18 G 8 . ] 
MONTHLY CHRONICLE. 
191 
Some years ago, after the introduction of the hardy Grapes of North 
America, it was anticipated that a new race of hybrids might arise of a more 
hardy nature than any we at that time possessed. It was pointed out how 
near perfection the Grape Vine can he brought in the southern counties of 
England by out-door culture, and that the leap was not great that would 
give us a hardy Grape suitable to our somewhat variable climate. 
Four years ago I procured from a well-known respectable firm what 
was stated to he the Strawberry Grape Vine of Canada, this being supposed 
to he one of the best of the native American Grapes for hybridising. Two 
seasons passed, hut I was not able to get a show for bloom; in the third a 
small bunch showed itself, which was carefully impregnated with a Black 
Hamburgh. A cluster of small Grapes which, with the exception of two 
berries not much larger than Peas, was ripened. These two berries swelled 
well and had all the appearance of fair-sized, well-bloomed Black Hamburgh 
Grapes. On eating them they had a good deal of the flavour of the Hamburgh, 
but on this I only wish to say—they tasted as fair good Grapes ought to do. 
The remainder of the small berries on the bunch were perfect as Grapes in 
appearance only, the taste being like vinegar. Seeds were contained in 
most of the smaller berries, but no care was taken of them ; one of the large 
berries had no seeds, the other had two, one of them imperfect; both were 
sown immediately, and now we have as produce one plant above a yard 
high, showing itself to be a distinct hybrid. To me it would be important 
to know what kind of fruit this Strawberry Grape of Canada produces. 
Knowing this, we might form some idea how far the fertilising properties of 
the Hamburgh have affected it. Speculation I know can write pages on the 
facts I have just stated, and not on these alone, but on what may be ex¬ 
pected from succeeding generations ; but actual experience or deductions 
from well-known facts would encourage, or perhaps qualify others to try 
what can be done, and if success should one day crown the labours of some 
fortunate experimentalist, the trouble of attaining it would be well rewarded. 
Southend Gardens, Darlington . John Richardson. 
MONTHLY CHRONICLE. 
^HE Great Show of the Royal Horticultural Society, at Leicester, took 
place on the 16th ult. and following days. The weather was all that 
©/(£> could be desired for the Exhibition, although not just what was 
^ needed for the country, and, from a horticultural point of view the 
Show must be pronounced of a very high order. On entering, the 
first objects of note -were three mounds of artificial rockwork, illustrating 
the geological formation of the county—a happy idea originating with. Mr. Ingram, of 
Belvoir, who thought that while the produce of the county was brought together above 
ground, the foundation of its fertility should likewise be illustrated. Near these was a fine 
avenue of rare Conifer®, exhibited by Messrs. Barron & Son, of the Borrowash Nurseries. 
