40 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



GRAPES. 



The culture of the grape within the last ten years has attracted a great deal 

 of attention throughout the United states. Many vineyards of large extent 

 have been and are still being planted in various portions of the country, and 

 are proving a great pecuniary success. The many new and excellent varieties 

 of native origin should no longer leave any doubts in the mind of the culti- 

 vator as to the result of the investment. AVhile some make this branch of 

 horticulture a specialty, from pecuniary motives, every one owning a garden 

 Spot should devote a portion of it to a few of the best varieties. Of the many 

 good sorts worthy of cultivation, we would particularly recommend the Con- 

 cord and Delaware for common garden culture. These varieties have proved 

 almost perfectly hardy in Michigan, particularly the Concord, which is very 

 strong and vigorous in its habits of growth, very productive, and fruit nearly 

 of the best quality. The Delaware, though not quite so hardy and strong 

 grower as the former, is nevertheless very productive, quite early in its season 

 of ripening, and tlie fruit of the very best quality, both for the dessert and 

 wine. — Ilgenfritz. 



The following paragraph upon the best soil for the grape, is from " Down- 

 ing's Fruits and Fruit Trees of America :" 



"The universal experience in all countries has established the fact that a 

 warm and dry soil is the very best for the vine. Where vineyards are culti- 

 vated, a limestone soil, or one composed of decaying calcareous rocks, is by 

 far the best; but where, as in most gardens, the vine is raised solely for its 

 fruit, the soil should be highly enriched. The foreign grape will scarcely 

 thrive well here on a heavy soil, though our native varieties grow and bear 

 well on any strong land ; but the essence of all that can be said in grape-cul- 

 ture respecting soil, is that it be dry and light, deep and rich. Frequent top- 

 dressing of well rotted manures should be applied to vines in open borders, 

 and this should every third or fourth year be alternated with a dressing of 

 slacked lime." 



A little attention at proper seasons to the culture of the vine will afford a 

 family a good supply of fruit of good size and flavor. Grape vines are orna- 

 mental, and may be planted where shade is required on the sides of buildings, 

 arbors, and trellises. They require a rich soil, with a dry subsoil. — Chihon. 



The grapes recommended by the Society are as follows : 



Marhet — Hartford Prolific, Eumelan, Delaware, Israella (on suitable soils), 

 Concord, lona, Ives' Seedling. 



Family— Rvixi^oxd Prolific, Delaware, Eumelan, Concord, Diana (for keep- 

 ing), Agawam (for keeping). 



Amateur — Adirondac, Creveling, Eumelan, Delaware, Israella, lona, Croton 

 (trial), Eebecca, Allen's Hybrid, Diana (for keeping), Wilder. 



CLASS I.— BLACK GKAPES. 



Adirondac — One of the best of the newer grapes; bunch large; berries 

 large, tender, and sweet; quite as early as the Hartford Prolific. Vine similar 

 in wood and foliage to Isabella, but less vigorous. 



Alvey — Bunch medium size, compact; berries small or medium ; no pulp; 

 sprightly, vinous; ]-)romises to be one of the best for wine. Ripens with us 

 about same time as Isabella. 



^arri/ (Rogers' No. 43) — Bunch rather short; berries roundish, much like 

 Black Hamburg; delicate, sweet, and tender. Ripens with Concord. 



