348 
ON THE BLACK LISBON GRAPE. 
W. M. has not attempted the refutation of more than one or two, 
and succeeded in none? I repeat, W. M. asserts that “ all seeds 
remaining on the surface inevitably perish.” I readily give him credit 
for his observation, and believe such to be his real opinion ; but he 
surely forgets that very many seeds possess no germinating property : 
this is known to all gardeners and planters, who frequently try the 
worth of their seeds by putting them into water. This is especially 
the case with those of the melon . The seeds, therefore, which W. M. 
says he has observed in the forests in a state of decay, were the husks, 
doubtless, that contained no vegetating principle. Is it possible that 
W. M. has never tried the experiment of growing mustard and cress on 
a moist flannel by a kitchen fire? He will not, surely, conclude that 
all who have done so, entertain opinions equally fallacious with myself. 
I sincerely wish I were a practical chemist, and could offer an opinion 
upon the theory which W. M. so judiciously proposes *, and should 
be equally pleased with himself to see the subject scientifically dis¬ 
cussed. I know so much only of the noble science as to enable me to 
admire its results, and to regret that it should be brought forward 
where I see no reason for its introduction. For instance, the “ Ency- 
clopajdia of Gardening” says, “ seeds will not germinate in the light , 
because light decomposes the carbonic acid gas , expels the oxygen , and 
fixes the carbon , thus hardening all parts of the seed , and preventing 
vegetation .” How can I reconcile this round assertion with the fact of 
the sprouted wheat, for example ? this germinated in the light; there¬ 
fore the light had not decomposed the carbonic acid gas; it had not 
expelled the oxygen; it had not fixed the carbon, nor had it hardened 
all parts of the seed, and prevented it from germinating. 
I am, I repeat, sorry to occupy this space in the Register so unpro- 
fitably; but I hope to find an excuse with all readers who may dislike 
to lie under an imputation of ignorance or presumption. I hope I shall 
not intrude again. I have certainly no wish to do so. W. 
July 25 th. 
On the black Lisbon Grape , by William Bristol, gardener to Charles 
Huit, Esq., Wirksworth, Derbyshire.—I have frequently felt sorry, on 
going into most hot-houses, to see the bunches of this grape so defi¬ 
cient—to find here and there a good full-sized berry, and all the others 
small and good for nothing, or missing altogether. I have for a number 
of years practised the following plan, and always found it to answer 
* Since the above was written, I see that the subject has been ably and satisfactorily 
treated by one of the contributors to this work, at page 131 of the April number.— W. 
