FRUIT committee's REPORT. 67 



GRAPES. 



Grape Vines, M'hen wholly exposed, even in favorable situations, to the in- 

 fluences of the last winter, and even when partially protected tlierefrorn, were, 

 in most instances, greatly injured; in some, killed to the ground; in others, 

 having the leaf and fruit-buds destroyed. Some varieties escaped with less 

 injury than others, and among those that the most successfully resisted the 

 effects of the weather may be named the Delaware and Hartford Prolific. Out 

 of a collection of eight or nine different hardy varieties, these, with the Clinton, 

 were the only varieties that escaped serious harm. 



But although the winter was so destructive, the past summer and autumn 

 were the most favorable for grapes of any now remembered. The mildew, 

 and not the severity of the climate, is the most serious obstacle to the raising 

 of grapes. Last season there was no mildew, and varieties thoroughly ripened 

 and attained perfect maturity in this vicinity, that rarely, if ever before, Avere 

 produced in the open air, in this condition, even when grown under peculiarly 

 favorable circumstances. 



For the first time, in a somewhat lengthened experience, the Isabella seemed 

 to attain perfect maturity. It is true that this variety is often shown well 

 colored and apparently ripe, but this ripeness has been apparent only, for there 

 was a want of the sweetness that belongs to perfectly ripe berries, and even 

 this was only attained when grown in favorable situations in cities, where 

 shelter was afforded, and the severity of the climate somewhat tempered, while 

 this year they have appeared perfectly ripe, even when grown in open ex- 

 posures; so that it is felt that the assertion that for the first time this variety 

 thoroughly ripened the past season, is warranted. 



From its peculiarly favorable character, opportunity has been afforded the 

 past season to form an opinion of the quality of some varieties, when grown in 

 favorable climates, and in a state of, or approaching to, perfection; but this 

 exceptional character of the year should deter the formation of a favorable 

 opinion of the adaptation of such to cultivation; that should be confined to 

 those sorts that ripen their fruit in ordinary years, and under a less advan- 

 tageous combination of circumstances. 



There have been some new grapes exhibited the past year. Of such, among 

 foreign varieties, the Muscat Hamburg, a black grape, with berries of medium 

 size, oval shape, rich Muscat flavor, and large bunches, made a very favorable 

 impression, and was thought a very fine grape. And the Golden Hamburg, a 

 new white grape, with large oval berries, was also considered of good flavor? 

 the vines of both varieties being of a vigorous habit. 



Of hardy varieties, for out-door culture, the Committee have had an oppor- 

 tunity of tasting of a new seedling of Mr. E. A. Brackett. It was a large round 

 black grape, heavy bloom, large bunches, thin skin, little or no pulp, very 

 juicy, sweet, and very vinous. Mr. Brackett stated that it was ripe on 10th 

 September. This has never been publicly exhibited; a few berries of it were 



