No. 129.J 567 



roots of trees (probably of the willow,) which have penetrated 

 minute fissures of the masonry, and, on reaching the cavity of 

 the Aqueduct, where every thing was favorable to their develop- 

 ment, have attained to an enormous length. The introduction 

 of these roots is no doubt injurious to the masonry by their me- 

 chanical action ; for, by their gradual increase of diameter, an 

 irresistible force is generated, which will, in time, produce great 

 displacement of the stones. The growth of trees immediately 

 over, or even very near the Aqueduct, should be prevented, as 

 they may cause serious damage to this invaluable structure. 



JOHN TORREY. 



Prof. Mapes mentioned instances of the filling up of gutters 

 with roots. 



Mr. Meigs mentioned the case of a well on the corner of the 

 9th avenue and 20th street, filled with roots from a small willow 

 at some distance off. 



Judge Livingston exhibited on behalf of Mr. Wilson, a small 

 bottle with grapes in it, of the charter oak vine, and these grapes 

 were generally an inch in diameter, and many on one bunch. 

 Some naembers of the club remarked that the grapes in the bottle 

 looked more like pickled onions or tomatoes, than grapes. The 

 history of this wine is from Messrs. Sheldon, of Stafford, on whose 

 farm it was found — a single accidental vine growing next to the 

 stump of an oak tree. They have cultivated it for ten years 

 past. It is said to be a very SAveet and tender grape, and a great 

 bearer; is ripe about the middle of September. It is hardy; re- 

 quires no covering in the winter. Messrs. Horatio Holmes and 

 John P. Wilson, of No. 579 Grand street, New-York, have the 

 vines for sale. 



Mr. Thomas F. Devoe, of Jefierson market, invited me last 

 week to see a hog on Mr. Craigin's stall, which weighed alive 

 one thousand four hundred and thirty-seven pounds. The animal 

 did not appear to be oppressed with fat, and to have been able . 

 to walk freely. It was of a good figure. I observed to Mr. De- 

 voe that dbout the year 1817, I went with Dr. Mitchill and others, 

 to see a hog which had been brought up by John W. Jarvis, the 



