Canes long, numerous to medium, intermediate in thickness; tendrils
continuous to intermittent, bifid to trifid. Leaves often very
large, variable in color, medium to thick; lower surface tinged
with bronze, strongly pubescent. Flowers nearly fertile, open in
mid-season or earlier; stamens upright. Fruit ripens early in
October, keeps fairly well. Clusters large to below medium,
variable in shape, usually with a medium-sized single shoulder,
not uniform in compactness. Berries nearly large to below medium,
roundish, unique in color being a rather dull olive green covered
with ash-gray bloom, somewhat inclined to shatter. Flesh tender,
vinous, with an agreeable flavor, sweet at skin to tart at center,
good in quality. Seeds medium to below in size, broad.
GOETHE.
(Vinifera, Labrusca.)
=1.= _Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt._, =1860=:86. =2.= _Mass. Hort. Soc. Rpt._,
=1861=:68. =3.= _Horticulturist_, =18=:98, 99. 1863. =4.= _U. S. D. A.
Rpt._, =1867=:160. =5.= _Am. Pom. Soc. Cat._, =1867=:44. =6.=
_Horticulturist_, =24=:126. 1869. =7.= _Am. Jour. Hort._, =5=:261. 1869.
=8.= _Grape Cult._, =1=:43, 150, 180, 239, 241, _fig._, 242, 296. 1869.
=9.= _Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt._, =1881=:38, 162. =10.= _Bush. Cat._,
=1883=:101, _fig._, 102. =11.= _Tex. Sta. Bul._, =48=:1150, 1157. 1898.
=12.= _Mo. Sta. Bul._, =46=:39, 43, 44, 45, 50, 54. 1899. =13.= _Miss.
Sta. Bul._, =56=:14. 1899.
ROGERS' NO. 1 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5). _Rogers' No. 1_ (6, 7, 8, 10).
Of all Rogers' hybrids Goethe shows most of the Vinifera characters,
resembling in appearance to a marked degree the White Malaga of European
fame and not falling far short of the best Old World grape in quality.
This is when it is well grown; but here lies the fault with Goethe, for
it is most difficult to grow well especially in the North where the
seasons are usually not long enough for its full maturity. When it does
ripen in northern latitudes it is unsurpassed in flavor by any other of
the grapes of its class. The vine is hardy in New York; vigorous to a
fault, for in very rich soils it makes too great a growth; it does best
in sands or gravels; it is fairly immune to mildew, rot and other
diseases; and where it succeeds often bears so freely that thinning
becomes a necessity. Added to its high quality, which makes it a
splendid table grape, Goethe keeps well, lasting long into the winter.
It is excellent for wine though it is too difficult to grow to make it
profitable for this purpose. Unfortunately this variety ripens so late
that it cannot be recommended for New York. The accompanying color-plate
does not do the variety full justice as good specimens could not be
obtained for illustration in the unfavorable season of 1907. Neither
size, nor shape of cluster, nor color of fruit are quite as we should
like to have them shown.
[Illustration: GOETHE]
E. S. Rogers of Salem, Massachusetts, produced Goethe as one of his
famous Labrusca-Vinifera hybrids and for its early history the reader is
referred to "Rogers' Hybrids." It is first mentioned separately from
others of these productions in 1858 under the name _Rogers' No. 1_. It
was placed upon the grape list of the American Pomological Society
fruit catalog in 1867, where it still remains. In 1869 Mr. Rogers named
the grape Goethe after the great German poet and naturalist. While
highly esteemed in the North, it succeeds better and is therefore more
commonly grown in the Middle and South Atlantic States and in the
valleys of the Ohio and of the lower Missouri.
Vine vigorous to medium, hardy, variable in productiveness,
somewhat subject to mildew in unfavorable locations. Canes above
medium to short, of average number and thickness, rather dark
brown; nodes enlarged, slightly flattened; internodes very short;
diaphragm thick; pith below medium in size; shoots strongly
pubescent; tendrils continuous with tendency to intermittent,
rather long, bifid to trifid.
Leaf-buds intermediate in size, length and thickness, conical to
nearly obtuse, open very late. Young leaves tinged lightly on under
side and along margin of upper side with rose-carmine. Leaves
variable in size, irregularly roundish, medium to somewhat thin;
upper surface light green, glossy, of average smoothness; lower
surface pale green to bronze, pubescent, veins very distinct; leaf
usually not lobed, with terminus broadly acute; petiolar sinus of
average depth, narrow, closed and frequently overlapping; basal
sinus usually lacking; lateral sinus shallow, often a mere notch;
teeth shallow to medium, rather narrow. Flowers partly fertile,
open in mid-season; stamens upright.
Fruit ripens considerably later than Concord, keeps unusually well.
Clusters intermediate in size, short to medium, rather broad,
widely tapering, frequently single-shouldered, usually two bunches
to a shoot, intermediate in compactness; peduncle short to medium,
of average thickness; pedicel nearly long, thick, covered with
numerous, conspicuous warts, wide at point of attachment to berry;
brush long, slender to stout, pale green to yellowish-brown.
Berries very large to above medium, oval to nearly roundish, pale
red, covered with thin gray or slightly lilac bloom, persistent, of
average firmness. Skin thin, tender to medium, adheres slightly to
the pulp, contains no pigment, faintly astringent. Flesh pale
green, translucent, inclined to tenderness, rather coarse, nearly
sweet at skin but decidedly tart at center, with some Vinifera
sprightliness, ranking good to very good in quality, does not reach
its best flavor in many localities in this State. Seeds separate
from the pulp with difficulty unless fully ripe, one to three,
average two, large, long, of average thickness, very slightly
notched, inclined to bluntness, brownish; raphe obscure; chalaza of
fair size, decidedly above center, pear-shaped, distinct. Must 78°.
GOFF.
(Labrusca, Vinifera, Aestivalis.)
During the quarter century the New York Agricultural Experiment Station
has been in existence, the breeding of grapes has been one of the chief
lines of horticultural work. Professor E. S. Goff, the first Station
horticulturist, began this work as early as 1885 and produced a number
of seedling grapes which were numbered but not named. In continuing this
work, Professor S. A. Beach, successor to Professor Goff, planted seed
from some of the original seedlings and from one of these came a
somewhat remarkable grape to which we have given the name Goff. This new
variety first bore fruit in 1898 and at once attracted attention. In
1901 it was awarded a silver medal as a meritorious seedling at the
Pan-American Exposition. Specimens of it sent to several viticultural
experts were highly spoken of and in the years it has been in fruit on
the Station grounds it has made a most excellent record.
Unfortunately the pedigree of this grape can never be known. Not only
were the parents of the original seedling unknown, but the immediate
parent was open to cross-pollination in a vineyard of many varieties.
All who have examined the fruit and vines of Goff are well agreed that
the variety shows very distinctly Labrusca and Vinifera characters and
some maintain that there are indications of Aestivalis as well. As to
the proportion of these three species, if all be present, no one would
care to hazard a guess.
The general appearance of Goff is well shown in the accompanying
color-plate though the cylindrical shape and enlarged lower end of the
bunch are more pronounced than in typical specimens. Because of the
peculiar shape of both bunch and berry the fruit cannot be called
handsome though the color is sufficiently attractive. The quality of
Goff is of the highest, being hardly surpassed by any of the commonly
grown grapes of this country. The flavor is sweet, rich and vinous and
the pulp, while firm, is tender and readily parts from the seeds. In
general the flavor is that of a Labrusca-Vinifera hybrid though there is
a spiciness in it that suggests an admixture of Aestivalis; the flesh
characters are better than those of the average hybrid of the two first
named species, being less pulpy and coarse. Probably the most valuable
character of Goff is the long keeping quality of the fruit in which
respect it far surpasses the several commercial varieties of this State
and equals the best keeping American grapes known. In a test during the
winter of 1907-08 of the keeping qualities of 255 varieties of grapes
from the Station vineyards, kept in eight-pound baskets in common
storage, unwrapped, Goff was one of the four best keepers, Canandaigua,
Wilder and Vergennes being the other three. These four varieties kept in
very good condition until April 16, and under circumstances not
altogether favorable.
[Illustration: GOFF]
The vine characters of Goff are exceptionally good on the Station
grounds. The vines are vigorous, hardy, very productive, and the foliage
is healthy. All of the above characters are developed to an extent
seldom found in a variety showing the specific blood indicated in the
Goff. In these respects, taking all of them, this variety surpasses any
of Rogers' hybrids, grapes with which it can be best compared. The
variety is now distributed for testing in the various grape regions of
the State and if the reports of its behavior are satisfactory, it will
be generally distributed within a few years.
Vine vigorous to very vigorous, hardy, very productive. Canes
medium to long, numerous, often rather thick, dark brown with
slight reddish tinge; nodes enlarged, flattened; internodes
intermediate in length; diaphragm thick to medium; pith of average
size; shoots pubescent; tendrils continuous, sometimes
intermittent, long, bifid to trifid.
Leaf-buds intermediate in size and thickness, short to medium,
plump, conical to roundly obtuse, open in mid-season. Young leaves
tinged on lower side and along margin of upper side with light
rose-carmine. Leaves healthy, medium to large, of average
thickness; upper surface light green; smooth to rugose, dull; lower
surface pale green, slightly cobwebby; veins fairly distinct; lobes
three to five in number with terminal lobe obtuse to acute;
petiolar sinus deep, narrow; basal sinus medium to shallow, rather
wide; lateral sinus deep, wide; teeth shallow, of average width.
Flowers fertile, open in mid-season or later, sometimes on plan of
six; stamens upright.
Fruit ripens a little later than Concord, keeps unusually well.
Clusters variable in size, long to medium, frequently very slender,
cylindrical, surface of cluster often irregular with blunt end
larger than the part above, usually not shouldered, or with a small
single shoulder, compact; peduncle usually short, intermediate in
thickness; pedicel rather short, of average thickness, covered with
few, if any warts, wide at point of attachment to fruit; brush
short, slender, pale green with faint brown tinge. Berries variable
in size, averaging about the size of Concord, frequently misshapen,
strongly flattened, not uniform, dark reddish-purple, covered with
heavy lilac or bluish bloom, persistent, firm. Skin thick,
intermediate in toughness, adheres slightly to the pulp, with
bright red pigment, slightly astringent. Flesh pale green,
translucent, juicy, tender, a little coarse, somewhat vinous, sweet
from skin to center, very good in quality. Seeds separate easily
from the pulp, one to five, average three, intermediate in size,
variable in breadth, of medium length, rather sharp-pointed, light
brownish; raphe obscure; chalaza of fair size, above center,
distinct.
GOLD COIN.
(Aestivalis, Labrusca.)
=1.= _Kan. Sta. Bul._, =28=:162. 1891. =2.= _Ill. Sta. Bul._,
=28=:264. 1893. =3.= _Bush. Cat._, =1894=:128. =4.= Husmann,
=1895=:129. =5.= _Kan. Sta. Bul._, =73=:183. 1897. =6.= _Am. Pom.
Soc. Cat._, =1899=:28. =7.= _Tex. Sta. Bul._, =56=:267, 277. 1900.
=8.= _Rural N. Y._, =61=:722. 1902.
