110 



bear, the poorer the quality is likely to be, and the later it will 

 be in maturing. Hence the more unfavorable the locality or the 

 season, the greater the necessity for thinning the fruit. 



WHAT VARIETIES SHALL WE PLANT? 



The list of profitable market grapes that can be grown in a 

 northern latitude is very short. We can only select varieties 

 ripening about the same time, as the earliest will be none too 

 early to escape our autumn frosts. Till the Worden, Moore's 

 Early, and other new varieties have been more extensively 

 grown, so as to lower the price of vines within our reach, the 

 list must begin and end with the Concord. I know of but few 

 instances in New England where any other grape is being ex- 

 tensively grown for market. If the expectations of those 

 engaged in bringing out new seedlings are realized, we shall not 

 long be limited to two or three varieties. When we recall the 

 fact that in other sections of the country, where the brevity of 

 the season is no obstacle, there are very few profitable market 

 grapes grown, we shall be more content with our lot and locality. 

 For the table, we may extend the list almost indefinitely. 

 New candidates for favor are presented every year, and the dis- 

 position to give them a fair trial should be encouraged. It is 

 not difficult to name a dozen sorts of good quality, any one of 

 which we may ripen, where it would have been impossible to 

 name one fourth that number a few years ago. The demand 

 has insured a supply, and still they come. We may name as 

 varieties, some of which are well established in public favor, and 

 others worthy of trial, the following : Concord, Hartford Pro- 

 lific, Delaware, Worden, Moore's Early, Isabella, Martha, Lady, 

 Wilder, Brighton, Prentiss,Pocklington, Dutchess, and Agawam. 

 Here we have a baker's dozen, and the list might easily be ex- 

 tended. It is by no means certain that it might not be greatly 

 improved. 



As all are not acquainted with the older varieties, and know 

 little or nothing of the new, a brief description may be found 

 convenient for reference. Interested parties will pardon me if 

 I abbreviate somewhat descriptions found in their catalogues, 

 use less expressive adjectives, and occasionally hint at the faults 

 of their pets. 



