NOMENCLATURE OF GRAPES. 203 



They ripen at Troy the latter part of August. The circum- 

 stance of the diminution of seeds in this seedling is worthy of 

 particular note, as most authors attribute such diminution to 

 a long course of culture and a continued increase from cut- 

 tings ; but here is a seminal variety, in its youth and full 

 vigour possessing a characteristic generally supposed to de- 

 rive its existence from age and exhaustion. Where now rests 

 the basis of their arguments? 



Mr. N. remarks, that although the fruit hitherto produced 

 has been rather small, still it is probable that its size may be 

 increased as the plant advances in age. The vine was sent to 

 me without a name, but I have thought it correct and just to 

 call it after the person to whom it owes its origin. 



BEAVERDAM. 



This variety originated in Virginia, and derives its title from 

 its native locality. It was sent to rne with several other va- 

 rieties by my highly respected friend and correspondent Tho- 

 mas S. Pleasants, Esq. of that state, who may be justly ranked 

 among the most ardent friends of the vine culture. The fruit 

 is dark purple, the berries scarcely a size smaller than those of 

 the Bland, with a thin skin, and from one to two seeds in 

 each ; they are sweet, juicy, and slightly pulpous, and are 

 devoid of that musky flavour belonging to the Isabella and 

 Alexander, to which some object. The bunches are large and 

 winged, the berries of beautiful appearance and not closely set. 



Mr. P. considers it the finest native grape that has come 

 under his notice, and states, that the original vine is such a 

 well known favourite, that it is invariably robbed before the 

 fruit comes to maturity, and that he has but once been able 

 to obtain any in a perfectly ripe state. It is represented also 

 by the people in its vicinity, to be superior to any of the wild 

 grapes they have ever tasted, and in fact equal to most of those 

 that are cultivated, and the owner of the original vine regards 

 it as a treasure. It is of course not equal to the Chasselas, 



