BICOTYLED ONES. 



219 



15. Ampelidae. The Vine family consists of about 

 two hundred and fifty species of, mostly climbing, shrubs 

 (Fig. 330) ; the majority found in the Tropics. Tendrils 

 and flower-clusters opposite the leaves, the latter alter- 

 nate. Stamens oppo- ^. JS^ a TT 

 site the valvate pe- V<^ 'jgm^ Jl\^^^^^^^ 

 tals. The most im-^ lw.Ji^!c JMA« * ^n 

 portantgenusis Vitis. 

 The Vine of the Old 

 World (F. vinifera) 

 has been cultivated 

 from time immemo- 

 rial, and from its 

 fruit (Grapes) wine 

 is made by fermenta- 

 tion, and brandy by distillation. It has been carried from 

 its native country (Southern Asia) to nearly all parts of 

 the world, and under cultivation has developed numberless 

 "varieties." In some countries (Southern Europe and the 

 Pacific Coast States) raisins (or sun-dried Grapes) are made. 

 Our important native species are the Northern Fox-Grape 

 (F- Lal)rnsea), from which most of our common varieties, 

 as the Catawba, Concord, and Isabella, have arisen ; the 

 Summer Grape (F. cestivalis), from which have been 

 obtained the Virginia Seedling, Herbemont, etc.; the 

 Biver-bank Grape (F. riparia), which has produced the 

 Taylor Bullit, Delaware, and Clinton ; the Southern Fox- 

 Grape (F vulpina), from which was derived the Scupper- 

 nong and other varieties. The Virginia Creeper (Amp&- 

 lopsis quinqiiefolia) is a native climber, unsurpassed for 



Fig. 330. The Virginia Creeper {Ampelopsis quitiquefolia) ; t, tendril ; d, disk j 

 €, coil. 



