THE COUNTRY HOME [chapter 



that are nearest to ironclad are Golden Pockling- 

 ton and Moore's Early — both of which rank close 

 up to the select half dozen. Moore's Early is a 

 noble grape every way, in the growth of the 

 vine, in hardiness, in size of bunch and grape, and 

 in prolific bearing — after it once begins to give 

 fruit. The Pocklington is equally grand, both in 

 vine and fruit. It needs, however, a long season to 

 bring it into perfection, not being fully ripe before 

 about October 10th. It cannot, therefore, be rec- 

 ommended as far north as Massachusetts, and 

 Central New York, Northern Ohio, and Michigan, 

 except in sheltered localities. Agawam and Diana 

 are two of the best keepers, and Agawam is cer- 

 tainly one of the best grapes for vineyard culture. 

 I have heard good judges pronounce the lona 

 the very best grape in existence, but, unfortunately, 

 the lona is quite tender in northern latitudes. By 

 covering the vines with leaves or compost I am 

 able to secure some noble bunches that are 

 unexcelled in their winelike flavor. Others, going 

 through my vineyard, are quite emphatic that the 

 best of all grapes is the Herbert. It certainly is one 

 of the richest of all our grapes, but, like most of 

 Rogers' Hybrids, it is not a self-pollenizer. In my 



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