two of which very late, with Herbemont, Marguerite and Perry, were introduced. Perry mildewed 

 and rotted some but is much liked in Southwest Texas, Marguerite is perfectly healthy 

 (see page 185). 



TEN DOLLAR PRIZE. In 1882 I offered a prize of $10 to the one who would show the 

 best ripe wild Post-Oak Grape (section of vine in fruit), on a certain day in August, with the 

 understanding that I was to become sole owner of the vine getting the prize. A committee of 

 five good grape and wine judges was selected. There were Concord and Delaware sections of 

 vines, full of full ripe fruit, supplied as standards of comparison. The day came, bright and fine. 

 The show was grand. All around the hall were hung the vines full of fruit, and foliage, some 

 twenty or thirty kinds. The committee tasted long and repeatedly, showing some close competi- 

 tion. The decision fell on a variety growing in the grounds of Mr. John Hopkins (deceased 

 Oct. 20, 1883), living a mile southeast of the city. It was named Ten Dollar Prize, and in Novem- 

 ber following, was moved into my vineyard, and from this many hybrids have been produced, 

 some now in the third generation just completing most rigid test of several years, a few of which 

 will be described further on. ( , -fo). The vine of Ten Dollar Prize was vigorous, stocky, per- 

 fectly healthy in leaf and fruit, exceedingly prolific ; cluster large, shouldered, cylindrical, compact; 

 berries of good medium size, round, black, very persistent, skin thin, tough, pulp meaty, but 

 tender, and juicy, of pure, high quality, tho somewhat astringent, seeds small, ripe exceed- 

 ingly late. Original vine lost. 



The vines were left hanging in the hall on exhibition for four or five days in very hot dry 

 weather, when the leaves of Concord and Delaware were brown and dry enough to powder into 

 dust, while the leaves of all the Post-Oak varieties were yet green and wilted but little, showing 

 how well this species is prepared, by dense leaf-tissues, to prevent evaporation, and thereby, and 

 with very deeply penetrating roots, to endure drouth, and that Concord with its shallow system 

 of roots, and its porous leaves, is not adapted to the South. 



Now let us examine a few of the various groups of hybrid varieties of this species. 



Lincecumii-/Estivalis Hybrids 



Of these quite a number were produced between Ten Dollar Prize and Norton, and the best 

 and only one disseminated is: 



HOPKINS. (Commemorative of the finder of the Ten Dollar Prize). T.V. M. 1888. (,-fr). 

 Vine much more robust than Norton, perfectly healthy in leaf and fruit, .very prolific, cluster 

 and berry much like Norton, but larger; juice red. E. J. Ayers, of Villa Ridge, 111., commends 

 it highly as one of his most profitable market grapes, but I would term it a wine-grape, rather 

 than for market. 



Lincecumii-^stivalis-Bourquiniana Hybrids 



ALBANIA, T. V. M. 1896. ( ' A). (Ten Dollar Prize x Norton x Herbemont). Vine very 

 vigorous, but subject to Anthracnose in cold wet springs, and the fruit, when young, to Black Rot ; 

 foliage larger than Herbemont, of a little less lively green, prolific. Cluster large to very large, 

 shouldered; berry medium, translucent white; skin thin and tough; pulp very tender and juicy, 

 sprightly, with Herbemont character, but sweeter; uses, late market, table and white wine. Late, 

 ripening with Fern, will remain on until frost; the latest white grape in cultivation. Ten feet, 

 long pruning. Specially adapted to West Texas. 



BLONDIN, T. V. M. 1896. ('&). Combination of Ten Dollar Prize Post-Oak, Norton 

 Virginia and Herbemont. Very vigorous, prolific. Cluster large, compact, shouldered; berry 

 medium, white translucent; skin very thin and tough; pulp very tender, juicy, sprightly, quality 

 excellent, nearly best. Late, with Triumph and Catawba in season. Very valuable as a late 

 market and white wine grape. Ten feet, medium pruning. (See Plate LVIII., page 170.) 



184 



