Journal of Agriculture. [lo Aug., 1909. 



When finally unpacked the condition of each variety of grapes was 

 noted as follows : — 



Gordo Blanco. — Very poor order. Some cases were a little better than 

 others, but taken as a whole they were a very poor lot. Less than half 

 the berries were sound. The berries which were not manifestly bad (dis- 

 coloured or mouldy) had nearly all .softened at the point of attachment to 

 the stalk. Few bunches could be lifted without numerous berries dropping 

 off. The second crop Gordos were, on the whole, in better order than the 

 main crop, probably owing to their having been less ripe when gathered. 

 The Gordos in Bradley's cases were in much the same order as those in 

 cork, so far as soundness is concerned. They were, however, much more 

 wrinkled owing to loss of water by evaporation due to free ventilation. A 

 curious feature was the almost complete disappearance of the characteristic 

 Muscat flavour which fresh Gordos, and even the raisins made from them, 

 possess in such a marked degree. 



Doradillo. — This variety was in very much better order than the pre- 

 vious one. Though not attractive in appearance, chiefly owing to the dust\ 

 nature of the cork, fully 90 per cent, of the berries were not onlv eatable 

 but very palatable; they adhered fairly well to the stalks which were 

 wiry and not too brittle. Had the cork been of cleaner quality (free from 

 dust) the.se grapes could have been marketed, and at this late season would 

 probably have brought a fair price. 



Waltham Cross. — These were in fair condition, though not equal to 

 the Doradillo. The percentage of sound berries was about the same, but 

 the ease with which they detached them.selves from the stalk rendered 

 very careful handling necessary antl would prevent their being marketed. 

 The second crop w^as better than the main crop, once more proving the 

 need for picking on the unripe side. Tho.se in Bradley's cases were equal 

 to tho.se in cork as regards .soundness, but were a good deal wrinkled. 



Belas Blanc. — A late white grape which, from its firmness and simi- 

 larity to the Spanish " Ohanez," made me hope it would store well. This 

 grape proved disappointing. Berries fell off freely and the number of 

 .sound ones was not equal to that in the Waltham Cross cases. 



Red Prince. — Only fair — not equal to Waltham Cross. 



Laie Red Grape. (Name unknown, said by some to l>e the Reel 

 Alicante.) — -This grape, the berries of which are round, firm and crisp and 

 of a hand.some red colour, stood the test best of all. Fully 95 per cent, 

 of the berries were sound ; they adhered strongly to the stalks which wen- 

 strong and wiry. These grapes were quite marketable. 



Supposed Spanish Grape (Name unknown). — This oval while grape 

 also stood the test \ery well, almost as well as the late red. Furthe; 

 e.xperiments. in lari.^er cjuantities, are recommended with these tw(* 

 varieties. 



Red Malaga.— Only fair, about equal to Waltham Cross in cork. In 

 Bradley's case not .so good ; manv berries damaged from pressure ar 

 point of contact with case. 



Ladies' Finger. — Poor condition, not much better than Gordo Blanco. 



White Crystal. — Very poor condition, nearly half the berries dis- 

 coloured or mouldy. The sound berries. However, were in good order and 

 remarkably fresh. 



The varieties experimented with may be classed in the following order, 

 ■commencing with the l)est : — 



I. Late Red Grape | 5. Red Malaga 



z. Supposed -Spanish Grajie 6. Red Prince 



T,. Doradillo 7. Belas Blanc 



4. Waltham Cross > 



8. Ladies' Finger 



(). White Crystal 



10. Gordo Blanco. 