Gold Coin is at the head of Munson's "Gold Coin Family"[190] having been
produced by crossing Norton and Martha. Unfortunately the variety is
only of general interest in New York as it does not succeed so far
north, the summer seasons being too short. Where it succeeds it is a
handsome market variety of very good quality and makes an excellent
white wine. The vines are productive and are reported to be unusually
free from attacks of fungal diseases.
As indicated in the preceding paragraph, this variety was originated by
T. V. Munson of Denison, Texas. It sprung from seed of Cynthiana or
Norton[191] pollinated by Martha which was planted in 1883 and was
introduced by the originator in 1894. Gold Coin was placed on the grape
list of the American Pomological Society fruit catalog in 1899.
Vine medium to vigorous, hardy, produces heavy crops. Canes
intermediate in length and number, rather slender; tendrils
continuous and sometimes intermittent, trifid to bifid. Leaves
medium to above in size, moderately light green, slightly rugose;
lower surface pale green, tinged with bronze, heavily pubescent.
Flowers nearly fertile; stamens upright. Fruit ripens after
mid-season, keeps long in good condition. Clusters medium to small,
not very long, usually single-shouldered, variable in compactness.
Berries large to below medium, roundish to slightly oval,
yellowish-green with a distinct trace of reddish-amber, covered
with a medium amount of gray bloom, usually persistent. Skin
covered with small scattering brown dots, thin, inclined to
toughness. Flesh somewhat tough, faintly aromatic, tart from skin
to center, good in quality. Seeds separate easily from the pulp,
somewhat numerous, above medium to medium in size, not notched;
raphe shows as a distinct cord.
GOLDEN DROP.
(Labrusca, Vinifera, Bourquiniana.)
=1.= _Montreal Hort. Soc. Rpt._, =1880=:112. =2.= _Bush. Cat._,
=1883=:102. _fig._ =3.= Barry, =1883=:447. =4.= _W. N. Y. Hort.
Soc. Rpt._, =28=:17. 1883. =5.= _Ga. Sta. Bul._, =53=:44, 51. 1901.
Golden Drop is an early white grape now nearly lost to cultivation but
once somewhat popular because of its high quality. Its hardiness and
earliness might make it a valuable grape for northern latitudes where
more commonly cultivated varieties do not mature with certainty. It is
somewhat susceptible to fungal diseases, mildew especially, and needs
more than ordinary care.
This variety was originated by C. G. Pringle of Charlotte, Vermont, from
seed of Adirondac fertilized with Delaware, planted in 1869 and
introduced by B. K. Bliss of New York, about 1880. It has never been
popular but is still sold by an occasional nurseryman.
Vine vigorous to weak, not productive, inclined to mildew. Canes
long to medium, numerous, dark brown; tendrils continuous to
intermittent, bifid. Leaves intermediate in size, light green;
lower surface pale green, very slightly pubescent. Flowers sterile
or nearly so, open in mid-season; stamens upright. Fruit ripens
shortly before Niagara, keeps well. Clusters small, of medium
length, slender, rather cylindrical, loose. Berries medium to
small, roundish to slightly oval, light green with dull
yellowish-red tinge in the sun, covered with thin gray bloom,
persistent. Flesh tender and soft, not foxy, sweet, very mild, good
in quality. Seeds medium to small, short.
GREEN EARLY.
(Labrusca, Vinifera?)
=1.= _Ill. Hort. Soc. Rpt._, =1902=:223. =2.= _Ib._, =1905=:296.
Green Early is a white grape coming in season with Winchell which
surpasses it in most characters, quality in particular. This variety is
not to be confused with "Chas. A. Green," also a white grape, which was
originated by F. W. Loudon of Janesville, Wisconsin, and was introduced
by Chas. A. Green of Rochester. We have not been able to get a complete
description of the latter variety.
Green Early was found growing by the side of a ditch near a Concord
vineyard, on land belonging to O. J. Greene of Portland, Chautauqua
County, New York. The vine was transplanted into a nursery in 1887. The
parentage of the variety is unknown but it is credited to Concord owing
to its resemblance to that variety. It was introduced in the late
nineties by J. H. Greene of Portland, New York, and H. W. Blowers of
Westfield, New York.
Vine medium to very vigorous, usually hardy, productive. Canes
variable in length and thickness, dark-reddish brown; tendrils
continuous, sometimes intermittent, bifid to trifid. Leaves
variable in size, medium green; lower surface pale green,
pubescent; stamens upright. Fruit ripens about with Moore Early or
with Concord in some locations, does not keep long and is only a
fair shipper. Clusters variable in size, length and breadth,
sometimes single-shouldered, variable in compactness. Berries above
medium to nearly small, oval to slightly roundish, light green
tinged with yellow, covered with thin gray bloom, moderately
persistent, rather soft. Skin nearly thin, tender, inclined to
crack. Flesh slightly tough and aromatic, almost sweet at skin to
acid at center, fair flavor and quality. Seeds medium to below in
size, intermediate in length and breadth, sharp-pointed.
GREIN GOLDEN.
(Riparia, Labrusca.)
=1.= _Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt._, =1881=:33. =2.= _Ill. Hort. Soc. Rpt._,
=1881=:162, 164. =3.= _Bush. Cat._, =1883=:103. =4.= _Kan. Hort.
Soc. Rpt._, =1889-90=:20. app. =5.= _Gar. and For._, =3=:290, 490,
599. 1890. =6.= _Ala. Sta. Bul._, =10=:10. 1890. =7.= _Ill. Sta.
Bul._, =28=:264. 1893. =8.= _N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt._, =15=:294. 1896.
=9.= _Ib._, =17=:531, 548, 555. 1898.
_Grein's No. 2_ (3).
Grein Golden ranks with Missouri Riesling as the best of Nicholas
Grein's several seedlings of Taylor, both being improvements over the
parent variety. It is very similar to Missouri Riesling but is, on the
Station grounds, and in general, a much stronger grower. For a variety
of the Taylor group, both cluster and berry are large and uniform,
which, with the attractive golden color of the berries, make it a most
handsome fruit. But as the variety grows in New York the flavor is not
at all pleasing, being an unusual commingling of sweetness and acidity
quite disagreeable to most palates; and so while its habit of growth,
hardiness, health of vine and productiveness are such as would make the
variety acceptable the quality of the fruit condemns it for table use.
In fact the last remark applies in a greater or less degree to all of
the varieties of the Taylor group for this State--they fall so far short
in quality that they can never be of value as market or table grapes.
All are suitable for wine and Grein Golden in particular is said to make
a very good white wine. The fruit of this variety cracks badly in wet
weather and does not keep nor ship well, skin and flesh being very
tender.
[Illustration: GREIN GOLDEN]
Nicholas Grein of Hermann, Missouri, produced Grein Golden over thirty
years ago. It is generally supposed to be from seed of Taylor. Grein
states that he planted seed of the European Riesling and of Taylor at
the same time, and that the Taylor did not germinate but that the
European Riesling did, one of the seedlings being Grein Golden. As the
Grein Golden shows Riparia very plainly, with no trace of Vinifera, it
is generally supposed that the seeds were mixed and that Grein Golden is
a Taylor seedling. The variety has been and still is a commercial sort
in the wine districts of the middle West.
Vine vigorous, hardy, productive. Canes long to medium, numerous,
somewhat slender, rather dark reddish-brown; nodes slightly
enlarged, usually flattened; internodes long to medium; diaphragm
of average thickness; pith intermediate in size; shoots pubescent;
tendrils intermittent, of fair length, trifid to sometimes bifid.
Leaf-buds of average size, short to medium, intermediate in
thickness, conical to pointed, open in mid-season. Young leaves
faintly tinged on lower side only with faintest rose carmine.
Leaves large to medium, thick; upper surface dark green, dull,
moderately smooth; lower surface pale green, slightly pubescent;
veins not conspicuous; lobes none to three with terminus acute;
petiolar sinus deep, medium to narrow; basal sinus usually lacking;
lateral sinus shallow, wide, frequently obscure; teeth medium to
deep, of average width. Flowers sterile, open in mid-season;
stamens reflexed.
Fruit ripens about with Niagara, does not keep nor ship well.
Clusters large, long to medium, somewhat broad, tapering,
irregular, often heavily single-shouldered, loose to moderately
compact; peduncle above average length, thickish; pedicel
intermediate in length and thickness, covered with few,
inconspicuous warts; brush slender, medium in length, pale green.
Berries uniform in size, rather large, roundish, attractive light
green often with tinge of golden yellow or pinkish-yellow, glossy,
covered with thin gray bloom, persistent, intermediate in firmness.
Skin very thin, tender, often inclined to crack, does not adhere to
the pulp, contains no pigment. Flesh greenish, translucent, very
juicy, tender, vinous, slightly sweet next the skin but decidedly
acid at center, medium to good in quality, better than Elvira.
Seeds separate easily from the pulp when mature, two to four in
number, average two and three, above medium in size, broad,
intermediate in length, plump, light to dark brown; raphe shows as
a small but prominent cord; chalaza rather large, at center or
slightly above, oval, usually distinct.
HARTFORD.
(Labrusca, Vinifera?)
=1.= _Mag. Hort._, =18=:114. 1852. =2.= _Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt._,
=1856=:36, 165. =3.= _Mag. Hort._, =24=:131. 1858. =4.=
_Horticulturist_, =13=:122, 166. 1858. =5.= _Am. Pom. Soc. Cat._,
=1862=:90. =6.= _Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt._, =1862=:136, 140. =7.= _Ib._,
=1881=:117, 119, 123, 136, 138, 153, 154, 158, 162, 168. =8.=
_Bush. Cat._, =1883=:103. =9.= _N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt._, =9=:327.
1890. =10.= _Va. Sta. Bul._, =94=:135. 1898. =11.= _N. Y. Sta. An.
Rpt._, =17=:531, 541, 544, 548, 552, 555. 1898. =12.= _Mo. Sta.
Bul._, =46=:39, 42, 44, 46. 1899.
HARTFORD PROLIFIC (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8). _Steele's Seedling_ (4).
For many years Hartford was looked upon as one of the standard early
black grapes, if not the standard. It is now being very largely
superseded, and greatly to the betterment of viticulture, by other
grapes of its season of better quality, though it is still quite
commonly grown in New York at least. It is probable that for many years
there will be locations in which Hartford may be profitably cultivated
(some in which it alone will be worth growing), and purposes for which
it may be recommended. The many good characters of the vine make it a
desirable grape for breeding work.
The vine of Hartford can be well characterized by its good qualities but
the fruit is best described through its faults. The plants are vigorous,
prolific, healthy, and the fruit is borne early in the season, ripening
from a week to two weeks in advance of the Concord. After Concord the
Hartford is one of the most fruitful of American grapes. The canes are
remarkable for their stoutness and for the crooks at the joints. The
bunches are not unattractive (the color-plate fails to do them justice
as to size and color), but the quality of the fruit is low, even for an
early grape where the highest quality is hardly expected. The flesh is
pulpy and unpleasant to eat while the flavor is both too insipid and too
foxy to be good. Because of its poor quality, now that there are so many
really good early grapes, Hartford should be discarded. But there is
another reason for ceasing its culture. The berries shell badly either
on the vine or when packed for shipping, so that the fruit neither
ships, packs, nor keeps well. The competition of the southern states
from which later and better varieties can be shipped to northern cities
to compete with Hartford is still another reason for the passing of this
variety from commercial cultivation. Still other faults are that it
colors a long while before it is ripe; and it is only partly
self-fertile so that in seasons when there is bad weather during
blooming time the clusters are usually loose and straggling.
