162 DESCRIPTION OF VARIETIES. 



wild native, and, with the native vigor and 

 hardiness of its parent, possesses also its 

 strongly marked faults. It originated with 

 Mr. Bull, of Concord, Massachusetts. The 

 vine is hardy, vigorous, and early, ripening its 

 fruit over a wide extent of country, which 

 alone would give it value, if we had not much 

 better grapes ripening about as early. The 

 bunch is very large, compact, and shouldered. 

 The color is dark purple, with a light bloom. 

 The berry is large, round, and has a thin skin. 

 The flesh is soft or buttery, with the fibrous, 

 acid center characteristic of this class of grapes, 

 and which only disappears when the fruit has 

 passed the period of maturity. The juice is 

 sweet, but without that vinous spirit that gives 

 so much enjoyment in the use of the grape. 

 In quality, it bears a close resemblance to the 

 Northern Muscadine. The fruit, even in its 

 best condition, has a strong a foxy" odor, which 

 is very offensive, and only becomes more so by 

 use ; this, added to its peculiar buttery flesh 

 and want of spirit, renders it any thing but an 

 agreeable fruit to tastes that have been culti- 

 vated by the use of good grapes. It owes its 

 popularity to its vigor and productiveness, and 

 not to its goodness. When mature, the berries 



