56 GENERAL OBSERVATIONS 



thirty varieties are there enumerated. This would al- 

 low of thirteen or fourteen cuttings of each kind to be 

 sent ; but it is not likely that it will be possible to pro- 

 cure cuttings of every kind ; there will therefore be room 

 in the box to send a greater quantity of the most valuable ; 

 for example, the Muscatel — the Larga, or long grape, 

 which yields the bloom raisins — and the Pedro Ximenes : 

 six or eight cuttings of each would be enough of the less 

 esteemed varieties. It will be observed that there are two 

 kinds of the Muscatel ; the smaller may be undervalued 

 in this country, but it may suit our climate better than 

 the other. Mr. Delius mentioned a vine which had pro- 

 duced bunches weighing fifty pounds. Perhaps it would 

 be possible to obtain cuttings of this kind, perhaps of the 

 identical vine. I should not like the little Corinth grape 

 to be forgotten. A cutting should be taken from the 

 lowest part of the shoot, as near to the stock as possible, 

 the top part of the branch being cut away. Those are 

 best which contain the greatest number of knots or buds ; 

 a string to be tied round each variety, and a small piece 

 of wood tied to the string numbered, so as to correspond 

 with the number in the list and description. 



" Besides the name in the book, and colour of the 

 grape, it would be desirable that the name most commonly 

 given in the country should be stated ; also whether it is 

 most esteemed for raisins or for wine — whether used for 

 sweet or dry wines — whether a great bearer or otherwise — 

 whether it ripens early or late — whether cultivated in the 

 vineyards, or the gardens, and any other particulars which 

 may distinguish it. The cuttings will pack better if 

 procured as straight as possible. Should it be found that 

 there is not room to send six or eight cuttings of the least 

 esteemed varieties, let the number be diminished to four 

 or five ; but, under any circumstances, I should not like 



