72 FRUIT GARDEN. 
pery-red color when ripe. The flesh is pulpy, though rather 
juicy, and the taste sweet, with a slight musky flavor. The 
leaves much resemble those of the Isabella, having a white 
down beneath, but being of a paler green and more re- 
flexed. Whilst it is perhaps the best native table-grape, it 
stands at present as the unrivaled wine-grape of the United 
States. Mr. Longworth, of Cincinnati, has offered $500 
reward to any one who will produce a better native variety. 
Several new seedlings of merit have been brought forward, 
none of which, however, have proved equal to the original 
Catawba. Mr. L. thinks the common Fox grape the parent 
of the Catawba. The wine produced from this grape is 
described as varying from a clear water-color to straw-color 
and pink, with a fine fruity-flavor, and slightly musky rich 
aroma. By mixing the produce of the new vintage with 
that of an old, half and half, a superior sparkling wine is 
made, much resembling sparkling Moselle. It also makes 
a still wine resembling a dry hock. If Catawba grapes be 
thoroughly ripened, no sugar will be required in making 
the wine, whilst wine made from the Isabella, resembling a 
light Madeira, requires for the. proper promotion of its 
fermentation the addition of from eighteen to twenty-four 
ounces of sugar to each gallon of juice, or “must.” 
The Powell Grape, called also the Alexandria, and 
Bland—in compliment to Mr. Bland of Alexandria, Va., who 
first introduced it—is considered a hybrid, or cross between 
the Isabella and B. Hamburgh. It bears short bunches, 
having, when of good size, two or three shoulders, The 
berries are round and of a pale red color, with pulpy flesh 
of a sweetish, sub-acid taste, and a little of the musky or 
fox-grape flavor and character. The leaves are a pale 
green underneath, and rounder than those of the Isabella 
or Catawba. 
