FRUITS. 119 



before getting a return from them. I think the surest and 

 quickest way to obtain strong and healthy vines is to raise 

 them from layers. If I were to select six varieties for garden 

 culture, it w^ould be as follows : Delaware, lona, Black 

 Hawk, Massasoit, Hartford, and Martha. I mention the Black 

 Hawk instead of the Concord, as it possesses all the good 

 qualities of the latter, and is at least ten days earlier in ripen- 

 ing. I should have added the Crevelling instead of the Mar- 

 tha, but as most cultivators like the different colors, I substi- 

 tute this as the only white grape I have yet succeeded in 

 obtaining an average crop of, but the lona is my favorite for 

 a table grape, — sugary, rich, vinous and spicy, with a melting 

 tenderness, and ripening evenly from the centre. With me 

 it is a healthy and vigorous grower, the bunches and berries 

 large and well shouldered, and were it two weeks earlier in 

 ripening I should place it in the front rank for general culti- 

 vation. I always succeed in ripening them, as during the 

 early frosts they may be protected by throwing over them a 

 light mat. 



My vines have not been troubled with disease except that 

 in an occasional wet season they have suffered some from mil- 

 dew, but the greatest drawback to the cultivation of the grape 

 I find to be the depredation of the robins. They always 

 know where to find the best grapes. My system of training 

 is by what is called the Fuller plan, with horizontal arms from 

 four to six feet each way, allowing the canes to reach the top 

 of the trellis, which is five feet in height. I prune back in 

 the fall to two buds, with the exception of those of a rank 

 growth, which I prefer to prune on the renewal system. My 

 land is light with a gravelly subsoil. I use no manure except 

 ashes, but in planting always place a quantity of bones around 

 the roots. The soil for grape-vines should not be enriched 

 with animal manure, although some vines, like the Delaware, 

 seem to thrive in a rich soil, but I think they soon deteriorate. 

 Most of my vines have a southerly aspect, some a westerly. 

 I can perceive no difference. I have raised hundreds of seed- 

 lings but as yet have not found one better than those already 

 in the market, I have recommended a few vines for g-arden 

 culture only, for I think that all having room for them should 

 have at least that number. My experience in the cultivation 



