CHAPTER XXI 

 GRAPES 



There are three main types of grapes grown in different parts of 

 the country. They may nearly all be grown in the southern states 

 but only the hardy varieties, or so-called northern grapes are suc- 

 cessfully grown in the northern half of the country. 



Soils. — The grape is not particularly partial to special soils 

 though it will thrive much better on the medium sandy loams than 

 in the heavier soils. Almost any good garden soil may be made to 

 grow grapes successfully. The light soils may be improved by ad- 

 ding organic matter in the form of green manure or barnyard 

 manure. The heavier soils may be improved by the application of 

 both these forms of manure and by the use of lime. 



Location. — It is well to have the grapes near the house where they 

 can be carefully watched from marauders, from birds, and from 

 other natural enemies. For home use it is not a bad plan to have a 

 grape arbor which is permanent in character and which will fur- 

 nish a cover for a walk at least part of the year. If the grape is 

 to be grown for market, a hillside is to be preferred. Good drainage 

 is thus supplied and the vines may be set more closely if the sun 

 can reach all of them. 



The aspect should not be to the west but may be south or south- 

 east. An east or north exposure is not objectionable. As the crop 

 bears its fruit on shoots formed the same year, it is not usually 

 affected by late spring frosts. 



Varieties. — The so-called southern bunch grapes are suitable 

 for growth through the southern states. Good varieties of this 

 type are Headlight, Herbemout, Brilliant, and Bailey. 



The great crops of muscadine grapes may be grown in states 

 east of the Mississippi river and south of the Kentucky line. A 

 trial nursery of muscadine grapes conducted by the United States 

 Department of Agriculture in North Carolina has proved these 

 varieties can withstand the winters in the warmer parts of that 

 state. Probably the best muscadines named in order of ripening 

 are Memory, Thomas, James, and Luola. The northern bunch 

 grapes are suitable for growth in all parts of the country. They 

 have been grown ever since colonial days and many varieties have 

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