274 Gi'upcs at North Bass ajtd Kmgsville, Canada. 



So much of history, and changes wrought by fruiting the grape on North 

 Bass six years since. 



The crop last season was heavy and excellent. The wine was corre- 

 spondingly fine. I found it all sold on a late visit. It was marketed mostly 

 at Detroit. 



The grape-crop this season is not an equal success in all parts of the is- 

 land. As elsewhere through this vicinity, the Catawbas particularly sufiFered 

 from heavy showers, both when in bloom and immediately afterwards as 

 grapes were setting, and the size of shot. The damage by washing away 

 the pollen was not so general. 



On the 2ist of June, a most fearful storm swept over us, the water falling 

 in floods. Mildew in the bunches followed, investing the young sets and 

 stems thick with filmy straws apparent to the naked eye. Growth was 

 checked ; and the parts affected dried up, and usually dropped off Some, 

 though, still cling. The vine was not otherwise harmed in leaf or branch. 

 Many vineyards almost entirely escaped. Some lost two-thirds, and some 

 quite their whole crop, in twenty-four hours. The average loss in North 

 Bass was probably one-half the crop. This may be over-estimated. I 

 speak now of Catawbas. The Delaware, which is our next most important 

 crop, suffered only very slightly here and there, and generally where smoth- 

 ered upon the ground. The Concord seemed quite as much subject to the 

 blight as the Catawba. 



In July, early part, and in August, there was no rot, or so little as to be 

 just slightly noticeable. With July, 6th or 7th, set in hot, dry weather, 

 unbroken until late in August. The storming prosces is now (Sept. i) 

 completed, and we look upon the crop as out of danger. 



I will give a few detailed observations, and close. 



Mr. Kenny's vineyard of ten acres of Catawbas gives promise of two and 

 a half tons per acre. Aspect south, rows north and south, eight feet dis- 

 tant, trellised. Part was well cultivated ; but I found the neglected portion 

 promising quite as well. This is an experiment, but at this stage is incom- 

 plete, and will be till a succeeding harvest. Let not the sluggard soothe 

 himself Extended observations from year to year convince me, and many 

 wiser, that the vines neglected have a sorry history in the run of the years ; 

 and I know, that, in the majority of cases, the vineyards doing best at this 

 end of the Lake Shore are among those best attended last season. 



