REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FRUITS. 43 



our most extensive cultivators. The display at the Annual Exhi- 

 bition was, though satisfactory, not equal to the previous year. A 

 very striking feature was the number of seedling grapes shown. 

 Capt. J. B. Moore's display of fifty-two varieties, though compris- 

 ing many kinds that he will for proper .reasons reject, included 

 several varieties of considerable promise, and gave evidence of the 

 necessity of planting on an extensive scale in order to get some 

 seedlings that will show improvement. What is now desirable is 

 a grape which shall be good, and at the same time early. A grape 

 as good as the (ripe) lona, and as early as the Hartford, would 

 make the fortune of its originator, and add much to the wealth of 

 the nation. 



A hybrid between the Black Hamburg and Clinton was shown 

 by Mr. Charles Fisher of Newark, IsT. J. Buncli of medium size ; 

 berries round, black ; flesh without any hard pulp, but biting like 

 a Black Hamburg, and melting wholly in the mouth, juicy, and 

 sprightly, with a decided Clinton flavor ; adheres well to the 

 bunch, and is said to be a very vigorous grower. It certainly pos- 

 sessed many excellent properties ; but whether it will succeed as 

 well here as in New Jersey remains to be proved. From Roch- 

 ester, N.Y., we had Messrs. EUwanger and Barry's Seedling No. 

 19, — a fine large, compact, shouldered bunch, with berries of medi- 

 um size and chestnut color. This also was a grape of high qual- 

 ity, with a decided Frontignan flavor. The seedling from Mrs. 

 L, Mallard of Lawrence, shown last year, was again exhibited, but 

 without any improvement in the quality. 



At the exhibition on the 9th of September, several hybrids 

 raised by Mr, N. B. White of South Dedham were shown, of which 

 .Nos. 2 and 5 were best, — the latter superior to the former. It 

 is a cross between the Hamburg and native; color black; berry 

 large, and of good quality. Early in October, Mr. J. F. Allen's 

 seedling was again shown. It resembles Isabella in appearance, 

 but is free from the peculiar flavor of that variety, and richer, and 

 is said by Mr. Allen to be in eating a month earlier. 



On the 9th of September, the Hartford took the first and fourth 

 prizes as early grapes, and the Delaware the second and third. The 

 Israella has disappointed expectations : it does not grow well, and, in 

 the experience and observation of two of the members of the Com- 

 mittee, seems tender. The bunches are crowded, and require thin- 

 ning; and the quahty is deficient. The Eumelan continues to 

 make a favorable impression. A very interesting collection of new 

 varieties was siiown at the Annual Exhibition by Rev. W. H. 



