THE LEADING VARIETIES OF AMERICAN GRAPES
ADIRONDAC.
(Labrusca, Vinifera?)
=1.= _Mag. Hort._, =27=:490. 1861. =2.= _Horticulturist_, =17=:94,
132, 518. 1862. _fig._ =3.= _Mag. Hort._, =28=:447, 540. 1862. =4.=
_Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt._, =1862=:160. =5.= _U. S. D. A. Rpt._,
=1863=:127. =6.= _Mag. Hort._, =30=:25, 62, 140, 150, 208. 1864.
=7.= Mead, =1867=:164. =8.= Fuller, =1867=:216. =9.= Thomas,
=1867=:399. =10.= _Am. Pom. Soc. Cat._, =1867=:44. =11.= _Grape
Cult._, =1=:115. 1869. =12.= _Gar. Mon._, =16=:249. 1874. =13.=
_Bush. Cat._, =1883=:67. =14.= _Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt._, =1883=:56.
=15.= _Montreal Hort. Soc. Rpt._, =1885=:82. =16.= _N. Y. Sta. An.
Rpt._, =10=:493. 1891.
Adirondac is an old variety now nearly or quite obsolete. It is probably
a seedling of Isabella which it greatly resembles in vine and fruit
characters. It is of the Labrusca type, belonging to the southern group
of this species, and like most of the southern Labruscas lacks in
hardiness and vigor though it surpasses its parent in the first quality.
The vine makes a slow, weak growth and is particularly susceptible to
fungi. The quality of the fruit is very good, juicy and vinous, with the
slight foxy flavor peculiar to Isabella. Its earliness, a week or ten
days earlier than Concord, is one of its chief points of merit. The
Adirondac did not attain favor because of the many faults of the vine
and in the time of its cultivation was seldom found except in the
vineyard of the amateur. The claim is often made for this variety that
it is nearer the Black Hamburg in quality than any other American grape.
Adirondac was first exhibited by J. W. Bailey of Plattsburg, New York,
at the Montreal Horticultural Society Exhibition in Montreal in 1861.
The original vine was found in 1852 by J. G. Witherbee in his garden a
short distance from the shore of Lake Champlain in the town of Port
Henry, Essex County, New York. The variety was introduced by Bailey. On
account of its resemblance in vine to Isabella it is supposed by many to
be a seedling of that variety. Adirondac was placed on the grape list of
the American Pomological Society in 1867 and was dropped from it in
1883.
Vine variable in vigor and productiveness, injured in severe
winters, subject to attacks of mildew in unfavorable seasons.
Foliage dark green, thick. Flowers semi-fertile, open in mid-season
or earlier; stamens upright. Fruit variable in season of ripening,
usually in edible condition about ten days before Delaware, does
not always keep well. Clusters above medium to small, usually
rather compact, seldom shouldered. Berries not uniform in size
averaging below Concord, roundish to slightly oval on account of
compactness of cluster, dark purplish-black, persistent. Skin
intermediate in thickness. Flesh unusually tender and melting,
sweet, mild, good to very good but with an after flavor which is
not altogether agreeable. Seeds rather large, few in number. Must
82-1/2°-83°.
ADVANCE.
(Riparia, Labrusca, Vinifera.)
=1.= _Mass. Hort. Soc. Rpt._, =1872=:94. =2.= _U. S. D. A. Rpt._,
=1875=:386. =3.= _N. J. Hort. Soc. Rpt._, =1881=:11. =4.= _Bush.
Cat._, =1883=:67, 152. =5.= _Va. Sta. Bul._, =30=:108. 1893.
Advance is an unimportant variety now to be found only in the vineyards
of experimenters. At the time of its introduction (1872) it was of much
interest as a hybrid between Riparia, Labrusca and Vinifera, Clinton
being one parent and Duke of Magenta, a grape resembling Black Hamburg,
the other. In quality of fruit it is an improvement over Clinton but
unfortunately, as with so many primary hybrids of our native species
with _Vitis vinifera_, the vine is tender and susceptible to fungi.
This variety was produced by J. H. Ricketts of Newburgh, New York, and
was first exhibited at the grape show in New York City in 1870.
Vine vigorous, productive, not very hardy, subject to attacks of
mildew. Canes long, covered with considerable blue bloom. Leaves
rather large, thin, dark green. Fruit ripens in mid-season, appears
to keep well. Clusters above medium size, usually
single-shouldered, the shoulder being connected to the cluster by a
rather long stem, medium in compactness and with many abortive
fruits. Berries medium to large, oval, dark purplish-black, covered
with heavy blue bloom, persistent. Flesh somewhat tender, flavor
sweet and spicy with considerable resemblance to that of Clinton,
quality good.
AGAWAM.
(Labrusca, Vinifera.)
=1.= _Mag. Hort._, =23=:86. 1857. (Rogers' hybrids.) =2.= _Ib._,
=27=:104, 489, 533. 1861. =3.= _Horticulturist_, =17=:26, 510.
1862. _fig._ =4.= _U. S. D. A. Rpt._, =1863=:130, 549. _fig._ =5.=
_Horticulturist_, =20=:81. 1865. =6.= _Mag. Hort._, =31=:68, 106,
333. 1865. =7.= Husmann, =1866=:124. =8.= Fuller, =1867=:230. =9.=
_Am. Pom. Soc. Cat._, =1867=:44. =10.= _Horticulturist_, =24=:126.
1869. =11.= _Grape Cult._, =1=:43, 153, 181, 262, 325. 1869. =12.=
_Am. Jour. Hort._, =5=:263. 1869. _fig._ =13.= Barry, =1872=:421.
=14.= _Mich. Pom. Soc. Rpt._, =1875=:387. _fig._ =15.= _Bush.
Cat._, =1883=:69. _fig._ =16.= _Gar. and For._, =3=:490. 1890.
=17.= _Can. Hort._, =17=:191. 1894. _col. pl._ =18.= _N. Y. Sta.
An. Rpt._, =15=:433. 1896. =19.= _Ib._, =17=:526, 548, 552, 553.
1898. =20.= _W. N. Y. Hort. Soc. Rpt._, =1899=:91. =21.= _Mo. Sta.
Bul._, =46=:37, 43, 44, 46, 47, 55. 1899.
_Randall_ (20).[156] ROGERS' NO. 15 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9).
_Rogers' No. 15_ (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15).
[Illustration: AGAWAM]
Agawam is the most largely grown of Rogers' hybrids both in the United
States and in New York, the qualities commending it being large size of
bunch and berry, rich, sweet, aromatic flavor, attractive appearance,
excellent keeping qualities, vigor of vine, and capacity for
self-fertilization. It has the distinction of being the only
self-fertile variety among Rogers' named hybrids. For a grape having its
proportion of European parentage the vine is vigorous, hardy and
productive, though not equal to many pure-bred American sorts in these
respects. In severe winters it is precariously hardy in New York. Its
chief defects in fruit are a somewhat thick and tough skin, coarse solid
texture of pulp, and, for the European palate, its decidedly foxy
flavor. The vine is susceptible to the mildews and in many localities
does not yield well. In some markets Agawam is highly esteemed and in
making certain wines it is much sought for in blending because of the
flavor it imparts. Although it ripens soon after Concord it can be kept
much longer and really improves in flavor the first few weeks after
picking. It may be kept in good condition in common storage until
January. Not uncommonly it shrivels on the stem making a raisin. It
seems to prefer somewhat heavy soils, doing better on clay than on sand
or gravel. The Agawam is often sold in the markets as Salem which it
resembles and by which it is surpassed in quality.
For an account of the parentage and origin of Agawam see "Rogers'
Hybrids" of which this is No. 15. It was first mentioned as a variety
about 1861. In 1869 Rogers gave the fruit the name Agawam from the
Indian name of a town in Hampden County, Massachusetts. It has become
one of the most, if not the most, popular of Rogers' hybrids and is in
some sections raised to a considerable extent as a market sort. It is
propagated and sold to-day by practically all nurserymen. It was placed
on the grape list of the American Pomological Society fruit catalog in
1867 and is still retained there.
Vine vigorous, usually hardy, medium to productive, subject to
mildew. Canes of average length, medium in number, rather thick,
moderately dark brown; nodes enlarged, somewhat flattened;
internodes short to medium; diaphragm nearly thick; pith of average
size; shoots tinged with green, glabrous; tendrils intermittent to
continuous, bifid to trifid.
Leaf-buds open in mid-season, of average size, long, somewhat
thick, conical to nearly obtuse. Young leaves tinged with carmine
on lower side and along margin of upper side, prevailing color pale
green. Leaves of average size, thick; upper surface light green,
dull, moderately smooth; lower surface pale green, slightly
pubescent, flocculent; leaf not lobed, terminus somewhat acute;
petiolar sinus deep, narrow, often overlapping; lateral sinus very
shallow when present; teeth shallow, wide. Flowers occasionally on
plan of six, nearly self-fertile, open medium late; stamens
upright.
Fruit ripens soon after Concord, keeps until mid-winter. Clusters
variable averaging medium to large, short, rather broad, tapering
to somewhat cylindrical, sometimes single-shouldered, somewhat
loose; peduncle medium to short, nearly thick; pedicel of average
length, usually thick, covered with few warts, much enlarged at
point of attachment; brush very short, pale green. Berries nearly
large, roundish to slightly oval, dark and dull purplish-red
somewhat resembling Catawba, covered with lilac bloom, very
persistent. Skin thick, tough, adheres slightly to the pulp,
contains no pigment, somewhat astringent. Flesh pale green,
translucent, tough, slightly stringy, rather solid, foxy, good in
quality. Seeds somewhat adherent, two to five averaging four,
large, rather narrow, long, often with slightly enlarged neck,
blunt, brownish; raphe usually distinct, shows as a ridge in the
bottom of a broad groove; chalaza rather large, distinctly above
center, not obscure.
ALEXANDER.
(Labrusca, Vinifera?)
=1.= _Dom. Enc._, =1804=:291. =2.= McMahon, =1806=:235. =3.=
Johnson, =1806=:164. =4.= Adlum, =1823=:139. =5.= _Ib._,
=1823=:140. =6.= Dufour, =1826=:5, 9, 24, 55, 116, 207, 247, 255.
=7.= Adlum, =1828=:173. =8.= Ib., =1828=:174. =9.= Prince,
=1830=:173, 216, 219. =10.= Ib., =1830=:174. =11.= Ib., =1830=:200.
=12.= Downing, =1845=:253. =13.= _U. S. Pat. Off. Rpt._,
=1847=:462. =14.= _Ib._, =1847=:468. =15.= _Ib._, =1856=:434. =16.=
_Bush. Cat._, =1883=:68.
_Alexander's_ (7, 15). _Alexandria_ (15). _Black Grape_ (16). _Buck
Grape_ (11). CAPE (6, 15). _Cape grape_ (12, 13, 16). _Cape of Good
Hope grape_ (9, 10). CLIFTON'S CONSTANTIA (4, 8, 10). _Clifton's
Constantia_ (12, 16). _Columbian_ (11). _Constantia_ (6, 16).
_Madeira of York, Pa._ (12). _Rothrock of Prince_ (16). SCHUYLKILL
MUSCADEL (5, 7, 13). _Schuylkill Muscadel_ (9, 12, 14, 15, 16).
_Schuylkill Muscadine_ (12). _Spring Mill Constantia_ (9, 12, 16).
_Tasker's grape_ (1, 2, 3, 7, 9, 12, 16). _Vevay_ (13, 15, 16).
WINNE (11). _Winne_ (12, 16). _York Lisbon_ (16).
Alexander is now a grape of the past but no other of our American
varieties better deserves historical record. We have seen in the
preceding chapters how important a part it had in the evolution of our
native grapes, being one of the first wild grapes to be domesticated.
The Alexander was a coarse grape with so much foxiness of flavor that
it did not please the early growers, who had been accustomed to European
sorts, as a table-grape, but it made a very good wine of the claret type
and was grown for this purpose until displaced by the Catawba. It was
wine made from this variety that Thomas Jefferson[157] pronounced
"worthy of the best vineyards of France." The early writers differ so in
their estimates of the good and bad qualities of this grape that it is
hard to give its true characters at this late date.
