THE GRAPES OF NEW YORK. 269 



in size, variable in color; lower surface pale green; pubescence often distributed in flecks. 

 Fruit ripens soon after Concord, does not keep well. Clusters above medium to medium 

 in size and length, single-shouldered to sometimes double-shouldered, of average com- 

 pactness. Berries intermediate in size, roundish, attractive dark red, covered with 

 heavy lilac or slightly blue bloom, inclined to shell somewhat from pedicel. Skin thin, 

 rather tender, inclined to crack. Flesh moderately juicy and tough, aromatic, nearly 

 sweet next the skin to acid at center, vinous, desirable in flavor, good in quality. 

 Seeds small to medium, of average width and length, nearly sharp-pointed. 



EXCELSIOR. 



(Vinifera, Labrusca.) 



I. Mass. Hort. Soc. Rpt., 1880:237. 2. Bush. Cat., 1883:100. 3. Miss. Sta. An. Rpt., 3:36. 

 1890. 4. Tex. Sta. Bid., 48:1150, 1156. 1S98. 



According to the originator, James H. Ricketts, Excelsior was " the 

 finest grajDe in his collection." The grapes are delicious, having the flavor 

 of Black Hamburg; the flesh characters are good, the pulp being melting 

 and juicy yet holding together and having sugar enough to give keeping 

 quality; neither seeds nor skins are objectionable; the grapes are hand- 

 some in appearance; but unfortunately the variety ripens too late to make 

 it of much value in New York. At best it is suitable only for the amateur 

 and, as with all of the varieties which Ricketts sent out, it is adapted to 

 few localities and must have the best care in all respects. 



Excelsior came from seed of lona fertilized with pollen of some 

 unknown Vinifera. The variety was introduced in the autumn of 1882. 

 Excelsior is to-day rather rare in varietal vineyards and is apparently not 

 offered for sale by any nurserymen. 



Vine moderately vigorous, not always hardy, medium to productive. Canes long, 

 numerous, rather thick; tendrils intermittent, bifid. Leaves large to below medium, 

 sometimes rugose; lower surface pubescent. Fruit ripens later than Concord, keeps 

 well. Clusters unusually large, long, broad, frequently with a heavy double shoulder, 

 loose. Berries large to medium, oval to nearly roundish, dark red covered with thin 

 lilac bloom, very persistent, rather soft. Skin thick, tough, adheres considerably to 

 the pulp. Flesh very juicy, rather soft, granular, sweet and sprightly, high in flavor, 

 good to best in quality, closely resembling Black Hamburg in many characters. Seeds 

 medium in size, rather blunt, sometimes with a short enlarged neck. 



