MARKETING EASTERN GRAPES. 27 



The topography of this section causes a strict demarcation of the 

 area suitable for grape growing and localizes the vineyards to the 

 territory between the lake and the long ridge which roughly par- 

 allels it. On the the lake side of the ridge the soil is a rich clay 

 loam underlaid by limestone and shale and alternating with grav- 

 elly loam, an ideal grape soil. The effect of a large body of water 

 upon the temperature is to reduce frost damage to a minimum and 

 the steady lake winds give the belt almost perfect immunity from 

 fungus diseases. These two factors, together with the character of 

 the soil, make this section an almost ideal place for grape production. 



History. 



The commercial grape industry in this region began in the eighties 5 

 when the first shipments in carload lots were made. The prices 

 realized, in some cases between $200 and $250 per ton, were so satis- 

 factory that farmers began to plant extensive vineyards, coopera- 

 tive marketing associations were formed, and individuals entered 

 the field. as buyers and independent shippers. The growth of the 

 industry was rapid and at one time the shipments of the belt were 

 estimated at 8,000 cars a year. During the past three years, how- 

 ever, acreage and production have both declined because of a root- 

 worm injury which left the vines in such a weakened condition that 

 they were unable to withstand the recent severe winters. 



Clean culture is generally practiced, and is often supplemented by 

 cover crops of rye, barley, buckwheat, or red clover. Generally the 

 vineyards are plowed in both fall and spring and usually either 

 manure or a commercial fertilizer is applied. 



ACEEAGE AND VARIETIES. 



The Concord is the chief grape of the belt, and it is roughly esti- 

 mated that 95 per cent of the commercial acreage is of that variety. 

 The Worden is next in importance and probably comprises 3 per 

 cent of the crop. The Moore, Niagara, Delaware, and Agawam 

 make up the remaining 2 per cent. The Moore and Worden are 

 the first to mature, moving heavily in a normal season from about 

 the second week in September until the first week in October. Con- 

 cords start the last week in September or the first week in October 

 and are usually cleaned up by November 1. The Niagara, the Dela : 

 ware, and the Agawam, known locally as " varieties," are generally 

 shipped early in October. 



The commercial acreage of the belt is variously and unofficially 

 estimated as from 33,000 to 35,000 acres, which is a material reduc- 

 tion from the number devoted to grapes three or four years ago. No 

 official statistics as to production are available, but it is the consensus 



