THE VINE. ] 535 



seedless berries which mature with the rest. The flesh 

 is rather firm, juicy, sweet with a simple flavour. It is a 

 promising wine-grape. 



62. INSOLJA TAL GHIRGHENTI or GHIRGHENTINA. 

 This well known local vine has originated at Ghirghenti 

 and is probably derived from Bermestia or Insolja to, Ge- 

 rusalem, and is now extensively cultivated in most vine- 

 yards on account of its resistant qualities, very high 

 production and great vigour, but when well ripe is also 

 good for the press and gives satisfactory results if mixed 

 with other grapes. It has a spreading habit with very 

 long canes and is therefore one of the best vines for 



o 



pergolas, but may be trained in any way adapting itself 

 well to short, half-long or long pruning according to 

 circumstances. The leaves are fairy large, deep green, 

 smooth on both surfaces, but often slightly hairy along 

 the nerves on the lower surface, divided into five long 

 lobes, of which the middle one is very long and lozenge- 

 shaped, with a pinkish midrib and a long reddish pink 

 leaf-stalk, The bunches are conical, long, winged, quite 

 loose or shanked ; with a long, thick stalk which becomes 

 very brittle when the grapes are ripe. The berries are 

 large, oval or elliptical, of uniform size and shape, with a 

 thin but very tough rind, of a bright golden yellow 

 colour when well ripe, only slightly covered with bloom, 

 The pulp is fleshy, juicy, and when well ripe very sweet 

 and delicately perfumed. It is our best grape for late 

 keeping, being also a table grape of great beauty. 



63. INSOLJA TAL GNEINA. This vine has been 

 cultivated for many years at Gneina, has points in com- 

 mon with Trebbiano or Insolja ta Ruma, but is evidently 

 a local seedling. The vine is very vigorous and well 

 productive, requiring half-long pruning. The leaves are 

 large, not unlike those of Jrebbiano. The bunches are 

 large or very large, pyramidal, winged or doubly winged, 

 somewhat loose. The berries are large round, with a 