The early history of Alexander is really the history of two varieties:
the Schuylkill Muscadel and the Clifton Constantia. The first of these
varieties was, according to Bartram, found growing in the vicinity of
Philadelphia on the hills bordering the Schuylkill River in the
neighborhood of an old vineyard of European grapes. The finder, John
Alexander, was gardener to Governor Penn of Pennsylvania, into whose
garden he introduced it a few years before the American Revolution. It
was later known as Tasker's grape from a Mr. Tasker of Maryland who
cultivated it largely. The Clifton Constantia, according to Adlum,
originated with William Clifton of Southwark, Philadelphia, who states
that it was a chance seedling in his garden. Adlum says that the two
varieties had been confused, that "they are much alike in the growth of
the vine and the color of the grape but the Schuylkill has rather the
largest berries and is sweeter, and generally has a small shoulder or
branch with four or five grapes on it growing out from the top of the
bunch." Prince also describes the varieties as separate, but he says
"they are generally cultivated and considered as synonymous." Later
writers consider the two grapes identical.
Peter Legaux, the promoter of a vineyard company at Spring Mill, about
fourteen miles from Philadelphia, secured some vines of the Clifton
Constantia from Clifton and later introduced it under the name of Cape
grape stating that he had secured it from the Cape of Good Hope. Whether
he did this purposely and with intent to defraud or whether he had
accidentally mixed the cuttings secured from Clifton with some of a
large number of cuttings which had come from abroad will never be known.
When reproached for his deception he denied that this variety was a
native and continued to assert that he had secured it from the Cape of
Good Hope. In this he was strongly supported by Dufour who says: "I will
also try to save the character of our Cape grapes from being merely wild
grapes, because some are now found in the woods." Legaux's advertisement
of this variety had the effect of making it known at least and it is the
opinion of writers of that day that many were induced to try this grape
under the supposition that it was from the Cape of Good Hope who would
have scorned it had they supposed it to be a native. It came to be
considerably planted in all parts of the United States; was early
introduced into the West and preceded the Catawba as the popular grape
around Cincinnati. It was found worthless in New England and New York,
the season not being long enough to mature the fruit. With the
introduction and dissemination of Catawba it was gradually dropped from
cultivation, the Catawba being superior in quality, more resistant to
rot and mildew and slightly earlier. It is now unknown and it is
doubtful if there are any living vines in cultivation.
Alexander is generally considered a variety of Labrusca but there is
much evidence to show that it is a hybrid of Labrusca and Vinifera. This
was the opinion of some of the earlier writers but later it was
discredited. Bartram gives as one of the distinguishing characters of
Vinifera and American vines that the first show oval berries while the
latter do not, but he makes an exception of Alexander. Why this should
be an exception does not seem apparent unless it be credited to
hybridity. Furthermore, the season of Alexander, which is very late,
would also indicate foreign blood; a grape native of the vicinity of
Philadelphia would supposedly be able to ripen itself in that locality,
a thing that the Alexander seldom did perfectly, and it is spoken of in
southern Indiana as being very late. Its place of origin ("in the
vicinity of an old vineyard of European kinds") would indicate that
there was an opportunity for hybridization to take place. The
descriptions strongly suggest some of the coarser-textured of Rogers'
hybrids.
This solution, if it be accepted, would account for the difference of
opinion as to its origin. Bartram and Prince could see enough of the
characters of the native in a hybrid so that they could be deceived into
claiming it as a native, and Dufour on the other hand could see enough
of the Vinifera characters so that he felt there was no question as to
its being of foreign origin.
Downing gives what is probably the most complete description of this
variety we now have, although it was made from fruit raised some
distance farther north than where the variety matures properly. He says:
"It is quite sweet when ripe and makes a very fair wine but it is quite
too pulpy and coarse for table use. The bunches are more compact and the
leaves much more _downy_ than those of the Isabella. Bunches rather
compact, not shouldered. Berries of medium size, oval. Skin thick, quite
black. Flesh with a very firm pulp, but juicy, and quite sweet and
musky, when fully ripe, which is not till the last of October." Dufour
speaks of the berries ripening unevenly, requiring the green ones to be
picked out before sending to the wine press.
ALEXANDER WINTER.
(Labrusca, Vinifera?)
=1.= _N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt._, =11=:613. 1892. =2.= _Ib._, =14=:275.
1895. =3.= _Ib._, =17=:526, 548, 553. 1898.
Alexander Winter is chiefly valuable because of the length of time it
will keep. As its name implies it is a _winter_ grape. The flavor is
most excellent and when well grown the appearance of bunch and grape is
attractive. Another desirable quality is that the average number of
seeds to the berry is small, being only two. The great defect of the
variety is that, even with cross-pollinization, perfect clusters do not
form. There are many green berries, and when ripe there are always some
small seedless berries indicating imperfect fertilization. Vine and
foliage indicate Labrusca parentage but the fruit suggests an admixture
of Vinifera. Although rarely found in the gardens and vineyards of New
York, Alexander Winter is well worth a place in the garden of the
amateur and of the grape-breeder because of its excellent keeping
qualities.
Alexander Winter was originated by S. R. Alexander, Bellefontaine, Ohio,
from a lot of mixed seed planted in 1884. It was received at this
Station in 1892. It seems not to have been tested elsewhere and is not
generally handled by nurserymen.
Vine vigorous, injured in severe winters, productive. Foliage
irregularly roundish, dark green. Flowers open in mid-season or
earlier; stamens reflexed. It cannot be relied upon to set perfect
clusters when standing alone and even when growing in a mixed
vineyard fails to set fruit well. Fruit ripens about with Salem,
keeps a long time in edible condition. Clusters above medium to
small, very heavily shouldered, loose, contain many small seedless
fruits. Berries variable in size, the fully developed fruits
averaging medium to large, roundish, dull, light and dark red,
covered with thin lilac bloom or at times with faint tinge of
grayish-blue, persistent. Skin covered with scattering dark-colored
dots, rather thick but tender. Flesh tender, vinous, with
indications of Vinifera parentage, sweetish to agreeably tart,
flavor pleasing, good to very good in quality. Seeds large, few in
number; raphe sometimes shows as a raised cord.
(I) ALICE.
(Labrusca.)
=1.= _Bush. Cat._, =1894=:84.
Alice is one of two New York seedlings of this name offered
grape-growers, neither of which is worth a permanent place in
viticulture. This grape is a white seedling of Martha, and much
resembles that variety. It was originated by J. A. Putnam, Fredonia, New
York, who writes that the vine was first fruited in 1890. On account of
its close resemblance to Martha it was generally considered unworthy of
perpetuation and is now practically obsolete.
(II) ALICE.
(Labrusca, Aestivalis?, Vinifera?)
=1.= _Rural N. Y._, =46=:36. 1887. _fig._ =2.= _Ib._, =47=:161.
1888. =3.= _Amer. Gard._, =9=:7. 1888. _fig._ =4.= _N. Y. Sta. An.
Rpt._, =11=:613. 1892. =5.= _Amer. Gard._, =16=:423. 1895. _fig._
=6.= _Mass. Hort. Soc. Rpt._, =1895=:233. =7.= _N. Y. Sta. An.
Rpt._, =14=:275. 1895. =8.= _Minn. Hort. Soc. Rpt._, =1896=:134.
_fig._ =9.= _Rural N. Y._, =56=:662, 679. 1897. =10.= _N. Y. Sta.
An. Rpt._, =17=:526, 548, 553. 1898.
A brief record of the origin, history and gross characters of Alice is
herewith given. The grape is of little value in New York.
This variety was found growing near an old stone wall by Ward D. Gunn of
Clintondale, Ulster County, New York, and was transplanted into his
vineyard in the spring of 1884. It was introduced by F. E. Young of
Rochester. This is a Labrusca, with a few characters that indicate
Aestivalis and Vinifera blood.
Vine vigorous to medium, hardy, produces fair crops. Leaves medium
to large, sometimes strongly rugose, with lower surface heavily
pubescent. Flowers self-fertile or nearly so, open in mid-season;
stamens upright. Fruit ripens with Concord or slightly earlier, the
different clusters varying in season of ripening, ships well and
keeps in good condition far into the winter. Clusters intermediate
in size, usually with a small single shoulder, medium to compact.
Berries above medium to small, roundish although frequently
strongly compressed on account of compactness of cluster, rather
dull, pale red, somewhat lighter than Catawba, covered with thin
lilac bloom, persistent. Skin very thick. Flesh tender, vinous,
somewhat foxy, sweet at skin to agreeably tart at center, good in
quality, resembling Diana or Catawba. The seeds, which are few in
number, often show a rough granular, warty surface around the
chalaza.
ALLEN'S HYBRID.
(Labrusca, Vinifera.)
=1.= _Mag. Hort._, =20=:474. 1854. =2.= _Ib._, =21=:182. 1855. =3.=
_Essex Inst. Proc._, =1=:195. 1856. =4.= _Mag. Hort._, =26=:66.
1860. =5.= _Am. Pom. Soc. Cat._, =1862=:90. =6.= Strong,
=1866=:330. =7.= Mead, =1867=:176, 187, 194. _fig._ =8.= _Ga. Sta.
An. Rpt._, =13=:320. 1900. =9.= _Ga. Sta. Bul._, =53=:40. 1901.
A half century ago Allen's Hybrid was the vine of promise in America. It
was the first named hybrid between _Vitis labrusca_ and _Vitis vinifera_
to be disseminated and as such awakened the slumbering hopes of the
horticulturists of a continent. American grape-growers had all but given
up the expectation of ever growing the European grape in the New World
when Allen announced this hybrid. Auspicious hope! Grape-growers
everywhere hybridized grapes and the growing of the vine received an
impetus surpassed only by that of the introduction of the Concord.
Botanists and horticulturists had doubted the possibility and the
practicability of crossing the Old World grape with the New World
species, when this variety removed the doubt and led them to hope that
we were to have varieties of grapes in America possessing many of the
coveted characters of the grapes of Europe.
After its introduction the variety was tested wherever grapes were grown
in the United States and Canada,--and for a generation. Its high
quality, entirely free from what was then considered objectionable
foxiness, handsome appearance, with some other qualities of its Vinifera
parent, at first indicated that it was a most valuable acquisition; but
it soon developed the tenderness of vine and susceptibility to fungi and
insects which have come to be the distinguishing marks of the primary
hybrids of native species and the European grape. Its cultivation has
long since ceased and it has now a place only in the history of American
grape-growing. It has been one of the parents of a number of other
grapes, chief of which is Lady Washington, produced from a cross between
Allen's Hybrid and Concord. The grape is lost to cultivation but the
name should be perpetuated as commemorating one of the great events in
American viticulture.
Allen's Hybrid was originated by John Fiske Allen of Salem,
Massachusetts. In the winter of 1843-44 he fertilized the blossoms of an
Isabella vine growing in a greenhouse with pollen from Chasselas de
Fontainbleau. Seeds were produced and planted the next year the vines of
which began to fruit in 1853 and 1854. One of these seedlings of greater
merit than the others was saved and named Allen's Hybrid; the others
were destroyed.
"The vine is not hardy, and requires winter protection, but is
vigorous and productive, ripening quite early, and in sheltered
situations is a desirable variety. Bunch medium to large,
shouldered, compact; berry medium to large, round, sometimes
depressed; skin thin, white, changing to pale yellow when fully
ripe; flesh tender, juicy, sweet, rich, with a delicate slightly
vinous flavor, and one of the best in quality."[158]
AMBER QUEEN.
(Vinifera, Riparia, Labrusca.)
=1.= _Mass. Hort. Soc. Rpt._, =1870=:33. =2.= _Ib._, =1873=:101.
=3.= _Bush. Cat._, =1883=:70. =4.= _N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt._, =8=:342.
1889. =5.= _Ib._, =17=:548, 552. 1898. =6.= _Mo. Sta. Bul._,
=46=:42, 44, 46, 76. 1899. =7.= _Ga. Sta. Bul._, =53=:40. 1901.
Amber Queen is interesting chiefly as having sprung from three species,
_Vitis vinifera_, _Vitis labrusca_ and _Vitis riparia_, and as showing
the characters of all in some degree. The fruit strongly indicates the
Vinifera parentage, the continuous tendrils Labrusca, and the vine, in
vigor of growth and several botanical characters, shows its descent from
Riparia. The variety has never been much grown, and when cultivated
could be best characterized by its faults--of not setting fruit well,
susceptibility to mildew and black-rot and of unproductiveness. It is,
however, reasonably successful in especially favorable localities.
