FLORIDA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
27 
Marketing Grapes. 
Prepare'! and read by Geo. H. Wright, of Chuluota, Orange County, 
Chairman Standing Committee on Grapes. 
Grape growing is among the oldest horticultural industries 
since the creation, and therefore its consideration commands a 
portion of our time and attention. 
Grapes may be seen growing to perfection in nearly all 
parts of the world ; on hill sides, in the valleys, by the run¬ 
ning streams, on the plains, in tropical as well as temperate 
zones, not a civilized country but what they are grown to a 
greater or less extent. Yet, how few of us understand the 
requirements of the vine. 
Different species require different treatment and soil. Some 
varieties require a sandy soil, others clay, marl or muck, and 
the planter that plants his vines without a due regard to the 
requirements of variety, soil, etc., will not meet with success. 
Seven years ago the planting of the grape began quite 
largely in South Florida. A large acreage was planted, 
mostly to White Niagara, and up to last year there were 500 
acres in Orange county alone, and at least half that amount 
in adjoining counties. 
When the spring of ’93 opened the grape growers were very 
sanguine that a large crop would bless their efforts and re¬ 
munerative prices be leceived. 
The first shipments to Philadelphia and New York brought 
good returns; all subsequent shipments failed. 
The best of packing and handling by the grower came to 
naught. Word came back, “ grapes received in bad condi¬ 
tion.” Why was this? The growers were obliged to ship 
by express ; no refrigerator service could be secured ; express 
car was hot during the day but cool at night, the same thing 
the second and third day and the result was death to the 
business. 
This year not over one-half of the vineyards are being 
worked, and lack of remunerative prices is the cause. To 
make viticulture pay in Florida one of two things must be 
done: there must be first-class, rapid refrigerator service at 
reasonable rates, or the grapes must be manufactured into 
wine. 
From personal observation and experience in the field I 
have come to the following conclusions : “ Plant fewer Niag' 
