84 



NOMENCLATURE OF GRAPES. 



long and irregular, composed of fine large oval berries, which 

 are rather larger at the summit than the base, and about an 

 inch in length ; they hang loosely on the cluster, and present 

 a beautiful appearance. The skin is firm, of a light green on 

 the shade side, and of a slight amber hue on the sunny side, 

 when at complete maturity. The flesh is firm and crisp, re- 

 plete with musky and perfumed juice, which is excellent when 

 the fruit is perfectly ripe ; each berry contains one or two very 

 small seeds. Duhammel puts the Malaga as a synonyme, but 

 the grape best known to us by the latter name, is widely dif- 

 ferent : the same author puts the Muscat d'Espagne as syno- 

 nymous. 



This grape seldom ripens in the latitude of Paris, unless in 

 very hot seasons, and only when cultivated as an espalier in a 

 southern exposure ; but in southern France it is deemed among 

 the most exquisite fruits. It has the advantages of keeping a 

 long time, and of making excellent preserves. 



I scarcely think we can calculate with any certainty on 

 crops of this grape in the vicinity of New-York and north of 

 it by open culture, unless the situations selected are peculiarly 

 favourable, as the season is scarcely long enough. Some 

 distance to the south, however, it will be sure to succeed. It 

 is one of the favourite varieties planted in grape houses in 

 England, and also in the vicinity of Boston, where I have 

 met with it in high perfection. 



VIOLET MUSCAT OF ALEXANDRIA. PR. CAT. No. 84. 



Muscat d' Alexandria violet. 



Although a grape is mentioned by some authors under this 

 name, I do not find it described by any that has come within 

 my notice ; I however have a grape to which I think this title 

 will justly apply ; the fruit is a long oval of rather large size, 

 violet colour, and very high mu?k flavour, and powdered with 

 a fine bloom. It is very delicious, matures its fruit perfectly in 

 my garden during the month of September, and I consider it 

 one of the best table grapes. 