[Illustration: HARTFORD]
The original vine of Hartford was a chance seedling in the garden of
Paphro Steele of West Hartford, Connecticut. It fruited for the first
time in 1849. This seedling was supposed by those familiar with the
surroundings at the time to be a cross of Isabella and the wild fox
grape. It was named Hartford Prolific by the Hartford County
Horticultural Society. The American Pomological Society placed it in
their fruit catalog in 1862 and it has never been removed. The word
"Prolific" appears to have been dropped from this name by common consent
about 1890.
Vine medium to vigorous, injured in severe winters, very productive
as an early grape. Does not require as close pruning as many other
varieties. Canes above medium in length, intermediate in number,
not thick, dark brown, covered with considerable pubescence; nodes
enlarged, flattened; internodes medium to short; diaphragm medium
to below in thickness; pith of average size; shoots very pubescent;
tendrils continuous, long, bifid.
Leaf-buds of average size, short, thick to medium, obtuse to
conical. Leaves nearly large, thick; upper surface dark green,
dull, rugose; lower surface pale green, often with trace of bronze,
thinly pubescent; veins indistinct; lobes variable with terminus
blunt to acute; petiolar sinus medium to deep, narrow; basal sinus
usually lacking; lateral sinus shallow, narrow, often a mere notch;
teeth shallow, of average width. Flowers fertile, open in
mid-season; stamens upright.
Fruit ripens early, does not keep well. Clusters above average
size, nearly long, slender except when shouldered, slightly
tapering, irregular, often with a long, large, single shoulder,
loose; peduncle long to medium, of fair size; pedicel short,
intermediate in thickness, covered with few small warts; brush
greenish with dull tinge of reddish-brown. Berries regular in size
averaging above medium, roundish to oval, black, not glossy,
covered with blue bloom, drop badly from pedicel, of average
firmness. Skin thick, tough, adheres considerably to the pulp,
contains much purplish-red pigment, somewhat astringent. Flesh
greenish, translucent, juicy, toughish, stringy and foxy, rather
sweet at skin but somewhat tart at center, resembles Concord but
ranks below that variety in flavor and quality. Seeds separate
rather easily, one to four, average three or four, intermediate in
size, almost broad, of fair length, dark brown; raphe obscure;
chalaza intermediate in size, at center or slightly above,
irregularly circular, rather distinct. Must 71°.
HAYES.
(Labrusca, Vinifera?)
=1.= _Gar. Mon._, =21=:340. 1880. =2.= _Bush. Cat._, =1883=:106.
_fig._ =3.= _Mass. Hort. Soc. Rpt._, Pt. 1, =1884=:22, 23. =4.=
_Ohio Hort. Soc. Rpt._, =1885-6=:169. =5.= _Am. Pom. Soc. Cat._,
=1889=:24. =6.= _N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt._, =9=:331. 1890. =7.= _Rural
N. Y._, =53=:616, 645. 1894. =8.= _N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt._, =17=:531,
541, 548, 552. 1898.
F. B. HAYES (7). FRANCIS B. HAYES (3, 4). _Francis B. Hayes_ (2,
6). _Moore's No. 31_ (2).
In 1880 the Massachusetts Horticultural Society awarded a first class
certificate of merit to Hayes and it was very favorably spoken of by
many expert grape-growers in New England and the East. These
recommendations brought it prominently before grape-growers and for a
time it was a somewhat popular variety, but as it became better known
several defects became apparent and its popularity waned. The vine is
hardy and vigorous but the growth is slow and in New York at least the
variety is a shy or precarious bearer and both bunches and berries are
too small and variable to make it an attractive grape. Besides it comes
at a time, a week or ten days earlier than Concord, when there are many
other really good green grapes. Excellent though it is in quality, it is
hardly worth giving a place in this State for any purpose. The foliage
is tender to the heat of summer and the variety is not therefore adapted
to southern or western localities.
John B. Moore of Concord, Massachusetts, is the originator of Hayes. It
is said to be a seedling of Concord and one of the same lot of seedlings
as Moore Early. It was first fruited in 1872 and was exhibited at Boston
two years later. The variety was not introduced, however, until the fall
of 1884. It is a somewhat remarkable seedling of Concord for it shows no
foxiness of flavor and has tender, delicate flesh, which taken together
make it of high quality. Hayes illustrates well the fact mentioned under
Concord that the light colored seedlings of that variety are usually of
high quality. The intermittent tendrils and certain characters of the
seeds indicate that there is some species present besides Labrusca,
probably Vinifera.
Vine variable in vigor and productiveness, usually hardy and
healthy. Canes intermediate in length, numerous, rather slender;
tendrils intermittent, bifid to trifid. Leaves not uniform in size,
nearly dark green; lower surface considerably pubescent. Flowers
almost sterile, open medium late; stamens upright. Fruit ripens
from a week to ten days earlier than Concord, keeps well. Clusters
variable in size and length, often single-shouldered, not uniform
in compactness. Berries above medium to small, roundish,
greenish-yellow to slightly golden yellow, covered with thin gray
bloom, persistent. Skin thin, tender, covered with few small
reddish-brown dots. Flesh fine-grained, tender, vinous, sweet at
skin to agreeably tart at center, rather mild, good in quality.
Seeds few, of average size, medium to short, often plump.
HEADLIGHT.
(Vinifera, Labrusca, Bourquiniana.)
=1.= _Rural N. Y._, =60=:637. 1901. =2.= _Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt._,
=1903=:82. =3.= _U. S. D. A. Yr. Bk._, =1903=:276. _col. pl._ =4.=
_Mo. Hort. Soc. Rpt._, =1904=:301, 306.
Headlight is one of the most promising of Munson's many valuable grapes.
Possibly it is more valuable for southern vineyards than for northern
ones, yet it is worthy of trial in the North. Its meritorious characters
are: Productiveness, outyielding Delaware with which it would compete in
New York; disease-resistant foliage and vines little affected by mildew
and rarely attacked by black-rot even in the South; more than average
vigor of vine, though it has fallen short of expectations in this
respect in the Station vineyard; high quality of the fruit, being almost
the equal of Delaware in flavor and having tender melting pulp which
readily parts from the seeds; and earliness, ripening before Delaware
and hanging on the vines or keeping after being picked for some time
without deterioration in either quality or appearance. Though a southern
grape it has proved perfectly hardy here and were it not that it must
compete in the North with many other good grapes, Delaware in
particular, it might take high place in northern viticulture. Even with
such competition it is well worth a trial in either the amateur or
commercial vineyards of New York. It would seem that for the South its
resistance to disease should make it a valuable commercial variety.
The originator of Headlight, T. V. Munson, states in a personal letter
that it came from Moyer seed fertilized by Brilliant. The seed from
which the variety came was planted in 1895 and the new grape was
introduced in 1901 by the producer. While Headlight is as yet
comparatively little known, it is being tested in many of the grape
regions of the country and its value should soon be known. Such reports
of its behavior as have been made are in the main very favorable.
Vine at this Station medium to weak, hardy, very productive. Canes
short to medium, few in number, slender, dark brown to
reddish-brown with small amount of bloom at nodes, which are
enlarged and usually not flattened; internodes short; diaphragm
thick; pith below medium to nearly small; shoots more or less
pubescent; tendrils continuous, short, bifid, very persistent.
Leaf-buds small and short, inclined to slender, pointed to conical,
open late. Young leaves heavily tinged on under side and lightly on
the upper side with bright carmine. Leaves medium to small, thick;
upper surface light green, dull, smoothish; lower surface pale
green, with some pubescence; veins obscure; lobes none to three
with terminus obtuse to acute; petiolar sinus intermediate in depth
and width; basal sinus usually lacking; lateral sinus shallow,
narrow; teeth shallow, of average width. Flowers sterile, open in
mid-season; stamens reflexed.
Fruit ripens before Delaware, keeps well. Clusters small, short, of
average breadth, tapering, frequently single-shouldered, compact;
peduncle short to medium, slender; pedicel short, slender, covered
with a few small, inconspicuous warts; brush yellowish-brown.
Berries medium to very small, roundish, dark red to almost
purplish-black, not glossy, covered lightly with blue bloom,
persistent, very firm. Skin of average thickness, tough, adheres
slightly to the pulp, contains more or less light-red pigment,
astringent. Flesh greenish, translucent, very juicy, tender,
fine-grained, vinous, sweet from skin to center, good to very good
in quality. Seeds separate easily from the pulp, one to three,
average two, below medium in size, intermediate in length, light
brown; raphe obscure; chalaza above center, circular, distinct.
HERBEMONT.
(Bourquiniana.)
=1.= _Amer. Farmer_, =6=:369. 1825. =2.= _Ib._, =10=:211, 324.
1828. =3.= Prince, =1830=:154. =4.= Ib., =1830=:154, 339. =5.=
_Mag. Hort._, =9=:373. 1843. =6.= _U. S. Pat. Off. Rpt._,
=1845=:937, 940. =7.= Downing, =1845=:258. =8.= _Horticulturist_,
=1=:98. 1846. =9.= _U. S. Pat. Off. Rpt._, =1847=:464, 465, 469.
=10.= _Horticulturist_, =12=:459. 1857. =11.= Downing, =1857=:339.
=12.= _Horticulturist_, =20=:40. 1865. =13.= _Am. Pom. Soc. Cat._,
=1867=:44. =14.= _Grape Cult._, =1=:17, 59, 69, 98, 173, 179, 257,
_fig._, 258, 260, 296, 302. 1869. =15.= _Ib._, =2=:76, 181, 195,
266. 1870. =16.= _Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt._, =1881=:39. =17.= _Bush.
Cat._, =1883=:104, 105. _fig._ =18.= Husmann, =1895=:183. =19.=
_Tenn. Sta. Bul._, Vol. =9=:181, _fig._, 182, 195. 1896. =20.=
_Tex. Farm and Ranch_, Feb. 8, =1896=:11. =21.= _Tex. Sta. Bul._,
=48=:1150, 1157. 1898. =22.= _Mo. Sta. Bul._, =46=:39, 43, 45, 46,
50. 1899. =23.= _Traité gen. de vit._, =6=:256. 1903.
_Bottsi_ (20,?23). _Brown French_ (20, 23). _Dunn_ (20). HERBEMONT
MADEIRA (4, 5, 6). _Herbemont's Madeira_ (10, 11, 14, 17, 19, 20,
23). _Hunt_ (1). _Kay's Seedling_ (20). _McKee_ (20, 23). _Neal
grape_ (11, 23). _Neil grape_ (17, 19, 23). WARREN (2, 7, 10).
_Warren_ (2, 4, 6, 11, 14, 17, 19, 20, 23). _Warrenden_ (6).
WARRENTON (1, 2, 3, 5). _Warrenton_ (4, 10, 11, 14, 17, 19, 20,
23). _White Herbemont_ (20).
