GRAPES. 67 



seedling, particularly when it presented a great change from the parent, every 

 means were taken to make the case certain. The parent, an Isabella, was 

 planted in a house occupied with peaches and nectarines. To be sure that 

 neither bees nor other external cause could effect the impregnation and thus 

 defeat the object, the vine was forced in January, and blossomed before vegeta- 

 tion commenced in the open air. Previous to the time of blossoming, the buds 

 were thinned so as to leave only one-fourth of the strongest and best-placed 

 ones. As they expanded they were constantly watched, and the anthers at 

 once cut away with sharp scissors. The pollen of " Chassolas," " Black Prince," 

 and " Black Hamburgh " was obtained, mixed together in a box, and applied 

 with a soft brush. When the impregnation took effect, the embryo swelled at 

 once ; when otherwise, it remained as it was. Thus I was assured that each 

 seed obtained must produce a hybrid. When the fruit ripened the seeds were 

 collected and planted in soil which I felt certain could not have any other 

 seeds of grapes sown accidentally. The young vines have always been under 

 my care. The seedlings were exposed to the winter after they were somewhat 

 grown, by which means the more tender ones were killed out." 



Of the seedlings thus grown the only one that Mr. Allen seems to have con- 

 sidered worthy of being offered to the public was the subject of this sketch. 

 Of this an outline and description was given in the Magazine of Horticulture 

 for 1860, at pages 70 and 71. The description we subjoin: 



"Bunches medium size, about six inches long and four and a-half broad, 

 neither compact nor loose, slightly shouldered. Berries quite round, medium 

 size, about three-quarters of an inch in diameter, frequently depressed at the 

 end. Skin very thin, pale green, occasionally rose colored in the sun, semi- 

 transparent, with a thin pale bloom. Flesh very juicy, resembling the Chas- 

 selas. Flavor sweet, rich, vinous and brisk, with a delicate aroma. Seeds, 

 one to three. Vine moderately vigorous, making strong wood when well 

 established. Leaves rather large, light green, not very thick, slightly three- 

 lobed, nearly smooth beneath. Intermediate between the foreign and native 

 grape, and showing plainly its hybrid parentage. The young shoots are cov- 

 ered with white down, very like the Isabella, which disappear as the leaves 

 expand."' 



This grape was discussed at the session of the American Pomological Society, 

 held at Philadelphia in 1860, and also at the next meeting, held at Boston in 

 1863, in both which cases it was commended very highly. 



The chief difficulty in the way of the placing of this grape at the head of 

 our list, both with respect to quality and profit, will be found in its great 

 liability to the attacks of mildew, a liability which, from its alleged parentage, 

 we might very naturally anticipate. It is, however, so exceedingly fine when 

 grown free from this casualty, that no devotee of this fruit can afford to be 

 without it, while a favorable soil and exposure, possibly with an occasional 

 sulphuration, will, except possibly in unfavorable seasons, usually secure a 

 crop of delicious fruit. It requires thorough pruning to prevent overbearing. 

 and should be protected in winter in the climate of Michigan, as in my estima- 

 tion, should every other variety. It ripens early in September. 



THE EEBECCA GEAPE 



"Was introduced at the meeting of the American Pomological Society held at 

 Eochester, N. Y., in September, 1856, by Wm. Brookbanks, of the city of Hud- 



