C|e faabiiin 



VOL. IV.] DECEMBEll, 1881. [No. 12. 



THE POCKLTNGTON GRAPE. 



So very various have been the opinions expressed with regard 

 to this grape, that until now the writer confesses to considerable per- 

 plexity with regard to its qualities, having heretofore only seen it as it 

 Avas exhibited some years ago at the meeting of the Am. Pomological 

 Society in Pochester, N.Y. At that time the fruit was not fully ripe, 

 so that no just judgment could be formed concerning it ; and the im- 

 pression left on the mind would not be the most favorable, for exhibi- 

 tors are not in the habit of presenting a new thing to the public in an 

 imperfect condition. It was with much satisfaction that we embraced 

 an opportunity of visiting the grounds of Mr. John Charlton, in 

 liochester, K Y., about tlie middle (14th) of October, where there are 

 a number of vines of the Pocklington, and which at that time were 

 well filled with fruit. This visit gave us an opportunity of observing 

 the condition of the foliage, the bearing habit of the vines, and the 

 quality of the fruit, as it appeared not upon one vine merely, but 

 upon some twenty vines or more. 



As to the foliage and general appearance of the vines, there was 

 evidence of strong, robust constitution ; a thick and leathery leaf that 

 would endure well the trying changes of temperature, of drouth, and 

 moisture, to which vegetation in our climate is so subject ; a strong 

 cane, not as stout as that of the Brighton of the same age, but vigorous, 

 well ripened, and of sufficient length to indicate that the vine is a 

 strong, healthy grower, and at the same time not so long jointed as to 

 need great breadth of space for favorable results. The crop of fruit 

 was abundant, quite enough one would say for the vines, though Mr. 

 Charlton stated that a considerable quantity had been already cut off, 

 so there is no reason to fear that the vine is not abundantly productive 



The fruit is showy, commanding attention by reason of the large 

 size of the berries and good size of bunch, and when fully ripe is of a 



