KDITOirS TAHLK. 



Rkport on GiurBS. — The following is a very interesting reiiort, by J. Yixk Ai.len, to 

 the Truit Comniittce of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. 



To the Chairman of the Fruit Committee of the Maasaehusctts Jlorticnllural Society: — Sir — In 

 answer to your note of the 16th instant, received ye'terday, I will eay that, generally speaking, 

 the past season has been one peculiarly favorable for ripening Grapes. I shall refer only 

 to such varieties as have ripeneil thiir fruit U!iJer my own care. The old established varie- 

 ties, such as Jlamburr/t, Chasselas, and ^fHScal.•t, have fully sustained their reputatii)ns. The 

 seedlings from the Jlttinbnr'j, Wilinot's X<>. ](\ and the Victoria, have proved fully equal to their 

 parent in respect of bearing qualities, with proper cultivation ita superior. 



Wilmot's new Black- JInmburrj is variable in quality and bearing, and requires full sunshine and 

 a free circulation of air to make it set it^ blossoms. It s-hould hang upon the vine long alter the 

 color has become black, before it is fully ripe and fit for the table. "When grown in this manner, 

 it is quite equal to either of the other Hamhurgs. The Cainwn Hall, the eeedling of the Musc<il 

 of Alexandria, has likewise proved every way equal and probably superior to that variety. Tlu' 

 oilier sorts in common cultivation, so far as I am aware, have not varied from the usual method 

 or condition at ripening, and may still be recommended to cultivators seeking a number of kinds. 

 Several seedlings have fruited in my collection; the largest proportion of them proving small, 

 (although of good flavor) have been discarded. One, a very sweet, rich Black Grape, is reser\-cd 

 for further trial, for cultivation under glass. 



Tlie Bronze Grape, introduced by the Mayor of Boston, Dr. Smith, from Syria, who brought 

 the seeds with him from that country, has fruited for the first time this year. The fruit closely 

 resemble? the Queen of Nice. It ripens sooner, and docs not keep as well. Two or three sea- 

 sons should be given before giving a complete description. At present it promises well. 



The seedling referred to in a former communication, raised from Wilmot's Kcw Black J/am- 

 burg, has been this year discarded, having proved too sour. 



Of the recently imported varieties said to be seedlings, I have fruited the Gross Bleu, and can 

 not distinguish any difference between it and the old Black Hamburg, Cambridge Botanic Gar- 

 den Grape is like the Black Prince, and not worthy of being considered a distinct variety. 

 Gross Gromier du Canial, is nothing but the He Candolle. These vines were received from the 

 best sources, and it is presumed they are correct. Perce Rose is another name for the same 

 variety. 



For early forcing, the Pitmaston White Cluster, and Musque Verdcl yet remain the best. The 

 Macready Early White is inferior in flavor and uncertain in bearing. The new White Grape, 

 ■which I call Allen's Hybrid, promises to be at the head of the list for early forcing. 



For retarding I find a ditTerence in the ripening and keeping of the same varieties from year 

 to year. By comparing the list now given, with that of last year, this may be seen. At the 

 head of the list, (and as they are named the one for the other, may be considered as most valua- 

 ble for their keeping or hanging in a fresh condition,) is the Worthy Hall Seedling, the same as 

 last year. 



Prince Albert, generally a poor bearer, but as it becomes old bears Tvell, this year has a 

 great crop. 



Poiteau Noir, large berry, lacks flavor. 

 Queen of Nice, very handsome and good. 

 Syrian, when fully ripe, a rich Grape. 



Black Lombardy. There is an uncertainty about this Grape. It has been said that West's St. 

 Peters and this are identical. I have the two, both late kinds, and are very unlike. The Black 

 Lombardy has a larger berry, and is not so black. It is a valuable sort. 



WesCs St. Peters. Part of the bunches have dried some, and part are fresh; has not done as 

 in the previous years, in respect to keeping. 

 •s, or White Nice, this year has kept well It is however uncertain. 



