110 TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 



was a hard one for trees. I would prefer planting evergreens in 

 August to October. 



At the next meeting the domestic wine question will be intro- 

 duced, with specimens. 



H. MEIGS, Secretary. 



May 14, 1860. 

 Present, fifty members. W. S. Carpenter in the chair. 

 The Secretary read the following : 



TO CLEAN KNIVES, &C. 



Cut off a piece from a i^otato, dip the cut end in brick dust and 

 you have one of the best cleaners. 



CHINESE YAM DIOSCOREA BATATAS. 



It is recommended to plant extensively in our vast plains and 

 prairies, for it will take care of itself, defies cold, is excellent food 

 where occasionally no other can be had. 



A French chemist uses filters instead of churns, a bag of white 

 felt or sheeting, resembling somewhat a soldier's fatigue cap, only 

 longer and deeper — from each corner a porous string (wicking is 

 best,) makes the outlet for the watery part of the cream. The 

 bag is suspended by it's four corners firmly extended. In twenty- 

 four to thirty hours there remains pure cream only in the bag, as 

 thick as Avhat the Americans call " smearcase," (almost cheese.) 

 This solidified cream is then put into a strong linen bag, tied 

 tight, so as to bear kneading like dough, without escaping. In 

 a few moments the splash of fluid will be heard from the bag; 

 the butter is made, taken out, the buttermilk remaining in it 

 washed out. Perfect butter, and all of it remains. 



The Rev. and learned Dr. Adamson, of Cape Town, sends us the 

 following : 



government notice. no. 4^6, 1859. 



Colonial Office, Cape of Good Hope, ? 

 December 2.%, 1859. \ 



His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor has directed the pub- 

 lication of the annexed correspondence with the Colonial Bota- 

 nist, upon the nature, extent, and cause of the disease which has 

 appeared in the vineyards in the neighborhood of Cape Town ; 

 and he invites the attention of the proprietors of vineyards on 

 the subject, and the co-operation in the formation of committees 



