894 
THE RURAL NEW-YORKER. 
December 17, 
i Ruralisms £ 
NOTES FROM THE RURAL GROUNDS 
The “Strawberry” Grape.— There is 
frequent mention of the “Strawberry” 
grape in European horticultural journals. 
Opinions as to its identity and quality have 
been very conflicting, but it is now fairly 
certain the variety known abroad by this 
name is none other than our Isabella, a 
nearly typical Labrusca or Fox grape. It 
differs from the Vinifera varieties in so 
many characteristics that a fair compar¬ 
ison is not easy to make. It is, of course, 
grown under glass where cultivated in 
northern Europe, and the contrast be¬ 
tween its small cluster and berry and high 
aromatic flavor with the large but gener¬ 
ally insipid Viniferas is so great that 
rather absurd estimates are made. Some 
growers are extravagantly fond of it, and 
prefer it to the finest Muscats; others 
compare the flavor to that of strawberry 
or black currant jam, the latter being par¬ 
ticularly unkind, as the black currant, of 
all fruits, is least liked in this country. 
The Strawberry grape is not salable in 
European markets, as the taste for such 
high-flavored grapes has not been ac¬ 
quired. Other of our native varieties 
occasionally cultivated in Europe and 
much appreciated in a small way are Wor¬ 
den, Concord, Eumelan, Delaware, Bright¬ 
on, Iona, Green Mountain and Niagara. 
Iona and Niagara appear to be best liked, 
as they conform more nearly to the famil¬ 
iar Syrian grape type than do the other 
American kinds. 
“Foxy” Grapes All Right. —The very 
natural prejudice of early American grow¬ 
ers in favor of the so-called “pure” quality 
of European varieties of the long-culti¬ 
vated Syrian grape, as against the pro¬ 
nounced aromatic flavors of our native 
kinds, is now seldom entertained. The 
flooding of our markets with choice 
Vinifera varieties from the Pacific coast 
and Mediterranean countries at prices lit¬ 
tle greater than asked for the better na¬ 
tives has given ample opportunity for 
comparison, and countless grape lovers 
find, rather to their surprise, that well- 
ripened Concords, Catawbas and Brigh- 
tons are as acceptable as the best Cali¬ 
fornia Tokays and Hamburghs or Spanish 
Malagas. Both are good in their way, but 
to many the home varieties give best sat¬ 
isfaction in the long run. The “pure” 
Vinifera flavor, aside from the astringency 
apparently inseparable from that species, 
is often close to insipidity, though the 
firm and meaty pulp, thin skin, and easy 
separation of the seeds are most agreeable 
features. Certain heat-loving Vinifera 
varieties, such as Muscat of Alexandria, 
when very fully ripened under glass, are 
of noticeably delicate flavor, but the same 
may be said of our better natives in the 
rare instances in which they are grown 
with artificial heat and glass protection. 
Some of the large-fruited kinds, like Gros 
Colman, Barbarossa and others, frequent¬ 
ly shown at exhibitions are usually very 
poor eating. The great advantages of 
Vinifera table grapes, wherever they can 
be economically grown, lie in their size, 
attractiveness and especially in their long 
keeping and good shipping qualities, which 
far excel anything yet derived from native 
species. 
