SECRETAEY'S REPORT. 229 



growth. But such is not the case ; for when strong vines are 

 planted and once established, a growth of ten, fifteen, or even 

 twenty feet upon the shoots, of a season, is not uncommon. Dr. 

 C. W. Grant, of lona Island, (in the Hudson,) who has grown this 

 variety more extensively than any other person, and to whom I am 

 indebted for the accompanying engraving, says that feeble growth 

 is but an accident, and vigorous, healthy growth, under favorable 

 circumstances, the universal law. He farther says : 



" Its compact, symmetric bunches, of convenient size, fine wine 

 color, and translucency constitute a grape of exceeding beauty, 

 which as an ornament for the table is unequalled. 



It is very juicy, and its juice is wine — rich, sugary, and spicy, 

 with a fine delicate aroma, suggestive of the Eed Frontignac, and 

 surpassing that excellent variety in its brisk, pure, vinous flavor." 



Mr. Charles Downing, speaking of it, says: "Although the 

 Delaware was highly prized and warmly commended by me from 

 my first acquaintance with it, I have until recently maintained pref- 

 erence for my old favorite, the sweet, luscious Black Hamburg. 

 But to the pure, rich, sugary wine of the Delaware, as it now grows 

 with us, I must concede my preference. It constantly grows upon 

 my liking, and when I consider all its excellencies, regarding its 

 fine, healthy, vigorous habit, as well as quality of fruit, I can 

 scarcely speak of it in measured terms of praise." 



Rebecca. This, in quality, compares favorably even with choice 

 foreign sorts, and has, in favorable locations and dry, warm soils, 

 succeeded well, and given the highest satisfaction. In my heavy, 

 wet soil, it has been very difficult to secure sufficiently well ripened 

 wood. It is probably a seedling of the Sweetwater, or some simi- 

 lar foreign sort, and like that, it is a moderate grower, and requires 

 careful protection in winter. Where it succeeds, there is none 

 better. Under favorable conditions of soil, &c., I have grown it to 

 perfection, and it proves quite early. 



Clinton. Hardy, productive and good. It colors early, but 

 should hang late, as it is harsh to the taste at first, but afterwards 

 improves much, becoming vinous and rich. 



Blood's Seedlings. The white and the black both grow well, ripen 

 early, and the vine is hardy. The fruit of both is of ordinary qual- 

 ity ; the white the best, and nearly or quite as good as Northern 

 Muscadine, which it resembles. Skin thick, pulp firm and of foxy 

 flavor. They both blight some — the black the most. 



Union Village, Bunches exceedingly large and handsome.. 



