88 



CIVIC BIOLOGY 



excepting possibly the ActMdia, can compare with the grape, 

 if well established. The fact that it climbs by tendrils makes it 

 much easier to train, prune, and control than vines which twine 

 around their supports. The grape thrives in poor soil, wet or 

 dry, and can be depended upon to flower and fruit for centuries, 

 renewing its youth often from the root. Varieties differ much 

 in form and size of leaf and in vigor and rapidity of growth. 

 Make a special study, with sketch to scale, of at least one 

 good specimen vine before it is pruned back in the fall. Note 



variety, age, size, and height 

 of main stem and length 

 of several of the most vig- 

 orous canes of the season's 

 growth. Record, if possible, 

 the amount of fruit pro- 

 duced. By each member of 

 the class selecting a differ- 

 ent variety, the grapes best 

 suited to the locality may 

 be compared and learned. 

 Houses, even in crowded 

 cities, might be transformed 

 into bowers of shade and 

 beauty by the adequate use of the grape alone. 



Actinidia arguta is a close second of the grape. After be- 

 coming well established it is a most- rampant grower, speedily 

 reaching the tops of the tallest trees, and about buildings is 

 likely to require severe pruning. The leaves are clean and 

 glossy, with red petioles. Fragrant and attractive flowers 

 appear in June, and the fruit ripens in September and October. 

 This is a dull green drupe the size of a small plum, with a 

 flavor and quality quite unlike anything American. The Acti- 

 nidia comes to us from Japan and is hardy and well adapted 

 to our climate. Along with other valuable importations from 



FIG. 44. Flowers of Actinidia 