The variety was first exhibited at a meeting of the Massachusetts
Horticultural Society in 1870. It was originated by N. B. White,
Norwood, Massachusetts, from seed of Marion fertilized with Black
Hamburg. Bush questions this parentage owing to the fact that Amber
Queen frequently shows continuous tendrils. In the vineyard of this
Station, however, Marion shows continuous as well as intermittent
tendrils, indicating that it would be quite possible for the Amber Queen
to have inherited its aberrant tendrils from that source.
Vine a strong grower, usually hardy, produces light crops except in
favored locations, both leaves and fruit subject to attacks of
fungal diseases. Leaves above medium size, roundish, rather thick.
Flowers sterile or nearly so, practically incapable of setting
fruit when self-fertilized, open about in mid-season and bloom a
long time; stamens reflexed. Fruit variable in season of ripening,
sometimes before, at other times after Concord, usually requires
more than one picking to secure the fruit at its best, does not
keep well as the berries soon wither. Clusters variable in size but
not large, usually loose and open but sometimes compact. Berries
not uniform in size, roundish to oval, dark red covered with more
or less lilac bloom, somewhat resembling Catawba in color, not very
firm as the berries soon shrivel, persistent. Flesh very juicy,
soft and tender, mildly sweet at skin to acid at center, good to
very good in quality. Seeds variable in size, frequently with
enlarged neck; chalaza distinctly above center.
AMBROSIA.
(Labrusca, Vinifera.)
=1.= _N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt._, =10=:494. 1891. =2.= _Ib._, =11=:614.
1892. =3.= _Ib._, =17=:526, 545, 547, 553. 1898.
Ambrosia is a New York seedling which, though introduced nearly twenty
years ago, has not found favor with grape-growers. In quality, while
hardly worthy of its name, it ranks high and for this reason may be
worth a place in the vineyard of the amateur. On the Station grounds it
shells badly, differing in this respect from its supposed parent Salem.
The variety was originated by Alfred Rose of Penn Yan, New York, from
seed of Salem, planted in 1884. It was received for testing by this
Station in 1888. There are no records of its having been tested
elsewhere.
Vine vigorous, healthy, usually hardy, moderately productive.
Leaves intermediate in size; lower surface heavily tinged with
bronze. Flowers occasionally on plan of six, fertile, open in
mid-season or earlier; stamens upright. Fruit ripens about with
Concord or Delaware, appears to keep well. Clusters large to
medium, broadly and irregularly tapering, sometimes blunt at ends,
usually not shouldered or shoulder when present small and short,
compact to medium. Berries large to above medium, slightly oblate,
attractive green changing to a yellow tinge, covered with a more or
less gray bloom, drop from clusters easily. Flesh rather
transparent and tender, mild, sweetish from skin to center,
pleasant-flavored but somewhat variable in flavor and quality,
ranking from medium to very good. Seeds separate readily from the
pulp, quite large; raphe often shows as a partly submerged cord.
AMERICA.
(Lincecumii, Rupestris.)
=1.= _N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt._, =11=:614. 1892. =2.= _An. Hort._,
=1892=:176. =3.= Husmann, =1895=:116, 125. =4.= _N. Y. Sta. An.
Rpt._, =14=:276. 1895. =5.= _Ib._, =17=:526, 548, 553, 1898. =6.=
_Tex. Sta. Bul._, =48=:1149, 1152. 1898. _fig._ =7.= _Am. Pom. Soc.
Cat._, =1899=:29. =8.= _Mo. Sta. Bul._, =46=:43, 45, 46, 47. 1899.
=9.= _Ga. Sta. An. Rpt._, =13=:320. 1900. =10.= _Tex. Sta. Bul._,
=56=:263, 274. 1900. _fig._ =11.= _Rural N. Y._, =60=:614. 1901.
=12.= _Mo. Hort. Soc. Rpt._, =1904=:305.
America is illustrated and described in _The Grapes of New York_ chiefly
because of its possible value in breeding work. It may also be worth
growing in a limited way in this State for wine-making as it is reputed
by all who have tried it to be one of the best native grapes for a dark
red wine and to make a very good port. The notable qualities of the
variety as it grows at Geneva are: Vigor of growth, health of foliage,
persistence of berries, high sugar content and the peculiar flavor of
the fruit, liked by some and not by others. At least it can be said that
the taste of America is new to northern grape-growers; and, since it
wholly lacks the foxy taste and aroma of Labrusca, it offers
possibilities for breeding varieties lacking the distinguishing flavor
of Concord and Niagara. This variety would probably be somewhat
objectionable in northern markets as a table fruit because of the highly
colored juice, which stains the hands and the lips. The flavor is
decidedly that of _Vitis rupestris_.
Its originator claims for America great resistance to heat and cold; and
our experience, though limited, confirms the claim. So, too, it is said
to be a suitable stock upon which to graft Vinifera varieties to resist
phylloxera, a matter concerning which our experience in this region
offers nothing, though the parentage strongly suggests such resistance
to be the case. The vigor of the vine and the luxuriance of the foliage,
probably still more marked farther south, cannot but make it an
excellent sort for arbors. But the fact must be emphasized that America
is preeminently of interest to the northern grape-grower because it
gives him an opportunity to make use in breeding work, of the qualities
of Rupestris and Lincecumii, southern species combined in this variety
and thriving in the combination in northern conditions.
[Illustration: AMERICA]
The grape described here was originated by Munson from seed of _Jaeger
No. 43_ pollinated by a male Rupestris. It was received at this Station
in 1892 which was practically the date of its introduction. America has
been widely tested by experiment stations and the reports of its
behavior are generally favorable.
Vine vigorous to very vigorous, usually hardy, produces heavy
crops. Canes long, numerous, of medium size, dark reddish-brown,
covered with heavy blue bloom; nodes enlarged, strongly flattened;
internodes of average length; diaphragm medium in thickness; pith
rather large; shoots glabrous, covered with blue bloom; tendrils
intermittent; long, bifid.
Leaf-buds open in mid-season, medium to small, of average length,
rather thick, conical to obtuse. Young leaves tinged on both sides,
making the prevailing color rose-carmine. Leaves healthy, inferior
in size, rather thin; upper surface attractive medium green,
glossy, smooth; lower surface light green, hairy; veins indistinct;
lobes lacking or faintly showing, terminal lobe acute; petiolar
sinus moderately deep and wide; teeth of average depth and width.
Flowers sterile, usually on plan of six, open late; stamens
reflexed.
Fruit ripens with Concord or later, keeps well. Clusters nearly
large, above medium length, broad, tapering, somewhat cylindrical,
irregular, usually single-shouldered, averaging two or three
bunches per shoot, usually compact; peduncle of medium length,
rather thick; pedicel short, slender, covered with few, small,
inconspicuous warts; brush short, thick, with reddish tinge.
Berries medium to small, variable in size, roundish, attractive
black or purplish-black, glossy, covered with heavy blue bloom,
persistent, somewhat soft. Skin thin, very tender, adheres slightly
to the pulp, contains an unusually large amount of purplish-red
pigment, slightly astringent. Flesh dull white with faint reddish
tinge, translucent, not very juicy, tender, not stringy, melting,
spicy, vinous, sweet, good in quality. Seeds separate easily, two
to five, average four, above medium size, long, of moderate width,
pointed, yellowish-brown; raphe prominent, cord-like; chalaza
large, slightly above center, irregularly circular, distinct.
There is a second variety under the name America, as Ricketts years ago
introduced an America which has probably passed from cultivation.
AMETHYST.
(Labrusca, Vinifera, Bourquiniana.)
=1.= _Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt._, =1903=:82.
Amethyst is one of Munson's hybrids as yet unknown to the grape-growers
of New York. It is a most excellent table grape, coming after the
Delaware which it much resembles in habit of growth and in fruit. It is
a stronger grower than Delaware, has proved to be as hardy, is seemingly
not attacked readily by black-rot, but like the Delaware is susceptible
to mildew. In quality it ranks with Delago, Brilliant, Goethe, Lindley
and Delaware, all parents one or two generations removed. According to
Munson it makes a good white wine. It is at least an amateur's grape, to
be sought because of high quality. It was originated by T. V. Munson of
Denison, Texas, being first fruited in 1898. It is a cross of Delago and
Brilliant and was introduced in 1902.
Vine moderately vigorous, hardy, medium to productive, susceptible
to attacks of mildew. Canes intermediate in length, number and
thickness, light and dark brown deepening in color at the nodes.
Leaves medium to nearly large, light green; lower surface pale
green, pubescent. Flowers nearly fertile to slightly sterile, open
rather late; stamens upright. Fruit ripens after Delaware, keeps
well. Clusters medium to large, intermediate in length and width,
usually single-shouldered, compact. Berries above medium to small,
roundish to oval, strongly narrowing toward the pedicel on account
of compactness of cluster, rather attractive dark red, covered with
lilac bloom, usually persistent. Skin thick, of average toughness.
Flesh rather tough, solid, vinous, sweetish at skin to agreeably
tart at center somewhat resembling Brilliant, good to very good in
quality. Seeds intermediate in size and length, often with enlarged
neck.
AMINIA.
(Labrusca, Vinifera.)
=1.= _Mag. Hort._, =31=:333. 1865. =2.= _Mass. Hort. Soc. Rpt._,
=1865=:40. =3.= _N. Y. Agr. Soc. Rpt._, =1870=:276. =4.= _Mich.
Pom. Soc. Rpt._, =1875=:341. =5.= _Bush. Cat._, =1883=:70. =6.=
_Ill. Sta. Bul._, =28=:252. 1893. =7.= _N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt._,
=17=:526, 548, 553. 1898. =8.= _Mo. Sta. Bul._, =46=:42, 44, 46,
48, 54. 1899. =9.= _Ga. Sta. An. Rpt._, =13=:320. 1900.
ROGERS' NO. 39 (1, 2, 3, 4). _Rogers' No. 39_ (5).
Aminia is deserving the recognition of a color-plate and a full
description in this work because in quality it is one of the best early
grapes for New York. Besides being early and of good quality it keeps
well. It ripens with or a little after Moore Early and Hartford,
producing berries of high quality and attractive appearance but the
bunches are small, variable in size, not well formed as a rule, and the
berries ripen unevenly. The vine is vigorous, not as hardy as might be
wished for in New York, nor as productive as a commercial variety must
be, and shows the weaknesses characteristic of all of Rogers' hybrids.
[Illustration: AMINIA]
For an account of the origin of the Aminia see page 390 under "Rogers'
Hybrids." In 1867 Bush secured vines of _Rogers' No. 39_ from several
different sources. When these came into bearing he found he had three
different varieties. The original vine of _Rogers' No. 39_ having been
destroyed it was impossible to determine which was the correct one. Bush
selected the best of these and to avoid further confusion, with the
consent of Rogers, named it Aminia. But in spite of Bush's care there
are still at least two different varieties cultivated under this name.
Although the Aminia is found in many varietal vineyards, an examination
of over forty of the leading grape nurserymen's catalogs shows only
three who offer vines for sale.
Vine vigorous, not always hardy, lacking somewhat in
productiveness. Canes slightly rough, long, medium in number,
thickish, dark brown to reddish tinge; nodes enlarged, usually not
flattened; internodes medium to long; diaphragm somewhat thick;
pith large; shoots pubescent; tendrils intermittent, long to
medium, trifid to bifid, persistent.
Leaf-buds open in mid-season, about medium in size and length,
above average thickness, prominent, obtuse to conical. Young leaves
colored on both sides, prevailing color rather bright carmine.
Leaves large, of average thickness; upper surface medium green,
rather dull, nearly smooth; lower surface light green, slightly
pubescent; veins distinct; lobes usually three, terminal lobe
acute; petiolar sinus rather deep, narrow, often closed and
overlapping; basal sinus usually lacking; lateral sinus nearly
shallow, narrow; teeth somewhat shallow, inclined to wide. Flowers
open in mid-season, sterile; stamens reflexed.
Fruit ripens early, just after Hartford, keeps well. Clusters
medium to small, of average length, broad, irregular, somewhat
conical, sometimes with a long shoulder, rather loose; peduncle
long, thick; pedicel longish, not slender, broad at point of
attachment, covered with few warts; brush short, thick,
brownish-red. Berries range from large to small, decidedly
variable, roundish, dull black, covered with blue bloom,
persistent, firm. Skin rather thick, somewhat tender, adheres
considerably to the pulp, contains a large amount of purplish-red
pigment, slightly astringent. Flesh greenish, translucent,
moderately tender, rather solid and coarse, foxy, sweet at skin but
somewhat acid at center; quality good. Seeds adherent, one to six,
average three and four, very large, long, fair width, sharply
pointed, light brown with yellow tinge; raphe obscure; chalaza
large, above center, irregularly circular to oval, distinct.
