"Both Sides of the Grape Question" is the title of the second volume mentioned, and it might well be called all sides of the grape question, as all sides are treated of, but none definitely.

The volume contains three distinct essays by different authors. The author of the first essay, Mr. Saunders, being a practical gardener, does not attempt to give any new theories, or condemn any of the old and well-established principles upon which vines have been so long and successfully grown by skilful cultivators. Only a few of the most simple methods of training and pruning are treated of; and we have to regret that the author does not give some more definite and distinct rules for these, as it is generally admitted among vine-growers that the different varieties or classes are susceptible of widely different methods, and the one that is peculiarly adapted to one class is worthless, or nearly so, for another. For example, the Thomery mode, which for some kinds may be termed the perfection of all systems, is only adapted to a few varieties. Only those that will produce fruit from the base or lower bud can be grown on this plan successfully. Many of our native varieties, if pruned to the lower bud, produce only wood shoots instead of fruit, although this may be partially remedied by severe root pruning and summer pinching; but it requires a skilful hand to perform this operation judiciously.

The author's remarks on the propagation of our native grapes from single eyes, and that they will make better plants the first season (if properly grown) than plants of two years' growth as generally grown from cuttings, are very true, and worthy of consideration. We are well aware that many will still assert that the long cutting grown in the open air is the best, although facts prove the contrary. A heavy soaking once a week in the absence of rain, as recommended by Mr. Saunders, will not always keep them vigorous, and great care is needed in watering; and it is only those plants that are making a vigorous growth and have a good drainage that can sustain a "soaking" with water; and it may be observed that newly planted vines are oftener killed by profuse watering" than by any other means. Little rootlets, that shoot out into water or very damp soil, find an uncongenial element, and consequently die.

The operation of grafting the vine, as he remarks, although exceedingly simple, generally fails in the open air, even when skilfully performed, except at the South,where the operation is not so hazardous. Mr. Saunders's remarks upon this subject, although true when understood, are calculated to mislead. There is much care needed in using vines propagated in this way. They have much strength, to be sure, but are very uncertain. We much prefer plants grown from single eyes, as they are generally much better and more likely to succeed. No more of the parent plant should be used in propagating than is absolutely necessary, the end desired being to create an entirely new and healthy organization, with all the good qualities of the parent, but with none of its defects. To accomplish this, we know of no better way than to grow vines from single eyes.

Mr. Saunders's remarks upon preparing the soil, planting, and the proper age and size of plants, are particularly good; but allowing every leaf and lateral to grow undisturbed the first season, to encourage and secure a healthy root, as he recommends, is, in our opinion, far from being orthodox, and we think but few of our scientific grape-growers will agree with him on this point. If laterals are taken out early, nothing is lost, and one good leaf on the main shoot is worth more than many on the laterals, for giving strength and constitution to the plant, and more particularly for ripening the wood and roots to enable them to endure the winter without damage.

In regard to flavor or excellence of fruit, we think no one who has enjoyed good grapes will agree with Mr. Saunders. He has evidently not perceived the true excellence, for his remarks betray no knowledge or appreciation of the satisfaction that springs from the enjoyment of rich vinous grapes like the Grizzly Frontignan, Muscat of Alexandria, or our own Diana, Delaware, Lenoir, and several others of like quality.

We can not better illustrate the real merits of some of our old favorites when compared with some of the new ones, or the increasing desire to possess something better than Isabella or Concord, than by quoting from a letter which we received from a lady who had read Mr. Saunders's remarks upon the relative merits of the different grapes mentioned in his work. She says: " He talks as if he were speaking of the products of the vegetable garden, and did not know the meaning of fruit, never having been inspired by its enjoyments. Isabella, sweet, tame, but good enough for want of any thing better, only its skin smarts the mouth too much, and its juice leaves no pleasant sensation of refreshment. Concord, still more so, or, in Mr. Saunders's words,' luscious and buttery,' like a poor plum, with a good deal of the offensiveness of the fox added. It palls instead of growing upon the taste, and has no vitality. Diana, sweet, refreshing, with largeness of soul. Delaware, all life and spirit, always making the partaker more happy, and better. To these latter we recur as to dear friends who always do us good, and whose memory is a blessing.

To the others we recur with kindness indeed, but with pity for their defects".

The Second Essay is by F. J. Cape. He begins by asserting broadly that "our whole system of fruit culture is based upon incorrect principles," and which, of course, he at once puts into nothingness, but with such a dazzling blaze of fine writing that in our blinded bewilderment we were only conscious of the wish that scores of tender Misses with uninked albums might be pres- -ent at his next inspiration, each to catch a glowing line of his effusions ! Unlike the classic historian Knickerbocker, he goes back to creation only to begin, and then he trusts but little to what is recorded in sacred writ, profane history, or fairy legend, regarding them only with a contemptuous nod, but relies firmly upon his own vast intuition and teachings of his mother Nature, whose lessons he seems to have sadly misunderstood.

The Third Essay is by J. M. McMinn. This attempt to classify the different varieties and species of the vine of the eastern and western hemispheres calls for but a passing notice; for the man who will tell us that the Herbe-mont and Norton's Virginia are esteemed the very best grapes in New York, certainly ought to travel before he attempts to instruct the people. One who will tell us that there are over one hundred and fifty species of the grape in a land where botanists have discovered but one, will certainly never mislead any one, however ignorant.

We hope, for the sake of the good reputation of all practical gardeners, among which we are happy to class Mr. Saunders, that he will revise his part of " Both Sides of the Grape Question," discard foreign matter, and give us a practical work, which we believe, from the good sense contained in the present volume, he is capable of doing.