THE GRAPE 367 



in growth as the ordinary cultivated varieties of 

 grapes; some bore enormous bunches of grapes, 

 some had only a few small clusters. 



One of these Isabella Regia seedlings is the 

 earliest grape ever recorded, ripening nearly a 

 month before the Early Amber, Sweetwater, and 

 other American and European grapes. It is, 

 however, small in size and not productive. 



THE EARLIEST AND LATEST GRAPES ON 

 RECORD 



Another very large black grape, produced on 

 a large, vigorous vine, ripens nearly five weeks 

 before its parent. This is the earliest large grape 

 known. It has very delicious flavor and quality. 

 It was temporarily called the "Early Black," 

 but was subsequently rechristened the Monte- 

 cito by Mr. John M. Rutland, who purchased it 

 for introduction in Australia. 



In contrast with these early-ripening seedlings 

 are others that do not fully ripen their fruit un- 

 til December and January. These are valuable 

 in California if protected from the rains, as they 

 extend the season almost indefinitely. 



Though the parent plant bore black grapes, 

 some of the seedlings bore white, yellow, red, or 

 purplish-black fruit. Some varieties were enor- 

 mous producers. 



