412 SYSTEMATIC POMOLOGY 



637. Gros Colmar has the reputation of producing the hand- 

 somest black table-jj^rape grown. It is one of the favorite hot- 

 house varieties in England and eastern America, and is com- 

 monly cultivated out-of-doors in California. The variety is 

 remarkable for large berries, borne in immense bunches, and for 

 the long-keeping qualities of the fruits, although the tender 

 skins sometimes crack. The following description is compiled : 



Vine vigorous, healthy and productive; wood dark brown. Leaves very 

 large, round, thick, but slightly lobed ; teeth short and blunt ; glabrous 

 above, wooly below. Bunches very large, short, well filled but rather loose. 

 Berries very large, round, dark blue ; skin thick but tender ; flesh firm, crisp, 

 sweet and good; quality not of the highest. Season late. 



638. Muscat Hamburg is an old European grape well known 

 in some parts of America in greenhouse graperies, since it is 

 one of the best for forcing. The fruits are delectable, containing 

 the quintessence of the flavors and aromas Avhich make the grape 

 a favorite fruit. The grapes keep long and retain almost to the 

 end their form, size, and color, and their rich delicate flavor. 

 This variety is a treasure to the amateur; and the professional 

 Avho wants another grape for local markets should try grafting 

 over a few vines of some native to this sort. 



Vines vigorous, tender, need protection during the winter. Leaves me- 

 dium to large. Fruit ripens in October, ships and keeps well. Clusters 

 very large, long, broad, tapering, single- or double-shouldered. Berries 

 large, firm, oval, very dark purple, covered with lilac bloom, very persistent ; 

 skin thick, adheres strongly to the pulp ; flesh pale green, translucent, meaty, 

 very juicy, tender, vinous, musky, sweet, rich; very good to best. Seeds 

 separating easily from the pulp, large. 



