400 [Assembly 



Prof. Mapes introduced to the Club Mr. French, an agent of 

 the North American Phalanx (in New Jersey), who presented 

 samples of their preserved fruits, and samples of their method of 

 putting up fresh fruits in square glass bottles, holding just forty 

 ounces each, by exhausting the air, and then corking, and sealing, 

 and covering with tin-foil, to keep them air tight. In this way 

 the fruit retains its natural taste, and, in some cases, its fresh co- 

 lor and shape. The bottles are sold at from $4.50 to $7 a dozen. 

 We wish that they could be afforded cheaper. Their contents 

 were much admired by the large company present. The black- 

 berries were considered the most perfect and natural in their 

 taste. It is a great pity that a much greater quantity of this ex- 

 cellent fruit — so much of it going to waste every year — could not 

 be bottled up for winter use, and sold at prices within reach of 

 those who cannot afford to pay high for luxuries. 



WAX FLOWERS. 



Mrs. Emily Bates, of Franklin street, sent in for the admiration 

 of the Club one of the most beautiful baskets of wax flowers, as 

 natural as life. Is there not, in this line, work for ladies' fingers, 

 otherwise unemployed. 



Dr. Arthur, of Philadelphia, presented a new kind of fruit cans. 

 A strip of tin is soldered around the edge of the can, so as to 

 form a channel. On this, a mixture, made of 3 oz. of gutta percha 

 to a pound of resin, is placed ; when the can is filled with fruit, 

 and the mixture warmed, the lid is pressed down, and when the 

 cement cools it adheres, and becomes airtight. A slight warming 

 will suffice to loosen the cover, so it can be taken off — and thus 

 the can may be used time after time. Glass jars can be made in 

 the same way, and covered with tin lids, saving corks and sealing; 

 and as the gutta percha is only used in small quantities, and does 

 not come in contact with the preserve, the flavor will not be 

 communicated. It is an entirely new invention, for which a pa- 

 tent is applied for, and we think that it is worth the attention of 

 fruit preservers. 



Prof Mapes showed the great importance of preserving for the 

 whole year, the precious peaches and other fruits, while they are 



