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and are represented by several species, which differ considerably in habit, 

 foliage, form, flavour of the fruit, and in other respects. They are vastly 

 inferior to the European varieties for wine or as table Grapes, and are 

 useless for other purposes. With the exception of a very few varieties, 

 they have a peculiarly strong harsh musky flavour, which is commonly 

 termed " foxy," and, therefore, can never rank upon an equality with 

 other Grapes. Notwithstanding this drawback, however, they are largely 

 cultivated in the United States, chiefly on account of their being more 

 hardy than the varieties of Vitis vinifera. and being better able to 

 withstand severe cold weather. The Americans turn them to account for 

 wine to a large extent, but the produce is vastly inferior to that obtained 

 from the European Grapes. There are no great inducements to plant 

 American Grapes in Australasia for their fruit, as a better class will give 

 more satisfactory results. Possibly, however, they might prove serviceable, 

 owing to their hardiness, in some of the colder regions, where the climate 

 is too severe for the choicer kinds. They have within the last few years 

 been introduced to some extent into European vineyards as li Phylloxera- 

 resisting" stocks for varieties of Vitix vim/era. It must be understood 

 that the American species are by no means proof against this destructive 

 Grape pest, but, on the other hand, they are much affected by it. They 

 have, however, the power of being able to bear the attacks of " Phylloxera " 

 without receiving radical injury. In this part of the world we shall 

 probably also have to make use of these resistant stocks in the future, 

 and cultivators should turn their attention to them. There are many 

 species of American Grapes, and some of these have numerous varieties, 

 more or less cultivated in the United States, but a limited selection 

 of those that are most prominent and distinct will be sufficient for 

 practical purposes. 



Vitis ^Estivalis (Summer G-rupe(. A hardy and fairly strong species, 

 embracing numerous varieties, producing variable bunches of small 

 thin skinned berries. Flavour less harsh and " foxy " than most other 

 kinds. It is widely distributed through the eastern and central regions 

 of the United States. The more prominent varieties are Black July, Box 

 Grape, Missouri, Birdseye, Norton's Virginia, and Warren. 



Vitis Arizonica. A strong hardy species indigenous to Arizonica, and 

 extending to California. Bunches small. Berries small, and have a 

 fairly pleasant flavour. Said to be a useful stock for Vitis vinifera, but 

 can only with certainty be raised from seed, as cuttings are difficult to 

 root. 



Vitis Berlandieri* A robust species said to furnish a good stock for 

 the ordinary varieties. Bunches small and close. Berries black, round, 

 with a rather sharp flavour. 



Vitis Calif ornica. A California!! species which appears to be closely 

 allied to Vitis Arizonica. 



Vitis Candicans (Mustang Qwpe). A strong growing species that 

 bears freely, but the bunches are small. Berries large, black, with a 

 harsh unpleasant flavour. It is indigenous to Florida and Texas, and 

 flourish es^ in a warm dry climate. 



Vitis Cinerea. A vigorous spreading species, bearing small bunches. 



