312 MANUAL OF AMERICAN GRAPE-GROWING 



cluster. The common method of gathering the fruit of this 

 species is to shake the vines at intervals so that the ripe berries 

 drop on sheets spread below the vines. The juice which ex- 

 udes from the point where the stem is broken off causes the 

 berries to become smeared and gives them an unattractive 

 appearance. Owing, however, to the tough skin, the berries 

 do not crack as badly as other grapes would under the same con- 

 ditions, but nevertheless they are not adapted to long-dis- 

 tance shipments. Under reasonably favorable conditions, the 

 vines attain great age and size and when grown on arbors, as 

 they often are, and without pruning, they cover a large area. 

 Rotundifolia is remarkably resistant to the attacks of all 

 insects and to fungal diseases. The phylloxera do not attack 

 its roots and it is considered as resistant as any other, if not 

 the most resistant of all American species. The vines are 

 grown from cuttings only with difficulty and this prevents the 

 use of this species as a resistant stock. However, under 

 favorable circumstances, and with skillful handling, this is a 

 successful method of propagation. Under unfavorable cir- 

 cumstances, or when only a few vines are desired, it is better 

 to depend on layers. As a stock upon which to graft other 

 vines, this species has not been a success. There is great dif- 

 *ficulty in crossing Rotundifolia with other species, but several 

 Rotundifolia hybrids are now on record. 



2. Vitis Munsoniana, Simpson. Florida Grape. Ever- 

 bearing grape. Bird Grape. Mustang Grape of Florida. 



Vine slender, usually running on the ground or over low bushes. 

 Canes angular; internodes short; tendrils intermittent, simple. 

 Leaves smaller and thinner than Rotundifolia and rather more circular 

 in outline; not lobed; teeth open and spreading; petiolar sinus 

 V-shaped; both surfaces smooth, rather light green. Cluster with 

 more berries but about the same size as in Rotundifolia. Berry one- 

 third to one-half the diameter, with thinner and more tender skin ; 

 black, shining ; pulp less solid, more acid and without muskiness. 



