SECRETAKY'S PORTFOLIO. 321 



green grapes were exhibited at tlie time of the meeting of the American pomo- 

 logical society at Rochester, and were examined side by side, by a number of 

 the prominent fruit growers. Among these sorts were the Dutchess, Prentiss, 

 Lady. Allen's Hybrid, Niagara, Rebecca, and some others. Several expressed 

 surprise at the similarity of flavor possessed by all, or rather at the equal 

 degree of merit in each, on tasting side by side. The Dutchess ranked among 

 the best in quality, the Prentiss attracted much attention on account of its 

 sweet and delicate flavor, and the Niagara for a combination of desirable qual- 

 ities, including its large bunch, showy appearance, and fine flavor, in which, 

 however, it was hardly equal to some of the others. The Pocklington was 

 very attractive for its large, showy bunches, and it was of fair quality. None 

 of tliese, however, are quite equal to the Croton in quality, although all exceed 

 it for strong growth and freedom from mildew. 



lite grajjeii at JiGcJiester. — T. T. Tyon, the well-known pomologist, gives his 

 estimate, in connection with that of the fruit committee, of the comparative 

 value of the native grapes exhibited by tlie American pomological society at 

 Eochester, in the following order — the Dutchess standing first in quality, and 

 for general merit the others would be, Niagara first, Prentiss second, and 

 Pocklington third. 



THE PRENTISS. 



This is a new white grape of best quality. It is a seedling of Isabella, 

 originated by J. W. Prentiss, of Pultney, Steuben county, N. Y., on Crooked 

 Lake near Hammondsport. It has been in bearing several years, gradually 

 improving from the first. Mr. Prentiss now has in full bearing nearly an acre 

 which each year produces uniformly a good crop of perfect clusters, the 

 fruit of which, for the past three or four years, has sold in New York markets 

 at 16c. to 25c. per pound when Concords were selling at 3c. and Gc. per pound 

 and Delawares from G to 10 cents. The past season (1879) he sold nearly 

 two tons through one commission house (C. N. Wixom) which netted him 

 after paying freight and commission 14 cents per pound, while Catawba netted 

 him only 3^ to 4 cents, and Delawares only 5 to 6^ cents. 



The following is a description of this grape : Berry, medium to large, 

 yellowish green, sometimes with a rosy tint on side exposed to sun. Skin 

 thick and very firm. Flesh tender, sweet, melting, juic}^ with a very pleasant 

 and musky aroma ; free from foxiness ; little if any pulp ; seeds few and small ; 

 yery similar to Kebecca in quality, but vine a vigorous grower, and foliage very 

 distinct from Rebecca. Foliage liealthy, thick, resembling Diana or Isabella, 

 showing its native origin. Vine a good grower, and very productive, inclined 

 to overbear, and clusters should be thinned unless pruned close; vine hardy, 

 and buds uninjured with thermometer 15 to 20° below zero. The grape is an 

 excellent keeper, and was exhibited at the Western New York Horticultural 

 Society, at Rochester, January 22d, 1879, in perfect condition. Ripens about 

 with Concord. 



The cut represented herewith is from a photograph of a branch exhibited at 

 the meeting of the American Pomological Society, Rochester, N. Y., in 1879, 

 where it attracted much attention and received very favorable notices. This 

 grape is under control of T. S. Hubbard of Fredonia, N. Y., and will not be 

 offered for sale before fall of 1880 or spring of 1881. 



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