C|e fccibiim llorticitltmist 



VOL. IV.] JUNE, 1881. [No. 6. 



CHAMPION, alias BEACONSFIELD GRAPE. 



The following remarks are copied from the Eeport of the Fruit 

 Growers' Association of Abbottsford, Province of Quebec, and shows 

 in what esteem the Champion grape is held amongst tliem. It also 

 proves beyond question that the Champion and Beaconsfield are one 

 and the same grape. 



" Champion. — This variety was also upon the tables at Abbottsford, 

 and on account of its special earliness attracted special attention. It 

 was also exhibited in 1877 by L. W. Decker, of Montreal, who had 

 bought it iu 1871 from Messrs. Shanley & Gallagher. Since then it 

 has been largely imported by them, and by Messrs. Menzies & Galla- 

 gher, as the Champion, and sold as such; and more recently imported 

 ns the Champion and sold as the Beaconsfield. It combines the main 

 characteristics of a market fruit. It is essentially a pioneer grape. 

 It was in flavor the poorest, with one exception, of the thirty-three 

 varieties exhibited. It is, however, quite good enough to sell. The 

 market does not demand quality in a grape any more than it does in 

 a pear or in an apple. The Champion has the earliness, size and 

 color necessary for a commercial grape, and as such, and a forerunner 

 of finer fruits, it must prove of great service to our northern country. 

 As a commercial grape, however, it has a weak point in its shortness 

 of season. The Champion drops from the bunch somewhat — less so 

 we think than the Hartford ; but our knowledge on this point is 

 limited. It is short in its season, though nothing like as short as a 

 Peach apple; but in a general way it is like the Peach and Astrachan 

 apples, early and perishable, yet profitable. The money aspect of this 

 Champion grape, the proprietors of the vineyard at Beaconsfield must 

 surely have carefully weighed, and their firm belief in it they have 

 proved by the fact that they have planted out seventeen acres, or 

 li>,100 vines," 



