The Canadian Horticulturist. 335 



NOTES FROM THE CENTRAL EXPERIMENTAL FARM, OTTAWA. 



GRAPES. 



^HILE the total summer heat in this locality was probably up to 

 the average, yet the heated period, arriving as it did early in the 

 season, was more favorable to a rampant growth of vine than the 

 early ripening of the fruit. The fact that many of the Rogers' 

 and other hybrids are dependent, in a measure, on cross fertiliza- 

 tion was more clearly brought out this season than usual, owing, 

 no doubt, to the moist and rainy weather which prevailed during 

 the blossoming period. Some interesting experiments were made along this line 

 recently by Prof. Beach, of the Geneva Experiment Station, N.Y. By enclosing 

 in paper sacks, before blossoming, a number of clusters of each variety in the 

 vineyard, he readily determined which sorts were perfect in blossom, and which 

 were dependent on cross fertilization. The results showed all gradations from 

 sterility to complete fertilization. Among the Rogers' varieties impotence was 

 more common than among those not hybrids. These results contirm the opinion 

 of many grape growers, and point as a practical remedy for this defect to the 

 mixing or intermingling or these varieties in the vineyard. 



Among red varieties which have done well on these grounds the past 

 season are Vergennes and Gsertner ; they have made good bunches, ripened per- 

 fectly and have been entirely free from mildew. Salem set well, but where 

 unsprayed, mildewed considerably. Massasoit and Agawam failed to ripen thor- 

 oughly, while Lindley set poorly and was attacked by Bird's Eye 'Rot(espaceloma 

 ampelimnnj. Eldorado (white), which has been a vigorous grower, a good bearer, 

 and has taken the lead of all varieties in the vineyard for the past two years in 

 regard to quality, made a very poor showing, owing to incomplete fertilization. 

 Scarcely a perfect bunch was obtainable. Among other white varieties Duchess, 

 Hayes, and Kensington are to be commended. They are all of good quality, ripen- 

 ing with, or soon after, Delaware. Kensington was produced at London some 

 years ago by Prof. Saunders, who pollenized Clinton with Buckland's Sweet Water. 

 In a remarkable way it combines in fruit and vine the characteristics of both 

 parents. Vine, fairly vigorous ; wood, short jointed ; leaves, deeply cut ; bunch, 

 medium to large, sometimes very large; berry, medium size, oval ; skin, thin; pulp, 

 rich and juicy ; a grape of first quality, ripening a week later than Delaware. 

 Thus far it has not been propagated to any extent, but its probable value, especi- 

 ally for home use, should lead to more extended trial by grape growers. 



Among black varieties Eaton does not deserve such high praise as is so 

 generally accorded ; bunch and berry are very large, but on these grounds its 

 quality is much below par. Potter is much better in quality, earlier, but the 

 berries drop almost as readily as some of the Southern Fox grapes when grown 

 in this locality. 



Moore's Early, Worden, Merrimack, and Roger's 36 were very satisfactory. 



