Varieties of Fruits. 



same plant differing greatly from each other in flavour; 

 whilst some are equal to the above description, others of 

 them prove of very moderate character ; it is however a good 

 bearer, and being much earlier than other sorts usually cul- 

 tivated, it is noticed notwithstanding the defect alluded to. 



Grapes. 



Mr. Isaac Oldaker, gardener to Lady Banks, at 

 Spring Grove, sent specimens of the Black Corinth Grape. 

 This is the variety which is also called the Zante Grape, 

 and known, in its dried state, as the Black Currant of the 

 shops ; forming a considerable article of export from Zante 

 and other islands of the Levant. The bunch is small, the 

 berries about the size of a pea, with a few much larger in- 

 terspersed. Jt is without seeds, very juicy, and though not 

 high flavoured, is extremely refreshing and pleasant. The 

 Vine makes strong wood, and is a free bearer under glass, 

 producing from three to five bunches at each shoot. The 

 first introduction of this Vine into this country was in the 

 year 1817, when Prince Cornato sent twenty-one plants 

 and some cuttings packed in earth from Zante to Sir Her- 

 bert Taylor, for the Queen. When unpacked, all the 

 plants were in leaf, and the buds of many of the cuttings 

 were bursting. Prince Cornato sent very particular direc- 

 tions for its cultivation, which were given, with a plant, to Sir 

 Joseph Banks. Among other points to be attended to, 

 he recommended great care to be taken in protecting it from 

 cold in the winter ; it was therefore planted in the hot-house 

 at Spring Grove, where it has grown luxuriantly, and ripened 

 its fruit well. High temperature, however, does not appear 



