OUR NATIVE GRAPES. 



Until recently, from our own hardy native production, we have not been able tc 

 realize the aptness and force of those living illustrations in the word of light and life, 

 where the vine is used to give a notion of something more joyous and good than lan- 

 giiasje has yet been rich enough to symbolize. Vines of spontaneous growth are 

 abundant throughout the whole Indian-corn growing region of oui country. We have 

 varieties innumerable, many of them so characteristically different, that by botanists they 

 have been considered distinct species, producing fruit which ripens at all periods, from 

 the middle of August to the first of November, and of every hue from amber green (or 

 " white'") to intense black. But north of Mason & Dixon's line none of them have 

 given fruit of such excellence as to excite any sympathy with those outbursts of glad- 

 ness which Pagans and Christians in the vine-growing regions of Europe have always 

 manifested at the approach of the grape season. 



At the South, especially in Carolina and G-eorgia, some very excellent varieties are 

 grown to considerable extent, of which the Herbemont may be taken as a type. This 

 variety had received but little notice until more fully introduced by Mr. N. Herbemont, 

 I believe about the year 1825, who was a zealous pioneer in wine-making. The " Ori- 

 ginal Herbemont's Madeira," is still growing at Columbus, South-Carolina. 



The origin of the Isabella is also claimed for South-Carolina, although no trace of it 

 is now found growing wild. Its introduction marks a long stride in American grape- 

 growing. Wherever it has become established, northern seedlings have, per force of 

 great inferiority, at once disappeared from cultivation, and multitudes, whose taste.' 

 were not too nice, have found enjoyment in well-ripened Isabella grapes — some even 

 consider the pungency and aroma of its skin an excellence, while others characterize it 

 as offensive foxiness. 



About twenty years later the introduction of the Catawba by Major Adlum famished 

 a grape of much higher character than Isabella, but not able to ripen so far north by 

 nearly a degree of latitude. Both for table and wine, it was a decided step onward. 

 Still something better was desired and earnestly looked for ; and twenty years later the 

 announcement of a " hardy early grape, better than Isabella and Gataivba,'' was received 

 with expectant pleasure, and placed the name of Mrs. Diana Crehore among those who 

 will be gratefully remembered. 



At about the same time, a " small grape of surpassing beauty and most excellent 

 flavor," attracted the attention of Mr. A.Thomson of Delaware, Ohio, and was exhibited 

 by him at the County Fairs, under the name of the " Heath Grape ;" a few years later, 

 after becoming fully assured of its great value, he introduced it to the public under the 

 name of Delaware.' But its great excellence proved a hindrance to its dissemination, 

 for it was claimed that no grape of such high excellence could be of American origin. 



Mr. Thomson had become intimately acquainted with the characteristics of foreign 

 vines, from those growing in his own house as well as from extensive observation, and 

 never doubted as to the native origin of the Delaware, but was too modest to make 

 strenuous efforts to vindicate his opinions, although he never failed positively to assert 

 his convictions. In consequence of various hindrances and discouragements, he did not 

 vigorously undertake its propagation, and therefore it had little opportunity to make 

 itself generally known as the American grape, but in the mean while, its character for 

 beauty and excellence has not deteriorated, and in size of bunch and berry, it has greatly 

 Increased as opportunity for development has been afforded. 



Two years since, the Rebecca originated by Mrs. E. M. Peake, and introduced by 

 Mr. Brocksbank, of Hudson, New-York, added another to our list of valuable varieties 

 of exceediuL^ beauty and excellence; some even preferring its luscious sweetness to 



