DESCRIPTION OF VARIETIES. 173 



the Catawba in a greater degree. The Isa 

 bella has sweetness nearly in its simplest form, 

 and, consequently, only a feeble or low degree 

 of vinous flavor, suited to tastes that are sat 

 isfied with sweetness chiefly, and look for lit 

 tle more. The Catawba has more sweetness, 

 but added to it, enough of the acid of the grape 

 to produce spirit and animation. It is also less 

 &quot; foxy&quot; than the Isabella. The Catawba, though 

 very far from faultless, is altogether a better 

 grape than the Isabella. It is hardy, and a good 

 grower. The bunch is large, moderately com 

 pact, and shouldered. The color is a dark 

 claret, covered with a fine light bloom. The 

 berry is large, round, with a thick skin. The 

 flesh has a large tough, acid center, between 

 which and the skin is a sweet juice, having 

 a spicy, vinous flavor. In the Catawba the 

 &quot;foxy&quot; odor has lost a considerable degree 

 of its offensiveness. The skin, however, is 

 acrid, and often produces soreness in tender 

 mouths. There is always some astringency, 

 and often also a peculiar bitterness, in the 

 Catawba, very unpleasant to the taste. The 

 acid center disappears more or less, accord 

 ing as the grape is grown in localities more 

 or less favorable to its ripening, but is 



