refer you to 



« 



Professor Locke's Monograph, and to the inventor's let- 

 ter. 



In these remarks, our object has been to provide 

 against the maturing of fruits until the season when they 

 are wanted for use. Care should, however, be exer- 

 cised, especially with the pear and more delicate fruits, 

 not to reduce the temperature much below 45 degrees of 

 Fahrenheit, lest the vital principle of the fruit be de- 

 stroyed, and the flavor lost. 



Time admonishes me to be brief, but I cannot refrain 

 from alluding to the appropriate location, soil and treat- 

 ment of fruit trees. These are subjects surrounded with 

 mystery, and which can be relieved only by study and 

 personal experience. The importance of thorough drain- 

 ing, and perfect preparation of the soil, have not receiv- 

 ed the consideration they deserve ; especially where its 

 silicious character does not furnish a ready natural con- 

 ductor to superfluous moisture. Thorough draining lies 

 at the foundation of all successful cultivation. In cold, 

 wet, undrained grounds, the disease of trees commences 

 at the root, which absorbs injurious substances, and the 

 tree ceases properly to elaborate its nutritious matter. 

 Wherever there is an excess of water, and consequently 



