Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1866-02-02

quality Of pulp, thickness e skin, power Of
resisting decay &C., all of which although
very interesting, must be omitted for brew
ity of report.
He said this however, which we will not
not omit, viz; The judgment. taste, and
lightness of labor necessary for the cultiva-
ton ofthe grape, rendered it peculiarly
adapted as the employment Of scomen, and
urgently recommended it to the attention
of the ladies of Westminster-
He further stated instances of the pro-
duce of his little vines, reaching frequently
as high as rs lbs. to vine. the clusters
often exceeding one pound in weight.
He said the past season was admirably
suited to the raising of grapes. His vines
never did SO well, all of which was most
readily accounted for by the club, when in
answer to questions, he stated that he was
absent from home most of the season, and
the vines were wholly cared for by his
wife and daughter.
The discussion was participated in by
Others, and it appeared that warm, well
drained soily free from an excess Of vegeta-
BILE matter or animal manure aids the rip
ening process of grapes, and guards against
the cold. The high enrichment with
clammy mixtures rendering the soil reten-
tive of moisture, and hence colder, often
causing failure. Again such enrichment,
with deep culture, makes long joints, and
spongy unripened wood, brings the roots
deeper in contact with colder soil and de-
fers the ripening time.
The Secretary Of the Club, by the invi-
tation of Mr.. Merrill, and according to the
desire Of the Club, visited the garden and
vine plots of Mr.. Merrill, in Bellows Falls.
and reports to the Club as follows, as far
as he could judge at this season of the
year: The ground has warm south
west exposure, and is light sandy soil.
The vine plots receive much protection
and warmth from the proximity of build
ings and adjoining lands, breaking the cold
winds upon the north side of the vine rows.
At little distance is situated Mr.. Merrill's
line of buildings, neatly painted white, the
reflection of the suns rays from which
must materially increase the mean temper
ature Of the vine plots during the summer
months. Closely joined to the house, and
running around along the whole east side
of the garden. is high bank, divided into
several broad terraces by perpendicular
stone walls, the reflections from which
| greatly add TO the warmth of the garden
plats. Upon the terraces also, with their
warm sunny exposure, fronting the stone
facings, are rows of grapevines. The
drained. These are some of the peculiar
advantages possessed by Mr.. Merrill,
which conduces to his success combined
with bis scientific management, especially
his method of covering in winter, which
guards against the early rising of the sap
in the warm days Of March, and starting
Of buds to be injured by killing frost in
"The bitter change Of fierce extremes"
The stem of the vine may even crack from
the freezing Of the sap, and the blighted
hopes of the years fruitage be entirely lost.
In the extensive setting out of grapes in
Westminster and vicinity, anticipated in
the coming spring, it is strongly recon-
mended to take advantage of all these ar
/ tiicial and natural points of location as far
as possible, which are so happily blended
in the fruit grounds of Mr.. Merrill.