ANTOINETTE.
(Labrusca.)
=1.= _N. J. Hort. Soc. Rpt._, =1881=:10. =2.= _Rural N. Y._,
=48=:801. 1889. _fig._ =3.= _Bush. Cat._, =1894=:86. =4.= _N. Y.
Sta. An. Rpt._, =15=:294. 1896. =5.= _Ib._, =17=:526, 545, 547,
553. 1898. =6.= _Kan. Sta. Bul._, =110=:235. 1902.
Antoinette is a white seedling of Concord which, on the Station grounds,
and in the State at large, has not shown sufficient merit to warrant its
recommendation. It is very similar to the several other white seedlings
of Concord, all of which have a decided varietal resemblance and which,
except in color of fruit, have the general characters of Concord.
T. B. Miner, of New Jersey, produced Antoinette from Concord seed over
thirty years ago.
Vine medium to vigorous, usually hardy, fairly productive. Canes
medium to short, usually roughened. Leaves of average size and
thickness with lower surface heavily pubescent. Flowers open in
mid-season or earlier, fertile; stamens upright. Fruit ripens with
Concord or slightly earlier, keeps well. Clusters medium to small,
cylindrical to tapering, usually not shouldered, variable in
compactness. Berries large to below medium, roundish, dark dull
green or whitish, often with a tinge of yellow, covered with heavy
gray bloom, inclined to drop from pedicel, not firm. Skin usually
covered with small scattering dark dots, thin, variable in
toughness. Flesh rather tough, sweetish next the skin, tart at
center, slightly foxy, good to very good in quality. Seeds separate
from the pulp with difficulty, not numerous, rather large, dark
brown.
AUGUST GIANT.
(Labrusca, Vinifera.)
=1.= _Mass. Hort. Soc. Rpt._, =1872=:95. =2.= _Bush. Cat._,
=1883=:72. =3.= _Ill. Sta. Bul._, =28=:252. 1893. =4.= _Col. Sta.
Bul._, =29=:18. 1894. =5.= _Bush. Cat._, =1894=:86. =6.= _Del. Sta.
An. Rpt._, =7=:134, 136. 1895.
The originator of August Giant has managed to secure a hybrid of _Vitis
labrusca_ and _Vitis vinifera_ in which the fruit characters are
decidedly those of the latter species. In appearance of berry and in
taste, when well grown, August Giant greatly resembles Black Hamburg.
The vine is unusually vigorous and, considering its parentage, is quite
hardy. The foliage is thick and luxuriant, though somewhat subject to
mildew. The vigor of vine, beauty of foliage, and the high quality of
the fruit make the variety a desirable one for the amateur, especially
where an ornamental vine is wanted. The variety needs to be grown where
the fruit can have a long and favorable maturing season.
August Giant was originated by N. B. White of Norwood, Massachusetts, in
1861 from seed of an early, large-berried red grape of the Labrusca
type, pollinated by Black Hamburg.
[Illustration: AUGUST GIANT]
Vine very vigorous, usually hardy, not a heavy bearer, somewhat
subject to mildew. Canes medium to long, numerous, thick, light to
dark brown; nodes enlarged, slightly flattened; internodes below
average length; diaphragm rather thick; pith large to medium;
shoots slightly pubescent; tendrils continuous, medium to long,
bifid to trifid.
Leaf-buds open in mid-season, of average size, short, rather thick,
conical to obtuse. Young leaves tinged with carmine on lower side
extending beyond border of upper side. Leaves medium to very large,
thick; upper surface dark green, glossy, smooth, slightly rugose on
older leaves; lower surface pale green to indistinct bronze,
pubescent; veins rather indistinct; lobes usually three, terminal
lobe acute; petiolar sinus medium to deep, narrow, frequently
closed and overlapping; lateral sinus shallow to a mere notch;
teeth shallow, narrow. Flowers open in mid-season, sterile; stamens
reflexed.
Fruit ripens about a week later than Moore Early, keeps well.
Clusters of average size or sometimes larger, medium to short,
rather broad, irregularly tapering, not uniform, usually
single-shouldered, loose to nearly compact; peduncle long to medium
in length, somewhat thick; pedicel longish, thick, wide at
attachment to berry, covered with numerous large warts; brush
short, thick, greenish or with brown tinge. Berries resemble Black
Hamburg in general appearance but somewhat variable, averaging
large, oval to roundish, dark purplish-red or black, dull, covered
with thick blue bloom, hang well to pedicel, firm. Skin of average
thickness, tough, adheres slightly to pulp, contains a small amount
of bright red pigment, strongly astringent. Flesh greenish,
translucent, somewhat tough, stringy, agreeably tart at skin but
acid at center, good in quality, resembling Black Hamburg. Seeds
adherent, one to four, averaging three, large, rather broad, long,
plump, somewhat blunt, light brown; raphe usually obscure; chalaza
somewhat large, above center, irregularly circular, distinct.
AUTUCHON.
(Riparia, Labrusca, Vinifera.)
=1.= Downing, =1869=:530. =2.= _Grape Cult._, =1=:325, 334, 368.
1869. _fig._ =3.= _Horticulturist_, =24=:19, 1869. =4.= _Ib._,
=25=:74. 1870. =5.= _Grape Cult._, =2=:265. 1870. =6.= Barry,
=1872=:424. =7.= _Horticulturist_, =27=:14. 1872. =8.= _Montreal
Hort. Soc. Rpt._, =1881=:159. =9.= _Bush. Cat._, =1883=:71. _fig._
=10.= _Minn. Hort. Soc. Rpt._, =1884=:249. =11.= _Can. Cen. Exp.
Farms Rpt._, =1891=:134. =12.= _Traité gen. de vit._, =5=:200.
1903.
ARNOLD'S NO. 5 (3). _Arnold's No. 5_ (1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12).
Autuchon was introduced about 1870 with great éclat. It was heralded as
the "best white grape in America--a veritable treasure." Later it was
grown and somewhat widely tested in France. But in neither country has
it come up to expectations. In America it has proved to be somewhat
tender to cold, an unreliable bearer and subject to rot and mildew. In
France it shows the same weaknesses and is not as resistant to
phylloxera as are other and better American sorts. The quality of
Autuchon is excellent, being that of its European parent with the
agreeable sprightliness of its American ancestor. According to the
reports regarding it from France it makes a "wine remarkably white,
vinous and fresh, slightly musky and agreeable, and of a beautiful
yellow color."[159]
Autuchon was originated by Charles Arnold of Paris, Canada, from seed
planted in 1859, The parents are Clinton pollinated by Golden Chasselas.
It is not in the Station collection, and the following description is
taken from the _Bushberg Catalogue_.[160]
"Leaves dark green, very deep lobed and sharp pointed serratures;
the unripe wood is very dark purple, nearly black. Bunches very
long, not heavily shouldered, rather loose; berries medium size,
round, white (green), with a moderately firm, but readily melting
flesh, and an agreeable sprightly flavor, resembling the White
Chasselas. Skin thin, without astringency. Ripens with the
Delaware."
BACCHUS.
(Riparia, Labrusca.)
=1.= _Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt._, =1879= (cited by =2=). =2.= _Gar. Mon._,
=22=:176. 1880. =3.= _Mass. Hort. Soc. Rpt._, =1880=:238. =4.=
_Bush. Cat._, =1883=:72. _fig._ =5.= _N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt._,
=9=:326. 1890. =6.= _Ill. Sta. Bul._, =28=:252. 1893. =7.= _Tenn.
Sta. Bul._, Vol. =9=:167. 1896. =8.= _Rural N. Y._, =59=:7. 1900.
Bacchus is a wine grape deemed worthy by its originator to bear the name
of the god of wine. It is an offspring of Clinton which it much
resembles in vine and leaf characters but surpasses in quality of fruit
and in productiveness. In New York Bacchus has very generally superseded
Clinton though neither is extensively grown. It is vigorous, productive,
hardy, free from mildew and adapted to a variety of soils; it requires a
long season for full maturity and cannot therefore be well grown in
northern locations though the seasons in the grape regions of New York
are usually sufficiently long. The wine-makers of the State mention it
as one of the most desirable grapes for a dark red wine. While it is
generally too tart for a dessert grape, yet if left on the vine until
frost, as late as it can hang, it becomes a good late table grape.
Bacchus is one of the best, if not the best, cultivated types of
Riparia, or of the Clinton group of Riparia. Its special points of merit
from a broad standpoint are: Resistance to cold, resistance to
phylloxera, value for wine-making, freedom from fungi and insects,
productiveness, ease of multiplication, and capacity to bear grafts. For
the above qualities it offers exceptional opportunities to the
plant-breeder. Its most prominent limitations are: Poor quality for
table use, inability to withstand dry soils or droughts and
non-adaptability to soils containing much lime.
[Illustration: BACCHUS]
There is no question about the origin of Bacchus. It is a seedling of
Clinton which, as mentioned above, it greatly resembles in every
character. The variety was originated by J. H. Ricketts of Newburgh, New
York, and was first exhibited by him before the American Pomological
Society in 1879. It is well known in eastern United States and, as in
New York, is highly thought of as a wine grape.
Vine very vigorous, hardy, healthy, productive. Canes average in
length, numerous, of medium size, rather light to dark brown with
some bloom at nodes which are somewhat enlarged and flattened;
internodes intermediate in length; diaphragm below average
thickness; pith large to medium; shoots nearly glabrous; tendrils
continuous, of mean length, bifid.
Leaf-buds open early, of average size, rather short, thick, obtuse
to conical. Young leaves faintly tinged with carmine on lower side
only, prevailing color pale green with faint carmine tinge. Leaves
medium to small, thin; upper surface dark green, glossy, smooth;
lower surface dull green, not pubescent; veins indistinct; lobes
three in number, terminal lobe acuminate; petiolar sinus medium to
shallow, narrow sometimes nearly overlapping; basal sinus lacking;
lateral sinus shallow, wide; teeth of average depth and width.
Flowers open early, sterile; stamens upright.
Fruit ripens late and keeps well, hanging a long time on the vine.
Clusters small to medium, below average length, rather slender,
uniform, cylindrical, often single-shouldered, compact; peduncle
almost short, intermediate in size; pedicel short to medium,
slender, covered with a few small warts; brush short, wine-colored.
Berries variable in size, below medium to small, roundish, black,
glossy, covered with a moderate amount of blue bloom, hang well to
pedicels, firm. Skin thin, of average toughness, adheres only
slightly to the pulp, contains much wine-colored pigment, slightly
astringent. Flesh dark green, translucent, fine-grained, somewhat
tough, vinous, sweet at skin to tart near seeds, with slight
Riparia spiciness, of medium quality, improving as the season
advances. Seeds cling to pulp, one to four, average two, often many
abortive, above medium size, rather short and wide, usually plump,
sharply pointed, brownish; raphe obscure; chalaza above center,
pear-shaped, distinct. Must registers 95°-110°.
BAILEY.
(Lincecumii, Labrusca, Vinifera.)
=1.= _Rural N. Y._, =50=:221, 222. 1891. _fig._ =2.= _Bush. Cat._,
=1894=:159. =3.= _N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt._, =14=:276. 1895. =4.= _N. Y.
Sta. An. Rpt._, =17=:526, 548, 553. 1898. =5.= _Tex. Sta. Bul._,
=48=:1149, 1153. 1898. _fig._ =6.= _Am. Pom. Soc. Cat._, =1899=:29.
=7.= _Tex. Sta. Bul._, =56=:275. 1900. =8.= _Rural N. Y._,
=60=:614. 1901.
In the Bailey are combined characters of three species, Vinifera,
Labrusca and Lincecumii--characters attained in three widely separated
regions, Europe, Massachusetts, and Texas. Moreover the characters of
Vinifera and Labrusca have been transmitted to Bailey through Triumph,
in which variety they are as well combined as in any other hybrid of the
two species. The Lincecumii parent, Big Berry, is at the head of
Munson's "Big Berry Family" of hybrids; brought in from the wild, it is
one of the best representatives of its species. Bailey, therefore, has
royal blood and if parentage counts in grapes, it should prove valuable.
Unfortunately New York, at least the Station vineyard, is a little too
far north for the fruit to mature well. In cold winters the vine is
liable to winter injury. In seasons when the grapes have matured the
appearance and quality of the fruit have been such as to recommend it.
