EUROPEAN GRAPES DESCRIBED. 177 



ripening. Merits : first-class ; the most handsome and valuable Grape 

 in cultivation. 



SYN. Archer-field Early Muscat, Charlesworth Tokay, Cabas 

 (JL la Heine, Muscat Escholata, Bowood Muscat, Lunel Muscat, Muscat 

 Eomain, Passe Muscat, Tottenham Park Muscat, Tyninghaine Muscat, 

 etc. 



VINE. Strong and robust in growth, and of a vigorous, healthy constitution, 

 the young shoots moderately strong ; very free-fruiting. Leaves of medium size, 

 deeply lobed, somewhat rugose, commencing early to decay, and becoming yellow 

 round the edges ; the leaf-stalks and venation reddish. 



FRUIT. Bunches very long, from twelve to twenty inches, tapering, and often 

 strongly shouldered ; weight from two pounds to four pounds, and frequently 

 six pounds ; a somewhat shy setter. Berries very large, long ovate, on stout 

 stalks. Skin rather thick, clear greenish yellow, or when highly ripened pale 

 amber, and sometimes with a flush of cinnamon where much exposed ; very 

 handsome. Flesh firm, crackling or fleshy, exceedingly sweet, rich, and with a 

 strong Muscat flavour. 



HISTORY, ETC. One of the oldest and still the very best of Grapes, and one 

 common to almost every garden. The number of synonyms applied to this 

 Grape, and the number of new, early, hardy, and so-called improved varieties 

 that have been introduced are, perhaps, greater than in the case of any other 

 variety. In the north of England, it used very commonly to be called Charles- 

 worth Tokay. For many years Bowood Muscat was considered a greatly-improved 

 variety, and Muscat Escholata had the reputation of being much larger ; but a 

 complete test of all these reputed varieties being made at Chiswick, the only 

 other distinct variety was the Canon Hall Muscat. One of the largest 

 Vines existing is that at Harewood House, Leeds, which was planted by 

 Mr. Chapman in 1783, and completely fills a house sixty feet long by eighteen 

 feet wide, and bears an average crop of three hundred bunches. 



CULTURAL NOTES. No Grape better rewards special culture than this. It is 

 seldom found to succeed well in a mixed collection. Although the Vine is quite 

 hardy, and fruits freely in the open air, it is found to require a warmer tempera- 

 ture and drier atmosphere than most other varieties to set the berries properly. 

 Thus special care is required in setting, and a higher temperature is also requisite 

 to ripen the fruit thoroughly. Unlike Black Grapes, the Muscat of Alexandria is 

 much benefited by having the fruit exposed to the direct influence of the sun. 



MUSCAT D'AotJT. August Frontignan. 



MUSCAT BIFERE (54). An oval, white Muscat Grape. Season: 

 early. Merits : second-rate. 



VINE. Moderately robust in growth, and with a good constitution ; fruits 

 freely. Leaves medium-sized, roundish. 



FRUIT. Bunches long, tapering, with broad shoulders ; freely set. Berries 

 medium-sized, roundish oval. Skin clear, pale greenish yellow. Flesh firm, 

 juicy, sweet, and with a very decided Muscat flavour. 



HISTORY, ETC. Received from M. Andre Leroy, of Angers, and fruited at 

 Chiswick. 



CULTURAL NOTES. "Will succeed in any ordinary Vinery. 



MUSCAT BLANC. White Frontignan. 



