21 



County, 38 bushels of ordintiry and 87,460 pounds of best ; 

 and Fitchburg, in Worcester County, 179 bushels of ordinary 

 and 72,860 pounds of best. 



In order to ascertain the condition of the grape industry 

 at the present time, and the outlook for this year's crop, a 

 special circular was prepared and sent to parties in some forty 

 of the towns in which this industry is most largely carried 

 on, as indicated by the census of 1885. 



From the returns received it is estimate 1 that there are 

 not less than 275 acres at the present time devoted to grape 

 culture in vineyards, and that the Concord, Moore's Early 

 and Wordeu are the varieties most generally grown. In 

 some sections grapes are also grown in houses, but it is 

 believed not to any great extent for market. 



The following reports will indicate the acreage of and 

 prospect for this year's crop in what might be called the 

 grape centres of the Commonwealth : — 



Amherst. — Six acres in vineyards, one-half young ; Concord, 

 Moore's Early and Wordeu most largely grown ; crop promises to 

 be more than an average in quantity and quality ; estimated yield 

 3^ tons;. crop usually marketed in Worcester; grape culture in 

 vineyards not increasing very much. 



Aslihy. — Forty acres in vineyards; Concord, Moore's Early, 

 Niagara and Worden most largely grown ; crop, promises to be 

 an average one in quantity and quality ; estimated yield 75 tons ; 

 crop usually marketed in Boston, and five cents i)er pound net 

 the price received last year ; grape culture in vineyards not 

 increasing ; little trouble from disease or insects so far this 

 season. Grapes grown in two houses in town ; one containing 

 2,700 square feet, hot water heater, vai'ieties grown. Black and 

 Muscat Hamburg, Alicant, Gros Colman ; other house 1,000 

 square feet, no heat, varieties grown, Hamburg and Alicant. 



Berlin. — Five acres in vineyards ; mostly Concord ; crop prom- 

 ises to be more than an average ; estimated yield 6^ tons ; mar- 

 keted in Boston, Worcester and neighboring towns ; average price 

 per pound received last year seven cents ; grape culture in vine- 

 yards not increasing in this town. 



Billerica. — Twenty-six acres in vineyards; varieties, mostly 

 Concord, Moore's Early and Niagara ; this year's crop does not 



