344 STATE BOARD OP AGRICULTURE. 



Agawam, Early Cluster, Erie, Ford No. 1, Jewett, KUtatinny, Lovett, 

 Minnewaski, Stone s Hardy, Wachusett and Wilson Jr., while possessing 

 some good qualities, are either lacking in hardiness, are unproductive, or 

 the fruits are too small to sell well in market. 



Childs' Everbearing and White Blackberry were killed nearly to the 

 ground and no fruit was borne. 



GRAPES. 



The season of 1897 was very favorable for the grape and nearly all vari- 

 eties of bearing age gave promise of a large crop of fruit. Owing however, 

 to the numerous depredations committed, it was impossible to get full 

 notes on the time of ripening, quality and productiveness of all sorts 

 grown. A table of varieties is therefore omitted and the following brief 

 notes given. 



Berckmans. — The vine was productive, and the clusters, while not 

 large are of good form and compact. The grapes are medium in size, 

 round and a light purplish red color. The berries hang well to stem 

 but are of medium quality. Season with Concord. 



Brighton. — This is one of the leading red grapes for home use or mar- 

 ket. The canes are productive and the fruit and foliage usually quite free 

 from disease. 



Chidester No. 4.— Much like Concord but a little later in season and 

 the grapes larger. A variety of much promise. 



Delaware. — An old sort somewhat liable to mildew but the quality is so 

 superior that the variety should have a place in every home vineyard. Sea- 

 son a week later than Concord. 



Diamond. — The variety is hardy and productive. Clusters large and 

 compact. The grapes are good size, yellowish green color and of good 

 quality. Season a week earlier than Concord. A good sort for the home 

 plantation, i 



Early Victor. — The canes are of good growth, healthy and productive. 

 The bunches are not large and the grapes are of medium size, blue-black 

 in color and of good quality. The variety is about two weeks earlier than 

 Concord, and is worthy of a place in the home vineyard. 



Empire State. One of the leading white market grapes. It is not so 

 large in bunch or berry as Niagara, but is better in quality. 



Geneva. — Healthy and productive. The bunch is of medium size but good 

 form. Berry medium to large, light green in color and of good quality. 

 In season a little earlier than Concord. Worthy of trial as a home grape. 



Hayes. — The clusters are of medium size, quite close and compact. The 

 berries are a rich golden yellow color and very good in quality. Lacking 

 in productiveness, otherwise a fine table sort. 



Janesville. — Healthy and productive. Clusters small and compact. 

 Berry of medium size, black and of fine quality. Too small in bunch and 

 berry to be a profitable sort. It is two or three weeks earlier than Con- 

 cord. 



Moore Early. — The variety most largely grown as an early market grape. 

 Season two weeks earlier than Concord. The variety is moderately pro- 

 ductive; the clusters are of medium size, and the grapes are large, but the 

 quality is rather low. 



