NINE] TONS OF GRAPES 
Worden. In the grape sections, such as around 
Lake Keuka, of course Catawba will hold its own. 
Niagara is not quite equal in quality to Hayes, and 
it has no advantage over that variety except its 
huge bunches. ‘The Hayes is one of the earliest to 
ripen, and is of most delicious quality. I am sorry 
to say that Niagara, when it reaches market, is very 
seldom thoroughly ripe — not so ripe as to bring 
out its entire sweetness and richness. Eldorado 
has proved, with me, not a very prolific bearer, 
but its quality is very similar to Hayes — that is, 
best. 
In our Northern States we do not care for grapes 
to ripen much before the middle of September. If 
they do, they are very sure to be attacked by the 
oriole, who does his work recklessly, spoiling ten 
times as much as he eats. Fortunately, this bird 
has gone South by the first of September — he is 
very regular about it—and we are glad to bid him 
good-by. The beautiful -but pert rascal drops 
down in flocks on his way South and adds to the 
destruction wrought by our home birds, immense 
quantities of bunches being picked to pieces, for 
the hornets and honey bees to finish. 
For Southern States a different list is needed. 
[197] 