[Illustration: HEADLIGHT]
In the South Herbemont has the same relative rank among cultivated
grapes that the Concord holds in the North. The variety is injured by
cold below zero or thereabouts and cannot be grown north of the Ohio
River and fails somewhat in Missouri and Arkansas because of its
tenderness. It requires, too, a long season for perfect maturity.
Herbemont is also fastidious as to soil and its cultivation is somewhat
limited by this factor. It requires a well-drained warm soil and one
which is abundantly supplied with humus; though the variety often
thrives on the comparatively poor hill-land of the South. Despite these
limitations, this variety is grown in an immense territory, extending
from Virginia and Tennessee to the Gulf and westward through Texas. The
synonyms given above are many of them allusions to the localities in
which it has been grown, while most of the others pertain to its origin,
but all show to some extent the wide dissemination of this grape and
indicate in a measure its merit.
Herbemont is known and widely grown in Europe as well as in the southern
United States. In southwestern France where the demands of the variety
seem to be particularly well fulfilled, it is firmly established and is
highly regarded as a direct producer. In northern and central France,
however, the winters are too cold and the seasons too short for its
profitable culture. Its use as a stock in France is limited for it has
been found to be but medium in its resistance to phylloxera; does not
grow well from cuttings and is therefore propagated with difficulty; the
wood does not bear grafts well and is worked with difficulty in either
field or bench grafting; and lastly the French find it very subject to
chlorosis, especially in calcareous soils.
The vine is, according to all accounts, a remarkably vigorous, rapid and
healthy grower, being hardly surpassed in these characters by any of our
native grapes. The wood is strong, abundant and very hard, the latter a
serious difficulty in grafting. The fruits are attractive because of the
size of the bunch and the glossy black of the berries, which are small
as compared with northern grapes. Fruit is borne abundantly and with
certainty year in and year out in suitable localities. The flesh
characters of the fruit are good for a small grape, neither flesh, skin
nor seeds being especially objectionable in eating; the pulp is tender
and juicy; rich, sweet and highly flavored, the combination of flesh and
flavor characters giving a grape of high quality. Herbemont is greatly
esteemed as a table grape and is said to make a very good light red
wine. The ample, lustrous green foliage makes the variety one of the
attractive ornamental plants of the South.
Herbemont has been much used in grape-breeding and to advantage, for
probably no other species offers as many desirable characters for the
South and Southwest as the one to which this variety belongs and best
represents. There are now several pure-bred seedlings of Herbemont under
cultivation and a greater number in which it is one of the parents. Of
the former Black Herbemont and the Onderdonk are good representatives
and Jaeger, Delicious, Muench, Vinita, Perry, Mrs. Munson and Neva
Munson, all from Munson of Texas, are Herbemont cross-breeds.
The history of Herbemont, as it must be written from such information as
can now be obtained, is scarcely more than a collection of mythical
stories. The variety is known to have been in cultivation in Georgia
before the Revolutionary War, when it was generally known under the name
of Warrenton or Warren. In the early part of the last century it came to
the hands of Nicholas Herbemont of Columbia, South Carolina, who gave it
the name Madeira under a temporary supposition that it came from the
island of that name. This name was generally changed to Herbemont's
Madeira. Herbemont made the variety known to the public, sending it to
William R. Prince of Flushing, Long Island, and Nicholas Longworth of
Cincinnati, the two most prominent viticulturists of that time who, in
turn, aided in its distribution.
There have been many contradictory accounts of the origin of the grape,
crediting it to Georgia, the Carolinas, or Europe. None is supported by
sufficient evidence to make it creditable and most of them arose at so
late a date that it was impossible for the writers to know anything
about the facts of the case except by hearsay evidence. The early idea
of many that it is a Vinifera was soon dropped. Later this variety and
others of its class were known as southern Aestivalis; however, it was
admitted that they were unlike other southern Aestivalis. Munson gave
these grapes the name Bourquiniana, a name that has been accepted as a
convenient designation for the group by some who do not accept his
account of its origin. The Herbemont and Lenoir are the two varieties
commonly referred to as typical of this so-called species.
The history of the culture of Herbemont in the North has been the same
everywhere. It was early introduced around Cincinnati, Ohio, and
Hermann, Missouri, and for a time the growers had high hopes of its
value. It winter-killed slightly but they overcame this by covering the
vines; then the variety showed itself susceptible to rot and its culture
was soon dropped. In 1867 the Herbemont was placed on the grape list of
the American Pomological Society fruit catalog and it has never been
removed.
We have no vines of Herbemont growing in the Station vineyard and the
following description has been collected from a variety of sources.
Vine vigorous to very vigorous. Canes rather long and strong,
bright green, with more or less purple, with considerable
bluish-white bloom; internodes short; tendrils intermittent, of
medium size, bifid or trifid. Leaves large, roundish, sometimes
entire, or three- to seven-lobed, nearly glabrous above and below;
upper surface clear green; lower surface lighter green, slightly
glaucous; veins prominent and covered with rather abundant hair.
Flowers self-fertile. Fruit ripens very late. Clusters large, long,
tapering to cylindrical, prominently shouldered, compact; peduncle
long and strong; pedicels somewhat short with few rather large
warts; brush pinkish. Berries round, below medium in size, uniform,
reddish-black or brown with abundant blue bloom. Skin thin, rather
tough, with considerable pigment below. Flesh tender, very juicy;
juice colorless or slightly pink; rather sweet, sprightly to
slightly acid. Seeds two to four, usually two, small,
reddish-brown, slightly glossy; chalaza round, prominent; raphe
distinct.
HERBERT.
(Labrusca, Vinifera.)
=1.= _Mag. Hort._, =31=:106. 1865. =2.= _Horticulturist_, =24=:126.
1869. =3.= _Grape Cult._, =1=:180, 182. 1869. =4.= _Am. Pom. Soc.
Cat._, =1869=:42. =5.= _Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt._, =1881=:32, 43, 121,
123, 136. =6.= _Bush. Cat._, =1883=:109. =7.= _N. Y. Sta. An.
Rpt._, =11=:625. 1892. =8.= _Ill. Sta. Bul._, =28=:260. 1893. =9.=
_N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt._, =17=:531, 548, 549, 555. 1898.
ROGERS' NO. 44 (1). _Rogers' No. 44_ (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7).
Although Rogers' hybrids have not made a great impression upon the
commercial grape culture of the country, all will agree that they are
hardly surpassed for the home vineyard and, among them, at least none of
the black varieties is superior for this purpose to Herbert. Barry
equals it and possibly surpasses it to the taste of most grape
connoisseurs in delicacy of flavor but Herbert is the handsomer fruit,
is a little earlier and if anything its vine characters are somewhat
better. When at its best, Herbert, and Barry too, nearly equal Black
Hamburg in the characters that constitute high quality. They lack the
richness of the Old World variety but they are more sprightly and
refreshing and do not cloy the appetite as does the Vinifera variety. In
all that constitutes a fine table grape Herbert is about as near
perfection as we have yet reached in the evolution of American grapes.
As is the case with most black grapes the fruit colors long before it is
ripe and when thus picked there is an astringency in its taste that
wholly disappears when the fruit is fully ripe. For a Vinifera-Labrusca
hybrid the Herbert is vigorous, hardy and fruitful ranking in these
respects above many pure-bred Labruscas. While the fruit ripens with
Concord it keeps long after and is a very good winter grape. It keeps,
packs and ships well. It is unable to fertilize itself and must be set
near other varieties. Herbert is well deserving attention from
commercial growers who supply a discriminating market and its many good
qualities will give it a high place in the esteem of grape connoisseurs.
For an account of the origin and early history of Herbert the reader is
referred to "Rogers' Hybrids." The Herbert is first mentioned separately
from the rest of Rogers' seedlings in 1865, under the designation
_Rogers' No. 44_. In 1869 Rogers gave names to several of his seedlings
and the _Rogers' No. 44_ received the name Herbert. The same year it was
placed on the grape list of the American Pomological Society fruit
catalog. It has never been cultivated extensively but has always been a
favorite with amateur growers. The differences in the descriptions
furnished by different growers leads one to suspect that there are two
or more varieties passing under this name.
Vine medium to very vigorous, injured in severe winters,
productive. Canes very long, numerous, unusually thick, dark brown;
nodes enlarged, somewhat flattened; internodes long to medium;
diaphragm thick; pith medium to large; shoots pubescent; tendrils
intermittent, long, bifid to trifid.
Leaf-buds above medium in size, shortish, plump, obtuse, open
early. Young leaves strongly tinged on under side and along margin
of upper side with bright carmine. Leaves very large to medium,
roundish, of average thickness; upper surface dark green, dull,
smooth; lower surface pale green with some pubescence; veins
numerous and quite prominent; leaf not lobed, with terminus obtuse;
petiolar sinus very deep, narrow, closed and overlapping; basal and
lateral sinuses lacking; teeth shallow to medium. Flowers sterile,
open in mid-season; stamens reflexed.
[Illustration: HERBERT]
Fruit comes in season with Concord, keeps unusually well. Clusters
medium to large, variable in length, rather broad, slightly
tapering, two or three clusters per shoot, often heavily
single-shouldered, loose to medium; peduncle of average length,
thick; pedicel intermediate in length, thick, covered with small
russet warts; brush yellowish-green. Berries irregular in size but
usually above medium, roundish to slightly flattened, rather dull
black, covered with thick blue bloom, persistent, moderately firm.
Skin variable in thickness and toughness, adheres somewhat to the
pulp, contains a small amount of wine-colored pigment, astringent.
Flesh light green, translucent, juicy, tender, fine-grained, with a
little foxiness or muskiness, nearly sweet at skin but quite acid
at center, quality good to very good. Seeds separate from the pulp
with difficulty, three to six in number, average three, large,
broadish, notched, quite long, with swollen neck, blunt, light
brown with yellowish tips; raphe obscure; chalaza intermediate in
size, decidedly above center, circular to pear-shaped, distinct.
HERCULES.
(Labrusca, Vinifera.)
=1.= _N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt._, =11=:625. 1892. =2.= _Ill. Hort. Soc.
Rpt._, =1893=:89. =3.= _N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt._, =12=:620. 1893. =4.=
_Bush. Cat._, =1894=:135. =5.= _N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt._, =17=:531,
548, 555. 1898.
Hercules is characterized by its extremely large berries, the size being
as great, if not greater, than that of any of our native grapes, and
approaching that of the largest Old World grapes. The fruit is
handsomely colored and the cluster, when at its best, is large and
well-formed with a striking resemblance to Black Hamburg. The flavor,
while not of the best, is good. But large size, handsome appearance, and
good flavor cannot make up for the several defects of the variety. The
fruit drops and cracks badly and the pulp is too tough and adheres too
firmly to the seed for a dessert grape. These faults are so marked as to
make Hercules almost worthless except for breeding purposes. Added to
the desirable characters of the fruit given above, the vines are hardy,
vigorous and productive so that this variety offers an unusual array of
valuable qualities for the grape-breeder.
