Olives and Grapes. 
27 
Olives. 
Scattered through the Southern coast region, there are many old Olive trees, some of them planted a. 
century ago. At Dungeness, near Fernandina, in 
Georgia, just across the line from Florida there is a 
grove of four hundred trees, planted in 1801, by 
General Nathaniel Green, of Revolutionary fame ; 
some of the trees have a diameter of over 2)4 feet, 
and are 40 feet high. They went through the freeze 
of 1886 practically uninjured, and seem good for 
another hundred years. A thousand barrels of Olives 
have been taken from this grove in one season. Since 
the Olive industry developed into large proportions 
in California, considerable interest has been taken in 
this fruit in Florida and the coast country. A good 
many trees have been planted, although we do .not 
think anyone has yet ventured a large orchard. The 
trees come into bearing rather slowly, and the result 
of these later plantings is not yet determined. The 
trees seem perfectly at home here, and are hardy 
considerably farther north than the orange. Of unique 
growth and delicate, ashen-grey hued foliage, they 
form a valuable addition to our trees for ornamental 
planting. 
Nevadillo Blanco. This is the Olive generally 
grown in the south of Spain, producing the finest oil 
of commerce. Fruit medium ; deep black ; tree a 
rapid grower, and an immense bearer; branches 
weeping. Makes a very good pickle. November. 
Picholine. A medium sized fruit, elongated, larger 
at the stem end ; skin fine ; color changes from light 
green to wine-red, then to red-black ; pulp abundant, 
flesh of a dark red color ; pit small. The Picholine Picholine Olive. 
is widely known in the Olive regions of Europe, and 
also in California. The tree is hardy and a regular bearer. It is highly esteemed and cultivated for both oil 
and pickles. It is a very delicate Olive, and as a pickle is very highly prized for table use. 
Grapes. 
A number of years ago, as the result of various unsatisfactory experiments, horticulturists unanimously 
condemned Grapes, except the Muscadine varieties, as a failure in Florida ; and the same thing was largely 
true in the Gulf states generally. Later trials reversed this decision, and many varieties are now grown suc¬ 
cessfully. In Florida the Niagara, Diamond, Delaware, Ives, Surprise and other varieties are extensively 
grown, large quantities going forward annually in car-load lots to Northern markets. In the Texas coast 
country Grapes are attracting considerable attention, as well as in the intervening strip along the Gulf. 
In our test vineyard we have fruited over 30 varieties, the best of which are given below, the list 
embracing those which have given most satisfactory results in the various Grape sections of this region. 
The Muscadine, or Bullace Type. The varieties of this Southern race do not flourish in the North and 
West, but grow and bear prodigiously everywhere in the South ; they are not shipped to any considerable 
extent, but are grown for home use, and large quantities are sold in the local markets. They are also exten¬ 
sively planted for wine making. Of the Muscadines we offer three varieties — Scuppernong, Flowers and 
Thomas, described below. They do not require pruning, and should be planted at least 20 feet apart and 
allowed to run upon an arbor. The vines are free from disease, bear heavy crops annually, and the fruit is 
highly esteemed wherever known. 
Berckmans. A cross between Clinton and Dela¬ 
ware, much resembling the latter ; bunch larger than 
Delaware, shouldered ; berries one-third larger than 
Delaware, of same color, and equal in quality to that 
favorite variety. Middle of July. 
Brighton. Highly extolled by nearly every one 
who has grown it ; a most excellent Grape, and has 
succeeded admirably here. Bunches medium; ber¬ 
ries large and reddish ; skin thin ; a very desirable 
table variety. Earlier than Delaware. 
Champion. One of the earliest of American 
Grapes, and on that account has brought good prices 
in near-by markets, but it is too tender and perishable 
for long shipment. Bunches medium ; berries 
medium, round, blue-black ; quality fair ; vine healthy 
and vigorous. 
