FRUITS. 147 



tion, insuring good returns for the care and labors of the culti- 

 vator. It is fortunate for many of us that we have in our midst 

 gentlemen of means and liberality who are ready and willing to 

 purchase and test new varieties and give us the result of their 

 experience to guide us in the selection for our gardens and 

 farms. Many varieties which are extolled in the public journals, 

 and lauded by circulars, although they may prove valuable in 

 the localities were they originate, oftentimes disappoint the ex- 

 pectations and hopes of the cultivator in other sections of the 

 country. By experience only can the real value of any variety 

 for our locality be ascertained, and whoever plants the different 

 kinds of vines that are constantly being brought out, must ex- 

 pect failure in many cases. 



It must be admitted, notwithstanding numerous new varieties 

 have been produced during the past ten years, that the Concord 

 should be selected to-day, by the person who wishes to cultivate 

 but one kind. Its returns are more certain, it is hardy and 

 prolific, of good flavor, and generally sure to ripen. No other 

 grape has been produced that combines all these necessary 

 qualities in so great a degree, and is so well suited to our soil 

 and climate. 



Next to the Concord, we should select the delicious, beautiful 

 Delaware, which needs but little more than an increased size of 

 berry and cluster to make it the perfect grape so much desired 

 by the horticulturist. Many of the varieties should be selected 

 only by those who can furnish some favored, protected locality ; 

 among them may be named the lona, a beautiful grape in color, 

 size and flavor, but requiring a long season, and liable to blast 

 and mildew. The same may be said of the Allen's Hybrid, 

 Diana, Union Village, Maxatawny, Cuyahoga and Montgomery. 

 The Adirondac is almost worthless in this locality, and the 

 Creveling may also be considered a failure, growing poorer as 

 the vine grows older. It would seem almost foolish to commence 

 the cultivation of the Catawba or even of the Isabella in this 

 vicinity. 



The Garrigues is not so good as the Isabella, of which it is a 

 seedling, neither is the Martha to be compared with the Concord, 

 from which it sprung. The Dracut Amber and the Perkins, we 

 believe, are not worth cultivating. 



Of the new varieties which were exhibited this year for the 



