Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1863-09-30
ohio slate Falr--Chesse and Grapes.


Mr.. NJ. C. Meeker, who exhibited the
cotton plant ct our late State Fair is a
correspondent Of the New York Tribune.
In writing to that journal ofthe State Fair
he says;
"CleVelsnd is the chief city Of northern
Ohio, and in particular Of the Western Re-
serve, which has q reputation through the
world for its cheese. The display Of cheese
is large and fine. Sixteen cheeses from
the dairy Of Anson Bartlett, Geauga coun-
ty, average 1872 pounds. Formerly the
farmers were well oontented II they could
get Eve cents pound for cheese; now all
they can make quickly brings 10 cents.
Yesterday | spoke Of the grapes. The
amount on the tables is not large. | have
seen larger collections in Illinois, but hav-
ing, during the Week, visited various parts
Of the country along the lake shore, was
surprised At the extent TO which this fruit
is raised in this region. ]. A. Harris, ed
itor Of the Herald, informs me that there
are in this county alone 700 acres Of Isa-
bella and CataWbs grapes, and that the
farmers are preparing TO plant more large
ly next year. Those who, in so many parts
Of the United States, have been so disap-
pointed by their grapes rotting, will be
interested 10 learn that here they never
rot. Italy and the Mediterranean Islands,
and Palestine in particular have been
looked upon with envy as regions where
the vine always is loaded with this fine
fruit Commencing in the neighborhood
Of Dunkirk, New York, is ridge Of land
about three miles from Lake Erie, which
runs Is far as Toledo, with some few
breaks. The soil Of this strip, about 200
miles long, varies from sand 70 o sandy
mold It rapidly dries after 8 shower or q
long spell Of wet. Il produces ell kinds Of
grain In abundance. Itis frst-rats farm
ing region. There are several islands op-
pOsite Sandusky which have q similar soil
Recently It has been ascertained that this
is the best region for grapes, 80 far as
known, in North Amerios. An acre Of
grapes here will bear every year; they
never rot, particularly the CataWba they
will bring from 6 10 s cents q pound, By
the tun, or from $500 to 5000 the acre.
"They do not need 10 be highly manur-
ed no trenohing is required, and very lit
tie regard is paid 10 pruning. Around
Cincinnati the plan is 10 trench the whole
ofthe ground three feet deep, and then an
experienced vine dresser from the old
country is required 10 pruno them in q
very particular manner, and yet, with all
this care and expense, they are known 10
rot. On every farm around here one sees
the grapes in great profusion, aud they
are raised almost a8 oheaply as potatoes
II Is question 10 be decided hereafter
whether scientific culture and training
will be Of much value.
ain conversation with DR.. Kirkland on
this subject, he sthteB IS d reason why the
grapes do 90 we'll hero is because, in the
region named, thero are fewer dews than
elsewhere nor are there late frosts In the
Spring or early ones in the Fall.
These faots are Of greatimportance in
another respect-thRt Is, Il is quite likely
that cotton will do we'll here, and next
Spring ! will send seed hither that the
matter may be tested. M.C.M.