Its vigor of vine and productiveness give it additional value, and if
not to be recommended for commercial plantings in this State, it can
surely be named as valuable for breeding purposes. The name of the
variety was bestowed upon it by its originator in honor of L. H. Bailey,
known by all grape-growers for his services to viticulture.
Bailey was originated by Munson from seeds of a wild Post-oak grape
called Big Berry, fertilized with pollen of Triumph. The seed was
planted in 1887 and the original vine came into fruiting in 1889-90. The
variety is now very generally disseminated throughout the East, and the
reports of its behavior, in the North at least, generally accord with
that from this Station given above.
Vine vigorous, injured in severe winters, produces good crops of
fruit. Canes dark reddish-brown, of good length, of medium size and
number. Leaves average in size, light green, dull to slightly
glossy, with very distinct veins on lower surface which is
cobwebby. Flowers open late, fertile; upright stamens.
Fruit ripens unevenly almost as late as Catawba, keeps well.
Clusters rather large and long, not very broad, often blunt at
ends, cylindrical to irregularly tapering, usually not shouldered
but sometimes with a small, short shoulder, compact. Berries
persistent, medium to large, vary in shape from roundish to ovate
on account of compactness of clusters, change in color from
purplish-black to black, covered with a heavy blue bloom. Skin
medium to thin, strongly astringent, tough, adheres somewhat to the
pulp, contains a large amount of purplish-red pigment. Flesh
moderately juicy and tender, coarse, vinous, good in quality,
releases the seeds rather easily. Seeds numerous, medium to above
in size, moderately broad, above medium to medium length, blunt,
brownish; raphe buried in a shallow, narrow groove; chalaza large,
above center, circular to oval, distinct.
BANNER.
(Labrusca, Vinifera, Bourquiniana?)
=1.= _U. S. D. A. Yr. Bk._, =1906=:361. _col. pl._
Banner is one of the newer offerings for pomological honors. The Station
was not able to secure vines until 1906 and these have not yet fruited.
So far as is known it is not grown elsewhere in the State. Since the
variety has been well spoken of by horticulturists who have seen it, and
since it has been deemed worthy a place among the promising new fruits
illustrated and described in the _Year Book of the United States
Department of Agriculture_ for 1906, the variety is discussed here. The
technical description of it is quoted from the above reference.
The variety was originated by Joseph Bachman of Altus, Arkansas, from
seed of Lindley pollinated by Delaware. The seed was planted in 1898.
The originator states that he suspects a Stark-Star vine growing
alongside also furnished pollen as the Lindley blossoms were
unprotected.
"Cluster large, broad conical, heavily shouldered, very compact;
stem short; berries globular, of medium size, adhering tenaciously
to the small green peduncles; skin moderately thick, and rather
tough; amber red and glossy, but covered with a profuse bloom;
flesh translucent, juicy, and rather meaty; seeds few, very small,
brown; flavor refreshing subacid to sweet and aromatic; quality
good to very good. Season late August and early September in
Franklin county, Arkansas, ten days or two weeks later than
Delaware."
BARRY.
(Labrusca, Vinifera.)
=1.= _U. S. D. A. Rpt._, =1864=:136. =2.= _Mass. Hort. Soc. Rpt._,
=1865=:40. =3.= _Mag. Hort._, =34=:345. 1868. =4.= _Am. Jour.
Hort._, =5=:11. 1869. _fig._ =5.= _Horticulturist_, =24=:126. 1869.
=6.= _Am. Pom. Soc. Cat._, =1869=:42. =7.= _Grape Cult._, =1=:182,
326. 1869. =8.= _Bush. Cat._, =1883=:74. _fig._ =9.= _Mich. Bd.
Agr. Rpt._, =24=:133. 1885. =10.= _Ill. Sta. Bul._, =28=:252. 1893.
=11.= _Rural N. Y._, =52=:671. 1893. =12.= _Tenn. Sta. Bul._, Vol.
=9=:191. 1896. =13.= _N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt._, =17=:526, 548, 549,
552, 553. 1898. =14.= _Tex. Sta. Bul._, =48=:1149, 1153. 1898.
=15.= _N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt._, =18=:370, 395. 1899.
ROGERS' NO. 43 (1, 2, 3, 4). _Rogers' No. 43_ (5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12).
Barry, first known as _Rogers' No. 43_, was dedicated in 1869, by
Rogers, to Patrick Barry, distinguished nurseryman, pomologist and
viticulturist. Happily the variety is such that it should long honor the
name it bears. The Barry is one of our best black grapes, resembling in
berry and somewhat in flavor and keeping quality its European parent,
Black Hamburg. The flavor is delicate and sweet, the flesh tender, with
thin skin and unobjectionable seeds. The appearance of berry and bunch
is attractive. The fruit keeps splendidly, and as this is written, on
the twenty-ninth of February, leap-year, there are before the writer
bunches of the Barry, kept in common storage without wrapping or other
special care, which are in perfect condition. The vine is vigorous,
hardy, and productive, but susceptible to mildew. The ripening season is
usually said to be that of the Concord but, while it may color with the
Concord it requires a longer time to ripen thoroughly and it is not at
its best, or even good, unless properly matured. For the table, for
winter keeping, and for an amateur grape in general the Barry may be
highly recommended.
For an account of the origin of Barry see page 390 under "Rogers'
Hybrids." It is first mentioned separately from the rest of Rogers'
hybrids in 1864, though not named until 1869. Barry was placed on the
list of the American Pomological Society in 1869 where it is still
retained. It is known and grown in the garden throughout the grape
regions of eastern America.
[Illustration: BARRY]
Vine vigorous, usually hardy, productive, somewhat susceptible to
mildew. Canes long to very long, numerous, usually thick, dark
brown to slightly reddish-brown covered with a small amount of blue
bloom; nodes not enlarged, very slightly flattened; internodes
intermediate in length; diaphragm of average thickness; pith medium
to above in size; shoots nearly glabrous; tendrils intermittent,
fair length, bifid to trifid.
Leaf-buds open early, of average size, short, of medium thickness,
obtuse to conical. Young leaves heavily tinged with carmine on
lower surface, faintly tinged along margin of upper surface,
prevailing color bright carmine. Leaves large to medium, of average
thickness; upper surface light green, slightly glossy, nearly
smooth; lower surface pale green, somewhat pubescent; veins rather
indistinct; lobes vary from none to three, terminus acute; petiolar
sinus deep, narrow, sometimes closed and overlapping; basal sinus
usually lacking; lateral sinus shallow and narrow; teeth shallow to
medium, of average width. Flowers open in mid-season, sterile;
stamens reflexed. Fruit ripens with Concord or later, keeps very
late. Clusters variable in size, medium to short, very broad,
slightly tapering to nearly cylindrical, upper part of cluster
often subdivides into several parts making compound clusters,
frequently double-shouldered, usually compact; peduncle short,
medium to rather stout; pedicel above average length, moderately
thick, covered with few small warts, enlarged at point of
attachment with fruit. Berries large, oval to spherical, dark
purplish-black to black, glossy, covered with heavy blue bloom,
adhere well to pedicel. Skin rather thin, tough, adheres strongly
to pulp, contains but little pigment, not very astringent. Flesh
pale green, translucent, tender when ripened under favorable
conditions, stringy, vinous, pleasant-flavored, sweet next the
skin, agreeably tart at center, above average quality. Seeds
slightly adherent, one to five, average three, nearly large to
medium, usually long, of mean breadth, deeply notched, rather blunt
but often with slightly enlarged neck, brownish; raphe usually
obscure, sometimes showing as a faint ridge in a broad groove;
chalaza nearly small, pear-shaped or circular, above center,
distinct.
BEACON.
(Lincecumii, Labrusca.)
=1.= _Ga. Sta. An. Rpt._, =13=:312, 321. 1890. =2.= _An. Hort._,
=1892=:176. =3.= _Bush. Cat._, =1894=:159. =4.= Husmann,
=1895=:126. =5.= _Rural N. Y._, =55=:592. 1896. =6.= _Tex. Sta.
Bul._, =48=:1149, 1153. 1898. _fig._ =7.= _N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt._,
=17=:526, 548. 1898. =8.= _Am. Pom. Soc. Cat._, =1899=:29. =9.=
_Mo. Sta. Bul._, =46=:48, 76. 1899. _10._ _Tex. Sta. Bul._,
=56=:275. 1900. _fig._ =11.= _Ga. Sta. Bul._, =53=:40, 51, 53.
1901. _fig._
BIG B CON (7).
Beacon is another of Munson's hybrids, a cross between Labrusca and
Lincecumii. It was received at this Station in 1892 and has borne fruit
many times since so that there has been abundant opportunity to see
grapes and vine. The variety is not especially well adapted to New York
as the fruit is dull in color, lacking in quality, and shells somewhat
badly. The vine is very vigorous, bearing a handsome, compact mass of
foliage which retains its color and freshness throughout drouths and the
heat of summer. In New York it must compete with Concord in commercial
vineyards and since it does not equal that variety, taking its character
as a whole, it cannot be recommended as a market grape. Its quality and
appearance are such that it will never be largely grown by the amateur
in the North. The variety, however, is of much interest and of possible
value to the grape-breeder.
Munson produced Beacon in 1887 from seed of Big Berry (a variety of
Lincecumii) pollinated by Concord, securing the first fruit in 1889. The
variety has been generally disseminated among grape specialists and
experiment stations and is now well known by grape-growers in general.
Vine a medium to very strong grower, not always hardy, productive.
Canes short, medium to rather slender, light brown. Leaves healthy,
variable in size, rather thick, inclined to dark green, sometimes
rugose, with veins showing indistinctly through the slight
pubescence of the lower surface. Flowers open in mid-season, on
plan of five or six, nearly fertile.
Fruit ripens with Concord or later and keeps fairly well. Clusters
are attractive in general appearance, of good size, rather long,
medium to slightly slender, cylindrical to somewhat tapering,
usually single-shouldered, compact to medium. Berries medium but
variable in size, roundish, purplish-black to black, dull in
appearance, covered with heavy blue bloom, inclined to shell in
some localities, moderately firm. Skin medium to thin, tough,
adheres strongly to pulp, contains a large amount of purplish-red
pigment, astringent. Flesh moderately tender, slightly aromatic,
spicy, vinous, mildly subacid to agreeably tart, often with a
noticeable Concord flavor, about as good as Concord in quality.
Seeds separate easily from the pulp, large to above medium, of
average length, broad, blunt to medium, slightly notched; raphe
obscure; chalaza above center, irregularly circular to slightly
oval.
BEAUTY.
(Labrusca, Vinifera, Bourquiniana?)
=1.= Downing, =1881=:165 app. =2.= _Ill. Hort. Soc. Rpt._,
=1881=:163. =3.= _Mo. Hort. Soc. Rpt._, =1883=:43. =4.= _Kan. Sta.
Bul._, =14=:85. 1890. =5.= _Bush. Cat._, =1894=:89. =6.= _Tex. Sta.
Bul._, =48=:1149, 1153. 1898.
The grape which bears the name Beauty is an Aestivalis hybrid with
Labrusca, one of Jacob Rommel's seedlings. It had the honor, according
to the _Bushberg Catalogue_,[161] of receiving at the Exposition at
Bordeaux, France, in 1880, the praise of having produced "the best
American white wine on exhibition." According to the above authority
Rommel stopped its propagation and dissemination because of its
susceptibility to fungi. The variety is now practically lost to
cultivation and was never largely grown in New York.
Beauty is a cross between Delaware and Maxatawney originated by Jacob
Rommel of Morrison, Missouri, over thirty years ago. Bush questions the
parentage as given by Rommel and thinks it more likely Catawba and
Maxatawney. Rommel's Beauty should not be confused with the Beauty of
Minnesota, a grape from the State for which it was named, which has been
discarded because of poor quality.
Vine fairly vigorous, usually healthy and hardy, produces medium to
good crops. Canes long to medium, numerous, dark reddish-brown
often with a strong ashy-gray tinge, surface covered with slight
blue bloom. Leaves medium to rather large, dark green; lower
surface covered with considerable pubescence. Stamens upright.
Fruit ripens between Delaware and Catawba, keeps and ships well.
Clusters intermediate in size, strongly tapering, often not
shouldered, rather compact. Berries small to medium roundish to
slightly oval, dull dark red somewhat darker than Catawba, covered
with a large amount of dark lilac bloom, persistent, firm. Flesh
tender, slightly foxy, sweet, good to very good in quality. Chalaza
very distinct.
BELL.
(Riparia, Labrusca, Bourquiniana, Vinifera.)
