The Grape. 1 1 7 



impression of beauty ; and if all three, or even half, are 

 not required for immediate consumption, no harm is 

 done to the symmetry of what is left. 



The choice of the varieties to be selected for cultiva- 

 tion in the vinery is, of necessity, like that of the choice 

 of apples and pears for the garden, a matter that must 

 be very much ruled by circumstances and personal con- 

 siderations. Early grapes are wanted, intermediate ones, 

 and late. Black grapes also, and white; with all that 

 pleasant change of sort which is supplied in the varied 

 detail of taste and substance, some kinds being more 

 remarkable for juiciness, others for lusciousness, aroma, 

 or superb colour. Potential size of cluster and of indi- 

 vidual berry, and time of endurance in nice condition, 

 are also features of different sorts which give them claims 

 to preference in regard to the special objects with 

 which the fruit is cultivated. Among the most generally 

 esteemed, the varieties over the merits of which there is 

 little or no difference of opinion are the sorts called by 

 the following names : 



BLACK GRAPES. 



Black Hamburgh. Universally known, and deservedly 

 the highest in repute for general cultivation. 



Black Alicante. That excellent grape which, if left on the 

 vine, goes on steadily improving, even up to Christ- 

 mas, by which time it becomes almost a sweetmeat. 



Gros Maroc. The berries of this are very large, and 

 distinguished for their fine "bloom." 



