52 The £Junielan Grape in JMinnesota. 



is not so. There is no tree, or anything else that has life, but that is liable to disease, 

 and to the attacks of insects, and to die from causes beyond our comprehension and 

 beyond our control. I believe the larch to be as free from disease as any other tree 

 in the west, as free from insects, and better adapted to the purposes for which it is 

 recommended, than any other tree of which I have any knowledge, and I am inclined 

 to believe that when the Professor cuts down and examines his larch tree twelve 

 inches in diameter, and saws and planes a piece of the wood, he will no longer com- 

 pare it to the cotton-wood. 



The Eumelan Grape in Minnesota. 



BY PETER M. GIDEON, EXCELLSIOR, MIN. • 



ED. Western Horticulturist : The Eumelan Grape having done so well with 

 us for the last two years, I would call the attention of your readers to its great 

 value. Of all black grapes that I have seen or tested, the Eumelan is the earliest, 

 best table grape, splendid in bunch and berry, very saleable, first in market, a pro- 

 digious bearer, always ripe before early frosts, strong grower, hardy vine, ripens 

 more wood than any other vine we had ; notwithstanding it yielded double the fruit 

 of any vine of its size, the yield being near seventy-five pounds, every bunch ripened 

 up evenly, though only ten feet of space on trellis, whilst two Concords, same age, 

 each nearly as large, with thirty feet on trellis, yielded only about twenty pounds, 

 same soil and culture, less in bunch, and not so good in quality. Evidently the 

 Eumelan is the grape for the North, safe in all seasons, and no dropping of berries if 

 left out as late as any grape dare be left out doors. But as to its wine qualities I 

 can't say, don't care ; grow grapes only for the joy and comfort of home. If short of 

 space, the Eumelan is the grape, gives the greatest yield, sure to ripen, and most 

 luscious of all black grapes I have yet seen. But if there is space, and a variety is 

 wanted, then for quality and a sure crop, early to ripen, the Croton has no superior 

 amongst the white grapes, so far as we have tested. And of the red grapes, the 

 lona is our best, though not so early as either of the preceding, and requires a 

 southern exposure, well sheltered from cold winds, a good warm soil, with clay, or 

 better, clay and gravel, to insure well ripened fruit every year. But when ripened, 

 as ripened on our grounds, its truly luscious, keeping well into winter in an ordinary 

 room, on shelves or in baskets, gradually drying into good raisins without the addi- 

 tion of sugar. We have many other varieties on trial, but those recommended are 

 the best, yet so fully tested on others will report in due time if deemed worthy. Yet 

 still onward, wedded to none, keeping the best of the old till we get a full supply of 

 better, ever trying the new as they bid fair to outstrip the old. 



No family need be without a full supply of grapes that have twelve inches of land 

 outside the walls of their house, if they but have the energy to set and cultivate ; 

 and a pleasure too in doing the work, the contemplation of adding taste and luxury 

 to home and family. 



