424 JVollce of the Royal Victoria Grape Vine. 



will use to what extent you please, for the information of 

 grape-growers. 



[The following is the description alluded to by Col. Perkins: 

 it is a circular of the grower of this new variety, Mr. John 

 Merrick, gardener to Pryse Pryse, Esq., Buscot Park. As 

 this grape is now introduced, and will fruit another year in the 

 grapery of our correspondent, we extract the following ac- 

 count of it, which may be interesting to all cultivators of the 

 grape vine: — 



Royal Victoria Vine. — This splendid new variety from the 

 black Hamburg, was raised at Buscot Park, the seat of Pryse 

 Pryse, Esq., M. P. 



This grape is considered, by eminent judges, to be decid- 

 edly the finest black grape yet introduced, combining every 

 admirable characteristic requisite in grapes. 



The berries, which are of a fine oval shape, measuring from 

 three to four inches in circumference, are of an exquisite fla- 

 vor; the color is jet black, with a rich bloom; the weight of 

 the bunches from two to three pounds; it is a prolific bearer, 

 and well suited for early vineries or green-houses, and is ad- 

 mirable for continuing in good preservation on the vine a long 

 time when ripe. 



Two dishes of the above splendid grapes were presented to 

 Her Majesty, in 1838, by Pryse Pryse, Esq., M. P., and were 

 highly commended as possessing the above qualifications. 



Specimens were likewise exhibited at Stafford Hall, Chis- 

 W'ick, last year, for which a silver medal was awarded. They 

 have also obtained prizes at other horticultural exhibitions.] 



By the kindness of Joseph Paxton, Esq., superintendent 

 of the magnificent establishment of the Duke of Devonshire, 

 at Chatsworth, I received from the grapery under his manage- 

 ment, two new grapes, which, he informed me, were of very 

 fine properties. The West St. Peters, he told me, was a 

 great bearer, requiring hut little heat, that is, artificial heat, 

 and hung on the vine longer than any grape he was acquainted 

 with, and, withal, a prolific bearer, as well as fine flavored. 

 The other is called the Cannon Hall. Mr. Paxton also 

 spoke to me in high terms of this grape, as well as the other. 

 From the manner in which the above plants were sent to me, 

 I have no doubt that the St. Peters will show fruit the next 

 year, though I shall not suffer it to bring to maturity more than 

 two or three bunches, for a year or two. 