The characteristic quality of American 
cultivated grapes is peculiar and cannot 
accurately be described by such terms as 
“foxy” or “musky,” nor may it be likened 
to black currant jams or “scented slugs,” 
as has been done. It is found in several 
grape. species, and is usually most promi¬ 
nent in varieties derived from Vitis La¬ 
brusca. As with the flavors of celery, 
tomatoes and many exotic fruits, the liking 
for it is not at once gained by all indi¬ 
viduals, and may be greatly delayed by 
prejudice. Once acquired, however, it be¬ 
comes the standard hy which similar fruits 
are judged. The wild forms of most cul¬ 
tivated fruits, with the possible exception 
of the strawberry and red raspberry, have 
their characteristic flavor so masked by 
disagreeable qualities that they are barely 
edible. Thus the original orange was 
probably a bitter, sour berry. The pro¬ 
genitors of our modern apples and pears, 
so far as can be ascertained, were as aus¬ 
tere and acerb as some of our native crab 
apples that must be boiled "in lye before 
they can be eaten. The delicious peach 
and apricot were doubtless at the begin¬ 
ning bitter and nauseous as the almond 
fruit still remains. The primitive Vinifera 
grape in its Syrian home may have been 
as astringent as an unripe persimmon, but 
thousands of years of culture and selection 
have so ameliorated its character that no 
wildling of the present resembles it in any 
way. Scarcely two generations of plant 
breeders have worked on our native kinds, 
but the results are already quite com¬ 
parable in most respects to those gained by 
the slow evolution and great antiquity of 
the Old World species. A large share of 
the phenomenal improvement of American 
grapes, however, must be credited to early 
infusion of Vinifera qualities. The Euro¬ 
pean varieties were planted with extraordi¬ 
nary persistence during the greater part 
of the nineteenth century wherever culti¬ 
vation spread over our territory. The re¬ 
sult was always commercial failure until 
the Pacific and Western Gulf States were 
reached, but the Vinifera blood was ex¬ 
tensively mingled with native grapes by 
natural hybridization, and excellent vari¬ 
eties produced in most diverse localities. 
Catawba and Isabella were raised in North 
Carolina, Delaware in New Jersey, and 
Concord in Massachusetts. All show in 
their inherent qualities and the character 
of their progeny the great influence of the 
Syrian grape, but are so well adapted to 
our climatic conditions that they are 
scarcely superseded by any of the hundreds 
of new varieties since developed by sys¬ 
tematic breeding. One of the old'Long 
Island nurseries catalogued 300 varieties of 
foreign grapes, and Downing describes al¬ 
most as many in the earlier editions of his 
work. Now scarcely a dozen kinds are 
listed or grown, always under glass in 
the Atlantic, Middle and interior States. 
Good Quality in Dilute Hybrids.— 
I he early direct intentional hybrids be¬ 
tween European and native grapes, such 
as Allen’s, Rogers’ and Rickett’s, are often 
of exquisite quality, but seldom productive 
enough to be of general value. Secondary 
crosses, hpwever, between such hybrids 
and standard varieties carrying a modicum 
of Vinifera blood are giving most prom¬ 
ising results. Thus Brighton, raised from 
Concord and Diana Hamburgh, by Jacob 
Moore of New York, is an excellent and 
successful grape. St. John, illustrated on 
page 859, is a seedling of Brighton, polli¬ 
nated by Delaware, and comes near the 
highest expectations as to quality. Mun¬ 
son’s Wapanuka has for grandparents 
Lindley, Delaware and Triumph, all hav¬ 
ing marked Vinifera characteristics, and 
appears, as grown on the Rural Grounds, 
to be near the top notch of merit as a 
table grape. Charlton comes from a cross 
of Brighton and Mills, the latter owing its 
rich quality to a union of Concord and 
Muscat. Instances may be multiplied, but 
enough have been given to indicate there 
is no halt in native grape development. 
'1 here is surely a great future for combi¬ 
nations of the Fox and Syrian grapes. 
Prof. Munson has demonstrated in Texas 
that several others may usefully add their 
modifying influence, and in time varieties 
may be bred superior to anything we can 
now imagine._ w. v. F. 
Grapes jn Carolina Mountains. 
Oil page 772, R. V. R„ Rochester, N. Y., 
wishes to know about grape growing in west- 
ern North Carolina. Perhaps II. E. Van 
Deman is mistaken; I find after cultivation 
that the Concord, Delaware, Cyntkiana and 
others do as well at Saunook as anv place 
in the State, ripening as late as October; 
vineyard northern exposure; altitude 3,500 
feet. a. j. a 
AVaynesville, N. C. 
When you write advertisers mention The 
It. N.-Y. and you’ll get a quick reply and 
“a square deal.” See guarantee, page S. 
