154 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



successful enough to warrant the recommendation of them for 

 general vineyard culture, in this State. There are few grapes 

 that combine the hardiness to resist our severe winters, the pro- 

 lific fruitfulness to reward the cultivator, and the sweetness, 

 richness, and high flavor which command the admiration of all 

 lovers of good grapes. The Concord is a fine, large, black 

 grape, with a beautiful blue bloom, and shouldered bunches 

 often weighing a pound. Skin thin ; flesh moderately juicy, 

 buttery, and sweet. Flavor good ; in my opinion, equal to the 

 Isabella. It is the most hardy and strong-growing vine culti- 

 vated in this State. It is the most profitable grape to grow for 

 the market; for the public taste demands something large, 

 black, and handsome, as well as sweet. The Hartford Prolific, 

 originated in the garden of Mr. Steele, in Hartford, Conn. It 

 is smaller than the Concord, and about as good. It ripens a 

 week or two earlier, but is apt to fall from the bunch as soon as 

 ripe. Market-men will not buy it on that account. The Crevel- 

 ing originated in Pennsylvania. It is much like the Hartford, 

 but does not fall from the bunches. None of these grapes have 

 a spicy flavor or very delicate perfume ; those qualities do not 

 belong to the Vitis Labrusca, in an eminent degree. The Diana 

 is a lilac-colored grape, having a thick skin and somewhat tough 

 pulp, with a delicious juice and musky perfume. It is apt to 

 rot in rainy weather. In this State, it ripens unevenly ; part of 

 the bunches remaining hard and green until frost cuts them off. 

 It is a little too late for vineyard culture here, but will give 

 satisfaction, if trained to the south side of a house or fence. 

 The Delaware is a beautiful, amber grape, with a tinge of rose 

 color. It is sweet, juicy, and melting, with a delicate flavor. 

 The vine is hardy, and when fully established, prolific ; though 

 there are many vines which produce more wood and fruit. In 

 quality, it is not surpassed by any native. The medium or 

 small size of its fruit is its only fault. It requires a riclier soil 

 and more generous feeding than any other grape. When 

 trained low and well ripened, it has made wine in all respects 

 superior to Catawba, grown in the same locality the same year ; 

 both grapes being perfectly ripe. Grapes for the garden and 

 south walls, to be grown only where they can have winter pro- 

 tection, are Allen's Hybrid, Rebecca, Union Village, Isabella, 

 Diana ; new ones, on trial, Adirondac, lona, Israella, Rogers' 



