476 
STATE HOETICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
2 o’clock P. M. 
The society having been called to order, Mr. Greenman read 
the following 
ESSAY ON GRAPE CULTURE. 
The successful cultivation of grapes, in this country is a de¬ 
sideratum long.sought for, and realized by but few of those who 
have engaged in their culture. At first European varieties 
were largely planted, but without success. The variableness 
of our climate forbidding their cultivation in the open air. Ee- 
course tberi was had to our own native American species, fol¬ 
lowed by better success. 
The vitus lahrusca is generally considered the best type to 
improve upon, while many believe that the vitis cardifolia is to 
be preferred, and that from these, seedlings will be produced 
that will have the ability to withstand the rigors of our winters, 
and whose early ripening, healthy foliage, and excellence of 
fruit will crown our efforts with success ; and were it not for 
such experiences as that of 1867 and ’8, very little more could 
be asked, so far as varieties are concerned. 
• % 
Clay loams and calcarous formations are the best soils for 
vineyards; while eastern and southern exposures are to be pre¬ 
ferred. Much, however,-depends upon a thorough preparation 
of the soil, all the parts should be loosened to the depth of 
twenty inches; on soils free from stone, the subsoil plow will be 
requisite. Trenching will be necessary on gravelly hill-sides, 
where it is well to invert the soil, leaving the stone near the 
surface. 
Good two-year old roots are the best for planting, and the 
distance apart will depend upon the variety and mode of 
training. Upon this point different qultivators are not agreed ; 
but that system of training that will not impede a free circula¬ 
tion of air, and at the same time'expose the foliage to the rays 
of the sun, thereby elaborating the crude materials in the sap, 
developing well ripened buds, and wood, will be most condu¬ 
cive to the advancement of grape-growing in this country. To 
secure these ends, I recommend the adoption of a low trellis. 