MAPLE EVAPORATORS 
Most Durable, Most Economical, Cheapest. 
Syrup Cans and Sap Pails. 
McLANE-SCHANCK HDW. CO., LlnesvlIIe, Pa. 
Also, Mfrs. of the “Sunlight” Acetylene Gas Machine 
HARNESS 
"We.sell custom made oak-tanned leather harness direct to the 
individual at factory prices. And we warrautitto be the best 
made for the money. Only the finest selected stock used. Noth¬ 
ing cheaper trashy. Guaranteed to give satisfaction or money 
back. Illustrated catalogue F and price list free on request. 
lliE KING HARNESS CO., 0 Lake St. 9 Owego, Tioga Co.,N.Y. 
HB 
PISOS CURE FOR 
CURES WHERE ALL ELSE FAILS 
Best Cough Syrup. Tastes Good. 
Use in time. Sold by druggists. 
with an Appleton Wood 
SAW you can rapidly and with 
ease and safety — _ _ _ 
SAW 
your own wood 
and SaveCoal, 
time, labor and 
money; or saw 
your neighbor’s 
wood and make 
$5to$l5aDay 
Strong, rigid 
frame, adjustable 
dust-proof oil boxes, etc. We make five styles. 
Also the famous “Hero” Friction-Feed Drag Saw, 
Feed Grinders, Ensilage and Fodder Cutters, Husk¬ 
ey. Shellers, Sweep Horse Powers, Tread Powers, 
Wind Mills, etc. Write to-day for free catalogue. 
Appleton Mfg. Co. 27 Fargo St., Batavia, I1L, 
BOWSHER MILLS/* 
(Sold with or without Elevator.) 
For Every Variety of Work. 
Have conical shaped grinders. Different 
from alt others . Handiest to operate and 
LIGHTEST RUNNINC. 
7 Klze»— 2 to 25 horse power. One style for 
windwheol use. ( Also make Sweep 
Grinders—Geared and Plain.) 
P. N. BOWSHER, South Bend, Ind. 
VICTORY FEED MILL. 
Oldest and Best Grinding Mill 
Made. Will crush and grind 
com and cob and all kinds of 
grain, mixed or separate. 
Grinds faster, finer and with 
less power than other mills. 
Are built strong, well made of 
good material, and will last 
a lifetime. Small size adapt, 
ed for windand tread power. 
Made in four sizes for 1,4.8 
and 10 H. P. Free Catalogue. 
1 TIIOS. ROBERTS, 
Box 98. Springfield, O. 
There are only two classes of Root Cut¬ 
ters. There is only one in the first 
class. That one is the 
BANNER Sr. 
““ i It’s the one with the self feed¬ 
ing, shaking grate—shokes 
outall dirt,gravel,etc. Saves 
the knives and makes clean, 
wholesome stock food. It lit¬ 
erally makes ribbons of all 
roots and vegetables. Pre-1 
vents all choking, ltcutsfast 
and turns easy. Thousands in 
! ruse and not a single com- 
r plaint. We make the Banner 
in 7 sizes forhandand power. 
I . „ , — Our 111ustrated Catalogue 
I tells the whole story. Ask for it. It’s Free. 
|0. E. THOMPSON & SONS, Ypsilantl, Mich. 
INDRUROID 
ROOFING 
Requires no Coating or 
Paint. 
Acid and Alkali Proof. 
Elastic and Pliable 
Always. 
Strong and Tough. 
Absolutely Water Proof. 
Climatic Changes Do Not 
Affect It. 
Practically Fire I’roof. 
Can He Used on Steep or 
Flat Surfaces. 
Any Workman Can Put 
It On. 
No Odor. 
Will Not Shrink or Crack 
Light in Weight. 
Does Not Taint AVater. 
Write for samples, prices and 
circulars. 
H. F. WATSON CO. 
ERIE. PA. 
Chicago, lioston. 
