STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 135 



per pound they get iu all the markets, and then find other men con- 

 demning them, I hardly know where to place them. I would say 

 this, however, that it is one of the most remarkable growers that 

 we have. I have seen vines attain a growth of fourteen feet iu one 

 season. We had them on exhibition at our fair, some of those 

 grapes from Lockport, New York. With the exception of two or 

 three that were not quite ripe, they were pronounced first class; 

 they were very large grapes, large bunches, and would be pro- 

 nounced, I would say, excellent. I have been planting a few of 

 them, and so far I am very well pleased with them. My vines are 

 three years old; I have got them well shaped. I have also the 

 Empire State. I am very favorably impressed with that variety. 

 In the first place, it comes with the highest possible recommenda- 

 tions. The best authorities pronounce it not only an excellent 

 grape, but free from all disease, coming from pure parents; and so 

 far as my observation goes, I think' the Empire State will probably 

 be a success. 



Mr. Smith. Mr. Latham, you have raised the Lady grape; what 

 do you think of it 



Mr. Latham. It is a very good grape; it is very early. I would 

 recommend it planted with others. 



Mr. Stubbs. Mr. President, I have had a little experience with 

 the Lady grape. I live on Lake Minnetonka. So far as I have 

 observed, it is not very thrifty on sandy soil, I have noticed on clay 

 soil it did better, yet it seemed to be a partial failure. The vine 

 seems to be hardy enough; I must say it is extremelj' rugged, and 

 perhaps as sweet a grape as I ever tasted. Some seasons I have 

 taken fruit from it b}' the 20th of August, although generally with 

 me it is ripe about the 25th of August. I think the Empire State 

 has more merit than any of the new varieties, and is one that we 

 should not overlook from the fact that it belongs to the Labrusca 

 variety which is allied to the white grape. It is as strong in its 

 powers of resistance to disease as our wild grapes. There is no 

 question but what disease has already made its appearance among 

 our favorites, and it is going to be a hard matter to protect them, 

 as it was in the eastern states. In looking for new grapes, the first 

 thing to look for is a healthy, hardy stock. I planted a number of 

 vines of the Empire State last spring, and they did remarkably well. 

 The grapes ripened as well as any I had in my vineyard. Take it all 

 in all, it seems to me from its parentage, it is one of the most valu- 

 able new grapes that has ever been brought out. 



