364 TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



some great cheap method of saving the millions of bushels that 

 are rotting upon the ground, or fed to the hogs. We want a plan 

 for the farmer — one that he can use where the fruit grows, so as 

 to save it for the use of the human family in winter. Probably 

 the only feasible plan is some improvement in the manner of dry- 

 ing fruit. I look for that by the use of steam. Here is a speci- 

 men of dried peaches, put up two years ago by the simple process 

 of sugaring ripe fruit and drying it in a stove oven. It is deli- 

 cious. It is not so important for us to discuss how it is to be 

 done, as it is to wake up the public mind to the subject of saving, 

 in some way, the superabundance of perishable fruit that Heaven 

 bestows upon us in its season, for the use of those who suffer for 

 food when the earth is wraj)t in snow. If we continue to agitate 

 the subject, depend upon it processes will continue to be invented 

 until we shall get one by and by that will answer the purpose. 

 Every process that facilitates the preservation of fruit is a bless- 

 ing to the nation, I look upon an apple farm as of more impor- 

 tance to the mass of people than the electric telegraph, great as 

 it is. 



Dr. Wellington — I have had some experience in the air-tight 

 preserved fruit. I have used two hundred gallons of such fruit 

 a year. The principle is that all the atmospheric air must be 

 driven out, and a perfect vacuum formed. I am very anxious to 

 see this process succeed. I do not use these cans, because I think 

 the price too high. The price of $2.50 a dozen for the cans is 

 extortionate. I use a cheaper kind, equally good, and only half 

 price. With the ordinary experience of people, I question very 

 much whether fruit can be put up at a loss of only ten per cent. 

 A neighbor of mine lost twenty-five per cent of the fruit put up 

 in Spratt's cans. 



Rev. Samuel White, of Staten Island, had planted an orchard 

 of fruit trees with his own hands, and paid close attention to the 

 fruit, and the means of preservation of it throughout the year, 

 and the high importance thereof. He disliked the term " extor- 

 tion," as applied to Messrs. Wells & Provost, on account of their 

 charging twenty shillings a dozen for their cans. 



The Chairman thought that the public were indebted to Messrs. 

 Wells and Provost for their successful eiforts in this very im- 

 portant business — one of great national importance. 



Dr. Bartlett, recently of the Albion, presented peaches from 

 his Long Island farm. They were Rare-ripes of the very largest 

 size, full seven inches in circiunference, perfectly freestone and 