At one time it was claimed that Hercules was a seedling of a California
grape but later it was said to have come from seed of one of Rogers'
hybrids. This opinion was based solely upon the characters of the plant,
as the originator, the late G. A. Ensenberger of Bloomington, Illinois,
gave no satisfactory account of the parentage of the grape. Hercules was
exhibited at the Columbian Exposition at Chicago, where, on account of
its large size and showy appearance, it attracted much attention. It is
unfortunate that the parentage of this grape is not known as it is
likely to be used not a little in the grape-breeding of the future in
producing large-fruited varieties.
Vine vigorous to very vigorous, hardy except in extreme winters,
very productive. Canes long to medium, intermediate in number and
thickness, brown or dark reddish-brown; nodes slightly enlarged,
flattened; internodes medium to long; diaphragm thick; pith large
to medium; shoots slightly pubescent; tendrils continuous, of
average length, bifid.
Leaf-buds medium in size, short, thickish, pointed to conical, open
in mid-season. Young leaves lightly tinged on lower side and along
margin of upper side with rose carmine. Leaves large, intermediate
in thickness; upper surface light green, slightly glossy,
smoothish; lower surface grayish-green, pubescent; veins distinct;
lobes none to three, with terminus acute; petiolar sinus deep to
medium, intermediate to narrow; basal sinus usually absent; lateral
sinus shallow to a mere notch; teeth medium to shallow,
intermediate in width. Flowers sterile, open in mid-season; stamens
reflexed.
Fruit comes in season about with Concord, somewhat subject to rot,
keeps fairly well. Clusters attractive, somewhat resembling Black
Hamburg, very large to medium, of average length, broad to medium,
slightly tapering to nearly cylindrical below the single shoulder,
one to three clusters per shoot, medium to rather compact; peduncle
short and thick; pedicel inclined to shortness, thickish, much
enlarged at point of attachment to the fruit; brush of average
length, pale green. Berries unusually large but somewhat variable,
roundish, black, glossy, covered with more or less blue bloom, not
persistent, firm. Skin cracks badly in some seasons, intermediate
in thickness and toughness, adheres slightly to the pulp, contains
some wine-colored pigment, astringent. Flesh decided green,
slightly translucent, juicy, very tough, coarse, stringy, somewhat
foxy, sweet near skin but acid at center, fair to good in quality.
Seeds very adherent to the pulp, one to five in number, average
three, large to medium, above usual length, broad to medium, deeply
notched, blunt, brownish; raphe buried in a broad, deep groove;
chalaza small, plainly above center, circular to oval, distinct.
HERMANN.
(Aestivalis, Labrusca.)
=1.= _Ill. Hort. Soc. Rpt._, =1868=:168. =2.= _Grape Cult._,
=1=:17, 104, fig., 105, 239, 260, 326, 330. 1869. =3.= _Bush.
Cat._, =1883=:107. _fig._ =4.= _Mo. Hort. Soc. Rpt._, =1883=:41.
=5.= _Ib._, =1891=:128. =6.= Husmann, =1895=:174. =7.= _Tex. Sta.
Bul._, =48=:1150, 1157. 1898. =8.= _Mo. Sta. Bul._, =46=:39, 43,
45. 1899. 9. _Kan. Sta. Bul._, =110=:246. 1902.
Hermann is a southern grape, a true Aestivalis in all characters, and is
not adapted to the North. When the variety was introduced, fifty or more
years ago, it was considered a valuable addition to the list of wine
grapes but it has not grown in favor nor popularity nor been extensively
planted in any of the grape regions of the South. It is said to be
vigorous, hardy and productive; to defy all attacks of phylloxera; and
to make a very superior wine. But the berries are very small, ripen
very late, in some localities crack badly and in others rot.
[Illustration: HERCULES]
The variety was originated by F. Langendoerfer of Hermann, Missouri,
from seed of Norton planted in 1860. The first fruit was borne in 1863.
At one time it was considerably planted in Missouri as a wine grape but
it did not become popular nor spread from varietal vineyards to any
extent on account of its lack of quality for either the table or wine.
It is of interest chiefly as a seedling of Norton and for its very good
vine characters. The following description has been taken from a number
of sources, chiefly from the _Bushberg Catalogue_:
Vine vigorous, somewhat tender, resembling Norton in foliage except
that the leaves are of a lighter color and somewhat more deeply
lobed. Stamens erect. Clusters long and narrow, rather compact,
rarely shouldered. Berries small, round, black with blue bloom;
pulp tender, juicy, and of the characteristic spicy Aestivalis
flavor. Must heavy and very fragrant, brownish-yellow making a wine
the color of Brown Sherry or Madeira, of great body and fine
flavor; registers 94°-105°.
HICKS.
(Labrusca.)
=1.= _Mo. Hort. Soc. Rpt._, =1898=:46. =2.= _Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt._,
=1899=:89. =3.= _Ill. Hort. Soc. Rpt._, =1904=:228. =4.= _Iowa
Hort. Soc. Rpt._, =1904=: 228, 240, 241. =5.= _Mich. Sta. Sp.
Bul._, =30=:11. 1905.
Hicks has proved itself a remarkably good grape in the vineyard of this
Station, and were it not for the fact that the fruit is almost identical
with that of Concord, ripening with it or but a little earlier, there
certainly would be a place for it in the viticulture of the State. The
fact that it was introduced some years ago and has not found great favor
with growers is assumptive evidence that it cannot make headway against
Concord with which it must compete. On the Station grounds it is more
prolific than Concord and its vines are of stronger growth. The variety
is well worthy a trial.
The origin of the Hicks is apparently unknown. It was introduced in 1898
by Henry Wallis of Wellston, Missouri, who states that it is a chance
seedling sent from California about 1870 to Richard Berry, a well-known
nurseryman of St. Louis County, Missouri. After Berry's death it passed
into the hands of Wallis, who named it Hicks. It is supposed from its
characters to be of Concord parentage.
Vine vigorous to very vigorous, hardy, very productive. Canes
medium to long, numerous, of average thickness, moderately dark
brown to reddish-brown, surface covered with thin blue bloom;
tendrils continuous, bifid to trifid. Leaves large, medium to
thick; upper surface dark green, slightly glossy, of average
smoothness; lower surface whitish, changing to a rather heavy
bronze, strongly pubescent; veins well defined. Flowers fertile or
nearly so, open early; stamens upright.
Fruit ripens with Concord or slightly earlier, keeps fairly well.
Clusters large to medium, long to medium, broad, tapering, often
single-shouldered, medium in compactness. Berries large, roundish,
dark purplish-black to black, covered with heavy blue bloom,
inclined to shatter somewhat when overripe, firm. Skin intermediate
in thickness, tender, contains a small amount of very dark
wine-colored pigment. Flesh greenish, juicy, rather tough,
fine-grained, faintly foxy, sweet at skin to acid at center, mild
when fully ripe, good in quality. Seeds somewhat adherent, above
medium in size, short, broad, blunt, brownish; raphe buried in a
rather broad groove; chalaza of average size, slightly above
center, oval to circular.
HIDALGO.
(Vinifera, Labrusca, Bourquiniana.)
=1.= _Rural N. Y._, =60=:637. 1901. =2.= _Mo. Hort. Soc. Rpt._,
=1904=:306.
Hidalgo is a comparatively recent addition to the list of grapes for
table use. While it has not been tried generally, and is not widely
known as yet, it is accorded a color-plate and a full description in
this work chiefly because of its remarkably fine quality. It is rich and
sweet, delicately flavored, yet sprightly, and with color, size and form
of berry and bunch so well combined as to make it a singularly handsome
fruit. The skin is thin but firm and the variety keeps well and ships
well. The vine characters for this State are not well known. On the
grounds of this Station it is doubtfully hardy, variable in vigor, and
not always fruitful. While Hidalgo may not prove of value for the
commercial vineyard, in favorable situations it may be expected to give
a supply of choice fruit for the amateur.
The parentage of Hidalgo as given by its originator, T. V. Munson, is
Delaware, Goethe and Lindley. The variety was introduced by the
originator in 1902 and is now being tested in various parts of the
country. The reports that come from those who have seen or grown Hidalgo
agree in the main with the characterization given above and bespeak for
it a high degree of popularity, at least as a table grape for the garden
and possibly for the vineyard.
[Illustration: HIDALGO]
Vine variable in vigor, not always hardy, somewhat uncertain in
bearing. Canes intermediate in length and number, above average
thickness, dark reddish-brown; nodes enlarged and flattened;
internodes of fair length; diaphragm thick; pith medium to below in
size; shoots slightly pubescent to nearly glabrous; tendrils
intermittent to continuous, intermediate in length, bifid to
trifid.
Leaf-buds rather small and short, medium to slender, conical to
pointed, open late. Young leaves faintly tinged on the under side
only with rose-carmine. Leaves medium to large, often irregularly
roundish, thick; upper surface light green, dull, medium to
slightly rugose; lower surface pale green to bronze, heavily
pubescent; veins distinct; lobes three when present with angle at
terminus variable; petiolar sinus not uniform in depth, narrow,
sometimes closed and overlapping; basal sinus usually none; lateral
sinus shallow, narrow, often a mere notch; teeth very shallow,
narrow to medium. Flowers semi-fertile, open after mid-season;
stamens upright.
Fruit ripens about with Concord, keeps and ships well. Clusters
large but smaller than Niagara, long to medium, inclined to
slender, cylindrical to slightly tapering, often blunt, usually not
shouldered, one to two bunches per shoot, medium to compact;
peduncle long and slender; pedicel long, moderately slender,
covered with numerous small warts; brush of average size, not
thick, yellowish-green with brown tinge. Berries above medium in
size, inclined to oval, attractive greenish-yellow, rather glossy,
covered with thin gray bloom, persistent, firm. Skin thin to
medium, tough, adheres slightly to the pulp, contains no pigment,
astringent. Flesh greenish-white, somewhat transparent, juicy,
tender and melting, aromatic, sweet from skin to center, very good
to best. Seeds separate easily from the pulp, two to four in
number, average two, above medium in size, intermediate in length
and breadth, plump, light brown; raphe obscure; chalaza large,
slightly above center, irregularly circular, distinct.
HIGHLAND.
(Vinifera, Labrusca.)
=1.= _Gar. Mon._, =16=:375. 1874. =2.= _Horticulturist_, =29=:329.
1874. =3.= _Gar. Mon._, =21=:149. 1879. =4.= _W. N. Y. Hort. Soc.
Rpt._, =27=:29. 1882. =5.= _Ohio Hort. Soc. Rpt._, =1882-3=:46.
=6.= _Bush. Cat._, =1883=:109. =7.= _N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt._,
=11=:626. 1892. =8.= _Ib._, =17=:531, 548, 552. 1898. =9.= _Kan.
Sta. Bul._, =110=:241. 1902.
RICKETTS' NO. 37 (2). _Ricketts' No. 37_ (1, 6).
Highland has been on trial in New York for at least thirty years but has
not become widely distributed, though few varieties of black grapes
surpass it or equal it in appearance or in quality. The chief trouble
has been that the variety is too late for New York, ripening with, or a
little later than Catawba. When given good care and under favorable
conditions the bunches are unusually large and handsome in appearance,
sometimes attaining a weight of two pounds and having beautiful
bluish-black berries with something of the fine flavor and tender
texture of the Jura Muscat, one of its parents. The flesh is solid, and
while the skin is thin, yet it is firm and the fruit keeps and ships
well. The vine is fairly vigorous but doubtfully hardy and productive to
a fault. In all localities where the climate is sufficiently temperate
and the season sufficiently long for vine and fruit of Highland to
develop perfectly, it is one of the choicest of grapes for the amateur.
