94 Some Account of the Esperioue Grape. 



vourable seasons, has a decided advantage over these varieties, 

 and indeed, over any other hardy grape, that I am acquainted 

 with. 



The wood of this vine is strong, and high coloured ; the 

 buds are large, round, and very woolly. The fruit is pro- 

 duced on large bunches, handsomely shouldered, differing 

 little, in size, from the Hamburgh. The berries vary much in 

 form, being sometimes round, frequently flat-rotund, and in- 

 dented on the head with the remains of the style. A groove, 

 or channel, is often observed on one or both sides, decreasing 

 from the head downwards. The skin, which is covered with 

 a thick blue farina, is of a deep purple colour, inclining to 

 black. The flesh adheres to the skin, and though neither 

 high flavoured nor melting, is pleasant. The leaves are va- 

 riously cut, and die upon the tree of an orange hue. I have 

 no doubt that this is the same grape as Turner's. Langley 

 has figured it in his Pomona, plate 45, but without giving a 

 description. 



These vines have been cultivated, here, in the manner re- 

 commended by Miller, and other gardeners, for hardy 

 grapes. 



Believe me, dear Sir, 



ever truly yours, 



John Townsend Aiton. 



Royal Gardens, Windsor, 

 Feb. 20, 1818. 



