PROCEEDINGS OF THE FARMERS' CLUB. 181 



trary, with tlie proper appliances, the skillful propagator is thus enabled 

 to command all of the conditions of success, which, in proper hands, result 

 in the production of perfect plants, such as I now exhibit to you. 



Observe, not merely the quantity of roots, primary and secondary, with 

 their innumerable rootlets, like a thick head of hair, but their uniform dis- 

 tribution, with their wiry hardness and streng'th. Try the solidity of the 

 wood by cutting with a sharp knife, and its weight b}' seeing it sink in 

 water ; note the smallness of the pith, the fullness of the buds, the near- 

 ness of the joints, and the ripeness of the wood, even to the extremity. 



The great superiority of such plants has been too often demonstrated by 

 trial to leave any doubt in the mind of the most skeptical. They are not 

 forced, but; judiciously treated for the benefit of purchasers. 



I must be careful not to be misunderstood in regard to the production of 

 vines under glass. I would not have it inferred that, because the best 

 vines may be produced under glass, and by the aid of houses, none but the 

 best are so produced. The very poorest have been so produced, and, doubt- 

 less, will continue to be, if the call of purchasers is for very cheap rather 

 than for very good vines. The conditions of goodness and cheapness are 

 in direct opposition, and purchasers will control the matter. 



The art of propagation, when skillfully practiced, is one of exceeding 

 nicety, and requires fine perceptive powers, thoroughly trained. 



Many vineyards have been planted with vines below Nos. 4 and 5, which 

 I now exhibit. Good vineyards may be made of all these grades, but to 

 the best cultivator in the world who buys the vines it will cost more to 

 make a vineyard of the inferior grades than of the higher, and the vineyard 

 can not be so good of the former as of the latter, and much time will be 

 lost. 1 did not intend to estimate the difierence in value between vines of 

 moderate and those of excellent quality. A part of the difference will be 

 one year later in bearing. This amounts to the net value of the crop for 

 one year after full establishment in bearing, added to the cost of attend- 

 ance and interest of the investment one year. If we put the sum at one 

 dollar, it will be too low. T]jis presents the case fairly, and in its true 

 aspect. 



But comparatively few who plant vineyards are of the very best class of 

 cultivators, and to these the difierence will be greater. For such to buy 

 the lower grades of vines would be a mistaken eff'ort at economy. 



It is only good vineyards that are both pleasant and profitable, and such 

 I desire to see. 



An excellent vineyard of one acre of the best varieties may be looked to 

 confidently for a more valuable crop than the average of four acres of cheap 

 vines, in ground moderately prepared and rather negligently attended. 

 One acre of first rate vineyard is a handsome and valuable possession. A 

 trellis of one hundred vines, in the best condition, will furnish more enjoy- 

 ment for a family than can be obtained from an equal expenditure of means 

 and attention in any other way. 



The best Delaware grapes have brought, the past season, sixty cents a 

 pound. For years they may be expected to range from twenty to fifty 

 cents a pound, according to quality. The best may be expected to com- 



