Note on Graces and Grape Climates. 3 



NOTE ON GRAPES AND GRAPE CLIMATES. 



By William Saunders, Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C. 



The recorded observations on the culture of the grape point conclu- 

 sively to two impoi tant focts : first, the necessity of a closer determina- 

 tion of the species from w^hich each particular variety is derived, and, 

 secondly, the unquestioniible superiority of the climatic conditions of 

 certain localities for the healthy grov^^th of the plant. 



Concerning the different species, and their peculiarity of growth, 

 exemption from, or liability to, diseases, the character and value of 

 their fruit for particular and definite purposes, it is well to recognize 

 that the varieties of Vitis Labrusca are very much subject to leaf 

 blight, and that this is more particularly applicable to the finest fruited 

 sorts ; also, that the fruit is more liable to the disease of rot tlian is that 

 of any other native species ; further, this species furnishes fruit the least 

 valuable for wine, although, for table use, fine fruit is produced when 

 allowed to reach a proper degree of maturity. 



Tested by the above-mentioned qualifications, we find that the V^itis 

 cordifoUa is a species possessing great hardihood, and adaptability to 

 gi'ow and fruit well under almost any condition of climate or locality 

 within its range of latitude ; producing fruit of much value for wine, 

 as well as for the use of the table ; rarely injured by rot, or any other 

 casualty, and comprising more of the qualifications necessary for pop- 

 ular and extensive cultivation than any other native species, as at pres- 

 ent known. 



Then, again, to the Vitis cBstivalis belong varieties of the highest 

 merit, and of the greatest value for wine. No true opinion as to what 

 may be produced in the line of American wines can be formed except 

 from sainples of this species. Requiring a long season and genial cli- 

 mate for their perfection, they have not yet been extended so widely as 

 the varieties of Vitis Labi'usca. Their range of successful growth not 

 reaching into high latitudes, their culture has been limited ; but it can- 

 not be doubted, that, when the value of the species becomes more gen- 

 erally known, the culture of the best varieties will rapidly increase. 



In the announcement of new varieties of grapes, an accompanying 

 statement of their origin would enable us to form a tolerably correct 

 opinion as to their intrinsic value, both in regard to the fruit, and tlie 

 best localities for the plant. 



With regard to the necessity of attention to the most advantageous 



