1891.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 4. 385 



County, 38 bushels of ordinary and 87,4(50 pounds of best; 

 and Fitchburg, in Worcester County, 179 bushels of ordinary 

 and 72,866 pounds of best. 



In order to ascertain the condition of the grape industry 

 at the present time, and the outlook for this } r ear's crop, a 

 special circular was prepared and sent to parties in some 

 forty of the towns in which this industry is most largely 

 carried on, as indicated by the census of 1885. 



From the returns received it is estimated that there are 

 not less than 275 acres at the present time devoted to grape 

 culture in vineyards, and that the Concord, Moore's Early 

 and Worden are the varieties most generally grown. In 

 some sections grapes are also grown in houses, but it is 

 believed not to any great extent for market. 



The following reports will indicate the acreage of and 

 prospect for this year's crop in what might be called the 

 grape centres of the Commonwealth : — 



Amherst. — Six acres in vineyards, one-half young; Concord, 

 Moore's Early and Worden most largely grown ; crop promises to 

 be more than an average in quantity and quality ; estimated yield, 

 three and one-half tons ; crop usually marketed in Worcester ; 

 grape culture in vineyards not increasing very much. 



AJiby. — Forty acres in vineyards; Concord, Moore's Early, 

 Niagara and Worden most largely grown ; crop promises to be an 

 average one in quantity and quality ; estimated yield, seventy-five 

 tons ; crop usually marketed iu Boston, and five cents per pound 

 net the price received last year ; grape culture in vineyards not 

 increasing ; little trouble from disease or insects so far this season. 

 Grapes grown in two houses in town ; one containing twenty- 

 seven hundred square feet, hot-water heater ; varieties grown, 

 Black and Muscat Hamburg, Alicant, Gros Colman ; other house 

 one thousand square feet; no heat; varieties grown, Hamburg 

 and Alicant. 



Berlin. — Five acres in vineyards ; mostly Concord ; crop prom- 

 ises to be more than an average ; estimated yield, six and one- 

 half tons ; marketed in Boston, Worcester and neighboring towns ; 

 average price per pound received last year, seven cents ; grape 

 culture in vineyards not increasing in this town. 



Billerica. — Twenty-six acres in vineyards; varieties, mostly 

 Concord, Moore's Early and Niagara ; this year's crop does not 



