350 SELECT PLANTS FOR INDUSTRIAL CULTURE 



grapes iii a fresh state,, according to M. Charmeux's method, 

 and the sundry modes of effecting the transit of ripe grapes 

 to long distances, ought to be turned to industrial advantage. 

 The pigment of the dark wine-berries is known as racemic 

 acid. The juice contains along with tartaric acid also grape 

 acid. All these chemically defined substances have uses of 

 their own in art and science. It might be worthy of a trial 

 how far the Grape vine can be grafted on such other species of 

 the extensive genus Vitis as may not be attacked by the 

 destructive Pemphygus or Phylloxera. Irrespective of sulphur, 

 latterly also borax has been recommended against the Oi'dium 

 disease. Professor Monnier of Geneva has introduced the very 

 expansive sulphurous anhydrous acid gas against the Phyl- 

 loxera. Dr. Herman Behr suggests for the mitigation of this 

 plague the ignition of wood near vineyards, when the insect 

 is on its wings, as all such insects seek fires and succumb in 

 them largely when the sky is overcast or when the nights are 

 without moonlight. 



Vitis Vlllpina, Linne. (Vitis rotundifolia, Michaux.) 



The Muscadine or Fox Grape. South-Eastern States of North 

 America. Extends also to Japan, Manchuria, and the Hima- 

 layas. This species also includes as varieties the Bullace, the 

 Mustang, the Bullate Grape, and both kinds of the Scupper- 

 nangs. The berries are of a pleasant taste, but in some 

 instances of a strong flavour ; they are the largest among 

 American Grapes. The Clinton and Elsinboro Grapes, accord- 

 ing to Mr. Meehan, the eminent American horticulturist, 

 seem to have had their origin with V. cordifolia and V. riparia. 

 V. Labrusca extends also to the Himalayas. Dr, Planchon's 

 important memoir, ' ' Les Vignes Americaines,"" published in 

 1875, should be consulted in reference to American Grapes. 



Voandzeia subterranea, Thouars. 



Madagascar and various parts of Africa, as far south as Natal. 

 This Earth-Pea is annual, and pushes its pods under ground 

 in the manner of Arachis hypogsea for maturation. The pods 

 are edible and much consumed in tropical countries. 



Wallichia caryotoides, Roxburgh. 



India, up to 4,000 feet elevation (Kurz). A stemless palm, 

 eligible for scenic group-planting. 



Wallichia densiflora, Martius. (W. oUongifolia, Griffith.) 



Himalaya, as far as 27 north. There one of the hardiest of 



