VARIETIES OF GRAPES 1235 



NIAGARA 



Niagara is the leading American green grape, holding the rank 

 among grapes of this color that Concord holds among black vari- 

 eties. It is, however, a less valuable sort than Concord, and it is 

 doubtful whether it should be ranked much higher than several 

 others of the green grapes with which it must compete. In hardi- 

 ness of root and vine Niagara Falls somewhat short of Concord, 

 and the variety cannot be relied on without winter protection 

 where the thermometer falls much below zero. Both bunches and 

 berries of Niagara are larger than those of Concord, and are better 

 formed; the skin does not crack so easy as that of Concord; the 

 fruit shells as badly, and does not keep much, if any longer; both 

 vines and fruits of Niagara are more susceptible to fungous 

 disease than are those of Concord. Despite its many defects, 

 Xiagara remains the leading commercial green grape for New 

 York. 



VERGENNES 



Vergennes has the valuable attribute of seldom failing to bear a 

 crop, making it a valuable sort in locations where other grapes are 

 capricious in bearing. It ripens with Concord or a little later. 

 The variety is unpopular with vineyardists because of the sprawl- 

 ing habit of the vines, making it rather unmanageable. The ap- 

 pearance of the fruit is attractive, and, while the quality is not 

 high, it is good ; the flavor is agreeable, the flesh is tender, and the 

 seeds and skin are not objectionable. It is one of the best keeping 

 grapes and may be found in the markets even as late as January or 

 February. \ 7 ergennes is a grape above the ordinary and should 

 be found in all parts of New York in both home and commercial 

 plantations. 



WINCHELL 



Winchell is a very early variety and one of good quality 

 characters seldom found in combination in grapes. The vines 

 are vigorous, hardy, healthy and productive, and the fruit keeps 

 and ships well. Unfortunately the berries, and under some condi- 

 tions the bunches, are small; this, combined with the fact that 

 green grapes are not so popular as black or red ones, has kept Win- 

 chell from being as generally planted in New York as it otherwise 



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