Peoceedixgs of the Farmers' Club. 529 



Sweet Coex. 



Mr. James B. Olcott, Buckland, Conn., sent samples and his apol- 

 ogy for naming liis variety of sweet corn " Farmers' Club." The 

 apology was accepted as was the corn, which was eagerly sought for 

 1)y members present. He says : The sweet corn question needs a 

 little agitation. The seed stores vend a variety as long as it will sell. 

 They'll take a new kind whenever there is a demand for it. Some- 

 body must show that the old earlies are no longer old enough to 

 make their second rate qualities pass. There are half a dozen old 

 kinds that have outlived their usefulness, and only serve to bring 

 green corn into disrepute. Stowell's evergreen is widely known, but 

 who can vouch for its merits as sold in the shops ? I have tried seed 

 from various quarters, but have got nothing but mammoth stalks, 

 and late, tough, tasteless corn. Then there is the whole question of 

 preserving, improving, and hybridizing varieties ; all very little 

 understood, and demanding our attention in its way, quite as much 

 as, say, grapes. I prize the Farmer's Club of the American Insti- 

 tute for the kindly ear it gives to wants all over the country. It is a 

 court of appeals. As reported, it helps consolidate the nation, and is 

 a model American institution, to be reproduced as population pro- 

 gresses. I shalljalways feel a pride and a strength in being one of 

 the least of its outside members, and propose to do nothing to dis- 

 credit myself. I have been for fifteen years a journeyman farmer- 

 and gardener. Have now worked back to my birth place. I hare 

 ever felt the greatest interest in your discussions, chiefly for their 

 popular character. 



Dr. Isaac P. Trimble. — I have here a dozen or fifteen ears of corn 

 that I do not believe is surpassed by any variety for excellence of 

 flavor. Some years ago I gave out the same seed, and Solon Robin- 

 son wrote in such terms of it that I was flooded with letters asking; 

 for seed. Then something went wrong with my corn for a few years; 

 But now it is all right. The ears are not the biggest in the world ; 

 but no one that has eaten it in its season, will ask for a dish more 

 toothsome or delicious. I will have a bushel of it shelled and left 

 with the Secretary for giving to all who ask for it. 



» Spontaneous Combustion. 



A sample of blackened hay w^as presented as coming from Mr. 

 David Pettit, of Salem, N. J. He gives the following explanation : 

 " We have heard much said at times about spontaneous combustion. 

 [Inst.] 34: 



