Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1863-09-26


should possess the Internationally there
fore annex Mr.. Browns communication.
Mn. NIcE's MODE or KEEPING FRUITs.-
Some years ago, Iiebig discovered the
analogy between the slow decay Of vcgeta-
bic substances and fermentation. and settled
many things in reference to temperature,
moisture and other circumstances under
which these actions take place. Subsequent
experiments confirmed the deductions of
Liebig, and fixed the range of fermentation
between 40 degrees and $50 degrees Fahren-
hcit. Appcrt a French chemist, introduced
the practice of heating vegetable substances
to 1S0 degrees or above, and at that tenn
pcrature, excluding them from the air, and
thus etfectUally preventing fermentation.
This method has now become 50 common
that it has nearly rcyoutionised this de-
partment of domestic economy.
Mr. Nice, of Greensburg, Ind, a few years
since. conceived the idea of availing himself
OF the margin between the fermenting point
go dcgrces) and the freezing point below
(32 dcgrces) His first trouble was the
presence of moisture in the atmosphere;
this, however, he etIcctually rcmcdicd by
the use of chloride of calcium which, by
absorbing the moisture, renders the air
perfectly dry. Having obtained favorable
results, he secured by patent his discovery.
In the summer of 1860, Mcssrs. Fletcher,
Williams Il Nancamp erected in this city
q large house for the purpose of testing the
economical value of Mr.. Nice's discoveries.
As early as ice could be procured last winter,
they put their house into operation. About
one thousand bushels Of apples, consisting
of Beihowers, Il. |. Greetings, Rambos,
Ill Ct
These were put into market last June, as
perfect in every respect as when they were
taken from the tree, and with very triiling
loss in quantity. Last summer, various eX-
pcrimcnts were made on small fruits, with
very encouraging results. Raspberries and
strawberries were kept eight weeks, after
which they lost their flavor, though they
showed no evident marks of decay.
Goosebcrrics, currents and cherries were
kept in good order for long period giving
evidence that, with proper cars, they may
be kept the year round. Peaches, in ten
weeks, showed evidence of decay; the skin
sloughing without material discOloration.-
of pears, about two hundred and fifty
bushels were housed, and are now in fine
state Of preservation. Among these are the
Sugar pear, the Bartlett, ScckcI, Flemish
Beauty, and several other varieties of sum
mer and fall pears. Present appearances
indicate that they will be sound next sum
mer. Grapes that were in good condition
when housed, have not the slightest degree
changed either their appearance or flavor
\ lot from the Cincinnati vineyards, that
were much bruised in transportation, suf-
fered loss for the first ten days after being
deposited, but have undergone no sensible
change since. The stock on hand is about
one hundred and fifty bushels. | predict
that the company will market grapes next
June in good condition. Oranges, lemons,
pine apples, bananas, and other tropical
fruits, may be kept for months at any season
of the year. Otthe last crop of apples, two
two thousand live hundred bushels are ON
hand, in most perfect state of preservation
the Fall PearmGiu, Maidcn's Blush and
Ramho keeping as well rs the Newton Pip
pin, nr Romantic. 4 small lot of sample
apples, or the ii1Iitage of 1860, are on hand,
looking well, and retaining their flavor in
remarkable degree.
The results thus far obtained, warrant us
in concluding that in all climates where ice
can be obtained, the standard fruits may be
furnished Gt all seasons OF the year. nj prices
which will hiring ,his luxury within the
reach of every family thus largely iuoreas-
ing fruit consumption, and proportionately
stimulating fruit culture