274 MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
GRAPES. 
GRAPE GROWING IN MINNESOTA. 
DR. M. M. FRISSELLE, EXCELSIOR. 
The high latitude of this state has given rise to the impression that the 
vine cannot be successfully grown here. Because more southern and 
warmer regions have seemed to be the natural home of the grape, and be- 
cause the culture of many varieties has been found profitable in such 
sections, the inference is natural that high latitudes are uncongenial to 
this fruit, and that here it is unwise to undertake its culture as a 
means of profit. 
That this impression is erroneous,and that the inference is not justified 
by the facts, can easily be demonstrated. 
The vine (vitis), like many other members of our flora is indigenous to a 
wide range of latitude. It is found growing wild in the extreme south- 
ern states, and as far north at least as our Canadian border. : 
This certainly is a hint that grape growing may be successfully pros- 
ecuted throughout most of this wide range, and even the comparatively 
limited production of grapes in Minnesota is evidence that its more ex- 
tended culture is possible. What has already been done in this directiou 
is certainly sure ground upon which to stand in indicating what can and 
should be done in the near future. 
So far the greater portion of the grapes grown‘in the state have been pro- 
duced in the immediate vicinity of Lake Minnetonka. For more than 
twenty years this section has been noted for producing some of the choic- 
est varieties in great perfection, especially the Delaware, which has in- 
variably commanded better prices in the market than any other grown 
east of the Rocky Mountains. 
The season of 91 was unusually favorable for the culture of this fruit. 
No late frosts of spring nipped it in the bud, or early autumnal cold hind- 
ered its ripening. Theseason of blossoming was favorable for the setting 
of a large crop, and the alternating periods of aridity and humidity were 
such as to be unfavorable to the growth of the downy mildew and kindred 
fungi, but were especially conducive to the development and perfection 
of the fruit. The month of September was unusually dry and warm 
without hurtful frosts, thereby securing complete ripening of even the 
late varieties. 
During the month of August I visited many of the vineyards about 
Lake Minnetonka, making note of their particular location, manner 
of planting and methods of pruning, treatment of sod, etc. Most of 
the vineyards gaye evidence of being well cared for, being clean, well 
trimmed and generally in good condition, and all giving abundant prom- 
ise of a remunerative harvest, which the subsequent vintage more than 
fulfilled. It gives me great pleasure to make mention of the special feat- 
ures of some of the vineyards visited, as they were models worthy of com- 
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