This fine grape was originated at about the close of the Civil War by
James H. Ricketts of Newburgh, New York, from seed of Concord fertilized
by Jura Muscat. It was introduced by Messrs. Asher Hance & Sons, who
bought it of the originator. It is very common in varietal vineyards but
it has not become popular as a commercial sort; it is a popular grape
for exhibitions where, when well grown, it is hardly surpassed in
appearance by any other American grape.
Vine variable in vigor, productive, healthy, often inclined to
overbear. Canes long, numerous, medium to thick, light and dark
brown, often with a dull, ash-gray tinge, covered with thin bloom;
nodes strongly enlarged, not flattened; internodes medium to very
long; diaphragm thick; pith large to medium; shoots usually
pubescent; tendrils intermittent, of average length, bifid to
trifid.
Leaf-buds large to medium, rather short and thick, obtuse to
conical. Leaves large, intermediate in thickness, upper surface
often dark green, dull, medium to rugose; lower surface
grayish-green, pubescent; veins rather indistinct; lobes none to
five, with terminal lobe acute to obtuse; petiolar sinus rather
deep, variable in width; basal sinus shallow, narrow; lateral sinus
of average depth and width, sometimes a mere notch; teeth rather
deep and wide. Flowers fertile or nearly so, open in mid-season;
stamens upright.
Fruit ripens with Catawba or after, keeps fairly well. Clusters
large, rather long and broad, tapering, usually single-shouldered
but sometimes with a double shoulder, usually two bunches per
shoot, intermediate in compactness; peduncle of average length and
thickness; pedicel long to medium, moderately thick, nearly smooth;
brush below average length, green with yellowish-brown tinge.
Berries large, roundish-oval, dark purplish-black to bluish-black,
rather dull, covered with dark lilac or slightly blue bloom,
persistent, moderately firm. Skin intermediate in thickness, tough,
nearly free from the pulp, contains little, if any, pigment, not
astringent. Flesh greenish, translucent, juicy, somewhat tender,
slightly vinous, good in quality. Seeds separate rather easily from
the pulp, one to six, average three, above medium to large, nearly
long, intermediate in breadth, slightly notched with a one-sided
tendency, riper seeds brownish; raphe obscure; chalaza of average
size, above center, variable in shape, not distinct.
[Illustration: HIGHLAND]
HOSFORD.
(Labrusca.)
=1.= _Can. Hort._, =11=:287. 1888. =2.= _Rural N. Y._, =49=:737,
_fig._, 739, 856. 1890. =3.= _U. S. D. A. Rpt._, =1892=:264. =4.=
_Bush. Cat._, =1894=:138. =5.= _Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt._, =1894=:75.
=6.= _Mich. Sta. Bul._, =169=:171. 1899. =7.= _Ga. Sta. Bul._,
=53=:45. 1901.
HOSFORD'S MAMMOTH SEEDLING (2). HOSFORD'S SEEDLING (1).
Hosford is an offspring of Concord, differing from the parent chiefly in
the greater size of bunch and berry and in being less fruitful. The
variety is surpassed by Worden and Eaton, of the same type, and is
probably not worth cultivation. It is claimed by some that this variety
is identical with Eaton. It is true that Hosford has a marked
resemblance to Eaton but there are noticeable differences in both vine
and fruit characters and the pure seedlings of the two varieties are
entirely different, those of Eaton being much darker in color and more
vigorous. Hosford was sent out several years before Eaton. The vine of
this variety looks very much like Concord except that the indentations
along the margins of the leaves are deeper.
As a rule the black seedlings of Concord which have been introduced are
larger in cluster and berry than the parent and either not as high in
quality or no higher, differing materially from Concord's light-colored
seedlings, which are usually smaller in bunch and berry, or at least not
larger, and of distinctly better quality. Hosford is a typical black
seedling in the above respects.
This variety originated in the garden of George Hosford of Ionia,
Michigan. It was found by the owner about 1876 as a chance seedling
growing between two Concord vines.
Vine not very vigorous, nearly hardy, unproductive. Canes short,
few in number, rather slender; tendrils continuous, bifid to
trifid. Leaves medium to below in size, intermediate in thickness;
lower surface grayish-white to bronze, heavily pubescent. Flowers
semi-fertile, open in mid-season; stamens upright. Fruit ripens
shortly before Concord, does not keep very well. Clusters medium to
large, tapering, slightly shouldered, moderately compact. Berries
large to medium, roundish to slightly oval, dull black covered with
abundant blue bloom, persistent. Skin medium to thick, tender.
Flesh very pale green, unusually juicy, fine-grained, rather
tender, vinous, sweet, good in quality. Seeds not numerous, nearly
large, very broad, blunt, plump.
HYBRID FRANC.
(Vinifera, Rupestris.)
=1.= _Am. Vines_, =1903=:190.
FRANC'S HYBRID (1).
Hybrid Franc is illustrated and described in full in _The Grapes of New
York_ because it is the best known cross between Rupestris and Vinifera.
It is one of the few varieties used in Europe as a resistant stock now
recommended for a direct producer. The vine characters are seemingly all
good,--hardy, vigorous and very productive. The fruit is fit only for
wine being too acid for a table grape. The coloring matter in the fruit
is very intense and it might be used for giving color to wines. Hybrid
Franc is of much interest to the grape-breeder, and experiments with it
as a parent are desirable for New York. The variety is of French origin.
Vine vigorous, hardy, productive. Canes variable in length,
numerous, thick to medium, light brown, covered with slight blue
bloom; nodes enlarged, roundish; internodes very short; diaphragm
thin; pith unusually large; shoots glabrous; tendrils intermittent,
often rather long, bifid to trifid.
Leaf-buds large to medium, short, above average thickness, obtuse
to conical, open moderately late. Young leaves tinged on upper and
lower sides with carmine; the tips of the buds in opening show
strongly the leaf serrations. Leaves very small to medium, rather
thin; upper surface light green, decidedly glossy, smooth; lower
surface greenish, showing Riparia characters, quite hairy along
ribs and larger veins; lobes usually three to five with terminal
lobe acute to acuminate; petiolar sinus intermediate in depth,
narrow to medium, sometimes closed and overlapping; basal sinus of
average depth and width; lateral sinus medium in depth to a mere
notch; teeth intermediate in depth and width. Flowers semi-fertile,
open early; stamens upright.
Fruit ripens before mid-season, does not always keep well. Clusters
medium to below in size, short, intermediate in breadth, tapering
to cylindrical, usually single-shouldered, average three bunches
per shoot, medium to compact; peduncle below medium length, rather
slender; pedicel long, slender, covered with few, small,
inconspicuous warts; brush short, wine-colored. Berries below
medium to small, uniform, slightly oblate to roundish, black,
glossy, covered with thick, blue bloom, persistent, firm. Skin
thin, tender, does not adhere to the pulp, contains a very dark
wine-colored pigment, not astringent. Flesh pale green, often with
a slight reddish tinge, translucent, juicy, fine-grained, somewhat
tender, spicy, tart to acid, fair in quality. Seeds separate easily
from the pulp, one to five, average three and four, medium to
small, rather short, intermediate in breadth, light brown; raphe
obscure; chalaza of average size, slightly above center, oval to
pear-shaped, distinct.
[Illustration: HYBRID FRANC]
IDEAL.
(Labrusca, Vinifera, Bourquiniana.)
=1.= _Kan. Hort. Soc. Rpt._, =1886=:187. =2.= _Mo. Hort. Soc.
Rpt._, =1890=:155. =3.= _Ib._, =1891=:128. =4.= _Bush. Cat._,
=1894=:140. =5.= _Ill. Hort. Soc. Rpt._, =1897=:16. =6.= _Va. Sta.
Bul._, =94=:137. 1898. =7.= _Mo. Sta. Bul._, =46=:39, 42, 44, 46,
55. 1899. =8.= Budd-Hansen, =2=:380. 1902.
_Burr No. 9_ (1).
Ideal is a handsome seedling of the Delaware, from which it differs
chiefly in being much larger in bunch and berry, attaining in both of
these characters nearly the size of Catawba. In Kansas and Missouri it
is most highly recommended, not only for the high quality of the fruit,
ranking with Delaware in quality, but because of vigorous, healthy,
productive vines. But in New York, on the Station grounds at least, the
vines are precariously hardy and not sufficiently fruitful, healthy nor
vigorous to warrant a very high recommendation for the variety. Were the
variety of recent introduction it might be recommended for trial but it
has been grown for more than twenty years and has, therefore, been well
tried and has not proved of general value. It may be worth planting for
home use.
Originated by John Burr of Leavenworth, Kansas, over thirty years ago
from seed of Delaware, the attention of the public was attracted to
Ideal about 1890, first by glowing descriptions of the variety from the
originator and his friend and co-worker, Dr. Stayman, and later by
reports from various persons who had tested the variety. It does not
appear to have ever been regularly introduced but was sent to various
persons for testing by whom it was distributed. It is now found only in
the occasional variety vineyard and apparently not offered for sale by
any nurserymen. Ideal is better known, and possibly succeeds better in
the West than in the East.
Vine medium to vigorous, not always hardy, productive, but yielding
smaller crops than Concord; tendrils intermittent, bifid to trifid.
Canes long, numerous, rather slender. Leaves medium to large,
variable in color; lower surface pale green, slightly pubescent and
cobwebby. Fruit ripens about with Delaware, keeps only fairly well.
Clusters large to above medium, long to medium, often rather broad
and heavily shouldered, intermediate in compactness. Berries large,
roundish, attractive dark red, covered with abundant lilac bloom,
often with tinge of blue, usually persistent, firm. Flesh greenish,
moderately tender, aromatic, nearly sweet next the skin to acid at
center, good to very good in quality. Seeds adherent, large, plump.
IMPERIAL.
(Vinifera, Labrusca.)
=1.= _Horticulturist_, =29=:328. 1874. =2.= _Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt._,
=1875=:114. =3.= _W. N. Y. Hort. Soc. Rpt._, =1891=:45. =4.= _Bush.
Cat._, =1894=:140.
_No. 93 A_ (1).
Although introduced nearly forty years ago, Imperial is still little
known and does not appear to have especial value. Perhaps its most
valuable character is hardiness as it is reputed to be as hardy as
Concord which, for a grape having its proportion of Vinifera blood, is
the exception. In appearance and quality Imperial is very good and were
its vine characters better, and were there not so many excellent green
grapes of its season with which it must compete, the variety would be
more generally cultivated.
Imperial is a seedling of Iona fertilized by Sarbelle Muscat and was
raised by J. H. Ricketts of Newburgh, New York, over thirty years ago.
The following description has been compiled from various sources:
Vine vigorous, healthy, hardy. Leaves large, attractive green.
Fruit ripens late. Clusters large, symmetrical, slightly
shouldered, rather compact. Berries large, greenish-white, covered
with considerable bloom. Flesh tender, juicy, vinous, sprightly,
not high in flavor but agreeable, good to very good in quality.
