40 NATIVE FRUITS. 



been produced. It is described as a strong grower, with thick leaves, 

 bunch large, shouldered like the Hamburg, berry large, amber colored but 

 growing darker as it becomes riper. Eatable in August and lasts through 

 September. 



Elvira and Uhland White Grapes, raised in Missouri and recently intro- 

 duced, are of little value in this locality, the bunches being small and the 

 berries are so much crowded that they crack badly. 



We have on trial twelve of Miner's Seedlings, all of which are white, 

 and we hope to find among them some which will prove worthy of cultiva- 

 tion. The Victoria appears quite promising. 



While a great deal of attention has been given to the newer varieties, 

 some excellent old sorts are very nearly forgotten. The Lindley for exam- 

 ple, where it does well, is one of the best red grapes we have. The Hon. 

 M. P. Wilder in writing to the Rural New Yerker, says : " From the 

 first intoduction of Rogers' grapes, -I have considered it one of the most 

 reliable varieties. Its quality is but little below that of the Delaware with 

 me, while in size, beauty, vigor and hardiness it is superior. As a proof of 

 its excellence. I selected samples of both, taking small berries of the Lind- 

 ley so as to have them in appearance as much alike as possible, and had 

 them tested by connoisseurs, nine out of eleven persons preferred the 

 Lindley." 



The Gaertner, another of Rogers' Hybrids, appeared unusually well with 

 us the last summer. The bunch and berry were large and remarkably 

 showy ; color at first amber deepening to a rich purple ; quality, though 

 not of the highest character, good ; vine hardy and productive. This va- 

 riety seems to be but little known. Should it continue to be as fine at it 

 proved last season it will be worthy of a good deal of attention. 



The Eumelan is one of the best flavored grapes that we are acquainted 

 with. It is hardy and bears well every year. As it is propagated only with 

 considerable difficulty, nurserymen do not regard it very profitable to grow. 

 It should be grafted upon some vigorous sort. 



A good authority says with reference to the old varieties : " The Dela- 

 ware as a table fruit still stands at the head. The bunch is elegant in form, 

 beautiful in color, and the quality is unequalled." 



"The lona, when in y^erfection, which it seldom attains, requiring the most 

 favorable conditions of soil, exposure, culture, etc., is on account of its 

 wonderful excellence worthy of every care." 



"The Catawba, when perfectly ripened, comes close up to the lona and 

 is really good enough, but it needs in our State the warmth of Pleasant 

 Valley with good seasons and good culture." 



It is interesting to note what a correspondent of the Country Gentleman 

 recently said about grapes. Writing from Ohio, he says : " I have spent a 

 thousand dollars in planting, tending and digging up, and am still experi- 

 menting. I planted an acre of lonas, dug them up and planted Salems, 

 and now, after ten years labor without fruit enough to pay first cost of 

 vines, I have to dig them up and put out Delawares which will stand thirty 

 years if properly cared for " 



