No. 133.] 371 



R T. Underhill, of Croton Point, in the Chair. Henry 

 Meigsj Secretary. 



Mr. Dickey moved that the Club proceed to try and examine 

 the preserved fruits on the table, prepared by Mr, Smith and his 

 lady. 



While the tasting was going on, 



Mr. Uuderhill commenced upon the salutary character of ripe 

 fruits upon human constitution, and especially as to its high ind- 

 portance in cities, where the great heat of summer is very preju- 

 dicial to the liver, and, of course to health. Ripe fruit is well 

 known to be of the greatest utility in reference to the action of th« 

 liver. Whoever can extend the duration of fruii in perfect con- 

 dition beyond its now brief season, will contribute greatly to the 

 public health and happiness. 



Judge Van Wyck. — And the great benefit bestowed on the com- 

 munity will bind it to the adequate honor and compensation of 

 the inventor. 



The Chairman called upon Mr. Smith to make, if he pleased, 

 explanation of the method adopted by him and his lady. 



Wm. R. Smith of Macedon. — All the fruit put up by us is 

 grown upon our own farm, and we have ot the last season, a few 

 thousand bottles and jars for sale at 17 Cedar steeet. We use no 

 foreign fruit. We have been for several years trying to preserve 

 the tender, delicate, mature fruits, and have made many experi- 

 ments. We soon found that we could keep them as well as others 

 do, but we aimed higher. We have lost hundreds and hundreds 

 of bottles, but we will not give it up. What success we have had 

 is due to my lady. We have suftered failures in the taste, color 

 or something or other. We have done better this year than ever 

 before — some people say better than others usually do or have 

 done. Our success is various. We have but jus't stepped into 

 the vestibule of the great temple. These quinces are presented 

 to you to taste ; they are witliout sugar or alcohol : they are very 

 tender j some think it second only to the peach j it has been boil- 

 ed. Here is Ken rick's Heath peach — a free stone — it surpasses 



