CHAPTER XVII. 

 THE AMERICAN GRAPES. 



223. Grape History and Development. Except on 

 favored soils on the west coast our grapes may be said to 

 be truly American. In some cases the varieties grown 

 east of the Rocky Mountains are hybrids produced by 

 crossing with the European species ; yet, as Professor Bailey 

 says, "the grape of Europe and of history has always led 

 a precarious existence when introduced into our Eastern 

 States, and it is now wholly supplanted by the ameliorated 

 offspring of the native species." 



No part of the earth is richer in native species of the 

 grape, and their development in a comparatively brief 

 period by seedling production, selection, and crossing has 

 no parallel case in modern horticultural history. 



At this time the dessert use of the grape in the States 

 and Territories of the Union is not equalled in any part 

 of Europe. Grapes are grown in private gardens in all 

 parts, and commercial growing of the fruit has developed 

 to such extent that good dessert grapes in baskets are now 

 supplied to every grocery,, lumber camp, and mining dis- 

 trict from gathering time in autumn to past mid -winter. 

 The period of grape-eating has been extended until it 

 about equals that of the apple, pear, and orange. The 

 work of improving the dessert quality of the grape is still 

 going on, and some of our young people will live to enjoy 



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