GRAPES. CLASS V. 261 



54. WOODSON PRINCE EDWARD. 



A remarkable variety, found growing in Prince Edward 

 county, in Virginia; cultivated to considerable extent by 

 Dr. Norton, Mr. Carter, and others in the vicinity of Rich- 

 mond. Dr. Norton has kindly favored me with the de- 

 scription of this fruit, which is as follows: "Three in- 

 distinct lobes form the leaf, the terminal lobe more pyram- 

 idal than usual, and more minutely elongated; indentures 

 of the leaf obscurely defined ; upper surface of a dark 

 shining green, under portion glaucous ; length of the foot- 

 stalk three inches. The Woodson is a great bearer, ripens 

 later than most other fruits, requiring the action of a slight 

 frost to bring it to a proper state for the press. I consider 

 it a proper fruit for the manufacture of sparkling wine. 

 Such only will it yield, upon which you may certainly 

 make a calculation. The must is replete with a pulpy 

 matter, difficult to throw down from the mass." 



Mr. Carter, by a letter of a simultaneous date, states 

 generally, that the Woodson Prince Edward is very pro- 

 ductive, a certain bearer, and fine wine grape. I have the 

 most perfect confidence in the statements of these gentle- 

 men. 



55. SCUPPERNONG. 



This fine species is a native of North Carolina and 

 Virginia, and is found growing spontaneously at Roanoke 

 Island, and in various other places. It is believed to be 

 rather earlier than the Isabella. The fruit is large, round- 

 ish; of a color varying from white, or brick red, to black; 

 of a sweet, rich, and aromatic flavor. The wine made of 

 this grape is of a very extraordinary and peculiar flavor. 

 For the following account of this singular fruit I am in- 

 debted also to Dr. Norton. 



" The wood is smooth and remarkably hard, rarely ex- 

 hibiting that shaggy appearance of the bark usual with 

 most other vines ; the bark of the old wood is of a light 

 iron color ; that of the young wood is of a brighter hue, 

 marked with small specks of grayish white : the leaf is finely 

 indented or serrated, and highly glazed both above and be- 

 low; it is tough and durable, remaining attached to the stem 

 till the hardest frosts ; the berry is of a greenish white color ; 

 the skin of a satin-like texture, varied with minute choco- 

 late-colored dots. It is pulpy, but easily dissolves in the 



