SELECTING VARIETIES 



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4. Selecting Varieties. Select varieties of established repu- 

 tation and proved adaptability to the region. In a market 

 grape, growers look for wide soil adaptation, hardiness of 

 wood, heavy yields, evenness of ripening, freedom from crack- 

 ing of berries, attractiveness of appearance, ability to stand 

 handling and shipment, freedom from shelling after picking, 

 and good quality. In all but the last two factors. Concord 

 takes high rank. It does shell after picking, but its quality, 

 though not superior, is good enough, when the fruit is well 

 ripened, to suffice. It handles and ships fairly well, though 

 leaving something to be desired in this regard. 



At the present time, build a list of varieties around Con- 

 cord as the major sort, lengthening the season on both ends 

 with other kinds as the growing conditions and outlet warrant. 



Sheridan, originated by the New York Agricultural Ex- 

 periment Station at Geneva, should be watched as a possible 

 successor to Concord. It is about ten days later than Con- 

 cord. 



To precede Concord by about three weeks Fredonia is a 

 good-quality black grape. It is vigorous, hardy, and produc- 

 tive with large clusters of medium-sized fruit. Worden is a 

 black variety of high quality which ripens earlier than Con- 

 cord. The berries are large but very tender and may ripen 

 unevenly. Worden does not ship well but is excellent for local 

 trade. 



Niagara is the leading white variety. Although it is not so 

 hardy as Concord, it may be just as vigorous and productive 

 if it is grown under suitable conditions. It is more subject to 

 disease. If properly ripened, Niagara is of excellent flavor. 



Portland deserves attention as an early white grape. The 

 bunches are large, and the vines hardy and productive. 



Ontario is a golden yellow grape of high quality. The clus- 

 ters are of medium size and very attractive. 



Catawba is the standard red grape. It must be grown 

 where the season is long enough to mature it properly. The 