Seeds small, not numerous.
IONA.
(Labrusca, Vinifera.)
=1.= _Horticulturist_, =18=:313. 1863. =2.= _Mag. Hort._, =29=:420.
1863. =3.= Grant, _Descript. Cat._, =1864=:8, 9, 18, 19, 21, 32.
=4.= Grant, _Grape Vines_, =1864=:1, 2, 3, 5, 11, 12. =5.= _Am.
Pom. Soc. Cat._, =1867=:44. =6.= _Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt._, =1867=:105.
=7.= _Iowa Hort. Soc. Rpt._, =1867=:108. =8.= _Am. Jour. Hort._,
=5=:15, 187, 298, 299. 1869. =9.= _Horticulturist_, =25=:186. 1870.
=10.= _Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt._, =1871=:69. =11.= _Horticulturist_,
=29=:20, 245. 1874. =12.= _Mich. Pom. Soc. Rpt._, =1875=:355. =13.=
_Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt._, =1881=:39. =14.= _Mich. Pom. Soc. Rpt._,
=1881=:222. =15.= _W. N. Y. Hort. Soc. Rpt._, =31=:120. 1886. =16.=
_N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt._, =9=:328. 1890. =17.= _Col. Sta. Bul._,
=29=:21. 1894. =18.= _Bush. Cat._, 1894:140. =19.= _N. Y. Sta. An.
Rpt._, =17=:531, 548, 552, 555, 559. 1898. =20.= _Va. Sta. Bul._,
=94=:137. 1898. =21.= _Miss. Sta. Bul._, =56=:15. 1899. =22.= _Mo.
Sta. Bul._, =46=:39, 43, 44, 45, 51, 76. 1899.
[Illustration: IONA]
Iona is probably surpassed in delicacy and sprightliness of flavor, in
keeping quality, and for making certain wines, as champagne, by few, if
any, other American grapes. In spite of these several good qualities it
has never been very generally grown, chiefly for the reason that it
requires more care than commercial grape-growers are willing to give
grapes, though, beside requiring the best of care, its cultivation is
hindered by several serious faults. Iona rivals Delaware as the
standard in quality of American grapes, though if flavor alone be
considered, grape connoisseurs generally agree that it surpasses
Delaware and is the finest flavored of all our grapes.
In flavor Iona has a rare combination of sweetness and acidity, pure,
delicate and vinous. The flesh is transparent, melting, tender, juicy,
and of uniform consistence quite to the center. The seeds are few and
small and part readily from the flesh. The color is a peculiar dark-red
wine with a tint of amethyst, somewhat variable and not always
attractive. The bunch, at its best, is large but rather loose with
berries varying somewhat in size and ripening unevenly. It cannot be
called a particularly handsome grape. The fruit does not decay readily
and may be kept in a good fruit room until late winter without loss of
flavor and with the berries adhering to the bunch. Beside being a most
excellent table grape, it is much sought for by wine-makers for
champagne and for making finely-flavored white wines.
The vine characters of Iona are not nearly as good as those of the
fruit. To do well it must have a soil exactly suited to its wants.
Seemingly it does best in deep, dry, sandy or gravelly clays and cannot
be grown in damp, rich, black soils on the one hand nor poor sands or
gravels on the other. Vergil's lines as to the treatment of soils for
vines are especially applicable to the Iona.
"A free loose earth is what the vines demand,
Where wind and frost have help'd the lab'rer's hand,
And sturdy peasants deep have stirr'd the land."
This variety does especially well when trained against walls or
buildings, attaining under such conditions rare perfection. It is not
hardy in any but favored localities in New York and in many parts of the
State must have careful winter protection. The vines are not vigorous
and are inclined to overbear, to remedy which it must have close
pruning, or be grafted on a strong growing stock. In localities where
mildew and rot thrive Iona is badly attacked by these diseases. The
vines bear early and the fruit ripens at mid-season or shortly after.
Iona is a grape for the amateur and for the careful vineyardist. Few
varieties are more desirable or satisfactory for the garden when
planted in soils to which it is adapted, when given good care, properly
protected from cold, and the vines restrained from overbearing.
Iona was originated by Dr. C. W. Grant[192] of Iona Island, Westchester
County, New York, and the name commemorates the scene of the
viticultural labors of one of the founders of American viticulture.
Grant states that Iona is from seed of Diana planted in 1855, the plant
from which fruited for the first time four years later. Caywood,
however, says that Grant informed him that it was found growing as a
chance seedling under a Catawba vine. Since Diana is a seedling of
Catawba there is too little difference in the character of the older
varieties to enable one to tell from which Iona came. This variety[193]
was awarded the Greeley prize of $100, offered by Horace Greeley during
the Civil War for a grape adapted to general cultivation in the Eastern
and Middle States. The requirements which a variety had to possess to
secure this prize were certainly sufficiently high; it was asked that
the vine should be as hardy, healthy and vigorous as the strongest
American vine and the fruit of a quality equal to the best European.
Such a grape would be a boon to European as well as to American
grape-growers. Though the prize went to Iona it must not be thought that
it meets these requirements.
Iona was introduced by the originator in 1864. It was overpraised,
extensively advertised, and for some time the prices of vines were kept
at an exorbitant figure from which there was a reaction detrimental to
the variety. It was placed on the grape list of the American Pomological
Society fruit catalog in 1867. Probably no American variety has been the
subject of more caustic discussions than this one and it is only within
the last few years that its merits could be impartially estimated. Iona
was extensively tried in all the grape regions of America but has been
generally dropped as a commercial grape. It is still to be found in all
varietal vineyards, in occasional commercial plantings and somewhat
commonly in gardens.
Vine medium to weak, precariously hardy, unproductive, often
susceptible to attacks of mildew. Canes short to medium, of average
number and size, light brown; nodes enlarged, roundish; internodes
short; diaphragm thick; pith nearly intermediate in size; shoots
show some pubescence; tendrils intermittent, of average length,
bifid.
Leaf-buds about medium in size, short to medium, thick, conical to
pointed, open very late. Young leaves tinged on under side and
along margin of upper side with carmine; often heavily coated with
thick, whitish pubescence. Leaves of average size, thick; upper
surface light green, dull, smooth to medium; lower surface
grayish-green, heavily pubescent, somewhat cobwebby; veins
indistinct; lobes three to five with terminal lobe acute; petiolar
sinus intermediate in depth and width; basal sinus shallow, medium
to wide; lateral sinus shallow, wide; teeth not deep, of average
width. Flowers nearly fertile, open late; stamens upright.
Fruit ripens later than Concord, keeps well. Clusters above medium
to small, sometimes double-shouldered, intermediate in length,
somewhat slender, slightly tapering to conical, medium to loose;
peduncle short and slender; pedicel intermediate in length,
slender, nearly smooth, enlarged at point of attachment to fruit;
brush of average length, not thick, pale green. Berries
intermediate in size, uniform, oval to nearly roundish, dull, light
and dark red, covered with thin lilac bloom, persistent, firm. Skin
of medium thickness, tough, adheres considerably to the pulp,
contains no pigment, slightly astringent. Flesh greenish,
translucent, juicy, fine-grained, tender and melting, vinous, very
good in quality. Seeds separate easily, one to four in number,
average three, small and broad, plump, brownish; raphe usually
obscure but sometimes distinct; chalaza small, nearly central,
circular, distinct. Must 88°-100°.
IRONCLAD.
(Riparia, Labrusca.)
=1.= _Ohio Hort. Soc. Rpt._, =1882-3=:131. =2.= _Gar. and For._,
=5=:597. 1892. =3.= _Ill. Sta. Bul._, =28=:254. 1893. =4.= _Gar.
and For._, =7=:509. 1894. =5.= _Bush. Cat._, =1894=:140.
_Ash_ (1, 4, 5). _Diogenes_ (5). PEARSON'S IRONCLAD (4). _Pearson's
Ironclad_ (5). _Scott_ (4, 5).
Ironclad is of interest because of its history, and because of its
possible value for breeding purposes. If the history given below is
correct, this variety is one of the oldest of our cultivated grapes.
From the accounts of those who have grown it, Ironclad is as free from
mildew and rot, in fruit at least, as any of our cultivated native
grapes. It is also very resistant to phylloxera and has been used
somewhat in France and Spain as a resistant stock for Vinifera. It is
also extremely vigorous and hardy and is very productive. The fruit is
not of sufficiently high quality nor attractive enough in appearance to
make a good table grape but it is said to make very excellent wine, the
juice having color and body enough to make it of value for adding color
to lighter colored musts. Ironclad is a very capricious bearer and
especially so on rampant growing vines, one of the faults of the variety
being that it makes too rank a growth.
The history of this grape, as given by A. W. Pearson of Vineland, New
Jersey, is as follows: In 1873 Pearson secured from Colonel Scott, then
president of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, cuttings of a vine
growing on the latter's grounds, near Darby about seven miles west of
Philadelphia. Scott's gardener reported the vine to be free from rot and
Pearson, who had named the variety Scott, changed the name to Ironclad
when he found the gardener's report as to rot verified. On investigation
Pearson found that the variety was over two hundred years old, and that
it had been cultivated locally under the name of Ash, from a former
owner of the Scott place and an ancestor of Pearson. This account is not
fully corroborated by early horticultural writers but appears to be
sufficiently accurate to give the variety historical interest. Ironclad
is said to be a hybrid between Labrusca and Riparia and its botanical
characters justify such a supposition.
[Illustration: IRONCLAD]
Vine a rank grower, hardy, productive. Canes long, numerous, thick
to slender, dark reddish-brown; nodes of average size, flattened;
internodes medium to long; diaphragm thin; pith large to medium;
shoots glabrous; tendrils continuous, of fair length, bifid to
sometimes trifid.
Leaf-buds small, short, slender to medium, conical to pointed.
Leaves of medium size, intermediate in thickness; upper surface
dark green, somewhat glossy, smoothish; lower surface pale green,
slightly pubescent; veins rather distinct; lobes none to three with
terminal lobe acute to acuminate; petiolar sinus intermediate in
depth and width; basal sinus usually lacking; lateral sinus
shallow, usually wide; teeth intermediate in depth and width.
Flowers open early; stamens reflexed.
Fruit ripens about with Concord but colors early, appears to keep
well. Clusters small and short, slightly tapering, sometimes
single-shouldered, variable in compactness; peduncle short,
inclined to slender; pedicel short, slender to medium, covered with
numerous inconspicuous warts; brush short, of average thickness,
dark wine color. Berries irregular in size, averaging small,
roundish to slightly oblate, jet-black, glossy, covered slightly
with blue bloom, usually persistent, firm. Skin intermediate in
thickness, tough, adheres slightly to the pulp, contains a large
amount of dark purplish-red pigment, not astringent. Flesh
greenish, with distinct tinge of red, rather transparent,
moderately juicy, somewhat tender, fine-grained, spicy, sweet to
agreeably tart at center, not good enough in quality for dessert
purposes. Seeds separate from the pulp somewhat easily, one to four
in number, average two, intermediate in size and breadth, short to
medium, sharp-pointed, dark brownish; raphe buried in a shallow,
narrow groove; chalaza large with surface roughened and warty,
central to slightly above, irregularly pear-shaped, distinct.
