SEPTEMBER, 1900, TO DECEMBER, 1903. 307 



9808. Maxgifera indica. Mango. 



From Mussorie, India. Presented by Rev. H. Marston Andrews, principal of 

 Woodstock College. Received August 8, 1903. 



Malda. Said to be of very large size and spicy flavor. 



9809. Vitis rupestris var. metallica. G-rape. 



From Cape Town, South Africa. Presented by the Cape Colony department of 

 agriculture, through Messrs. Lathrop and Fairchild (No. 1137, March 10, 1903). 

 Received August 10, 1903. 



' ' Plants of a South African originated variety of resistant American stock, which 

 has proved itself most admirably suited to the conditions at the Cape and especially 

 adapted to 'any loose soil, loam, gravel, or sand, and also in dry, open, heavy soils. It 

 can, besides, stand a fair amount of moisture in loose soils. It forms an excellent graft 

 bearer for all varieties of European vines except Hanepoot and possibly also the mem- 

 bers of the Muscat family.' (Cf. J. P. de Waal, in the Ag. Jour. Cape of Good Hope, 

 December 19, 1901, p. 838. ) This variety, Mr. Pillans says, is the best of all the resist- 

 ant stocks yet tried at the Cape, as its ease of grafting, great vigor, suitability to differ- 

 ent kinds of soil, and grafting affinity for all but varieties of the Muscat type make it 

 a general stock of great value. Even those who do not claim that it exceeds in vigor 

 any other sort, admit that it is the easiest grafted of any of the American stocks. The 

 stock originated at Great Constantia Wine Farm, in a lot of seedlings from seed sown 

 in 1886. It is uncertain whether the seed came direct from America or from France. 

 This is entirely distinct, according to F. J. Bioletti (formerly of the experiment sta- 

 tion at Berkeley, Cal., now at the Elsenburg Agricultural School), from the metallica 

 of French vineyardists. Its name applies to the luster of its foliage. The seedling- 

 was picked out in 1894, and by quick propagation in 1901 yielded 687,000 cuttings. 

 In 1902, 864,000 cuttings were distributed. It has been tested side by side with 

 many French stocks, such as Amnion rupestris, Riparia Gloire de Montpettier, and 

 takes its place as their equals in all points and their superior as regards ease of prop- 

 agation and suitability to the varieties of soils mentioned. Mr. Pillans goes so far as 

 to predict that it will drive all other sorts out except for Muscat sorts. He claims 

 for it a remarkable yield-giving power, extreme vigor, and resistance to the phyllox- 

 era. Mr. Bioletti admits its excellent qualities, and practical growers are enthusiastic 

 about it. This is well worth the serious consideration of California vine growers. 

 The originators of this remarkable seedling are Messrs. J. P. de Waal and Eustace 

 Pillans, of the Cape of Good Hope department of agriculture, and its trial in Cali- 

 fornia should be made at once. We are indebted to Mr. Pillans for the plants sent. 

 See No. 9607, the identical variety." (Fairchild.) 



9810 to 9814. Vitis sp. G-rape. 



From Cape Town, South Africa. Presented by the Cape Colony department of 

 agriculture, through Messrs. Lathrop and Fairchild (No. 1149 to 1151, and 

 1153, March, 1903). Received August 10, 1903. 



9810. YlTIS VIXIFERA. 



Red Hanepoot. "A variety of table grape that is believed to have originated 

 in South Africa and which, according to Mr. Bioletti, formerly vine expert of 

 the California Experiment Station, at Berkeley, is not known in America. 

 The variety belongs to the Muscat type and may be described as a Muscat 

 with the red color of the Flaming Tokay. It is one of the most popular of the 

 South African varieties and is exported to England. It is an excellent shipper 

 and a showy table sort. Sent by Mr. Eustace Pillans, from the Government 

 vineyard at Constantia." (Fairchild.) (No. 1149.) 



9811. YlTIS VIXIFERA. 



Hermitage. "This is the grape from which the Cape claret is made. It is 

 said by experts to rank high as a claret maker and not to have been tested in 

 California. Mr. Bioletti, formerly of the California Experiment Station at 

 Berkeley, Cal., remarks (in the Cape Journal of Agriculture, Yol. XX, No. 

 12, p. 696), that the Cape Hermitage is distinct from the sort grown in the 

 Hermitage vineyards of France and is not so good as the Shiraz or Sirah grape, 

 which is well known to Calif ornians." (Fairchild.) (No. 1150.) 



