HORTICULTURE. 443 



The grape in the various stages of maturity, W. Kelhofer, trans, by E. 

 Zardetti (Oior. Vin. ItaL, 3J {1908), No. 30, pp. //75-^77),— Tabulated results 

 are ^iven and discussed relative to the determination of the weight of seeds, 

 density of the must, and content of sugar, acid, tannin, nitrogen, and ash in 

 grapes at various stages previous to maturity. Nine determinations were made 

 from August 24 to October 28, inclusive. 



The sugar content increased from 0.77 per cent on the first date to 14.76 

 per cent on the latter date. There was a corresponding decrease in acidity from 

 31.7 per cent to 13.1 per cent, and of tannin from 0.88 per cent to 0.25 per cent. 

 On some experience in hybridizing grapes, C. Grimaldi (Atti R. Accad. 

 Lincei, Rend. CI. Hci. Fis., Mat. e Nat, 5. ser., 11 {1908), I, Nos. 10, pp. 653-661; 

 11, pp. 7.'io-T51). — A list is given of 207 hybrid grapes originated by the author 

 since 1889, together with a brief outline of the method of procedure, the results 

 secured, and descriptions of several hybrids recommended for trial. 



Viticultural notes, H. Blin {Semaine Agr. [Paris], 21 {1908), No. 139J,, 

 pp. J, If, J,.j).—X study of the hybrid grape Portuguese BlweXRupestris phe- 

 nomene du Lot relative to its characters, qualities, and advantages. 



Basing his conclusions on single observations as well as on practical tests 

 in numerous situations, the author recommends this hybrid for planting in 

 central France. It is said to be a very productive variety, resistant to cryp- 

 togamic maladies, and capable of adapting itself to various soils. The grapes 

 are black, produce a highly colored wine rich in alcohol, and stand shiijment 

 well. The bunches are from 15 to 20 cm. long and weigh from 200. to 250 gm. 

 The crop matures about the first of August. It is further claimed that this 

 hybrid is remarkably resistant to frost. 



The influence of grafting on the quality of wines in Anjou, Marquis de 

 Dreux-Breze (Rev. nt., 30 (1508), No. 760, pp. 29-32).— In the course of 

 reconstituting the vineyards in Anjou special attention was paid to the selection 

 of vines suitable for heavy limy soils. A large number of experimental fields 

 were planted in 1893 and 1894 with all of the prominent grape stocks of that 

 time. These were later grafted to hesilthy scions of known origin. A summary 

 is here given of the author's experience and observations, combined with those 

 of several cooperators, relative to the influence of grafting and of the grape 

 stock on the products of the vine. 



Contrary to the opinion of J. Capus, who in the same line of investigation in 

 the department of Gironde found that grafting does not appear to have pro- 

 duced anything new (E. S. R., 19, p. 739), the general conclusions reached from 

 the present investigation are that, other conditions being equal, grafting aug- 

 ments the quality, grade, and value of Anjou wines. On the other hand, the 

 grafted vines are more delicate and require more care. Grafting does not ap- 

 pear to interfere with the special characteristics of local wines. The grape 

 stock, however, has a very great influence on the quality of the wine. White 

 wines appear to be more afl'ected than retl wines. The stocks are classed in 3 

 groups, those which improve the quality, those which elevate it slightly, and 

 those which modify it. 



Bearing hybrids (grapes) and their wines in 1907, E. Pee-Laby (Prog. Agr. 

 et Vit. (Ed. VEst-Centre), 29 (1908), Nos. 23, pp. 687-689; 2.'f, pp. 707-717; 25. 

 pp. 753-755; 26, pp. 775-782). — A committee report to the Central Society of 

 Agriculture of Haute-Garonne relative to observations made in 1907 on the cul- 

 tural value of the direct bearing grape hybrids, together with the results of an 

 analytical study of wines obtained by making various mixtures of the wines of 

 hybrids with the common wines of the country. The older hybrids in the ex- 

 I)erimental vineyards of the Montpellier agricultural school were studied to 

 determiiu' whether they had deteriorated in quality or not, and observations 



