Grapes ajid Grape-Culture. 15 



such as Concord, Ives's Seedling, Norton's Virginia, &c. This unfortunate 

 and apparently increasing tendency of the Catawba to rot in most locali- 

 ties has greatly discouraged its planting ; although, where it can be per- 

 fectly matured, it is still one of the noblest and best of American grapes. 



The Diana is not quite hardy in severe winters, and seems not as gen- 

 erally adapted to various kinds of soil as the Catawba, though it usually 

 ripens a little earlier. It seems, however, in many cases, shy, and almost 

 capricious, about bearing. I have found it to do best in clay, or gravelly 

 soil too poor to induce a very strong growth. In such situations, I think 

 it bears more abundantly, and ripens its fruit better, than upon rich, black 

 soils, where it makes strong wood -growth, but bears little, and ripens 

 unevenly and imperfectly. 



The lONA had the misfortune to be introduced with the most extravagant 

 representations as to its character and perfect adaptability to all sections, 

 and its capacity to meet all the requirements of grape-growers. Had it 

 possessed one-half the perfections claimed for it, it might, indeed, have 

 been the grape for which anxious cultivators have, thus far, waited in vain. 

 I regret to say that failure to meet the expectations raised by such enthu- 

 siastic commendation has had the effect to cause a re-action, which prom- 

 ises to depress its reputation below its real merits. Where it can have its 

 special requirements, it is really a grape of high character, and worthy of 

 even extraordinar\' care and attention. So far as my experience extends, 

 I find it, in soils suited to its wants, healthy and tolerably vigorous in 

 growth when well established, ver}' little liable to mildew or rot, but ten- 

 der in winter, and wholly unable to resist severe cold. Careful covering in 

 winter is here indispensable. It seems to require a rather dr}' situation, 

 and a deep, well-worked loamy or gravelly clay. In any thing approaching 

 wet, mucky, or too rich, black soils, I have found the roots invariably un- 

 healthy. It has also been ver}'^ tardy in ripening. Although it partially 

 colors early, giving promise of speedy maturit}', I have found these appear- 

 ances delusive, and that, to acquire its best condition, it requires a favora- 

 ble season, — nearly as long as the Catawba. I am inclined to think the 

 most extensive failures with this variet}' have arisen from its apparently 

 natural tendency to form unhealthy and imperfect roots under treatment, 

 and in soils, where other varieties remain sound and healthy. I have 



