120 EXPEBIMEXTAL FAHMS 



4-5 EDWARD VII., A. 1905 



Lottie. — Form roundish; size large; cavity shallow, narrow; suture an indistinct 

 line; apex slightly flattened; colour yellow, mottled and washed with red; dots obscure; 

 bloom slight; skin thick, tough; flesh sweet, juicy; stone medium size, roundish, semi- 

 cling; sweet, rich; quality good. A handsome plum of good qualitj*. Propagate. Ameri- 

 cana group. 



Smith. — Form roundish to broad oval; size large; cavity narrow, shallow; suture 

 a distinct line; apex rounded; colour yellow, mottled and washed with red; dots ob- 

 scure; bloom light; skin thick, moderately tough; flesh yellow, juicy; stone rather 

 large, oval, nearly free; sweet, rich; quality good to very good. A good plum. Pro- 

 mising. Americana groui^. 



GEAPES. 



There was never a finer crop of grapes at the experimental farm than tiicre was 

 this year, but owing to the unusually cool and cloudj- summer and autumn only 32 

 varieties ripened thoroughly compared with 101 in 1903. As the varieties which 

 ripened this year are those which will mature with tlie least amount of heat, a list 

 of them i& herewith given as a guide to those who wish to test grapes in the colder 

 parts of Canada. These are given in order of ripening. Florence, Early Daisy, 

 September 9. Manito, Champion, September IT. Golden Drop, Jewel, Moore's Early, 

 September 26. Moyer, September 27. Wyoming Red, September 28, Campbeirs 

 Early, Lincoln (Read's Hybrid), Brant, Canada, Telegraph, Hartford, Potter, Pattl- 

 son, Seedling No. 1, X Muscat Hamburgh, Northern Muscadine, Dracut Amber, Maxa- 

 tawny, September 29. Peabody, September 30. Janesville, Early Victor, Cottage, 

 Lutie, October 3. Early Ohio, October 4. Creveling, Marion, Jessica, Superb, Oc- 

 tober 6. Belvidere, October 8. Delaware, Lindley, Brighton, Moore's Diamond had 

 some bunches about ripe October 6, 



The following new variety is described for the first time in this report. 



Lincoln (Read's Hybrid). — Concord female X Black Hamburgh male. In 1897 

 three vines of this grape were sent for test by Mr. M. A. Read, Port Dalhousie, Ont., 

 son of Wm. H. Read, the originator. 



This variety has proven so valuable here, and should prove so valuable even in 

 the best grape districts, that it deserves especial mention. The vine is a vigorous 

 grower and very productive. The bunches are below medium size, _but well filled, 

 from 4 to 5 inches in length, compact, cylindrical or slightly shouldered. Fruit be- 

 low medium size, round, black with a moderate bloom. Skin thick, tough; pulp 

 moderately firm, but breaks fairly easily. Swe2t, sprightly, slightly foxy; flavour 

 eumewhat like Concord with a suggestion of Black Hamburgh. Quality almost good. 

 This is attractive in appearaace and ripens about the same time as Moore's Early and 

 would probably make a good shipping grape. Yery promising. 



In a letter received from Mr. M. A. Read, Port Dalhousie, Out., dated December 

 1, 1904, further information was obtained regarding tliis variety. He writes: — 



' The Black Hybrid grape received by your department in the year 1897 was 

 originated by my father, the late Wm. H. Read, in the year 1887. It is a cross between 

 the (Concord and Black Hamburgh; Concord for female and Hamburgh for male. 

 The original vine stood the test equally as well as the Concord thus far and is much 

 more prolific, very compact, well shouldered bunch, berry medium size and of good 

 quality, ripens about with Champion or Moore's Early, and a vigorous grower. This 

 variety has taken first premium whei'cver exhibited and a special award of a silver 

 medal at the Pan-American Exhibition, Buffalo, on its merits.* 



