S24 THE CULTURE OF THE GRAPE. 



and the seeds of it, ■without foreign impregnation, would. 

 most likely, yield other varieties, as a fruit, when it has 

 once sported from the original, is almost sure to continue, 

 generation to generation, to do so. 



Early Amher, is the name given to a native grape re- 

 cently brought to notice by the Shakers at their nurseries, 

 Harvard. The specimens of fruit sent me, closely resem- 

 bled the Rose Chasselas, and were free of pulp and fox 

 flavor. It is the best native fruit that I have yet met 

 with. It is said to be hardy, not subject to mildew, and 

 several weeks earlier than the Isabella. If, on extensive 

 trial, all this prove true, we have an invaluable acquisition. 



."Wm. W. Yalk, M.D., of Flushing, Long Island, New 

 York, has succeeded in raising a grape of much promise, 

 by hybridization. He fertilised the Black Hamburgh 

 with the pollen of the Isabella, differing«from the plan 

 pursued by Mr. Stetson and myself. "We used the Isa- 

 bella and native wild grape as the female, and fertilised 

 with the Black Hamburgh and other foreign kinds. 



Dr. Valk says it is hardy, the fruit is thin skinned, with 

 ii soft and pleasant pulp, wholly unlike the Isabella, and 

 equal to the Hamburgh in evei-y thing but size. The 

 foliage resembles the Hamburgh, though Bome think it 

 distinct. 



There are several other native American seedlings in 

 this vicinity, which are recommended by persons who 

 have eaten the.fruit. As they have not been proved in 

 garden cultivation, it is deemed best not to enumerate 

 them. 



