GRAPE CULTURE. 35 



There has been much comj^laint of slow sales among the 

 propagators of new fancy varieties, but this does not show 

 that gi-ape culture is on the decline, but it only indicates 

 that the masses have learned not to purchase largely of 

 any variety until it has proved to be worthy of cultivation. 

 There will probably be many new varieties brought out 

 every year ; these Avill be purchased sparingly and with 

 caution, for that fever-heat which has afflicted the people 

 for the last five years has passed away. We may expect 

 in the future to see vineyards planted with the same assur- 

 ance and confidence that we do apple and pear orchards, 

 and with the same remunerative results. All this only 

 shows that Ave are becoming generally informed uj^on the 

 subject of grape culture, and that there will be less failures 

 in the future than there has been in the past. New sys- 

 tems of pruning and training will be tried with caution, 

 and all j)oints relating thereunto will be discussed with- 

 out excitement, and their true practical importance fully 

 understood before being adopted. 



Grape culture is, to-day, upon a firm basis, and its pro- 

 gress, as a whole, certain. Whether we have any variety 

 or varieties that may be relied upon for general cultiva- 

 tion, and which wil.1 give, general satisfaction in all sections, 

 is at least doubtful. 



For a market grape, the Concord is probal^ly the most 

 popular variety known, and the award of the Greeley 

 prize to it will make it more sought for than heretofore. 

 The Concord is superior, in some respects, to anything we 

 have, but in others it is very inferior. It is very hardy ; 

 very productive ; leaves tough and firm ; seldom affected 