=1.= _Rural N. Y._, =45=:733. 1886. _fig._ =2.= _Mich. Pom. Soc.
Rpt._, =1893=:118. =3.= _Ill. Sta. Bul._, =28=:263. 1893. =4.= _Va.
Sta. Bul._, =30=:106. 1893. =5.= _Ga. Sta. Bul._, =28=:290. 1895.
=6.= _Tenn. Sta. Bul._, Vol. =9=:168. 1896. =7.= _Kan. Sta. Bul._,
=73=:181, 182. 1897. =8.= _Tex. Sta. Bul._, =48=:1149, 1153. 1898.
=9.= _Va. Sta. Bul._, =94=:142. 1898. =10.= _Am. Pom. Soc. Cat._,
=1899=:31. =11.= _Ga. Sta. Bul._, =53=:40, 52, 53. 1901.
_Munson's No. 21_ (1, 2, 4). WILLIE BELL (4, 9).
Bell is still another of Munson's hybrids, its parents being Elvira
crossed with Delaware. Its characters are chiefly those of Elvira and in
particular it has the Elvira flavor, which is somewhat against it for a
table grape. As to its value for wine-making there are no records though
it may be assumed that it has the same value for this purpose as the
Elvira, which it so greatly resembles in flavor. From its behavior here,
this Station does not recommend Bell for New York.
Munson produced Bell in 1881 from seed of Elvira pollinated by Delaware.
After having tested it thoroughly the originator disseminated it and
continues to offer it in his catalog; proof of its value for some of the
grape regions.
Vine a strong grower, hardy, usually produces full crops although a
shy bearer in some localities. Leaves vigorous, healthy, medium to
very large. Flowers open before mid-season, nearly fertile; stamens
upright. Fruit ripens in mid-season or later, keeps well. Clusters
intermediate in size and length, frequently shouldered, compact to
medium. Berries medium to small, roundish, dull green sometimes
with yellow tinge, covered with rather heavy gray bloom,
persistent. Skin thin, very tender, adheres considerably to the
pulp. Flesh moderately juicy and tender, sweetish at skin to tart
at center, ranks about the same as Elvira in quality.
BERCKMANS.
(Riparia, Labrusca, Bourquiniana.)
=1.= _Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt._, =1871=:114. =2.= _Ib._, =1877=:43. =3.=
_Gar. Mon._, =23=:308. 1881. =4.= _Bush. Cat._, =1883=:75. =5.=
_Am. Pom. Soc. Cat._, =1889=:24. =6.= _Ala. Sta. Bul._, =10=:8.
1890. =7.= _Ark. Sta. Bul._, =39=:27. 1896. =8.= _Rural N. Y._,
=56=:823. 1897. =9.= _N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt._, =17=:526, 545, 547,
553. 1898. =10.= _Tex. Sta. Bul._, =48=:1149, 1153. 1898. =11.=
_Mo. Sta. Bul._, =46=:37, 43, 44, 46, 48. 1899. =12.= _Kan. Sta.
Bul._, =110=:245. 1902.
DELAWARE AND CLINTON NO. 1 (1).
In Berckmans, generally speaking, we have the fruit of Delaware on the
vine of Clinton. Berckmans was disseminated nearly forty years ago and
though the fruit is seemingly better adapted for the market than
Delaware, and the vine much more vigorous, as hardy and as productive as
its better known parent, yet the variety is seldom grown other than as
an amateur grape. The berry and bunch resemble Delaware in shape; the
fruit is of the same color; bunch and berry are larger, but the vine is
not quite as productive; the flesh is firmer, making it a better shipper
and it keeps better; the quality is not so good, the flesh lacking
tenderness, sweetness and richness in comparison with Delaware. The vine
of Berckmans is much more vigorous and is less subject to mildew than
that of Delaware, but there are many reports that it suffers from
leaf-hoppers and the rose bug, insects which seem inordinately fond of
its foliage. The vine characters are not as good as those of Clinton.
The variety seems illy adapted to some soils and in particular does not
color well if not suited in this respect. In spite of its many good
qualities, popular verdict has decreed that Berckmans is but an
amateur's grape. The name commemorates the viticultural labors of P. J.
Berckmans, a contemporary and friend of Dr. A. P. Wylie of Chester,
South Carolina, who originated the variety and christened it Berckmans.
Berckmans was produced by Dr. A. P. Wylie[162] of Chester, South
Carolina, from Delaware seed fertilized by Clinton. The seed was
planted in 1868 and the plant bore its first fruit in 1870, the variety
being introduced some years later.
[Illustration: BERCKMANS]
Vine similar to Clinton in growth and foliage, vigorous to very
vigorous, hardy, produces average to good crops. Canes long,
numerous, rather slender, light to dark brown; nodes prominent,
flattened; internodes short; diaphragm below medium thickness; pith
medium to above in size; shoots not pubescent; tendrils
intermittent, long, bifid.
Leaf-buds intermediate in size, short, of average thickness,
conical to nearly obtuse, open very early. Young leaves decidedly
pale green with faintest trace of carmine, prevailing color green
on both sides. Leaves medium to small, thin; upper surface light
green, smooth; lower surface pale green, not pubescent; veins
inconspicuous; lobes vary from none to three, terminal lobe acute;
petiolar sinus medium to shallow, wide; basal sinus usually
lacking; lateral sinus shallow; teeth intermediate in depth and
width. Flowers open rather early, fertile; stamens upright.
Fruit ripens with Delaware and keeps unusually well. Clusters
attractive, much like Delaware in shape and size but slightly
longer and more often shouldered, compact to medium, averaging
slightly looser than either parent; peduncle rather short, slender;
pedicel longish, slender, covered with but few warts; brush short,
light green. Berries intermediate in size, slightly larger than
Delaware, roundish to slightly oval, resemble Delaware in color but
somewhat darker when well ripened, covered with lilac bloom,
persistent, of average firmness. Skin thin, somewhat tough,
slightly adhering to pulp, contains no pigment, nearly astringent.
Flesh pale yellowish-green, translucent, fine-grained, tender,
inclined to melting, vinous, sweet to agreeably tart, sprightly,
very good in quality. Seeds separate easily from the pulp, one to
four, average three, slightly below medium in size, rather broad
and blunt, brownish; raphe obscure; chalaza of average size,
slightly above center, irregularly oval, distinct.
BERTRAND.
(Bourquiniana.)
=1.= _Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt._, =1885=:17. =2.= _Rural N. Y._, =45=:653,
660. 1886. _fig._ =3.= _Gar. Mon._, =28=:305. 1886. _fig._ =4.=
_Bush. Cat._, =1894=:90. _fig._ =5.= _Texas Farm and Ranch_, Feb.
8, =1896=:11. =6.= _Ala. Sta. Bul._, =110=:78. 1900.
BLUE SEEDLING (1, 3). _Blue Seedling_ (4, 5).
Bertrand is a southern variety, almost without question an offspring of
Herbemont, and so far as can be judged from the descriptions of others,
we not having seen the fruit, not nearly equal to its parent. The
variety is hardy only as far north as Maryland and even in that State
must be planted in sheltered situations.
Judge J. B. Jones, Herndon, Burke County, Georgia, found Bertrand as an
accidental seedling, which had germinated in the spring of 1878. Judge
Jones gives the species as being Cordifolia but Berckmans says it looks
like an Aestivalis; it is now generally classed in the Bourquiniana
group. The following description of this variety is compiled from
various sources:
Vine vigorous. Cluster above medium to rather large, usually
conical, most often shouldered, moderately compact; peduncle long.
Berries below medium in size, round, black with blue bloom; flesh
melting, juicy, very high flavored. Skin thin, tough. Ripens late.
Seeds few. Very productive in the South. Of value only for wine.
BLACK DEFIANCE.
(Labrusca, Vinifera.)
=1.= _Mass. Hort. Soc. Rpt._, =1868=:10. (No name given.) =2.=
_Bush. Cat._, =1883=:75. =3.= _Okla. Sta. Bul._, =14=:6. 1895. =4.=
Husmann, =1895=:31. =5.= _Mo. Sta. Bul._, =46=:37, 43, 76. 1899.
=6.= _Ga. Sta. Bul._, =53=:41. 1901.
_Underhill's 8-8 Hybrid_ (2).
Black Defiance is one of Stephen Underhill's Vinifera-Labrusca hybrids,
at one time quite popular as a late table grape, but now superseded by
thriftier varieties. It ripens too late to be of much value in New York.
When phylloxera had driven French grape-growers to look to America for
varieties of grapes, and before grafting on resistant stocks was
practiced in that country, Black Defiance was looked upon with much
favor in France where it succeeded very well. The fruit is distinguished
by the size, lustrous blackness and handsome bloom of the berry. It is
now rarely cultivated in New York having been replaced by varieties more
certain to mature in this State.
Stephen Underhill of Croton-on-Hudson, New York, produced Black Defiance
from seed of Concord fertilized by Black Prince. It first fruited in
1866. The variety was introduced without the originator's consent.
Black Defiance is described as follows:[163]
[Illustration: BLACK EAGLE]
"Growth medium, shoots smooth; leaves large, more or less
three-lobed, with uneven margin; bunches large, oblong with large
base, frequently branched; berries black, decidedly acid, pulp
rather firm, ripe July 22nd; defoliated on October 6, 1896. Not
good for table use."
BLACK EAGLE.
(Labrusca, Vinifera.)
=1.= _Mass. Hort. Soc. Rpt._, =1868=:10. (No name given.) =2.=
_Ohio Hort. Soc. Rpt._, =1875-6=:22. =3.= _Ib._, =1876-7=:32. =4.=
Bush. Cat., =1883=:75. _fig._ =5.= _N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt._, =12=:618.
1893. =6.= _Tenn. Sta. Bul._, Vol. =9=:168. 1896. =7.= _N. Y. Sta.
An. Rpt._, =17=:527, 548, 553, 559. 1898. =8.= _Tex. Sta. Bul._,
=48=:1149, 1153. 1898. =9.= _Mo. Sta. Bul._, =46=:37, 42, 44, 46,
48, 76. 1899. =10.= _N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt._, =18=:370, 386, 396.
1899. =11.= _Kan. Sta. Bul._, =110=:240. 1902.
_Underhill's 8-12_ (4).
Black Eagle is a full brother of Black Defiance which it much resembles
but surpasses for New York because it is fully three weeks earlier in
ripening. On our grounds its season is about with Concord. The quality
of Black Eagle is of the best, but the vine lacks in vigor, hardiness
and productiveness and the fruit is susceptible to black-rot. As the
color-plate shows, bunch and berry are large and attractive; bunches
weighing nearly two pounds have been grown for exhibition purposes and
probably there are few if any showier hybrid grapes than this when at
its best. The leaf is that of _Vitis vinifera_, deeply lobed, of a
beautiful green, and with firm texture, making with thrifty vines one of
the most attractive grape plants to be found in our vineyards. The
variety is self-sterile. Black Eagle has wholly failed as a commercial
variety and its several weaknesses will prevent amateurs from growing it
largely, yet it is far too good a grape to give up altogether and lovers
of grapes should keep it in cultivation.
The variety originated with Stephen W. Underhill, Croton-on-Hudson, New
York, from seed of Concord pollinated by Black Prince. It first fruited
in 1866. The variety was sent out by Underhill for testing and was
introduced without the originator's consent.
Vine medium to vigorous, not always hardy, not productive. Canes
rather rough, medium to long, of average number, thick, approaching
dark reddish-brown, covered with slight blue bloom; nodes strongly
enlarged, slightly flattened; internodes above medium length;
diaphragm thick; pith of average size; shoots pubescent; tendrils
continuous, long, bifid to trifid.
Leaf-buds intermediate in size, short, rather thick, pointed to
conical, open very late. Young leaves tinged with carmine on the
under surface and along margin of upper surface making the
prevailing color a light rose-carmine. Leaves of average size,
medium to thick; upper surface dark green, slightly glossy, smooth
to rugose; lower surface pale grayish-green, somewhat pubescent;
veins not distinct; lobes five in number, terminal lobe acute;
petiolar sinus deep to narrow, often closed and overlapping; basal
sinus very wide and deep; lateral sinus wide at bottom narrowing
towards top, deep; teeth intermediate in depth and width. Flowers
open in mid-season or later, fully self-sterile; stamens reflexed.
Fruit ripens in mid-season, keeps well if picked before overripe.
