546 Traxsactions of the American Institute. 



little expense, and removes all superfluous dampness and bad air so 

 common in cellars. The plaster of the bottom did not set well, and 

 after several days the mason told me that I would be under the 

 necessity of getting some fresh lime and plastering it over again. I 

 concluded first to try the expedient I have seen recommended in 

 the Club. Accordingly I took a plank and beetle and pounded it 

 severely all over the bottom. I then smoothed it with a trowel, apply- 

 ing all my strength, which made it quite smooth, and it soon became 

 very hard. 



Mr. H. B. Smith. — If a layer of asphaltum be placed between two 

 layers of cement there will be no trouble. This plan is practiced 

 extensively in this city. I tried it myself in Canal street, and had a 

 cellar perfectly dry. 



Mr. W. M. Doty. — A drain six inches below the cellar bottom has 

 been found effectual. Of course this is not admissible when the exca- 

 vation is lower than tide water. 



Mr. Solon Robinson. — A coating of plastic slate over a thoroughly 

 cemented wall will have the desired effect. 



Forest Trees. 



Mr. E. P. Deihl, Olathe, Kansas, would like to know the best 

 varieties for his prairie country. 



Mr. A. S. Fuller. — White ash, hickory, black walnut and sugar 

 maple. The last named is a more rapid grower than the others. 

 In 1860 I set, in Brooklyn, some sugar maples, and they are now 

 eight inches in diameter. Since then nearly 40,000 have been planted 

 in the same city. The ailanthus is an excellent timber tree, almost 

 •equal to the locust. It is a rapid grower and makes wood which is 

 particularly fine for cabinet work. 



Mr. Solon Robinson. — I am glad to see this subject considered. 

 We must wake up to the necessity of restoring our forests, else we 

 ivill find, not long hence, our country as barren as the wastes of 

 Africa. 



Mr. Wm. Lawton, — The sugar maples deserve all the praise that 

 «an be given them. Beside their practical advantage for timber, they 

 are beautiful for shade, and, at this season of the year especially, 

 beautiful to view. 



Grafting Grape Yines. 



Mr. R. C. Meeker, Collamer, Ohio, wi-ote as follows : For the last 

 two years in this section (eight miles east from Cleveland), Catawlja 



