1242 THE FKUIT INDUSTRY IN XEW YORK STATE 



affected. Under favorable conditions of soil and climate, 

 the vine makes a very satisfactory growth. Very often Xiagara 

 matures a heavy crop at the expense of the succeeding one. Its 

 season is practically that of Concord. Other and better white 

 grapes are grown in Xew York, but none reach the commercial 

 importance of this variety. 



DELAWARE 



Delaware is the American grape of quality, and in Xew York 

 it probably ranks third in commercial impoTtance. It is so 

 elastic in its soil requirements that it is adapted to many types, 

 and endures great climatic extremes. It matures its fruit early 

 enough to escape killing frosts, and is particularly resistant to 

 winter temperatures. It is attractive in appearance and ships 

 well. The cluster is very compact, shouldered and of beautiful 

 light red color. Delaware is very productive, but lacks vigor. 

 It is fairly immune to black rot, but is susceptible to both 

 powdery and downy mildew. Its chief faults are the small size 

 of the vine, slowness of growth and the small size of the ber- 

 ries. It requires close pruning, good cultivation, and liberal 

 fertilization. 



It is the leading dessert grape of Xew York. It is used ex- 

 tensively for blending in the manufacture of champagne and in 

 making Delaware wines. In Xew York the variety is grown 

 most extensively about the shores of Keuka Lake, both for wine 

 making and for table use. The Hudson Valley probably ranks 

 second in the growing of this grape. 



At the present time, Delaware is not nearly so profitable com- 

 mercially as in former years. The small size of the vine and 

 fruit clusters necessitates a much higher market price in order to 

 get the same returns as from an acre of Concord or Catawba, 

 The growing of Delaware is on the wane, in Xew York. Where 

 its quality is appreciated and the corresponding market price is 

 sufficient to equalize the lessened tonnage, it still ought to prove a 

 profitable grape. It certainly should have a place in every home 

 garden. 



