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XXVI. Remarks on the Verdelho Grape of Madeira. By 

 John Williams, Esq. of Pitmaston, near Worcester. 



Read February 1, 1814. 



The celebrated white wine obtained from the Island of 

 Madeira, and known by the name of " Madeira Wine," is 

 understood to be produced from a mixture of several Grapes, 

 but the Verdelho, pronounced by the natives Verdellio, is 

 the Grape which is said to prevail most in the vineyards 

 that are peculiarly famous for yielding the best wine. 



I procured cuttings of this vine, with some others, from 

 Madeira, about seven years ago. It grows with great vigour 

 in a vinery, and is remarkably productive of fruit, frequently 

 giving three bunches on a shoot. As it does not form a 

 large bunch, it will probably not be thought deserving of 

 culture in this country, except by those who are curious in 

 the flavour of their Grapes. The berry is small, of an oval 

 shape, and many very small berries without seeds are usually 

 interspersed : these being cut out with scissars will much 

 improve the appearance of the bunch. 



The fruit is very acid till it arrives at the last stage of 

 maturity, when the berries become of a fine amber colour, 

 and of a very rich saccharine flavour. I am inclined to think 

 this Vine will succeed in favourable situations on the open 

 wall, especially where the soil is light, dry, and shallow ; 



