4/G Teansactioxs of the A^tertcan Institute. 



The Eumelan Grape. 



Several clusters of this v.arietv were sent hj Messrs. Ilasbrouck & 

 Bushnell, who bought the vineyard of Dr. Grant, lona Island, X. Y. 

 Upon distribution, the testimony was general as to the pleasant flavor 

 and fine boqaet of this grape, and Dr. Ilexamer said he regarded it 

 as one of the most promising of the new varieties. It has fine quali- 

 ties, the vine does not mildew, and it has been thoroughly tested 

 before being offered to the public. 



Mr. S. E. Todd. — People may, in my opinion, plant tbe Eumelan 

 with much confidence. I have watched it for a year or more, and 

 think it the best of the black grapes. 



OxioN Culture. 



Mr. Edward Develin, Norfolk, Ya. — Please inform me : First, how 

 shall I best preserve onion sets, after curing them on a loft ? Second, 

 can I raise onions for a private family during the winter, in this mild 

 climate, and, if I can, how ? and I shall appreciate the favor. 



Mr. S. M. Wells, Wethersfield, Conn. — After the onion sets are 

 cured they should be put into clean barrels, the barrels to have holes 

 made in the sides and ends for ventilation, and be placed on the sides 

 in a cool, dry place. They should not be allowed to freeze. By this 

 method we always bring them th rough in a sound condition. Second, 

 the bulbs will not form, or to use a local phrase, they will not bottom. 

 It would make your eyes water to see the crop of onions and onion 

 seed we are now harvesting. " Our way " has succeeded well again 

 this season, bringing a very uniform yield on all the gardens. 



There is no reason why the onion should not grow well through 

 the latter part of a southern winter as mild as at ISTorfolk. It is a 

 plant that thrives best in the moisture of a growing spring time. 

 The intense heat[of midsummer should not fall upon young plants. 

 The earth should be so rich and so mellow that tlie growth will be 

 rapid. With me the month of June determines the yield of my beds, 

 but the critical time for bulbs and seed is August. 



Coal Tar for Plum Trees. 

 Mr. William Barnes, Rives, N. Y. — I saw a discussion last winter 

 on the plum culture, and one of your honorable body rehearsed an 

 instance of some one building a lean-to on the side of his house, and 

 pitching the roof with coal tar. Near by stood a plum tree, which 

 had not borne for some time. That vear it hung full, and he thought 



