326 MANUAL OF AMERICAN GRAPE-GROWING 



possible to give the exact climatic and soil conditions best 

 adapted to the species. It is reasonable to suppose, however, 

 that the ideal conditions for this species under cultivation are 

 not widely different from those prevailing where the species is 

 indigenous. In the case of Labrusca, this means that it is 

 best adapted to humid climates, and that the temperature de- 

 sired varies according to whether the variety comes from the 

 southern or northern form of the species. 



The root system of Labrusca does not penetrate the soil 

 deeply, but the vine is said to succeed better in deep and clayey 

 soils than ^Estivalis. It endures an excess of water in the soil, 

 and, on the other hand, requires less water for successful grow- 

 ing than ^Estivalis or Vulpina. In spite of its ability to with- 

 stand clayey soils, it seems to prefer loose, warm, well-drained 

 sandy lands to all others. The French growers report that all 

 varieties of this species show a marked antipathy to a lime- 

 stone soil, the vines soon becoming affected with chlorosis when 

 planted in soils of this nature. In corroboration of this, it may 

 be said that Labrusca is not often found wild in limestone soils. 

 The Labruscas succeed very well in the North and fairly well 

 in the Middle West as far south as Arkansas, where they are 

 raised on account of their fruit qualities, for here the vines 

 are not nearly so vigorous and healthy as are those of other 

 species. In Alabama, they are reported to be generally unsatis- 

 factory, and in Texas the vines are short-lived, unhealthy, 

 and generally unsatisfactory, particularly in the dry -regions. 

 There are some exceptions to this, as for instance, in the Pied- 

 mont region of the Carolinas, where, owing to elevation or other 

 causes, the climate of a southern region is semi-northern in its 

 character. 



The grapes of Labrusca are large and usually handsomely 

 colored. The skin is thick, covering a layer of adhering flesh, 

 which gives the impression of its being thicker than it actually 

 is; the berry is variable in tenderness, sometimes tough, but 



