August 17, 1893. J 
189 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
I T is not for the sake of Biblical comparison that the great 
Vines to which a passing reference is about to be made are 
described as the Goliaths of Grapedom, They are not dangerous 
monsters, calling for destruction from the sling o£ some horticul¬ 
tural David, but, on the contrary, are looked upon with admira¬ 
tion and pleasure as examples of cultural skill, and of the inherent 
vigour of the world-renowned fruit. Truly the Vine is a plant of 
generous strength and large endeavour, loving to stretch its limbs 
freely, and to forage unrestricted in the earth and in the air 
Circumstances compel its restriction in many places, but when 
unfettered and unconfined there are many remarkable examples of 
its capacities for self-development. 
“ Men like big things,” said the late “ Single-handed ” in one 
of those communications which were the delight of Journal readers 
a few years ago, and in tones of gentle reproach he went on to 
deprecate the neglect which fell upon many small gems of the 
flower world through the attention devoted to larger objects. He 
did not make any direct reference to Vines, and probably did not 
have them in his mind when penning the lines from which I have, 
quoted. And indeed there would have been no grounds for using 
them as another illustration of the accuracy of his observations 
In the vast majority of cases in which Grapes are cultivated no 
attempt is made to strive for the production of giants, but rather 
a restrictive system is pursued in order to provide for the inclusion 
of a number of varieties, and it is only under exceptional circum¬ 
stances that huge Vines are grown. Nevertheless, it would be 
beside the fact to deny that gardeners as a body take a deep 
interest in every specimen of extraordinary development. The 
man who only grows table Crotons does not withhold appreciation 
from 8 feet giants if they are satisfactory in health, cleanliness, 
and colour ; nor does the kitchen gardener, whose Onions are only 
8 to 10 ozs. weight, fail to inspect 2^-lb. examples with admiration 
when he sees them exhibited. Strange, therefore, would it be if, 
in the case of a fruit in which so much interest centres as the 
Grape, special attention were not paid to the wonderful Vines 
which are dotted here and there over the gardens of the country. 
They occupy a position which gives them prominence over those 
that are only of ordinary dimensions. They are, so to say, the 
reigning family of the Grape nation. 
Journal readers have heard something about the great Vines at 
Manresa House Roehampton, Speddoch, and Cumberland Lodge, 
and now I should like to say a few words about another giant, not 
perhaps so remarkable in some respects as they, but still a noble 
and noteworthy example. This is the Black Hamburgh at Silwood 
Park, Ascot, the residence of Thomas Cordes, Esq. A recent note 
from his gardener, Mr. T. Grant, led to a visit, which I considered 
well repaid by an inspection of what is, without doubt, one of the 
finest Vines in the country. The respect that is promptly accorded 
to a man who claims to have read every number of the Journal for 
a quarter of a century is increased by a survey of the famous Vine 
under his charge. If any hypercritical person desired further 
proof of Mr. Grant’s intelligence and discrimination than the fact 
noted, he would find it in a garden that is well managed in every 
way, and in a Vine that is not only of exceptional dimensions, but 
is in the best of health, and carrying a splendid crop of fruit. 
The Silwood Vine occupies a lean-to house 128 feet long and 
No. 686.—VOL, XXVII., Third Series. 
12 feet wide, with a height at the back of 12 feet and at the front 
of 7 feet. The whole of the roof is covered with rods and laterals. 
In some respects the Vine resembles and in others differs from that 
at Roehampton. To begin with, the main stem is a much more 
prominent feature of it. There is a clear trunk over 6 feet high 
with a girth at its greatest circumference of 3 feet 2 inches. To 
imagine an orchard standard of such dimensions is easy enough, 
but for a Vine it is marvellous indeed. A small boy could have 
quite a comfortable climb up this wonderful stem, and if left to his 
own devices after reaching the top would find himself in a happy 
hunting ground after his own heart. It forks there into two large 
limbs, these branching in turn into smaller ones, the rods running 
right and left in a line with the back wall, and the fruiting growths 
trained from the upper part of them. Here is where the re¬ 
semblance to the Manresa Vine comes in, for with it the same 
system is pursued. The laterals of the Silwood Vine, like those 
of its great rival, are not all trained regularly nearly at right angles 
with the rods, but many are laid in diagonally. 
The Vine is not planted in the centre of the house, but about 
70 feet from the door. Seven rods run the length of the house on 
this side, giving a total of 490 feet, and on the left 9 rods occupy 
the space, giving a total of 522 feet. Besides these there are young 
rods laid in, chiefly on the right hand side, where the old ones are 
thinnest, to the extent of quite 100 feet. The total length of rod 
may, therefore, be set down at 1112 feet. The foliage is large and 
healthy ; indeed, considering the age of the Vine (about which 
more further on), the size of the leaves is surprising. And the 
crop ? for after all that is of the greatest importance. It is in 
every way a fine one. The number of bunches is 830, ranging in 
weight from half a pound to 3 lbs. There is a good sprinkling of 
2 and 2^ lbs. bunches, and a fair calculation is that the clusters 
average li lb. throughout, or a total of 1037 lb?, in round figures. 
A noteworthy feature is the large size of the berries. Many of the 
bunches are quite fit for showing, colour and finish being excellent- 
It may be noted, too, that the variety is an exceptionally well 
flavoured one. 
It will be conceded that, however the Silwood Vine may 
compare with the other giants of which we bear and read in 
dimensions, it would be difficult to find its superior in respect to 
fruiting. Remarkable indeed is the picture presented by its long 
lines of bunches, hundred upon hundred stretching overhead. 
Looking from one end they seem to close up at the other into one 
broad blue mass of fruit. They are striking to a degree without a 
doubt, but they open up reflections as to the reverse side of the 
shield. What a task the thinning of this house alone must be ! 
Every cultural item is carried out as conscientiously with the giant 
Vine as with others carrying only a dozen bunches. It is in 
robust, vigorous health, the leaves stout, substantial, and free from 
insect enemies. The Vine may be pointed to with pride not only 
for its extraordinary size but for its splendid condition. A unique 
and interesting comparison could be secured by placing the 
Chinaman Chang, with his 8 feet 6 inches of stature, beside the 
huge Vine the next time he visits England. As he is reputed to 
have strong horticultural tastes he would doubtless enjoy the 
experience. 
Questions may perhaps suggest themselves as to the age of the 
Vine, the character of the border, and other matters. The age is 
not definitely known, but is believed to be from 100 to 110 years. 
If this be so it is quite a veteran compared with the Vine raised 
and grown by Mr. Davis. Unfortunately, no record of its planting 
exists. It is true that many cottagers know its history, but 
unfortunately they all tell a different story, which is rather 
remarkable considering that there is no doubt in any case that each 
is telling the whole truth and nothing but the truth about the 
matter. At least six of them are prepared to swear positively that 
the Vine was planted by his grandfather—another very remarkable 
fact. One would think that some of these worthies had been 
No. 2342.— Von. LXXXTX., OLD Series. 
