90 INTRODUCTION OF NEW FEUIT. 



tended to prove that they were, let their origin be what it might, 

 of the same species as the native grape of our woods ; and this so 

 far from deteriorating from their value, rather serves to enhance it ; 

 for seedling grapes, of any of the foreign varieties, though they 

 may for a time do well in certain situations, are so subject to mil- 

 dew as to be, let their quality be what it may, entirely worthless 

 for general cultivation. 



The grapes of Mr. Blood are, as he states, much earher in ripen- 

 ing than the Isabella, as is evidenced by comparing them with those 

 of that variety grown under similar circumstances. Your commit- 

 tee found in the garden of Mr. Blood an Isabella grape vine 

 growing in a situation not more unfavorable to the ripening of its 

 fruit than that occupied by his seedlings ; but of that the fruit was 

 quite green when the fruit on the seedlings was ripe, or nearly so, 

 thus affording a satisfactory proof of their earliness of ripening, as 

 compared with the Isabella. Although in a far less degree, the 

 seedlings of Mr. Blood have the same pulpiness that distinguishes 

 our native grapes, the correction of which is so desirable and so 

 essential to entitle a grape to the character of great excellence. 



Mr. Blood's grapes when thoroughly ripe, or as ripe as the speci- 

 mens presented on September 15th, were juicy, sweet and pleasant, 

 but lacked sprightliness and flavor. In forming an opinion of their 

 quality, your committee adopted as a standard the Isabella ; and 

 with fruit of this variety, of which ripe branches were obtained 

 from vines growing in a situation favorable to their early ripening, a 

 comparison was made, the result of which was not favorable to 

 Mr. Blood's seedlings. 



The premiums offered by the Society are, " for a new variety of 

 native or seedling grapes, of decidedly superior quality, ripening 

 in this County, in the open air, by the middle of September, pro- 

 lific and suitable for the table ; the same to be tested by the Com-' 

 mittee two years." It seems to be evidently the object of the 

 Society to endeavor to obtain from seed a grape superior to any 

 now possessed, and that to none other would the award of premium 

 so large in amount, be justifiable. Independently of the require- 

 ments of the Society, a due regard for the public should deter the 

 committee from the award of any premium, when that award might 

 give rise to subsequent disappointment. 



The seedling grapes of Mr. Blood have been tested two years in 



