GRAPES. CLASS V. 259 



ascertained that they lose that very small portion of muski- 

 ness which they possess. This grape makes excellent 

 wine, and requires no protection in our climate. 



51. LUFFBOROUGH. 



Berries very large, of a deep purple color ; pulp dissolv- 

 ing in a sweet, musky juice. Major Adlum says, the Luff- 

 borough makes an excellent red wine. 



52. *NORTON'S VIRGINIA SEEDLING. 



This very superior native grape was originated by Dr. 

 N. Norton of Magnolia, one mile from the city of Rich- 

 mond, in Virginia. The fruit is rather below medium size; 

 fine as a table grape, and most excellent for wine. The 

 wine is of a dark violet color, or of the color of Port wine, 

 with a just proportion of astringency, and excellent flavor. 

 The vine bears surprisingly. Not only the Catawba, but 

 also the Prince Edward grapes, and the Norton's Virginia 

 Seedling, are much cultivated by Dr. Norton and others 

 of the vicinity of that city, where first I witnessed the won- 

 derful crops of fruit which these vines bore. Through the 

 kindness of Dr. Norton, I am favored with a full account 

 of this grape, which I subjoin in his own words. In all his 

 statements I have perfect confidence. 



" Vitis Nortoni. Produced by artificial impregnation 

 from the Bland and Meunier. Foliage somewhat resem- 

 bling the Bland. The shoots are of a red color, hardy, and 

 resisting the greatest degree of cold which happens in any 

 portion of the Union ; thriving with little care, and never 

 failing to produce abundant crops of fruit, which has not, 

 within the last 15 years, been known to mildew or rot. 

 Fruit blackish, or of a dark purple; ripens in September, 

 and will remain perfect until the hardest frosts ; largest 

 bunches 9 or 10 inches long, sometimes shouldered, and 

 moderately compact, weighing one fourth of a pound ; must 

 rich, and of a dark reddish violet color. 



" Norton's Seedling stands unrivalled as a field and gar- 

 den fruit in Virginia ; crops always surprisingly abundant, 

 and yielding wines, which, with proper care, will be found 

 inferior to none of the imported drinks from Madeira or 

 France. I obtained this variety by artificial impregnation, 

 after the manner of Knight. I consider it capable of 

 doubling the amount of our exports, when it is properly at- 

 tended to, throughout the Union ; for there is not a single 

 state in our associated confederacy, which will not be found 



