41-1 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



so subject to mildew as to be, let their quality be what it may, 

 entirely Avorthlcss for general cultivation. 



The grapes of Mr. Blood are, as he states, much earlier in 

 ripening than the Isabella, as is evidenced by comparing them 

 with those of that variety grown under similar circumstances. 

 Your committee found in the garden of Mr. Blood an Isabella 

 grape vine growing in a situation not more unfavorable to the 

 ripening of its fruit than that occupied by his seedlings ; but of 

 that the fruit was quite green when the fruit on the seedlings 

 was ripe, or nearly so — thus affording a satisfactory proof of 

 their earliness of ripening as compared with the Isabella ; al- 

 though, in a far less degree, the seedlings of Mr. Blood have 

 the same pulpiness that distinguishes our native grapes, the 

 correction of which is so desirable and so essential to entitle 

 a grape to the character of great excellence. 



Mr. Blood's grapes, when thoroughly ripe, or as ripe as the 

 specimens presented on September 15, were juicy, sweet, and 

 pleasant, but lacked sprightliness and flavor. In forming an 

 opinion of their quality, your committee adopted as a standard 

 the Isabella ; and with fruit of this variety, of which ripe 

 branches were obtained from vines growing in a situation fa- 

 vorable to their early ripening, a comparison was made, the 

 result of which was not favorable to Mr. Blood's seedlings. • 



The premiums offered by the society arc " for a new variety 

 of native or seedling grapes, of decidedly superior quality, 

 ripening in this count} 7 , in the open air, by the middle of Sep- 

 tember, prolific and suitable for the table — the same to be 

 tested by the committee two years." It seems to be evidently 

 the object of the society to endeavor to obtain from seed a 

 grape superior to any now possessed, and that to none other 

 would the award of premium so large in amount be justifiable. 

 Independently of the requirements of the society, a due regard 

 for the public should deter the committee from the award of 

 any premium when that award might give rise to subsequent 

 disappointment. 



The seedling grapes of Mr. Blood have been tested two 

 years in succession, as required by the society; and, so far as 

 earliness is concerned, they seem to comply with that one of 

 its conditions which requires that the grape, to be entitled to 



