CULTURE OF THE GRAPE. 337 



slightly oval like the Isabella; skin thin; flesh melting to 

 the centre, sweet, and free from foxiness ; ripens early in 

 September. 



Isabella. An old variety, introduced at the North by 

 Mrs. Isabella Gibbs, of Brooklyn, L.I., from whom it has 

 received its name. In ordinary localities, especially in 

 New England, it is liable to mildew, and does not ripen 

 its fruit. In favorable localities, especially on the shores 

 of large bodies of water and in a warm position, it still 

 does admirably well. There is a vine on the shore of 

 Lake Winnipiseogee, in New Hampshire, which annually 

 ripens several hundred pounds of noble-looking fruit with 

 great certainty, and in season for the fruit exhibitions 

 about the middle of September ; but this is exceptional. 

 In most positions, the vine mildews, and the fruit will 

 not ripen ; and hence this noble variety is, to a great ex- 

 tent, being displaced by new kinds. Bunches large, long, 

 shouldered ; berries large, black, with a thin bloom, oval ; 

 when well-ripened, the flesh is melting, juicy, sprightly, 

 and good ; ripens in Boston, Sept. 25. 



Lydia. A seedling raised by Mr. Charles Carpenter, 

 of Kelly's Island, O., and promising well in quality 

 and earliness. Bunches above medium; berries large, 



