Export of Grapes. 231 



EXPORT OF GRAPES. 



Results of Experimental Shipments. 



At the Paarl Yiticultuial Experiment Station various varieties of 

 grapes are grown with the object of testing their suitability as market 

 grapes or otherwise. During the past season 27 varieties were shipped 

 to London to test their travelling properties. Hereunder is the 

 report of the Trade Commissioner, to whom the grapes were for- 

 warded, on each variety. The figures shown in brackets are some of 

 the prices obtained. The succeeding paragraph, in italics, gives the 

 views of the Government Viticulturist : — 



"Resada." — Closely resembles "Flaming Tokai." The fruit 

 was quite sound ; the berries were small, but the flavour was very 

 good. (20s.) 



When ripe this is a beautiful pink grape; its chief drawback is 

 that the berries are naturally small, requiring a considerable amount 

 of thinning to obtain a fair sized berry. A good, grouier. 



'' Schiradzouli Blanc." — This variety, which is practically 

 unknown here, arrived in fairly good condition. Buyers consider 

 that there is no reason why it should not be exported, as it apparently 

 carries Avell. 



Exported for the first time. A good grower. " Rosaki " and 

 " WaWiam Cross'' preferred to this variety. 



" Hermitage." — The cases showed slight waste, and consequently 

 realized low prices. The grape is well known on the market, and 

 is generally the first to arrive, although it is not in the same class 

 as the later table varieties. (12s.) 



" Gros Maroc." — The first consignment was in excellent condi- 

 tion, but the second was somewhat Avasty. Very bold berries. This 

 variety is the nearest approach to " Gros Colman." A good export 

 variety. (18s.) 



This grape is really superior to '^ Gros Colman" as a grape, 

 but unfortunately it is very susceptible to oidium, and suffers much 

 from sunburn. Where it is not so affected it is really a fine grape. 

 The ordinary suVphuring does not seem to keep the oidium in check, 

 as in the case of other vines. 



"Rosaki." — Condition good. This variety is more or less knoAvn 

 to the trade, and is considered suitable for export. (12s. 6d.) 



" Molinera Gorda." — Condition sound, flavour poor, colour 

 resembling "lied Hanepoot." Salesmen state that this is its chief 

 asset, and no doubt it would do very well in bulk. (18s.) 



One of the best red grapes. A very vigorous grower; needs long 

 pruning to obtain a good crop. A very hardy grape of the 

 '\Almeria " type. 



