368 TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 



ence in density would cause the subsequent flow to be increased. It may 

 also be suggested that this increased flow after a frost might be the result 

 of thermo-electric action. Enough has been said to direct the attention of 

 young American dendrologists, to this subject and induce them to institute 

 many series of experiments in a field of research as yet but partially ex- 

 plored. 



The Secretary — Mr. Henry C. Blinn forwards for the inspection of the 

 Club specimens of the syrup and its products, viz: 



Maple syrup made from the first run the early part of the season; one 

 bottle of syrup boiled. wholly in tin, this specimen is ligliter colored than 

 the other but no better flavored; one bottle of Oilnut syrup; one bottle of 

 black birch syrup; one bottle of white birch syrup; a package of fine sugar, 

 this was also made the first of the season, boiled in copper pans and finished 

 in iron; also some cakes of maple sugar from themselves, and one from Gil- 

 Bum, N. II., the latter are very pretty, of a light color, but we do not know 

 the process of manufacture. It is said that " Gilsum beats the world at 

 maple sugar." T). Smith of that place made 2000 lbs. the past season. 



The samples of sugar and syrup were very handsome specimens and 

 were very much enjoyed by the Club. 



Mr. James M. Ford, Rowe, Franklin county, Mass., writes as follows: 



" I have made this year 4,500 pounds of maple sugar from 750 trees, 

 which has sold at an average price of sixteen cents per pound net, which 

 makes §720. The expense of labor of men and oxen, with their board, in- 

 terest on investment of capital, fuel and wear and tear, I estimate at $265, 

 leaving a balance of clear profit of Si55 — not a bad month's work for a 

 New England farmer. The amount paid out, aside from the labor of my- 

 self and wife, who sugared off the whole lot from sirup, was $65. You 

 will see by the sample that the grain is not beaten all to pieces by the pro- 

 cess of stirring, usually resorted to to make it a shade whiter, at the ex- 

 pense of spoiling tlie grain. If some of you could pay us a visit in sugar- 

 ing time, we would show you how to make the article, and how to eat it 

 too." 



The sample scut was of excellent quality, and true maple flavor. It 

 would sell at the present time at 25 cents a pound. 



Mr. A. P. Jolinson, Edwards, St. Lawrence county, N. Y. — It is one 

 economy to get a large amount of sap, and another to preserve the health 

 of the tree. For the benefit of thousands who will have the faith to try 

 the experiment, I will say, plug ud the hole made for the spout as soon as 

 sugaring is over. It will entirely prevent the tree from decaj-ing by ex- 

 cluding the air from the wound. For proof, pull out the plug the next 

 spring and the sap will run. The plug should be driven tight and cut oflF 

 close. The new bark will close over in two years so you can tap two or 

 three inches above or below the old wound without encountering dead 

 timber. I consider this very important. 



Sorgo — How to Insure the Quick Germination of Seed. 



Mr. E. A. King .writes from King's Ferry, Cayuga county, N. Y., the 

 following seasonable information upon an important question: 



" I notice in the proceedings of the Farmers' Club a communication 



