THE GRAPE 171 



dentate, shallow, wide; upper surface dark green; lower surface with more 

 or less reddish pubescence which shows in patches on the ribs and veins; 

 petioles pubescent. Clusters long, with long peduncle. Berries small, with 

 moderate amount of bloom, astringent. Seeds two to three, of medium 

 size, plump, smooth, not notched; chalaza oval, distinct; raphe a distinct 

 cord-like ridge. 



250. Pomological characters of .ffistivalis grapes. — The ber- 

 ries are destitute of pulp, have a comparatively thin tough skin 

 and a peculiar spicy flavor; they hang to the bunch when ripe 

 much better than do those of Labrusca. The fruit usually has 

 a tart taste, due to the presence of a high percentage of acid, 

 but there is also a large amount of sugar. 



The leaves are seldom injured by the sun, and they resist 

 attacks of insects, such as leaf -hoppers, better than any other 

 American species under cultivation, ^stivalis is rarely injured 

 by black-rot or mildew. The hard roots enable it to resist 

 phylloxera, and varieties with any great amount of the blood 

 of this species are seldom seriously injured by this insect. An 

 objection to ^stivalis is that it does not root well from cuttings. 

 Varieties of this species bear grafting well. 



There are no pure-bred varieties of the type species under 

 cultivation although there are many varieties showing yEstivalis 

 blood of which Norton, Cynthiana, and Ives are good 

 representatives. 



251. Habitat and botanical characters of Linsecomii grapes. 

 — This botanical variety of ^stivalis inhabits the eastern half 

 of Texas, western Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and southern 

 Missouri on high sandy laud, frequently climbing post-oak trees ; 

 hence the name Post-oak grape, by which it is locally known. It 

 is also called the Pine-Avood and Turkey grape. 



Vitis cestivalis Linsecomii, Munson. Vine vigorous, sometimes climbing 

 high upon trees; canes cylindrical, much rusty wool on shoots; tendrils 

 intermittent. Leaves very large, almost as wide as long; entire or 3-, 5-, 

 or rarely 7-lobed; lobes frequently divided; sinuses deep, smooth above, 

 and with more or less rusty pubescence below. Fruit small to large, usually 

 larger than typical ^stivalis. Seeds pear-shaped; chalaza roundish. 



252. Pomological characters of Linsecomii grapes. — This is 

 a promising form from which to secure cultivated varieties for 

 the Southwest. The qualities which recommend it are : vigor, 



