187 



Australis, which in its native habitat is known as the Georgia 

 Pitch Pine. This tree covers large tracts of country, which 

 are called Pine barrens ; it furnishes a superior wood of a 

 very durable nature, suitable for all constructive purposes. 

 Its timber is largely exported, and is known in the trade as 

 the Yellow Pine, or Deal. It also yields, by tapping, large 

 quantities of turpentine, pitch, resin, and tar, large ship- 

 ments of which are sent to Europe and elsewhere. 



The tree is said to be of slow growth during its early 

 stages ; this, probably, will account for the slow progress of 

 the seedlings raised at the G-ardens, which are not as yet 

 more than a few inches high. 



Several species and varieties of American Grapes have 

 been raised from seed ; these may eventually prove of some 

 cultural importance in the colony. The first of these I 

 shall refer to is Vitis Labrusea, popularly known as the 

 Northern Fox Grape. The varieties of this grape are largely 

 cultivated in the United States both for wine and table use, 

 but more especially for the latter. This is a hardy grape, 

 frequenting moist ground. It is the largest berried of the 

 American Grapes, and has consequently had more attention 

 devoted to it than the other indigenous species. This has 

 resulted in the production of numerous varieties, many of 

 which are held in high estimation. The Catawba is consi- 

 dered to be the best flavoured of these varieties, but it is 

 very subject to mildew. Ive's is also good, but for general 

 cultivation Concord is considered the best, though somewhat 

 deficient in flavour. 



The varieties of Vitis iEstivalis (the Summer Grape) are 

 superior as wine grapes to any other of American origin. 

 Wine made from this grape is held in high estimation on the 

 continent of Europe. The berries are sweet and almost 

 destitute of pulp. The plant requires a warm climate to 

 grow it successfully. The fruit ripens late, but when 

 thoroughly ripe it produces some of the best wine in the 

 country. The plant is very little subject to mildew^, which is 

 a consideration of some moment. 



Vitis Cordif olia (the Frost Grape) is a small berried soiu* 

 grape "which does not reach perfection till late in the season, 

 or not until frost has set in. It keeps w^ell after gathering, 

 but is generally considered too sour for the production of a 

 good wine. The plant enjoys an immunity from mildew 

 and disease generally, and on this account is valuable for 

 the X)urpose of hybridising vines of a less healthy nature, as 

 well as for purposes of ])ropagation. The variety Clinton is 

 at present most esteemed for cultivation. 



Vitis Vulpina. This is a tender grape requiring a warm 

 situation and rich moist soils ; in such it bears abundantly. 



