470 WOODY PLANTS OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



Summer Grape, but differs in the form of the leaves and par- 

 ticularly in the time of maturing the fruit and in its taste. I 

 am therefore inclined to think Pursh's conjecture, that this is 

 a distinct species, correct. 



Sp. 3. The Wine Grape. Chicken Grape. V. cordifblia. 



Michaux. 



This vine is a less vigorous climber than either of the pre- 

 ceding, and has a more delicate appearance. It delights to 

 climb over rocks, along which it extends twenty or thirty feet. 

 It is distinguished for its very short joints and the green color of 

 both surfaces of its leaves. The recent shoots are purplish 

 green, smooth or slightly hairy. Leaves on short petioles, 

 which have a few short hairs ; somewhat 3- or 5-lobed, heart- 

 shaped at base, acuminate, with large, sharp, deeply cut teeth ; 

 ciliate on the margin, green on both surfaces, hairy on the 

 nerves, and with cottony tufts at the angles beneath. 



Fruit in short clusters, with 6 to 8, short, crowded branches, 

 dark purple, almost black, when ripe, with a dark blue bloom, 

 about the size of a large pea. Seeds about 2 ; no core ; skin 

 very thin ; pulp deep purple, almost black. The fruit is very 

 acid, but pleasant, with a rich, spicy taste, and without any 

 acerbity remaining after eating it. It ripens late, and is not 

 affected by the frost. 



Of the juice of this grape, Mr. Andrew Mallory, of Russell, 

 has made half a barrel of wine at a time. It is described as 

 of excellent quality, having a strong resemblance to Port. The 

 plant is a free bearer and seems to promise much as a wine 

 producer. 



Sp. 4. The River Grape. Sweet Scented Grape. 

 V. ripdria. Michaux. 



I have found this vine on the Westfield River and on some 

 other tributaries of the Connecticut, and in Worcester County, 

 but not in the eastern parts of the State ; and I have found only 

 the barren flowers. It has the same appearance as the preced- 

 ing, differing in the greater pubescence on the stalks, veins, and 

 margins of the leaves. 



