210 AMEEICAK GEAPB GROWING 



FOK TABLE, MAKKET AND EAIBINS. 



These are classed together, as some of the best market 

 grapes make good raisins, and vice versa. The growing 

 and shipping of grapes to market, and the curing of 

 them into raisins, are very important branches of the 

 grape industry. Planting vineyards for raisins has alone 

 assumed vast proportions, and especially in Fresno, San 

 Diego, Tulare and other southern counties, so much so 

 as to almost overshadow the wine industry. For those 

 who like grape culture but who have conscientious scru- 

 ples against wine making, either of these other branches 

 furnishes an ample field. 



The_shipping of grapes to distant markets, especially 

 to the !N"orth and East, has very much increased during 

 the past five years of better facilities and lower 

 freights. Many varieties, excellent for the home, will 

 not answer for long distance shipping. For this busi- 

 ness, we must confine ourselves mostly to those varieties 

 which combine an attractive appearance with a tough 

 skin and a firm flesh. Quality is a secondary considera- 

 tion. Most of our grapes are good for the home table, 

 and in many instances the most delicate wine grapes are 

 also among the choicest eating kinds. 



In the choice of varieties, climatic conditions must 

 govern largely in a State where a difEerence of a month 

 is noticed in the ripening of the same variety, though in 

 localities only a few miles apart. 



FOK EARLY MAKKET. 



The Chasselas Fontainebleau, commonly called Sweet- 

 water, is about the earliest ripening variety, and also car- 

 ries well to market. Next in ripening comes the Black 

 Malvasia, so called, a strong grower and good bearer ; 

 cluster heavy, compact, shouldered ; berry large, oblong, 

 black, with blue bloom, tough skin, meaty and juicy 

 and presenting an attractive appearance. 



