116 



The Grape Culturist. 



Delaware. — This variety retains its 

 high position, and is nsuall}' adopted 

 as a standard of comparison for other 

 American grapes. Unfortunately, it 

 does not, from various causes, succeed 

 well in all localities, seeming to re- 

 quire more care in cultivation, and 

 richer soil than Concord and some 

 other kinds. It is, however, exceed- 

 ingly hardy, enduring the severest 

 winters uninjured, when the vines are 

 healthy. In some localities it has 

 been found subject to mildesv, and this 

 tendency is greatly aggravated by 

 permitting the vines to over-bear, 

 which the Delaware is sure to do, if 

 permitted. Bunch and berry inedium ; 

 skin thin ; color red, or light Catawba ; 

 pulp tender ; flavor vinous, sugary 

 and sprightly. (Quality very best for 

 both table and Avine. 



Diana. — Does best on Avarm, rather 

 dry, and not too rich, soils. Gravelly 

 clay, or sandy loam, seems best suited 

 to its wants. A vigorous vine, pro- 

 ductive and profitable in favorable lo- 

 cations. A seedling of the Catawba, 

 neither quite as large in bunch and 

 berry as that variety, nor quite as 

 productive, but has usually suffered 

 much less froni rot. (tood both for 

 table and wine. 



Iona. — Vine tolerably vigorous in 

 growth, usually healthy, Init tender, 

 requiring careful protection in severe 

 winters. Bunch large, loose, shoul- 

 dered ; berries medium to lai'ge. Color 

 red ; flesh tender and unifonn ; flavor 

 rich, sprightly and vinous. Not sub- 

 ject to rot in this locality, l)ut ripens 

 very slowly and unevenl}-, and rarely 

 matures perfectly. A very fine grape 

 when it can be perfected, but appa- 

 rently suited ouh" to special localities. 



IsRAELLA. — Supposed to be a seed- 

 ling from the Isabella, but is neither 

 as vigorous in growth, nor as healthy 

 as its parent. If it has an}^ merit 

 above the Isabella, it is only in being 

 a little earlier. 



Ives Seedling. — This variety, which 

 originated in the vicinity of Cincin- 

 nati, Ohio, has obtained considerable 

 popularity in that region, principally 

 as a red wine grape. The vine seems 

 very hardy, healthy and vigorous ; in 

 general habit and appearance resem- 

 bling the Hartford Prolific, and like 

 this variety and the Concord, seems 

 to be well adapted to nearly all soils 

 and locations. As a table grape, it 

 cannot be called above second or third 

 rate ; to my taste, not equal to Con- 

 cord. Asa wine grape it is not equal 

 to Nortons Virginia, or Creveling, 

 and, I think, requires a little assis- 

 tance in the way of gallizing to make 

 a palatable, or really popular wine. 

 The bunches are full medium to large, 

 compact, often shouldered; berries 

 slightly oval, medium, very black, 

 juicy, sweet, vinous and pleasant, 

 though not high flavored, and always 

 rather pulpy. Colors early, but re- 

 quires to hang upon the vine pretty 

 late to become full}' ripe. 



Lydia. — A large, white or light 

 green grape, originated upon Kelloy's 

 Island, Lake Erie. Supposed to be an 

 Isabella seedling. In habit of growth 

 the vine is not unlike the Isabella, but 

 is much less productive. The bunches 

 are large, oval, with salmon tint when 

 exposed to the sun ; pulp tender, flavor 

 sweet, i\ch, slightly vinous. A grape 

 of good quality, but mildews some in 

 unfavorable seasons. Kipens early — 

 a few days later than Delaware. 

 {To be. cont'inued.) 



