tbe ricTi wine of tlic Delaware. To Mrs. Pcakc as well as to Mr. Brocksbank we are 

 specially indebted for preserving and introducing a fruit that is destined to perform so 

 distinguished a part in American pomology. 



Of the Anna, I liave spoken all that I would say clse-wliere, except that I consider it 

 worthy to stand among the six indispensable varieties ; and I would further remark 

 that our six best are not inferior to the six best table grapes of Fi'ance, when we shall 

 grow them with the same skill and care as is there bestowed upon them. We have yet, 

 as a pco})le, much to learn of the importance of the grape, and of the facility with which 

 they may be kept quite through tlic winter, so that they may, without extraordinary 

 means, be had in good condition f:n' the table from the ripening of the Delaware, which 

 takes place as early as the first of September, to the first of March ; so that here as in 

 France it must become the fruit of first consideration, as it is already first in excellence 

 of flavor, and easily first in promotion of healthfulness. 



In the vicinity of Paris grapes for the table are so extensively grown, and so highly 

 prized, that their cultivation is, par eminence^ styled "The Grand Culture ;" and that 

 estimation is held in the country in which pears are the most abundantly produced and 

 of the best quality known. The ancient Celtic name, which means " best of trees," 

 expresses the estimation in which it was held by that people ; and the name in Greek, 

 Latin, and Spanish, is not less expressive of worth. Of its character with them we 

 know almost nothing, until, after having undergone the improvement of ages, it had 

 reached perfection, so far as varieties are concerned ; but the " stock" or constitution of 

 each variety consequent upon the care and skill which it has long received, is regarded 

 as of the utmost importance when a new vineyard is to be planted ; for the immediate 

 produce from plants well propagated from vines in the best condition is greatly superior 

 to that from vines that have, from deficiency of skill or care, not acquired so great a 

 degree of excellence either in vigor of habit or quality of fruit. Careful observation 

 has shown the great advantage of following this course, and laws analogous to those 

 observed by successful breeders of cattle are not less operative in the vegetable 

 kingdom. • 



Among the evils to which new and desirable varieties of plants of all kinds are sub- 

 jected is excessive propagation, either by taking as many layers as the vine can be 

 made to produce, or by using all of the wood that can be made to grow ; in which cases 

 the vines will always be imperfect or worthless, and consequently the reputation of the 

 variety damaged or destroyed. Of this, the Diana has been a marked example, and 

 those who have experienced its feeble growth, unproductiveness, and small bunches 

 from the dwarfed specimens first sent out, behold with incredulous surprise the exceed- 

 ingly vigorous growth, which is but its normal development, and such magnificent 

 bunches of fruit as have, this season, been eagerly taken by purchasers from the side of 

 Black Hamburgs at the same price, but with a decided preference for the Diana. 



One of our best new varieties is now languishing in reputation in consequence of 

 subjection to this very evil ; and the Delaware has suffered from it most of all. But 

 the inherent vital energy peculiar to that variety enables it best of all to overcome the 

 injury when again placed in favorable circumstances, if the damage has not been so severe 

 as utterly to destroy its constitution. 



It is worthy of consideration, that while the fruit of the vine is the most estimable 

 of all fruits, it is at the same time the most abundant in its yield to cultivation, and 

 our two best varieties (Delaware and Diana) are the least liable of all our vegetative 

 productions to fail of giving a full crop — Ci partial failure even of the Delaware never 

 having occurred, and it appears to succeed in every variety of soil, climate, and locality 

 Ln which the grape will thrive. 



All of the wants of the vine are very easily supplied, and no intricate complication 

 of " specials" is required or advantageous ; and the care of it is not irksome to those 

 who lovingly regard it, and make of it a companion through the season. Its rewards 

 are most generous. The place of reception should be fully exposed to the sun at least 

 half of the day, and better if all — not overshadowed by trees, or subjected to the drip of 



