188 



It does not appear qualified to produce a good wine bj itself, 

 but needs the addition of sugar and alcohol, when it pro- 

 duces an excellent wine ; the grape itself imparts a fine 

 bouquet to the product. There are not many of the varieties 

 of this species at present in cultivation ; the Scuppernongs 

 are considered to be about the best. 



Most of the better class of American Grapes are subject to 

 mildew^ on the leaves, and consequently are not much culti- 

 vated, while those of only second-rate quality, which are of a 

 more hardy constitution, are largely grown both for market 

 and table. Efforts have been made to secure an improved 

 race by crossing with the best varieties of the European 

 vine (Vitis Vinifera), but the progeny are not of a sufficient 

 hardy constitution and quickly die out. On this account the 

 xA.merican horticulturists have now turned their attention to 

 the native .species, and varieties are yearly being raised, 

 many of which are said to be of superior merit. 



Apart from the imjjortance of these vines for the produc- 

 tion of fruit or wine, they are in request on the Continent 

 as a stock on which to graft the cultivated varieties of the 

 Euroj^ean vine. The roots of the American vines are not 

 liable to the attack of the much dreaded Phylloxera, by 

 which the vineyards of Europe are at present being devas- 

 tated. It is hoped that by working on the American vines 

 that this evil will be considerably checked, if not eradicated. 



In the ornamental section the introductions have been 

 more numerous, and may eventually add much to the floral 

 beauty of the island. Prominently in this section are the 

 various Ehododendi'ons, which are invaluable in an orna- 

 mental point of view. When this class of plants become 

 better known they will be sure to be more extensively cul- 

 tivated in the island than they are at present, especially as 

 there are large tracks of country of a peaty or sandy- 

 vegetable nature, occurring naturally, which are eminently 

 suited to their requirements, and where they could inex- 

 pensively be grown to an unlimited extent. 



In the colder parts of the island the Himalayan species 

 and hybrids would require protection during the winter 

 montbs. 



Of these, Ehododendron Voitchianum is a noble species 

 from Moulmein. It produces large, white, fringed flowers, 

 exhaling a strong perfume. The flowers may be compared 

 to a large fringed vase. 



Rhododendron Javanicum is a fine rich orange flowered 

 species from Java. It has been much used in the production 

 of the many beautiful hybrid Rhododendrons brought into 

 notice of late. 



Rhododendron Ciliatum is a dwarf early flowering rose 



