The grape may be shipped to distant markets with less liability to damage than any other of the small fruits. There are, however, some exceptions to this statement. Some varieties are quite tender and more difficult to handle than others. The Concord is one of this sort; its clusters are large and compact, its skin thin and tender, and its berries large and juicy, thus making it, perhaps, the most difficult of all our native grapes to handle, or to market in good condition. It can, however, be shipped, and some grape-growers do succeed in sending it long distances, without material damage. This being one of the most popular market grapes among the fruit-growers, as well as with dealers in general, it is important that the art of marketing it should be generally understood.

This grape, when rightly handled and presented in market, makes the most attractive appearance of any of the small fruits; therefore great care should be taken in gathering and packing to preserve the bloom that covers it. The best way that we have tried, is to lay the bunches, when cut, into shallow market-baskets, two layers deep, and carry them to the fruit-room, where they should be allowed to stand a couple of days to evaporate some of their moisture and become a little wilted, thus rendering the clusters more flexible and easier to pack. In taking the bunches from the basket, they should be handled chiefly by the stem. With a little patience, a skillful hand will seldom find Accessary to handle a cluster in any other way. The grapes should be cut when dry, but not before they are sufficiently ripe. It is a lamentable practice, that of sending half-ripened fruit to market, as is too often the case, especially with the grape. This fruit when ripe is justly esteemed as one of the healthiest known; but when eaten in an unripe state, it may be set down as decidedly unwholesome.

Grapes, like other small fruits, are usually packed and sent to1 market in boxes of various styles. The best packages, however, for distant markets, are those holding not less than two, or more than five pounds. Smaller boxes are sometimes used, holding but a single pound. This size we consider unprofitable to both parties, especially so to the buyer, as it compels him to pay about as much for a package holding but one pound, as for one holding two or more, and nearly half as much as the grapes are worth. A medium-sized box is undoubtedly the best for such varieties as the Concord, as they are liable, when placed in larger packages, to be crushed by their own weight. Grape boxes are generally made of paper, which answers the purpose very well. Still we have met with losses by their use, for if the paper absorbs much moisture from the grapes it loses its stiffness, and thus the grapes crush each other by their own weight. To avoid this liability, we would recommend the use of wooden boxes; these can be made as cheap, and perhaps cheaper than paper ones, and by covering the outside with suitable paper, can be made to look just as presentable.

We like round boxes best, as they can be made of lighter material, and be stronger in proportion than square ones, and are more attractive in appearance. The depth of a grape box should be about four inches. The depth, however, may be varied according to the varieties or size of the bunches. Grapes may be shipped in either light boxes, cases, or crates. They should be as light and cheap as they can be, and have sufficient strength and durability for a single trip to market, as it is not expected that they will be returned when sent long distances. In constructing the cases, care should be had not to get them too large and heavy. A fifty-pound crate is as much as a man will take up and handle with ease; and if it is tumbled about, the jar will not be as violent as in the case of heavier packages. - The Circular.

Lawns will receive a great benefit from a dressing of bone-dust this month. Apply, say, at the rate of one ton to the acre, and at the same time sow at the rate of two bushels of plaster to the acre. Such an application will show the grass vigorous and healthy next spring, and do away with the too common but unsightly practice of covering during winter with manure. Do not mow the lawn any after the middle of this month, but leave the growth as a partial protection to the roots.