Mention R.N.-Y. 
is the name of the best and 
most dependable 
Steel 
Windmill 
made. Strong shafting, long 
bearings and a wheel that 
gets the most power out 
of all winds. Its four-post 
angle steel tower has no 
equal—simply can’t buckle or 
blow down. Also Wood Saws, 
Corn Shellers, Ensilage Cut¬ 
ters, etc. Get free catalog 102 
S. Freeman & Sons Mfj;. Co. 
Racne, Wisconsin. 
— -* ■ r''" 
Largest Root Cutter Makers hi the World. 
WE LEAD THE WORLD 
, We are the largest manufac¬ 
turers of Grooved and Plain 
Tire Steel Farm Wagon 
Wheels in America. We 
guarantee our patent 
Grooved Tire Wheels to 
be the best made by anybody 
anywhere. Write us. 
HAVANA METAL WHEEL CO. 
60X 17 HAVANA. ILL. 
Return This Mill 
if it fails to grind ear and shelled 
c ° r Q. grains and mixed feed 
stuffs easier, faster and better 
than any other. 4 
sizes and 3 styles. 
Small size for hand 
power. 1 style with 
elevator & bagger. 
New Holland Wood Saws 
save time and labor, 8 
sizes, 1 to 12 h. p. Write 
for free circulars. 
New Holland Mch.Co., Bo,il5 . Nsw Holland. P«. 
9 CORDS IN 10 HOURS 
“ SAWS DOWS 
BY ONE MAN, with the FOLDING SAWING MACHINE It 
saws down trees. Folds like a pocket knife. Saws any kind o f 
withft flf-, 2 "/ klIU - of zround. One man can saw more timber 
FREE mS&SSStf* °‘ ’ er ^ y ’, and doit easier. Send for 
■ nee illustrated catalog, showing latest IMPROVEMENTS 
testimonials from thousand,. F.r.t order .ec”, ° e ncy. Addlf. 
IB A la c°rS l C SAWING MACHINE CO., 
16 * 18 S. Clinton Street, Chlcaao, Illinois. 
TILE DRAINED LUN D IS MORE PRODUCTIVE 
■afrA- -•-' - - -—*-U - 1 1 ' *■ ■■ a ■ ™ •i/lmitu at*. «r. *1... _: t _ * * 
i—'♦ oul F*UO »* J 
j Itoun'd hrai^^Tlle meeta'evwy requiremem'^V^'aCo^I'i^a^e 1 ^**^' 
TiffLATOT IMPROVEMENTS 
are always to be found in our mills. Greatest variety, simple, 
strong design. Safety features. Quick, easy grinding, all 
grains, ;ar and shuck corn. Grinding at home is a great sav¬ 
ing and ground feed makes fat stock quickly. 
Scientific Grinding Mills 
for every purpose. Sweep, geared, combined and power; 
all sizes. Wood Saws, Corn Shellers and Horse Powers. 
Write now for new free catalogue r . 
— THE FOOS MFG. CO., LEst. 23 years.) Springfield, Ohio. 
Highest Award, GOLD MEDAL, St. LOUIS, 1904. 
Pay Tlie Freight. 
P t EE kl LE ? S , SGALES $35 * 00 * “l«1s d a 8 ^n k KS'rrSS, and 
. took . tale. Its material and workmanship is of the best obtainable, and each scale is 
guaranteed for five years. This is not an inferior Scale, and in order to con- 
Vince, will send it on thirty days’ trial. Send for our catalogue. Address 
PEERLESS SCALE CO., Milwaukee aud Ft. Scott Aves., Dept. Z. Kansas City, Mo. 
CONSUMPTION 
OUR NEW CATALOGUE 
“HUBBARD’S FERTILIZERS FOR 1905” 
will be ready for distribution next month. It will be sent free to any address. 
It 1 V011 AHE O OIJVO TO TTfcrt! 
COMMERCIAL 
FERTILIZERS ^ 
SIPFLIKTO, tills* Bools, will interest you. 
THE ROGERS & HUBBARD CO., 
MANUFACTURERS OF 
HUBBARD’S “ BLACK DIAMOND” FERTILIZERS 
Middletown, Conn. ’ 
no; 
