72 FRUIT GARDEN. 



pery-red color when ripe. The flesh is pulpy, though rather 

 juicy, and the taste sweet, with a slight musky flavor. The 

 leaves much resemble those of the Isabella, having a white 

 down beneath, but being of a paler green and more re- 

 flexed. Whilst it is perhaps the best native table-grape, it 

 stands at present as the unrivaled wine-grape of the United 

 States. Mr. Longworth, of Cincinnati, has offered $500 

 reward to any one who will produce a better native variety. 

 Several new seedlings of merit have been brought forward, 

 none of which, however, have proved equal to the original 

 Catawba. Mr. L. thinks the common Fox grape the parent 

 of the Catawba. The wine produced from this grape is 

 described as varying from a clear water-color to straw-color 

 and pink, with a fine fruity flavor, and slightly musky rich 

 aroma. By mixing the produce of the new vintage with 

 that of an old, half and half, a superior sparkling wine is 

 made, much resembling sparkling Moselle. It also makes 

 a still wine resembling a dry hock. If Catawba grapes be 

 thoroughly ripened, no sugar will be required in making 

 the wine, whilst wine made from the Isabella, resembling a 

 light Madeira, requires for the proper promotion of its 

 fermentation the addition of from eighteen to twenty-four 

 ounces of sugar to each gallon of juice, or "must." 



The Powell Grrape, called also the Alexandria, and 

 Bland — in compliment to Mr. Bland of Alexandria, Va., who 

 first introduced it — is considered a hybrid, or cross between 

 the Isabella and B. Hamburgh. It bears short bunches, 

 having, when of good size, two or three shoulders. The 

 berries are round and of a pale red color, with pulpy flesh 

 of a sweetish, sub-acid taste, and a little of the musky or 

 fox-grape flavor and character. The leaves are a pale 

 green underneath, and rounder than those of the Isabella 

 or Catawba. 



