238 THE FRUIT GARDEN 



be provided with more hot-water pipes than is usual for ordinary grapes, for when 

 the vines are in flower, in order to secure a good set of fruit a rather high tem- 

 perature is an advantage. Again, during ripening it is of great value to be able to 

 give increased heat with plenty of air. Without this help and the precaution of not 

 overcropping, it is impossible to secure the best results. Immense quantities of this 

 grape are grown for the London market, and it is in season from the end of June to the 

 middle of March. It commands the highest price in the market. The vine is rather 

 subject to red spider. This is its greatest enemy, and every precaution must therefore 

 be taken to prevent its appearance. When possible it should have a vinery to itself. 

 There are two other distinct and excellent golden Muscats: one is Bowood and the 

 other Canon Hall. The above remarks as regards culture will apply equally to the 

 requirements of these two. 



Bowood Muscat is a stronger grower, and is hardier than Muscat of Alexandria. 

 The berries are slightly larger and rounder in shape, but the flavour is not so rich or 

 sweet. 



Canon Hall. — This is a distinct and handsome grape, a seedling from Muscat of 

 Alexandria, which it resembles, excepting that the bunches are much longer, and the 

 berries larger and rather rounder in form. Considerable skill is required to grow this 

 grape successfully, the chief difficulty being to obtain a proper set of fruit. It has not 

 the rich and exquisite flavour of Muscat of Alexandria. 



Foster's Seedling. — This, as a white grape, is the sheet anchor of the vine grower 

 who wants early white grapes. It forces as well as, or better than, the Black Ham- 

 burgh, and both succeed under the same conditions and treatment. Flavour sweet and 

 refreshing. 



BucKLAND Sweetwater. — This is a handsome summer grape of refreshing and 

 delicious flavour. It also forces well, but for early forcing Foster's Seedling is preferable. 



Golden Hamburgh. — In size of bunch and berry this resembles Black Hamburgh. 

 It is one of the most handsome golden summer varieties, a beautiful amber colour when 

 ripe. The flesh is melting and juicy, the flavour rich and very sweet. A fine exhibition 

 variety and easily grown, but will only remain in good condition a short time after it is ripe. 



Duke of BuccleuCH. — The largest-berried white grape ; when grown to perfection 

 strikingly handsome. The berries are very large, globular, and of a beautiful pale amber 

 colour. It is not so generally grown as it ought to be, and this is accounted for by the 

 fact that it is not a consistent cropper. I think its occasional failure to produce a crop 

 is due chiefly to the proper method of culture not being understood. It makes strong 

 and sappy growth, and should occupy a light warm house facing south, so that ripening 

 of the wood is assured. It must be grown on the extension system. It is useless to 

 expect good crops of fruit from this variety if the spurs are pruned back to one or two 

 buds. It is a summer and autumn grape, and must be served for dessert as soon as 

 ripe. The berries become spotted and decay at the stalk if kept long after they are ripe. 

 It should be grown in a shallow, porous border, receiving plenty of water in summer, 

 and the border in winter should be well protected from excessive rain. 



Golden Champion.— This is the result of a cross between Mill Hill Hamburgh 

 and Bowood Muscat, and, like Duke of Buccleuch, was raised by the late Mr. Wm. 

 Thomson, of Clovenfords. It has large oval berries, and the bunches are usually more 

 symmetrical and larger than those of Duke of Buccleuch. Of the two I prefer the 

 latter. The same method of culture suits the two grapes. 



Chasselas Napoleon. — This is a handsome variety well worth growing in any 

 collection of amber- coloured summer or autumn grapes. Like Madresfield Court, its 

 berries are apt to crack before ripening. Free ventilation, fair cropping, with warmth in 

 the pipes, will obviate this. Flavour sweet, juicy, and refreshing. 



Mrs. Pearson. — This is a variety that is in cultivation to a limited extent only. Its 

 flavour undoubtedly entitles it to rank among the best, but unfortunately it is not of 

 attractive appearance when ripe. The bunch attains a good size, and is symmetrical. 

 The berries are of medium size, but of a dingy, opaque, amber colour, not at all pleasing 

 to look at. The flesh is firm and the flavour rich. It requires Muscat treatment. 



