1Y6 TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN, INSTITUTE. 



gress. Without a correct and thorough understanding upon this point, 

 success cannot be expected. The process is siinple, and yet to obtain a 

 correct knowledge of it, one practical lesson from one who is master of the 

 subject is of more value to the beginner than a iiKjiith's study of the best 

 treatises that have ever been written. 



The idea has occurred to me, if the plan could be carried intfj execution, 

 that would result in great benefit, not only to individuals but to the coun- 

 try at large. 



There is no man in the United States who possesses so thorough a know- 

 ledge of the culture of the vine as Dr. C. W. Grant. 



The plan I propose is this: That Dr. Grant be prevailed upon to give a 

 course of practical lessons at lona, upon the training of the vine, tlirough 

 all the stages of its growth, from the first to the fourth year, which em- 

 braces the whole routine. 



I think that Dr. Grant, with his enthusiastic devotion to the culture of 

 the vine, would not refuse to devote one day, specially set apart in a month, 

 or even one day in a week, to practical lessons of this kind when so much 

 public good would be sure to result. 



Mr. B. G. Pardee. — I hope some action will be taken on this matter, as 

 I think the subject of great importance to the public; but I think if Dr. 

 Grant could be prevailed upon to deliver a course of lectures before the 

 Club in this room, they would be more fully attended than at lona. He 

 ofi'ered the following resolution : 



Resolved, That in view of the increasing importance of the highest cul- 

 ture of the vine to our country at the present time, we do hereby request 

 Dr. C. W. Grant, of lona, to favor the Club with a series of practical les- 

 sons on the culture of the grape vine. — Carried 



The Chairman — As Dr. Grant is present, I hope he will consent to give 

 the Club some practical information on the subject. 



Dr. C W. Grant. — I understand from Mr. Byram's remarks that his idea 

 is to see the vines in their respective locations; the mode of planting, prun- 

 ing and training could be seen. Mr. Byram was at my place some time 

 since; he seemed much pleased with the information which he gained. 



Mr. P. B. Mead — I deem this subject of great importance to the commu- 

 nity, and hope it will be carried out at once, as there is time now to make 

 the necessary preparations for the coming spring. 



The chairman then called upon Mr. Mead to make some remarks on the 

 subject of grape culture. 



Conditions of Success in Grape Culture. 



Mr. P. B. Mead. — I propose to-day to ofl'er some remarks on the condi- 

 tions of success in grape culture, or at least tho leading conditions. During 

 a large part of my life I have given a good deal of time to the study of the 

 vine, having at an early period conceived a deep love for it; indeed, I do 

 not know of but one person who, from a similar motive, has devoted so 

 much time to it. While the people are being rapidly educated to appre- 

 ciate the value of our best grapes, and cultivators have learned the profits 



