J02 AMERICAN GRAPE GROWING 



grown for market now. Their enormous crops and ex- 

 cellent quality made them popular, and ere long nearly 

 every residence had its grapevine. In 1853 the Concord 

 was brought to public notice, and almost immediately 

 found favor. Other varieties were produced from chance 

 seedlings and by hybridization, until now specimens of 

 probably three hundred varieties may be found in culti- 

 vation in this valley. The number considered profitable 

 to grow for market is comparatively small and at the 

 present time does not exceed twenty. 



The introduction of the Concord in 1853 gave a great 

 impetus to grape growing. Its beauty, hardiness, vigor, 

 productiveness and quality commended it to the grape 

 growers of this region ; it soon took a leading place 

 among vineyardists, and is now produced in larger quan- 

 tities than all the other varieties combined. The Dela- 

 ware, from its superior quality, and the high price it 

 commanded, was a favorite with many, and is still 

 largely grown for market. The Diana, in spite of its 

 excellent keeping quality and beautiful appearance, be- 

 cause of its lateness in ripening has been discarded. 



As the Rebecca could not be profitably grown on the 

 west side of the river, cultivators were anxious to find a 

 hardy white grape for market. The Martha was the 

 first to be introduced that seemed to fill the bill. This 

 variety is still grown to a considerable extent, although 

 the Niagara and Pocklington, from their superior ap- 

 pearance, are more prized and have been much more 

 largely grown in late years. Moore's Diamond, being 

 earlier than either, and quite as attractive in appearance 

 as well as of better quality, finds much favor. But since 

 its introduction the market demands seem to be more 

 for dark colored than light grapes. The Duchess is a 

 showy grape of very superior quality, but lacks hardi- 

 ness, and its cultivation for market has been nearly 

 abandoned. 



