JANUARY. 43 



The Bronze grape, introduced by the Mayor of Boston, Dr. Smith, from 

 Syria, who brought the seeds with him from that country, has fruited for 

 the first time this year. The fruit closely resembles the Queen of Nice. 

 It ripens sooner, and does not keep as well. Two or three seasons should 

 be given before giving a complete description. At present it promises 

 well. 



The seedling referred to in a former communication, raised from Wil- 

 mot's New Black Hamburg, has been this year discarded, having proved 

 too sour. 



Of the recently imported varieties said to be seedlings, I have fruited the 

 Gross Bleu, and cannot distinguish any difference between it and the old 

 Black Hamburg. " Cambridge Botanic Garden Grape" is like the " Black 

 Prince," and not worthy of being considered a distinct variety. " Gross 

 Gromier du Cantal," is nothing but the "De Candolle." These vines were 

 received from the best sources, and it is presumed they are correct. " Perle 

 Rose" is another name for the same variety. 



For early forcing, the " Pitmaston" White Cluster, and " Musque Verdel" 

 yet remain the best. The " Macready Early White" is inferior in flavor 

 and uncertain in bearing. The new White grape, which I call " Allen's 

 Hybrid," promises to be at the head of the list for early forcing. 



For retarding I find a difference in the ripening and keeping of the same 

 varieties from year to year. By comparing the list now given, with that of 

 last year, this may be seen. At the head of the list, (and as they are 

 named the one for the other, may be considered as most valuable for their 

 keeping or hanging in a fresh condition,) is the " Wortley Hall Seedling," 

 the same as last year. 



" Prince Albert," generally a poor bearer, but as it becomes old bears 

 well, this year has a great crop. 



" Poiteau Noir," large berry, lacks flavor. 



" Queen of Nice," very handsome and good. 



" Syrian," when fully ripe a rich grape. 



" Black Lombardy." There is an uncertainty about this grape. It has 

 been said that West's St. Peters and this are identical. I have the two, both 

 late kinds, and very unlike. The " Black Lombardy" has a larger berry, 

 and is not so black. It is a valuable sort. 



" West's St. Peters." Part of the bunches have dried some, and part are 

 fresh ; has not done as well as in previous years, in respect to keeping. 



" Xeres," or " White Nice," this year has kept well. It is however un- 

 certain. 



" Muscat of Alexandria," and the " Cannon Hall," both of them have 

 dried somewhat ; but the flavor of both, if anything, is improved by the 

 process ; the berries being large. This drying is not so objectionable as 

 in small grapes. 



" Ferrar," or " Black Portugal." A large part of the bunches have this 

 year decayed or dried. Some bunches remain fresh and full. 



The 6ld "Black Hamburg" never has kept so well. Some vines have 

 the entire crop yet on, fresh and full, while on the other vines the fruit is 

 much dried. 



