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s^Yclled any fruit. Those which set and ripened were used for 

 seed sowing, and from the seeds thus sown Mr. Allen raised sev- 

 eral vines. As they grevf with sufficient vigor, after the second 

 or third years, to need pruning to any extent, the scions were 

 planted out, to test the hardiness of each variety. Notwith- 

 standing a very perceptible distinction could be seen on compar- 

 ing the several plants by their foliage, all those raised from 

 these scions and exposed to the winter's rigors in the open air, 

 proved as hardy as their mother stock. 



Several of these seedlings, having been planted in a house 

 only moderately warmed and almost deprived of sun by sur- 

 rounding buildings and trees, showed symptoms of fruit, which 

 on three vines in particular, ripened well formed bunches, hav- 

 ing good sized berries. Of these is a white variety of such su- 

 perior quality as to have received the commendation of all who 

 have seen it, and which has been called "par excellence^ Allen's 

 Hybrid. In this variety we trace the predominance of the 

 Chasselas over the hardier native species. Another superior hy- 

 brid variety, exhibited at our annual show, was a black grape 

 equalling in flavor and pulp the celebrated Black Hamburgh, 

 and equally betraying its paternity. Still another black varie- 

 ty, with smaller berries, has exhibited much merit. We Avait 

 with singular expectation the fruiting of still other seedlings, 

 encouraged by so much already gained. 



It is well known to horticulturists that the varieties of the 

 vine of European culture ( Yitls Vinlferd) are very great in 

 number, and that they bear distinct names, as they have origi- 

 nated in different districts, although scarcely distinct on com- 

 parison when grown collectively under cultivation. All these 

 varieties are capable of producing seedlings in turn, and pro- 

 duce again an abundance of seed fit for future reproduction. Of 

 course, resort is not had to sowing from seed in the usual grape 

 culture, because well known and reputed old varieties are pre- 

 ferred, and these are easily produced from cuttings, layers, &c. 

 The same holds good with our own native species, and as we 

 proceed southward from New England, the woods are filled 



