THE VINES OF NORTH CAROLINA 



These will be grouped according to the character of their 

 fruit: the first nine genera having Berries- the next five, Pods; 

 the next three, dry Capsules; and the remaining two, naked 

 Feathered Seeds. 



GRAPES. — 1. Summer Grape. [Vitis aestivalis, Michx.] — 

 Common, as are the other species, excepting the Muscadine, in 

 most parts of the United States. In this State it is found in all 

 the Districts, generally near streams, but sometimes in dry 

 woods, climbing over trees from 30 to 50 feet. The leaves are 4 

 to 6 inches broad, cut into 3 or 5 divisions, the underside clothed 

 with a reddish, cobweb-like down when young, which mostly falls 

 away in the course of the season. The bunches of fruit are com- 

 pound, 6 to 8 inches long, the berries Ys to i/2 i ncn thick, purplish, 

 blackish or bluish, with a bloom; very varying in flavor, fre- 

 quently very fine. 



According to H. W. Ravenel, Esq., of Aiken, South Carolina, 

 who is a good Botanist, as well as a successful cultivator of 

 Grapes, the following cultivated varieties are descended from 

 this species: The Warren, Pauline, Herbemont, Guignard, Clin- 

 ton, Ohio, Marion, Treveling, Long Grape or Old House, Elsin^ 

 borough, Seabrook, and Lenoir. With this last he identifies the 

 Black July, Devereux, Thurmond, Sumter, and Lincoln Grapes. 

 I find, however, that there is a difference of opinion in regard to 

 the identity of the Lenoir and Lincoln varieties ; some maintain- 

 ing a perceptible difference, the latter being deemed superior to 

 the other. Dr. C. L. Hunter, of Lincoln, who is paying much 

 attention to Grape culture, especially of our native varieties, 

 pronounces the Lenoir ''one of the very best table Grapes," and 

 recommends its general cultivation. He informs me that this, 

 as well as the Warren, came from Georgia. 



I learn from the same gentleman that the Lincoln Grape was 

 discovered about the beginning of this century, near the junction 

 of the South Fork and Catawba, by Dr. Wm. McLean, and that he 

 transplanted the whole vine near his house. From this stock Mr. 

 John Hart, of Mecklenburg, derived his, which is still in vigorous 

 existence. From this last, Dr. Butt, of Lincolnton, obtained his 

 cuttings, and sent some of the fruit to Longworth, who gave it 

 the name, now most in use, of the Lincoln Grape, though it was 

 previously known as the Hart Grape, and McLean Grape. 



2. Fox Grape. (V. Labrusca, Linn.) — I have met with this 

 only in the Middle District, where it is found in damp thickets, 



