10 Transactions of the American Institute. 



culture, and it is gratifying to know that nearly every section of 

 our vast country is more or less adapted to the successful culture 

 of this important fruit. What is chiefly wanted now is correct 

 knowledge of the habits of the vine, and of the best modes of cul- 

 ture and training, without which success becomes a mere matter of 

 chance. 



The interest in fruit culture has been much increased by the dis- 

 covery of Mr. Nyce, by means of wliich he has been enabled to 

 erect houses, in which fruit may be kept in sound condition for 

 several months after being gathered, some kinds, indeed, such as 

 the apple and pear, for a year or more. One of these houses has 

 been erected in New York, and from it our market is now being 

 ^ipplied with sound grapes, as well as apples and pears out of 

 their season, of which the Bartlett may be mentioned as an exam- 

 ple of the last. This supply can be continued during the year. 

 The fruit retains a great degree of its original freshness and flavor. 

 The importance and value of such fruit preservatories will be 

 readily appreciated. 



While it is not to be expected that all the members of the Insti- 

 tute should feel the same degree of interest in horticulture that 

 your committee do, they still cannot help urging the importance 

 of extending to this branch of domestic industry a full share of 

 encouragement, being convinced that such a course would benefit 

 the Institute quite as much as the public. Horticulture, hitherto, 

 has not been encouraged, or at least appreciated in New York, to 

 the same degree that it has in other large cities. Your committee 

 simply state the fact without attempting to account for it. It is to 

 be hoped that in the new building, which the Institute proposes 

 soon to erect, ample provision may be made for the growth and 

 exhibition of rare and beautiful plants; a place wlrere the products 

 of the gardener's skill may be exhibited without certain ruin during 

 the first twenty-four hours. A place is wanted where plants, &c., 

 may not only be shown without damage, but where the public may 

 examine them conveniently and well. Such a place it would not 

 be diflicult to provide in an}'- new building the Institute may erect. 



All of which is respectfully submitted. 



Neav York, February 6, 1868. 



WM. S. CARPENTER, ) 



ISAAC BUCHANAN, V Committee. 



B. C. TOWNSEND, ) 