Clusters of large to average size, rather long, tapering, varying
from single-to double-shouldered, loose to compact; peduncle
longish, rather thick; pedicel long to medium, somewhat slender,
covered with very few warts, enlarged at point of attachment to
fruit; brush short, pale green. Berries variable in size averaging
large, slightly oval, black, glossy, covered with a moderate amount
of blue bloom, do not shatter, somewhat soft. Skin thin, rather
tender, adheres strongly to pulp, with slight amount of
wine-colored pigment, not astringent. Flesh pale green,
translucent, somewhat tender, vinous, not foxy, sweet at skin to
agreeably tart at center, quality good. Seeds separate easily, one
to four, average two or three, rather large and broad, nearly long.
BLACK HAMBURG.
(Vinifera.)
=1.= Speechly, =1791=:11,179. =2.= _London Hort. Soc. Cat._,
=1830=:75. =3.= Hoare, =1840=:142. =4.= _Mag. Hort._, =9=:245.
1843. =5.= _Ib._, =13=:43. 1847. =6.= _Am. Pom. Soc. Cat._,
=1852=:54. (For culture under glass.) =7.= _Horticulturist_,
=15=:125. 1860. =8.= _Mag. Hort._, =26=:110. 1860. =9.= _Can.
Hort._, =11=:59. 1888.
_Admiral_ (4). _Black Gibralter_ (4). _Black Hamburgh_ (2). _Black
Portugal_ of some (4). _Black Teneriffe_ (4). _Blue Trollinger_
(4). _Bocksaugen_ (4). _Bommerer_ (4). _Brown Hamburgh_ (4). _Dutch
Hamburgh_ (4). _Fleish Traube_ (4). _Frakenthaler_ (4).
_Frankendale_ (4). _Frankenthaler gros noir_ (4). _Gelbholziger
Trollinger_ (4). _Gibralter_ (4). _Hampton Court Vine_ (4, 8).
_Hudler_ (4). _Languedoc_ (4). _Lugiana nera_ (4). _Malvasier_ of
some (4). _Mohrendutte_ (4). _Pale Wooded Trollinger_ (4). _Purple
Hamburgh_ (4). _Red Hamburgh_ (4, of some 2). _Richmond Villa
Hamburgh_ (8). _Salisbury Violet_ (4). _Schwarzeblauer Trollinger_
(4). _Schwarzer Gutedel_ of some (4). _Schwarzwelscher_ (4).
_Troller_ (4). _Trollinger_ (4). _Valentines_ (4). _Victoria_ (4).
_Warner's_ (2, 4). WARNER'S BLACK HAMBURGH (2). _Warner's Black
Hamburgh_ (4). _Warner's Hamburgh_ (8). _Weissholziger Trollinger_
(4). _Welscher_ (4).
[Illustration: BLACK HAMBURG (Reduced Size)]
Black Hamburg is a variety of _Vitis vinifera_, impossible to grow out
of doors in eastern America, but illustrated and described here because
it is one of the parents of many hybrids with American species and
because it represents, in fruit characters at least, about all that is
desirable in a good grape. Since it is a standard of excellence which
American breeders of table grapes have long sought to attain, we may
name its points of superiority over the table grapes now grown in our
vineyards. 1st. Bunch and berry are large, well formed, and uniform.
2nd. The fruits have a higher sugar and solid content than most American
grapes and keep better, ship better, make better wine and will make
raisins. 3d. The flavor, to most palates, is richer, more delicate, and
lacks the acidity of some American grapes and the foxiness of others.
4th. The pulp and skin of Black Hamburg are more tender than the
varieties of the species of this country and the seeds are readily
separated from the pulp. 5th. The berries do not shell from the stem
readily. 6th. The vines are more compact in habit, make a shorter and
stouter annual growth, and hence require less pruning and training. 7th.
The fruit is borne in greater quantity, vine for vine or acre for acre.
Added to the above qualities which make it desirable as a parent when
crosses are made between the grapes of this country and _Vitis
vinifera_, are comparative hardiness among its kind, a short seasonal
cycle of vegetation giving early maturity to fruit, ability to stand
more hardships than most of its species, and especially ability to
mature its fruit with as small amount of solar heat as any of its
species. Its weaknesses when planted out of doors in eastern America are
those of its species, which wholly prevent its successful cultivation in
the vineyards of this region and make it of interest and value only in
breeding and as an ideal toward which to breed.
The origin of Black Hamburg is apparently unknown. It was sent from
Hamburg, Germany, to England sometime in the early part of the
eighteenth century and it was in the latter country that it was given
the several variations of the name Hamburg. In the north of Europe it is
known as Frankendale or Frankenthal. Black Hamburg is grown in Europe
chiefly as a forcing grape. It is doubtful if all the synonyms refer to
one seed variety, but if not the same, they are so similar as to be
difficult if not impossible to distinguish from each other.
Vine vigorous, tender, productive. Canes long, numerous, rather
thick to medium, light brown but darker at nodes, covered with
faint pubescence; nodes enlarged, slightly flattened; internodes
short to medium; diaphragm thick; pith large; shoots slightly
pubescent; tendrils intermittent, frequently several nodes with no
tendrils, long, bifid to trifid, dehisce early.
Leaf-buds large to medium, rather long, somewhat thick, conical to
obtuse. Leaves good size, thin; upper surface light green, rather
dull, of average smoothness; lower surface slightly lighter than
upper surface, with small amount of pubescence, hairy; veins
moderately distinct; lobes vary from none to five, terminal lobe
nearly acute; petiolar sinus often strongly urn-shaped, of average
depth, nearly narrow, sometimes closed and overlapping; basal sinus
shallow to narrow; lateral sinus rather deep to narrow, often
notched; teeth very irregular in depth and width.
Fruit ripens early in October, keeps well. Clusters large, long to
medium, rather broad, cylindrical to tapering, inclined to
irregular, usually single-shouldered, nearly compact; peduncle
medium to short, somewhat thick; pedicel long, slender, covered
with small, numerous, prominent warts; brush short, thick, tinged
with red. Berries rather large, oval to nearly roundish, dark
purple to nearly black, slightly glossy, covered with faint blue or
lilac bloom, do not drop from pedicel, moderate in firmness. Skin
thin, tender, adheres to the pulp, contains no pigment, not
astringent. Flesh pale green, tender, fine-grained, vinous,
sprightly, rather sweet and refreshing, very good to best. Seeds
separate easily, one to four averaging two or three, above medium
size, long, rather narrow, sharply pointed, brownish; raphe
obscure; chalaza intermediate in size, decidedly above center,
distinct, circular to oval.
BLACK HAWK.
(Labrusca.)
=1.= _U. S. D. A. Rpt._, =1865=:197. =2.= Fuller, =1867=:236. =3.=
_Gar. Mon._, =9=:147, 214. 1867. =4.= _Ill. Hort. Soc. Rpt._,
=1868=:175. =5.= Downing, =1869=:531. =6.= _Grape Cult._, =1=:14,
15. 1869. =7.= _Mich. Pom. Soc. Rpt._, =1878=:482. =8.= _Bush.
Cat._, =1883=:75. =9.= _Mo. Sta. Bul._, =46=:37, 42, 44, 46. 1899.
_Miller's No. 4_ (1, 6).
Black Hawk is a seedling of Concord which it greatly resembles but all
in all does not nearly equal. It is chiefly remarkable because of its
very dark green foliage which at a little distance seems almost black.
It is rarely or almost never cultivated in New York.
Samuel Miller of Calmdale, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, in the fifties
produced Black Hawk from Concord seed sent to him by E. W. Bull. The
stock was bought and the variety introduced by a Mr. Knox of Pittsburg.
The following description was compiled from various sources:
Vine hardy, resembles Concord except for foliage being much darker.
Bunch medium to sometimes large; berry medium to above, nearly
round, black, of tender flesh but hardly good in quality; sometimes
shatters. Ripens with Concord or slightly before. Self-sterile.
Rather late in blooming.
BLACK IMPERIAL.
(Labrusca, Bourquiniana, Vinifera.)
=1.= _Mo. Hort. Soc. Rpt._, =1891=:127. =2.= _Bush. Cat._,
=1894=:93. =3.= _Ga. Sta. Bul._, =53=:41. 1901.
Black Imperial is one of Dr. J. Stayman's grapes. It has high quality
and is handsome in appearance but is so susceptible to fungi as to be
almost worthless and has now passed from cultivation.
Dr. J. Stayman of Leavenworth, Kansas, produced Black Imperial from seed
of Dutchess some time in the eighties. The variety was first called
Black's Imperial. There was another variety preceding this which is
mentioned by Prince[164] and Fuller[165] in the sixties by the name of
Black Imperial.
The following description is taken largely from that of the originator:
Vine usually moderately vigorous and productive. Cluster large,
shouldered, compact. Berries of medium size, black, tender, juicy;
flavor sweet, vinous; quality good to very good. Flowers
self-fertile. Quite subject to mildew and black-rot.
BLACK PEARL.
(Riparia, Labrusca?)
=1.= _Mich. Pom. Soc. Rpt._, =1875=:459. =2.= _Ohio Hort. Soc.
Rpt._, =1876-7=:90. =3.= _Ib._, =1882-3=:49. =4.= _Bush. Cat._,
=1883=:75. =5.= _Mo. Hort. Soc. Rpt._, =1884=:215. =6.= _Mo. Sta.
Bul._, =46=:37, 43, 45, 46. 1899.
SCHRAIDT'S SEEDLING (1, 2). _Schraidt's Seedling_ (3, 4).
Viticulturists agree that Black Pearl is but an improved Clinton,
notwithstanding the originator's statement that it came from seed of
Delaware. Unfortunately the vine is not in the Station vineyard and our
estimate of its vine characters is taken from the descriptions of
others. According to the _Bushberg Catalogue_,[166] "The vine is a
vigorous healthy grower similar in appearance of growth and foliage to
Elvira and Noah." The bunches and berries, as they have been sent to
this Station, are larger than Clinton and of better quality though of
small value as a table fruit. It seems well agreed among wine-makers
that Black Pearl makes an exceptionally good red wine equalling or
surpassing any other of our northern varieties for this purpose. Without
doubt, from the many testimonials as to its value for wine-making, it
can be highly recommended for this purpose and as a good starting point
from which to breed wine grapes. So far, though grown for more than
thirty years, its culture is confined to the islands in Lake Erie
devoted to grape-growing and the variety can hardly be said to be known
in New York. It is probably too late for most parts of New York as it
ripens with Catawba.
Black Pearl was originated by Casper Schraidt of Put-in-bay, Ohio, over
thirty years ago. The originator states that it is a seedling of
Delaware but this has generally been discredited, as the vine is
evidently of the Riparia type. Bush says it is probably a seedling of
Clinton or Taylor.
Vine a strong grower, does not winter-kill, usually a good yielder,
susceptible to attacks of mildew. Canes are long, numerous, and of
average thickness. Leaves are intermediate in size. Flowers open in
mid-season or before, sterile or nearly so; stamens reflexed.
Fruit ripens with Catawba, keeps fairly well. Clusters small to
medium, larger than Clinton, medium to rather slender, tapering to
cylindrical, often single-shouldered, intermediate to compact.
Berries below medium to very small, roundish, oblate or frequently
compressed on account of compactness of cluster, black, glossy,
covered with a moderate amount of blue bloom, persistent, firm.
Skin thin, tender, adheres strongly to the pulp, contains an
unusually large amount of purplish-red pigment, astringent. Flesh
moderately juicy, usually with a decided red tinge, nearly tender,
slightly spicy, tart, medium to below in flavor and quality. Seeds,
which adhere but little to the pulp, are medium to below in size,
short to medium, broad, slightly notched, blunt, dark brown; raphe
obscure; chalaza central, oval to circular, distinct.
BRANT.
(Riparia, Labrusca, Vinifera.)
=1.= Downing, =1869=:532. =2.= _Am. Jour. Hort._, =6=:91. 1869.
_fig._ =3.= _Mich. Hort. Soc. Rpt._, =1872=:553. =4.= _Bush. Cat._,
=1883=:77. _fig._ =5.= _Kan. Sta. Bul._, =44=:119. 1893. =6.= _Tex.
Sta. Bul._, =48=:1149, 1154. 1898.
_Arnold's No. 8._ (1, 2, 4).
Brant and Canada are full brothers and so near alike that the two are
often confounded with each other. Neither has ever become popular in
North America because of their susceptibility to fungi. As Riparia and
Vinifera hybrids, the best of Arnold's seedlings from crosses of these
two species, they are of interest and of possible value in
grape-breeding. Since Brant and Canada are so nearly alike a discussion
of one will suffice for both and this is reserved for Canada, the better
known and more valuable of the two varieties.
