242 MANUAL OF AMERICAN GRAPE-GROWING 



Returns from Muscadine grapes. 



" Great variations occur in the yields from Rotundifolia vines. 

 At times there are record-breaking yields and, again, small yields 

 are reported, the small yields resulting from black-rot, coulure, 

 wet weather, self-sterility, lack of cultivation, fertilization, 

 lack of pruning, age of vines, and various other causes. In 

 spite of this, Rotundifolia vines are said to be among the 

 safest and most prolific of fruit-bearing plants. While in one 

 of the largest Rotundifolia vineyards there has been only a 

 partial crop during the last three years, owing to various 

 causes, another grower reports a yield of 177 bushels of grapes 

 from 4-year-old James vines, in addition to a bale of cotton 

 to the acre. A Florida grower estimated his crop of white 

 Rotundifolia and Thomas grapes for the season of 1911 at 

 280 bushels to the acre. An average yield of 27 bushels an 

 acre from 4-year-old \'ines, 100 bushels from 5-year-old vines, 

 and 150 bushels to the acre when the vines are in full bearing 

 should be obtained. 



"The prices paid for Rotundifolia grapes depend on the 

 season, the quality of fruit, and the market. In years when the 

 crop is short better prices are usually paid than when there is a 

 heavy crop. Aside from tlie grapes sold aiul shi])ped to wineries, 

 grapes as a rule sell for more in the cities and larger towns than 

 in smaller places, the local demand being somewhat in pro- 

 portion to the population. In such localities fruit of good 

 quality will bring a much better price than inferior fruit. 

 Hand-picked fruit in half-bushel peach baskets or in berry 

 boxes usuall\- brings from SI to S2 per bushel. Grapes har- 

 vested by jarring are usually sent to the wineries and bring 

 an average of 75 cents per bushel of GO pounds. The highest 

 price paid for this quality of fruit was reached in 1910, when 

 S2.25 per bushel (f.o.b. shipping point) was paid for white 

 Rotundifolia. 



