74 TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMKRICAN INSTITUTE, 



of surpassing beauty, and doubtless of most excellent flavor; 

 although on this last point little is known by the general public, 

 since the patrons of the Institute are famous for their strict 

 obedience to the injunction : " Touch not, taste not, handle not," 

 an injunction by which their self-denial is oftentimes severely 

 tested. The exhibition boasts more than thirty different kinda 

 of plums. 



Grapes, of great beauty, in large and perfect clusters show the 

 attention which this beautiful branch of horticulture has justly 

 received, while a large and varied collection of native wines from 

 California, Missouri, Ohio and our own State gives promise of 

 the time when we shall cease to be dependent upon Europe for 

 the juice of the grape. 



Regarding as I do, the introduction of an abundance of cheap 

 light wines, similar to those used by the people of France and 

 Germany, as likely to prove a most beneficial substitute for the 

 Btrong and oftentimes adulterated liquors now so generally used 

 among us, I trust that increased attention will be given to the 

 cultivation of the vine in order to secure so desirable result. 



The same may be said of the cultivation of apples for the 

 manufacture of cider, which was at one time discontinued in 

 many parts of the country, and the trees cut down through a 

 somewhat excessive zeal in behalf of the temperance cause. 



The moderate use of stimulants may or may not be hurtful, aa 

 each will decide for himself, but all must agree, that if men con- 

 tinue to use them, it is desirable that they should be as little 

 deleterious in their character as possible. 



Before passing from the subject of fruits, it may be remarked 

 that it is conceded that the exhibition before you is the finest 

 and most extensive ever displayed in the United States compris- 

 ing as it does, more than 3,000 varieties, and that the improve- 

 ment of successive years in the character of fruit, is the best 

 evidence of the importance of scientific culture fostered and 

 encouraged by societies like the Institute. 



The discussions of the "Farmer's club," and the interchange 

 of views which its meetings encourage, have been useful auxilia- 

 ries in producing these results; as also have been the meetings 

 of pomological societies and fruit growers conventions in our 

 own and sister States, and especially in the city of Boston. The 

 generous emulation which such societies create leads to increased 

 care among the cultivators of fruit ; they are induced to study 



