AND WINE MAKING. 97 



a strong grower ; foliage large and healthy, not subject 

 to mildew; hardy here when exposed to 10 below 

 zero. Cluster and berry of medium size, compact, 

 handsome, of quite dark, brilliant red color ; quality 

 nearly equaling Delaware. I regard it as a grape of 

 great promise. 



Of my own comparatively small efforts, I wish to say 

 very little. Though I have been, for more than thirty 

 years, growing crosses between our native and foreign 

 grapes, re-crossing and combining, wherever the indica- 

 tions pointed to the results for which I was striving, 

 and though my disappointments have been many, the 

 pursuit has been interesting, and I believe I have learned 

 something as to the probabilities, as well as possibilities, 

 of success through the agencies which nature yields only 

 to him who carefully studies, and works in harmony 

 with her laws. My later efforts have been directed 

 toward the production of a grape that shall have all the 

 good points of the Concord, or Worden, combined with 

 better keeping and shipping qualities. This would re- 

 quire a more tenacious skin, and a little more firmness 

 of flesh, forming a berry not easily broken by ordinary 

 handling. Earlier ripening, especially if accompanied 

 by better keeping qualities, would be for many sections 

 most desirable. Vigor of growth, abundant productive- 

 ness, hardiness against severe winters, health of foliage, 

 resisting of mildew under all ordinary circumstances 

 would also be indispensable. If the clusters and berries 

 could be larger and more perfectly formed, and the qual- 

 ity higher and better, the combination would be still nearer 

 to the "perfect grape." I am now willing to say that, 

 after five years bearing, I believe I have accomplished 

 very nearly, if not quite, the hoped-for result, and that 

 I may reasonably exnect to offer a grape of the Labrusca 

 type, with the sanction of my own name and approval, 

 which will be of acknowledged worth and value, wherever 

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