219 THE FLORIST AND 



RANDOM NOTES ON FRUITS. 



By a Maryland Subscriber, 



Mr. H. C. Hanson, Dear Sir: — 



Believing as I do, that no one in faithfully recording his experi- 

 ence and observations, can fail in imparting more or less knowledge 

 to others, I offer no apology to your readers for intruding my opin- 

 ions, since they are the result of personal attention to fruit grow- 

 ing, and a wish that others of more experience will take up the 

 subject in your pages. 



Grapes —Now that a certain cure for the prevention and eradi- 

 cation of mildew in graperies has been found, 1 hope that some one 

 will step forward with a specific for the black rot on our arbors. 

 It is the general opinion, I believe, that much wet during the pre- 

 sent month favors this disease. This season has been particularly 

 dry, and so far I have not detected its appearance. Should the rot 

 be induced by the roots being wet and cold with a hot sun acting 

 on the leaves, it would seem apparent that a dry soil should be se-> 

 cured, either by selecting an elevated position, or laying down un- 

 der ground drains. While visiting a friend during the past winter I 

 found him preparing the border of a small grapery. The original 

 soil, which was of a clayey character, had been removed to a good 

 depth, and fresh soil and compost put in its place. The work was 

 well done, and no pains spared to render it perfect in every respect, 

 good drainage being provided to carry off extra wet. Notwithstand- 

 ing, it occurred to me that the end in view would be equally at- 

 tained without the trouble and expense of excavation, by merely 

 laying the 1 fresh soil on the old surface and mixing the whole 

 thoroughly together, I would rather build a two feet wall to hold 

 up the soil than dig down an" equal depth for the same purpose. 



Among the various foreign kinds that I have tried I find the 

 Sweetwater, Zinfmdal and Frankenthul give most satisfaction. The 

 Sweetwater bears moderately well, but the fruit to my taste is in- 

 sipid, and inferior to a well ripened Isabella. Both Zinfinclal and- 

 Frankenthal are good grapes, bear abundantly, and of vigorous 



