DESCRIPTION OF VARIETIES. 173 



the Catawba in a greater degree. The Isa- 

 bella has sweetness nearly in its simplest form, 

 and, consequently, only a feeble or low degree 

 of vinous flavor, suited to tastes that are sat- 

 isfied with sweetness chiefly, and look for lit- 

 tle more. The Catawba has more sweetness, 

 but added to it, enough of the acid of the grape 

 to produce spirit' and animation. It is also less 

 " foxy" than the Isabella. The Catawba, though 

 very far from faultless, is altogether a better 

 grape than the Isabella. It is hardy, and a good 

 grower. The bunch is large, moderately com- 

 pact, and shouldered. The color is a dark 

 claret, covered with a fine light bloom. The 

 berry is large, round, with a thick skin. The 

 flesh has a large tough, acid center, between 

 which and the skin is a sweet juice, having 

 a spicy, vinous flavor. In the Catawba the 

 " foxy " odor has lost a considerable degree 

 of its offensiveness. The skin, however, is 

 acrid, and often produces soreness in tender 

 mouths. There is always some astringency, 

 and often also a peculiar bitterness, in the 

 Catawba, very unpleasant to the taste. The 

 acid center disappears more or less, accord- 

 ing as the grape is grown in localities more 

 or less favorable to its ripening, but is 