Charles Arnold of Paris, Canada, produced this variety sometime in the
sixties. It is a seedling of Clinton pollinated by Black St. Peters. The
following description of it is taken from Downing's _Fruits and
Fruit-Trees of America_:[167]
"Vine strong, healthy grower. Foliage of a dark reddish green,
deeply lobed. Smooth on both sides. Bunch and berry medium, black.
Flesh free from pulp, very juicy, sweet, and, when perfectly ripe,
rich and aromatic. Ripens early."
BRIGHTON.
(Labrusca, Vinifera.)
=1.= _Mich. Hort. Soc. Rpt._, =1872=:548. =2.= _Gar. Mon._,
=16=:344. 1874. =3.= _Am. Pom. Soc. Cat._, =1881=:24. =4.= Downing,
=1881=:165 app. =5.= _Bush. Cat._, =1883=:78. _fig._ =6.= _Rural N.
Y._, =45=:622. 1886. =7.= _Ill. Sta. Bul._, =28=:258. 1893. =8.=
_N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt._, =17=:527, 540, 543, 545, 546, 548, 549, 552,
553, 559. 1898. =9.= _Ib._, =18=:367, 371, 386, 396. 1899. =10.=
_Mo. Sta. Bul._, =46=:37, 42, 44, 45, 48, 54. 1899. =11.= _Mich.
Sta. Bul._, =169=:164. 1899. =12.= _W. N. Y. Hort. Soc. Rpt._,
=1899=:91. =13.= _Mo. Hort. Soc. Rpt._, =1900=:364. =14.= _Can.
Hort._, =27=:345, 392. 1904.
_Trask_ (12).
Brighton is one of the few Labrusca-Vinifera hybrids which have attained
prominence in commercial vineyards. It has the distinction, too, of
being one of the first, if not the first, secondary or attenuated hybrid
of Labrusca with Vinifera, _i. e._, the offspring of a hybrid crossed
with one of the original parents or with a variety of the same species.
The parents of Brighton were Diana Hamburg, a hybrid of Vinifera crossed
with Labrusca, and Concord, a pure-bred Labrusca. As we have seen, the
first or primary hybrids of Vinifera with Labrusca have given grapes of
high quality, but lacking in vigor, in resistance to fungi and
phylloxera, and for most part infertile in bloom. The secondary hybrids
have not shown the weaknesses of the primary hybrids in nearly so marked
a degree but have given, in many instances, as in Brighton, Diamond and
probably Delaware, varieties of nearly as high quality. It is now
generally recognized by viticulturists that the secondary hybrids with
Vinifera promise much more than do the primary ones and it is no mean
distinction that Brighton has of being the first secondary hybrid
brought about by the hand of man.
Brighton ranks as one of the leading amateur grapes in New York and is
among the ten or twelve chief commercial sorts of the State. Its good
points are: High quality, handsome appearance, certainty of ripening,
being earlier than Concord, vigorous growth, productiveness,
adaptability to various soils, and, for a hybrid, ability to withstand
fungi. It is thus seen that the infusion of foreign blood has given the
fruit of Brighton some of the excellencies of _Vitis vinifera_ while the
preponderance of _Vitis labrusca_ blood has preserved the vigor and
hardiness of the native species. Brighton has two serious defects which
no doubt have kept it from taking higher rank as a commercial variety:
It deteriorates in quality very quickly after maturity so that it cannot
be kept for more than a few days at its best, hence cannot be well
shipped to distant markets; and it is self-sterile to a more marked
degree than any other of our commonly grown grapes. To have it at its
best the fruit should be thinned.
This grape is a signal example of a variety resulting from careful and
skilful work in grape-breeding. Its originator, Jacob Moore,[168]
possessed of a high degree of intelligence and an unusually keen sense
of the latent possibilities in plants, with unwearied perseverance spent
years in the attempt to produce grapes combining the good characters of
the Old and the New World grapes. As a result of his zeal and patience
we have Brighton and Diamond, the most valuable grapes of their class.
Jacob Moore's demonstration of the value of the secondary hybrid, and
these two grapes, must serve to commemorate a life spent in self denial,
imposed poverty and comparative obscurity that horticulture might be
enriched.
Brighton is a seedling of Diana Hamburg pollinated by Concord, raised by
the late Jacob Moore at Brighton, New York. The original vine fruited
for the first time in 1870 and fruit was first exhibited at the meeting
of the New York Horticultural Society in 1872.
[Illustration: BRIGHTON]
Vine vigorous and hardy, producing average to good crops, often
subject to mildew. Canes long, numerous, thick, rather light brown;
nodes slightly enlarged, usually flattened; internodes long to
medium; diaphragm thick; pith nearly large; shoots glabrous,
slightly pubescent; tendrils continuous, long, bifid.
Leaf-buds of average size, short, stout, conical to pointed,
sometimes slightly compressed, open moderately early. Young leaves
lightly tinged with rose-carmine on lower surface, strongly tinged
along margin of upper surface. Leaves medium to large, thick; upper
surface dark green, dull, moderately smooth; lower surface pale
green, slightly pubescent; veins not distinct; lobes three when
present, terminal lobe acute to acuminate; petiolar sinus nearly
intermediate in depth and width; lateral sinus shallow to medium in
depth and width; teeth of average depth, narrow. Flowers open
somewhat late, sometimes on plan of six, sterile; stamens reflexed.
Fruit ripens somewhat unevenly about mid-season, keeps fairly well
for a short time but deteriorates rapidly after ripening. Clusters
very large to medium, usually long, broadish, tapering, often
heavily shouldered, loose to compact; peduncle quite long; pedicel
of average length, somewhat thick, covered with few indistinct
warts, broad at point of attachment to berry; brush pale green with
brown tinge, thick, short. Berries irregular, medium to rather
large in size, roundish to slightly oval, light and dark red,
somewhat glossy, covered with dark lilac bloom, handsome,
persistent, not firm. Skin thickish, very tender, adheres
considerably to the pulp, contains no pigment, astringent. Flesh
greenish, rather transparent, tender, slightly stringy, melting,
aromatic, vinous, sweet or agreeably tart to center of berry, very
good in quality. Seeds separate easily, number one to five, average
three or four, above mean size, rather broad and sharply pointed,
light brown with yellow tinge; raphe shows as a narrow obscure
groove; chalaza large, above center, irregularly circular,
distinct.
BRILLIANT.
(Labrusca, Vinifera, Bourquiniana.)
=1.= _An. Hort._, =1889=:101. =2.= _Rural N. Y._, =49=:602. 1890.
_fig._ =3.= _Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt._, =1891=:151, 159. =4.= _Am. Pom.
Soc. Cat._, =1891=:32. =5.= _Kan. Sta. Bul._, =28=:162. 1891. =6.=
_Ill. Sta. Bul._, =28=:259. 1893. =7.= _N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt._,
=12=:618. 1893. =8.= _Bush. Cat._, =1894=:96. _fig._ =9.= Husmann,
=1895=:124. =10.= _Can. Hort._, =18=:3, 4, 58. 1895. _fig._ =11.=
_Ga. Sta. Bul._, =28=:290. 1895. =12.= _Tenn. Sta. Bul._, Vol.
=9=:170, 171, _fig._, 195. 1896. =13.= _Kan. Sta. Bul._, =73=:183.
1897. =14.= _Rural N. Y._, =58=:22. 1899. =15.= _Mo. Sta. Bul._,
=46=:43, 48. 1899. =16.= _N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt._, =18=:396. 1899.
=17.= _Tex. Sta. Bul._, =56=:275. 1900.
In Brilliant, one of Munson's grapes, from Lindley crossed with
Delaware, we have a fine red grape in which the characters of the two
parents are so nearly equally combined that it cannot be said which it
most resembles. In cluster and size of berry, Brilliant resembles
Lindley; in color and quality of fruit it is about the same as
Delaware, differing from it chiefly in having more astringency in the
skin and therefore not quite equal to Delaware as a table grape. The
vine is strong and hardy; season about with Delaware. Brilliant does not
crack or shell and therefore ships well, and has very good keeping
qualities, especially on the vine, where it will often hang for weeks.
The defects which have kept it from becoming one of the standard
commercial sorts in New York are: Marked susceptibility to fungi but not
more susceptible than Delaware; variable in size of cluster; uneven in
ripening; and lack of productiveness. Brilliant is well known by amateur
grape-growers in New York and is grown somewhat for the market. All in
all it is probably the best known and most widely grown of Munson's
varieties in this State. In favorable situations, this variety may
always be expected to please the amateur, and the commercial grower will
often find it a profitable sort.
The seed which produced Brilliant was planted by Munson in 1883 and the
variety was introduced by him in 1887. It has been widely tested by
experimenters and grape-growers and is highly spoken of, whether in the
East, West, North or South.
Vine variable in growth averaging vigorous, usually hardy, not
always productive. Canes long, numerous, thick, darkish-brown;
nodes enlarged, usually flattened; internodes long to medium;
diaphragm thick; pith large, shoots pubescent; tendrils
intermittent, long, bifid.
Leaf-buds somewhat large, short, thick, obtuse to conical, open
late. Young leaves heavily tinged on both sides with mahogany-red
changing to light carmine. Leaves medium to large, thick; upper
surface dark green, dull, rugose; lower surface grayish-green,
downy; veins well defined; entire or obscurely three-lobed with
terminal lobe blunt to acute; petiolar sinus deep, narrow,
V-shaped; basal and lateral sinuses obscure and shallow when
present; teeth intermediate in depth and width. Flowers open medium
late, fertile; stamens upright.
Fruit ripens unevenly, in season about with Delaware, keeps a long
time. Clusters average larger than Delaware, intermediate in length
and breadth, often blunt, cylindrical to somewhat conical, usually
slightly shouldered, medium to compact; peduncle rather thick;
pedicel medium to short, thick, covered with few small warts, wide
at point of attachment to berry; brush short, thick, pale green
with reddish-brown tinge. Berries average larger than Delaware,
roundish to very slightly oval, attractive dark red, not so
brilliant as Delaware but more so than Brighton, rather glossy,
covered with abundant lilac bloom, adhere strongly to pedicel,
firm. Skin rather thin and tough, adheres considerably to pulp,
contains no pigment, slightly astringent. Flesh pale green, rather
transparent, juicy, slightly stringy, inclined to tenderness when
fully ripe, fine-grained, vinous, sweetish at skin but tart next
the seeds, good but not equal to Delaware. Seeds cling somewhat to
pulp, one to four in number, average three, rather large and broad,
slightly elongated, plump, light brown; raphe obscure; chalaza
large, slightly above center, irregularly circular to slightly
oval, distinct.
[Illustration: BRILLIANT]
BROWN.
(Labrusca, Vinifera?)
=1.= _N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt._, =12=:619. 1893. =2.= _Bush. Cat._,
=1894=:96. =3.= _N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt._, =14=:277. 1895. =4.= _Ib._,
=17=:527, 548, 554. 1898. =5.= _Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt._, =1899=:90.
=6.= _Rural N. Y._, =59=:722. 1900. =7.= _Ib._, =65=:914. 1906.
=8.= _Ib._, =65=:937. 1906. =9.= _Ib._, =66=:24. 1907.
BROWN'S EARLY (7, 9). BROWN SEEDLING (5, 6, 8).
Wm. B. Brown of Newburgh gives the history of the grape bearing his name
as follows:[169] "Brown's seedling came up in my yard at Newburgh, New
York, about fifteen years ago [this statement was made in 1899] near an
Isabella vine. There was not and never had been any other vine in the
yard at that time." The statement is further made that Charles Downing
examined the vine several times and said "there was no doubt but that it
was a seedling of the Isabella." Brown was exhibited at the New York
State Fair in 1892 and was given a first prize. It was again exhibited
at the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893 and was awarded a diploma
and honorable mention. The originator states that the variety "has been
exhibited in at least twenty-five fairs and has always received first
prize." Since 1892 Brown has been several times described with favorable
mention in the horticultural press. This variety was distributed in 1907
to the subscribers of the _Rural New Yorker_ as Brown's Early. In spite
of the encomiums of fairs and newspapers during the past fifteen or
twenty years, Brown has not received favorable recognition from the
grape-growers of New York. As the variety grows on the Station grounds
the quality is only good, not high, and the berries shatter badly.