FOR VICTORIAN INDUSTRIAL CULTURE. 



257 



preservation of the Grapes in a fresh state, according to M. 

 Charmeux's method, and the sundry modes of effecting the 

 transit of ripe Grapes to long distances, ought to be turned 

 to industrial advantage. The pigment of the dark Wine- 

 berries is known as Oenolic acid. The juice contains along 

 with Tartaric acid also Grape acid. All these chemically 

 defined substances have uses of their own in art and science. 

 It might be worthy of trial, how far the Grape-vine can be 

 grafted on such other species of the extensive genus Yitis as 

 may not be attacked by the destructive Pemphygus or Phyl- 

 loxera, Irrespective of sulphur, latterly also borax has been 

 recommended against the Oidium-disease. 



Vitis vulpina, Linne. {Vitis rotundifolia, Michaux.) 



The Muscadine or Fox-Grape. South-Eastern States of 

 North America. Extends also to Japan, Manchuria and 

 the Himalayas. This species includes as varieties also the 

 Bullace, the Mustang, the Bullet-Grape and both kinds of 

 the Scuppernangs. The berries are of a pleasant taste, but 

 in some instances of a strong flavour; they are the largest 

 among American Grapes. The Clinton- and Elsinboro-Grapes, 

 according to Mr. Meehan, the eminent American horticul- 

 turist, seem to have had their origin with Y. cordifolia and 

 Y. riparia. Y. Labrusca extends also to the Himalayas. 

 Dr. Planchon's important memoir, "Les Yignes Ameri- 

 caines," published in 1875, should be consulted in reference 

 to American grapes. 



Voandzeia subterranea, Thouars. 



Madagascar and various parts of Africa, as far south as 

 Natal. This Earth-Pea is annual, and pushes its pods under 

 ground in the manner of Arachis hypogsea for maturation. 

 The pods are edible, and much consumed in tropical 

 countries. 



Wallichia oblongifolia, Griflith. 



Himalaya, as far as 27° north. There one of the hardiest of 

 all Palms. It is not a tall one, yet a graceful and useful 

 object for cultural industries. Several species exist. 



Wettinia augusta, Poeppig. 



Peru, on mountains several thousand feet high. This Palm 

 is therefore likely to endure our clime. 



Wettinia Maynensis, Spruce. 



Cordilleras of Peru. Like the foregoing, it attains a height 

 of forty feet and advances to elevations of 3000 or 4000 feet. 

 Before finally parting from the American Palms, it may be 

 appropriate, to allude briefly to some of the hardier kinds, 



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