194 THE CULTURE OF THE GRAPE. 



Dr. Underbill has more fully expressed bis opinion as to 

 the improvement in the quality of the Isabella and Ca- 

 tawba, which were growing in the wild state about forty 

 years since, (time of writing 1842.) He says, " the 

 quality of my fruit has changed very much within a few 

 years ; the clusters and berries are much larger and 

 sweeter, the stin thinner, and the pulp has nearly disap- 

 peared. But I do not wish to be understood as convey- 

 ing the idea that othere, having a suitable situation, and 

 good vines, with properly directed efforts in planting, 

 pruning, &c., cannot succeed in raising as fine fruit as 

 grows upon Croton Point." 



The native grapes of Massachusetts do not improve by 

 cultivation upon removal to the garden ; the bunch and 

 berry can be enlarged, but the strong foxy flavor still re- 

 mains, which renders them unsuited for the dessert. 



The improvement in the quality of the Isabella and 

 Catawba, spoken of by Dr. Underbill, under his cultiva- 

 tion, is, no doubt, owing to suitable soil and judicious 

 cropping. In its wild state, this fruit would be taxed to 

 its utmost, in its efforts to mature the abundant crop 

 which it naturally produces ; consequentl}', the fruit 

 would be small, and the flavor deficient. 



Under cultivation, one quarter of the fruit which the 

 vine would set, is as much as it would be allowed to ma- 

 ture. This would enlarge the bunch and the berry, and 

 hasten the period of maturation, and improve the flavor. 

 I believe it is generally admitted to be the case, with all 

 fruit trees, that a small or limited crop is the highest 

 flavored. 



The summer of 1847 was an impropitious one for 



