SOME LITTLE-KNOWN GEAPES. 



343 



safe for children to eat. It is a strong grower, making very large 

 bunches, heavily shouldered, and frequently measuring 24 inches in 

 length. The bunches do not require a great deal of thinning, as the 

 berries never get large. The berries are peculiarly shaped and the colour 

 is a grizzly red, or occasionally black with a slight bloom. In pruning 

 this variety it is advisable to leave plenty of young wood, as it 

 will not fruit if severely pruned. The vine requires plenty of room, 

 the bunches being borne some distance from the rod. The foliage is 

 particularly useful for decoration, as it colours finely in the autumn. 

 The flavour of this grape is most pleasant and refreshing. Its origin 

 is not known, but it is supposed to have been sent to the Society 

 from India. 



' White Tokay.' — A great deal has been written both for and against 

 this grape. When well grown and properly finished it is undoubtedly 

 a very fine late white. The bunches are large, well shouldered, and 

 tapering, with large berries of a greenish-white colour, firm, yet tender 

 and juicy, and when well ripened the flavour is rich. It is a particu- 

 larly strong grower, makes strong wood, which usually ripens well; 

 but to have this grape at its best it requires a long season and time to 

 finish well, or the result will be disappointing. 



' White Frontignan. ' — This delicious grape was sent from Hungary 

 and is one of the finest flavoured grapes grown. To the amateur who 

 has one vinery this is quite a good grape to grow. I have seen a vine 

 of this variety in a cold greenhouse within twelve miles of London 

 carrying a hundred nice bunches of beautiful fruit with a strong and 

 dehcious Muscat flavour, and I was informed that each season it bore 

 splendid crops. It makes a bunch of medium size, with small berries, 

 and the vine is a strong grower. 



'Ascot Citronelle.' — This is one of the earliest of all grapes to 

 ripen. The berries are small, of a beautiful amber colour when ripe, 

 and have a decided Muscat flavour. It will ripen three weeks before 

 ' Black Hamburgh ' grown in the same house, and is very useful as 

 a pot vine, being extremely fruitful, and, although small of berry, its 

 flavour commands a place for it where a first-class early grape is 

 desired. 



' Duchess of Buccleuch.' — This variety is certainly a little difficult 

 to manage, but with care it is quite possible to grow it well, when it 

 will be found to be one of the finest flavoured grapes grown, but it 

 is seldom met with. It should be grown in the Muscat house, as a 

 httle m.ore heat is required to finish it than with some, although I have 

 seen fine bunches grown in mixed houses and finished perfectly. 

 Unless a little fire heat is given during the time the berries are 

 colouring they do not finish with the fine golden colour this variety 

 should show, but will retain a greenish tint and are never so sweet. 



' Grizzly Frontignan. ' — This is one of our very oldest English 

 grapes, introduced by Sir William Temple in 1654. This delicious grape 

 was at one time to be found in almost all collections, but has dropped 

 out of late years owing undoubtedly to its size and appearance. I am 



