BICOTYLEBONES. 



219 



15. Ampelidae. The Vine family consists of about 

 two hundred and fifty species of, mostly climbing, shrubs 

 (Fig. 330) ; the majority found in the Tropics. Tendrils 

 and flower-clusters opposite the leaves, the latter alter- 

 nate. Stamens oppo- j_^ 

 site the valvate pe- 

 tals. The most im-^, 

 portantgenusis Vitis. 

 The Vine of the Old 

 World (V. vin-ifera) 

 has been cultivated 

 from time immemo- 

 rial, and from its 

 fruit (Grapes) wine 

 is made by fermenta- ^^^ 



tion, and brandy by distillation. It has been carried from 

 its native country (Southern Asia) to nearly all parts of 

 the world, and under cultivation has developed numberless 

 " varieties." In some countries (Southern Europe and the 

 Pacific Coast States) raisins (or sun-dried Grapes) are made. 

 Our important native species are the Northern Fox-Grape 

 ( V. Lahrusca), from which most of our common varieties, 

 as the Catawba, Concord, and Isabella, have arisen ; the 

 Summer Grape (F. cestivalis), from which have been 

 obtained the Virginia Seedling, Herbemont, etc.; the 

 Eiver-bank Grape (F. riparia), which has produced the 

 Taylor Bullit, Delaware, and Clinton ; the Southern Fox- 

 Grape (V. vulpina), from which was derived the Scupper- 

 nong and other varieties. The Virginia Creeper (Ampe- 

 lopsis quinquefolm) is a native climber, unsurpassed for 



Fig. 330. The Virginia Creeper {Atn^elopsis guinque/olia) ; t, tendril ; d, disk ; 

 ; coil. 



