258 OPEN AIB GKAPE CULTDEE. 



however, been attempted to throw some doubt upon 

 this history — ^not, perhaps, as to the facts themselves, 

 but as to their accounting for the origin of the Isa- 

 bella grape — some pomologists claiming that it is a 

 widely distributed and well-known native species, 

 while others assert that it is a well-known European 

 variety. 



But be this as it may, it is certainly one of our 

 most prolific and vigorous varieties, and is thus far 

 more widely cultivated at the North than any other 

 with which we are acquainted. Nor is this preference 

 misplaced, as it excels all others which have been 

 fcilly tested, both in the amount and in the certainty 

 of the crops produced. When quite ripe, the flavor 

 also is excellent, and the pulp almost disappears. 

 Few realize this condition, however, as the fruit is 

 generally gathered long before it is ripe. The follow- 

 ing description is by A. J. Downing : 



" Bunches of good size, five to seven inches long, 

 rather loose, shouldered. Berries oval, pretty large. 

 Skin thick, dark purple, becoming at last nearly 

 black, covered with a blue bloom. Flesh tender, 

 with some pulp, which nearly dissolves when fully 

 mature ; juicy, sweet, and rich, with slight musky 

 aroma." 



