24 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



spoken of heretofore, has ripened in many instances where Isa- 

 bella failed. Mr. Bull has shown Concord in abundance, but 

 few others have done so, probably for the reason that it has not 

 been planted out a sufficient length of time to allow for a liberal 

 show. It is a valuable acquisition, and ]Mr. Bull is deserving of a 

 liberal reward for his patient waiting, biding the time when the 

 community will say he should be amply compensated for originat- 

 ing so valuable a variety." 



From these various reports it will be seen with what differing 

 opinions the new seedling was received. The detractors of it, 

 among whom were men from the leading horticultural and pomo- 

 logical societies, attacked Mr. Bull and the Hovey company, some 

 even going to the extent of accusing them of deliberate falsehood, 

 in order to sell the vines. 



The first ten years after its introduction saw the gradual spread 

 of the Concord grape over most of the country. The winter of 

 1856-57, being very severe, reports all varieties except Concord as 

 killed or so badly hurt that they did not bear. The name of its 

 originator was likewise spreading with the fame of the grape, and 

 prominent men came from all over the country to see INIr. Bull in 

 his humble home. To all he gave a most hearty welcome, and 

 being naturally endowed with grace and charm of manner, he 

 made many friends, and left the impression of a man who was 

 thoroughly imbued with a love for his work and an enthusiasm for 

 the calling which he had chosen, that had resulted in discoveries 

 deserving the highest honors a nation could bestow. 



Marshall P. Wilder said: "Had ]Mr. Bull done nothing else for 

 the benefit of mankind than to originate the Concord grape, his 

 name Avould be held in grateful remembrance while the fruit of 

 the vine shall cool the parched tongue, or its juice make glad the 

 heart of man." 



Success with the Concord grape did not stop jNIr. Bull's work 

 on grapes. He continued experimenting and produced Cottage, 

 named for his home; Esther, a beautiful white grape, which, 

 believing it to be the best he could produce, he lovingly named 

 for his mother; Rockwood, named after his closest and lifelong 

 friend, Judge E. Rockwood Hoar, who said that a public benefactor 

 such as Mr. Bull would in any country of the Old World have 



