494 THAXSACTIOXS OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 



inch or so of the creeping roots. Most of the grasses of this genus, 

 of which botanists assure us there are many species, are known as 

 " bent grass." 



To Pickle Cucumbers. 

 A lady correspondent at Pawlet, Vt., writes : I find an inquiry 

 how to make pickles of small cucumbers. I would like to send you 

 a recipe which I have used for several years with success, and have 

 heard the pickles called superior, repeatedly. Pick over the vines 

 every other day, select the perfect fruit, wash clean, and cover with 

 a strong brine for twenty-four hours. Then take them from the 

 brine, rinse with clear water, and drain tliem dry. When dry, pack 

 them close in stone jars, and cover with good vinegar. Red peppers 

 may be added if we like. Good, old vinegar, will keep pickles pre- 

 pared in this way for a year without its being changed. "Watered, 

 flashy vinegar, will scum over and need to be changed. 



A Model Bee House. 

 Mr, John B. Bader, of Mont Clair, N. J., showed a plan for a bee 

 house, with screen, that was much examined and commended. 



Ramie. 

 Mr. J. W. Gregory, showed two styles of fabric, one fine and 

 glossy, M'oven from the real ramie ; and the other, less brilliant, from 

 the Bohemia nevia or China grass. He thinks the experience of the 

 past year will confine the ramie enterprise to the belt south of Savan- 

 nah, as it is easily chilled and checked in its growth. 



Eaktii Closets. 

 The company who have this commendable enterprise in hand, 

 write a letter asking the Club to consider the value of tlieir invention 

 to agriculture. They propose to take steps to supersede the present 

 wasteful method of managing tliose matters, and to contract with 

 some of the manure-buying farmers near New York, to supply them 

 with a compost superior in fertilizing power to anything now sold. 



Adjourned. 