ISABELLA.
(Labrusca, Vinifera.)
=1.= _Amer. Farmer_, =5=:241. 1823. =2.= _Ib._, =9=:221, 294, 309,
325. 1827. =3.= _Sou. Agr._, =2=:552. 1829. =4.= Prince,
=1830=:165. =5.= Spooner, =1846=:13, 29, 49. =6.= _Horticulturist_,
=6=:410, 412. 1851. =7.= _U. S. Pat. Off. Rpt._, =1851=:48-51. =8.=
_Am. Pom. Soc. Cat._, =1852=:54. =9.= _Horticulturist_, =15=:73.
1860. =10.= _Gar. Mon._, =2=:156, 265. 1860. =11.= _Ib._, =5=:73,
74. 1863. =12.= _N. Y. Agr. Soc. Rpt._, =1864=:42, 45, 141. =13.=
_Mag. Hort._, =31=:107, 157. 1865. =14.= Husmann, =1866=:18, 79,
122. =15.= Downing, =1869=:542. =16.= _Grape Cult._, =2=:76. 1870.
=17.= _Ib._, =3=:67, 103. 1871. =18.= _Gar. Mon._, =14=:105, 167,
296. 1872. =19.= _Horticulturist_, =29=:20, 245. 1874. =20.= _Am.
Pom. Soc. Rpt._, =1883=:57, 124, 128. =21.= _Bush. Cat._,
=1883=:110. =22.= _Rural N. Y._, =50=:418, 482. 1891. =23.= _Ill.
Sta. Bul._, =28=:255. 1893. =24.= _Kan. Sta. Bul._, =44=:116. 1893.
=25.= _N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt._, =15=:432, 433. 1896. =26.= _N. Y. Sta.
An. Rpt._, =17=:531, 541, 544, 548, 552. 1898. =27.= _Ala. Sta.
Bul._, =110=:83. 1900. =28.= _Rural N. Y._, =59=:719, 722. 1900.
_fig._ =29.= _Traité gen. de vit._, =5=:203. 1903.
_Alexander_ (29). _Black Cape_ (29). _Cape_ (29). _Captraube_ (29).
_Champania_ (29). _Cherokee?_ (11). _Christie's Improved Isabella_
(15, 21, 29). _Conckling's Wilding_ (11). _Constantia_ (29).
DORCHESTER (1). _Framboisier_ (29). _Garber's Red-Fox_ (29).
_Gibb's grape_ (4, 11, 18). _Hanover_ (_southern_) (11). _Hensell's
Long Island_ (11). _Isabella_ (1). _Isabelle d'Amerique_ (29).
_Lespeyre_ (2, 10, 11, 18). _New Hanover_ (11). _Paign's Isabella_
(15, 21, 29). _Payne's Early_ (11, 15, 21, 29). _Raisin de Cassis_
(29). _Raisin du Cap_ (29). _Raisin Fraise_ (29). _Raisin
Framboise_ (29). _Sainte-Helene_ (29). _Saluda_ (11). _Sanbornton?_
(15, 21, 29). _Schuylkill?_ (29). _Uva Fragola_ (29). _Vernet_ (6,
11, 18). _Woodward_ (15, 21, 29).
Isabella is now of little more than historical interest yet for a half
century after its introduction, about 1816, it and Catawba were the
mainstays of American viticulture. In the early days of grape-growing in
this country Isabella was the grape of the North Atlantic and New
England States while the vineyards of the South were planted with
Catawba, the latter requiring too long a season and being too
susceptible to fungal diseases for a northern grape. Isabella has been
almost wholly replaced in the North by Concord, because the latter is
earlier, hardier and more productive, and the older variety can now
hardly be found except in the collections of experimenters and amateurs.
In appearance Isabella is quite as attractive as any of the black
grapes, having large, well-formed clusters and a deep black color with
thick bloom. The flavor is good but the thick skin and muskiness in
taste are objectionable. The fruit keeps and ships well and seldom
rattles or cracks but the variety is surpassed in vine characters by
many other standard kinds, notably Concord, which, as stated above, has
taken its place. The lustrous green, ample foliage which remains late in
the season, and the vigor of Isabella, make it an attractive ornamental,
well adapted for growing on arbors, porches and trellises. Individual
vines of this variety growing in New York, the Middle States, and New
England, realize more than any other grape that ideal of peace and
plenty for which the grape has been the symbol since the vines of Judah
and of Israel. While it is of small commercial importance, Isabella is
still worthy a place in the garden and as an ornamental.
The origin of Isabella is not certainly known. It was secured by William
Prince of Flushing, Long Island, from Mrs. Isabella Gibbs, the wife of
Geo. Gibbs, a merchant then living in Brooklyn, New York. Prince states
that he first saw this grape in 1816 and was so struck with its
appearance that he considered it worthy of a name and introduction to
the public. It was consequently named in honor of Mrs. Gibbs and
introduced shortly after 1816. In answer to a request from Prince as to
the place of its origin, Mrs. Gibbs reported that it had come originally
from the vicinity of Dorchester, South Carolina. This account of its
origin was published at the time in several agricultural periodicals and
later in Prince's _Treatise on the Vine_. The whole question was
thoroughly discussed in the agricultural press of that day but without
a satisfactory solution of the place of its nativity.
[Illustration: ISABELLA]
Nicholas Herbemont[194] who sought the history of the variety in the
neighborhood of Dorchester, South Carolina, doubted its having
originated there, as he found it known only as a cultivated sort with a
tradition of its having been introduced years before by a gentleman then
dead. There were various accounts published of its having originated in
North Carolina, Virginia, Delaware and Europe, none of which are worthy
of any credence. All that can be said is that it originated some time in
the eighteenth century, probably in one of the Carolinas and that it was
cultivated in many widely separated neighborhoods prior to 1800.
In 1852 Isabella was placed on the grape list of the American
Pomological Society fruit catalog, for general cultivation. In 1864, on
account of its susceptibility to mildew it was transferred to a list for
cultivation in special localities. It was soon, however, restored to the
original list where it still remains. After the introduction of Concord,
as noted above, the popularity of Isabella waned but it is still to be
found in many sections as one of the less planted of the market sorts
and is in practically all varietal vineyards. It was introduced into
Europe before 1830 where it was quite extensively cultivated for the
manufacture of a low grade wine, and it is quite probable that the
phylloxera, which later became such a pest, was introduced on roots of
the Isabella.
Isabella is generally classed as a pure Labrusca but there are many who
think there is a strain of Vinifera present. This is indicated by the
shape of the berries, certain characters of the seeds, the
susceptibility of the vine to mildew and of the fruit to black-rot. The
characters of Isabella can be traced in a great number of offspring
though comparatively few of them have outlived the parent in usefulness.
Pure-bred progeny of the Isabella differ but little from the parent and
are classed as strains of the original rather than as new varieties.
Hybrids of it with pure Vinifera are usually worthless, lacking in vigor
and hardiness, and so much more so than in the case of hybrids of
Vinifera and known pure American grapes as to further suggest Vinifera
blood in Isabella. Such hybrids, too, usually bear a stronger
resemblance to the Old World grape than offspring of pure-bred parents
of the two species.
Vine vigorous to medium, usually hardy, variable in productiveness,
but sometimes producing heavy crops, somewhat subject to mildew in
certain locations. Canes short to above medium, numerous, covered
with heavy pubescence, thick, light to dark brown; nodes enlarged,
strongly flattened; internodes short to medium; diaphragm thick;
pith intermediate to below in size; shoots covered with heavy
pubescence; tendrils continuous, long, bifid to trifid.
Leaf-buds small, short, thickish, conical, open very late. Young
leaves tinged on lower side and along margin of upper side with
light rose carmine. Leaves intermediate in size, often roundish,
thick; upper surface dark green, smooth to medium, glossy; lower
surface whitish-green, heavily pubescent; veins distinct; lobes
three when present with terminal lobe obtuse to acute; petiolar
sinus shallow to medium, narrow, often closed and overlapping;
basal sinus usually none; lateral sinus shallow, narrow, frequently
notched; teeth shallow, medium to wide. Flowers usually strongly
self-fertile, open in mid-season; stamens upright.
Fruit usually ripens with Catawba or earlier, keeps and ships well.
Clusters large to medium, intermediate in length, nearly
cylindrical to conical, frequently single-shouldered, variable in
compactness; peduncle short to medium, thick; pedicel variable in
length, slender, almost smooth, much enlarged at point of
attachment to fruit; brush long, yellowish-green. Berries variable
in size, medium to large, oval, deep black, color long before ripe,
covered with considerable blue bloom, usually persistent, soft.
Skin thick to medium, very tough, adheres considerably to the pulp,
contains no pigment, astringent. Flesh pale green, sometimes with
yellowish tinge, translucent, juicy, fine-grained, tender but
meaty, somewhat stringy, inclined to foxiness, sweet to agreeably
tart at center, slightly astringent when not mature, ranks good in
quality. Seeds separate from the pulp with some difficulty unless
fully ripe, one to three in number, average two, large to medium,
broad, distinctly notched, above medium to short, brownish with
yellow tips; raphe obscure; chalaza small, above center, circular,
rather distinct. Must 60°-79°.
ISABELLA SEEDLING.
(Labrusca, Vinifera.)
=1.= _N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt._, =11=:636. 1892. =2.= _Ib._, =13=:604.
1894. =3.= _Bush. Cat._, =1894=:141. =4.= _N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt._,
=17=:531, 548, 555, 559. 1898.
Isabella Seedling is an early, vigorous, productive offspring of
Isabella. In fruit characters it greatly resembles its parent but is
much earlier, ripening shortly after Moore Early, and has a more compact
bunch. Like its parent, the fruit is of good quality and keeps
remarkably well for so early a grape. It is now grown in New York more
than Isabella and while not of any considerable commercial importance,
is far more deserving attention as a market grape than some of the
poorly flavored kinds more generally grown.
There are several varieties under this name. Two are mentioned by
Warder; one of Ohio and one of New York origin. The Isabella Seedling
here described was originated by G. A. Ensenberger, Sr., of Bloomington,
Illinois, who sent it to this Station for testing in 1889. Full details
of the origin and history of this grape are not known, Mr. Ensenberger
having died soon after its dissemination, without leaving a record of
his work.
Vine vigorous to very vigorous, usually hardy, healthy, productive.
Canes long to medium, intermediate in number, thickish, dark brown,
often with a tinge of red, surface covered with thin bloom;
tendrils intermittent to continuous, bifid. Leaves healthy, medium
to large, rather thick; upper surface medium green, dull, of
average smoothness; lower surface pale green or grayish-green,
occasionally with tinge of bronze, pubescent; veins distinct.
Flowers nearly fertile; stamens upright.
Fruit ripens early but later than Moore Early, keeps well. Clusters
large to medium, long, slender to medium, cylindrical to slightly
tapering, usually single-shouldered, loose to medium but more
compact than Isabella. Berries large to medium, distinctly oval,
often pear-shaped, dull black, covered with a moderate amount of
blue bloom, persistent, rather soft. Skin medium to thick,
intermediate in toughness, contains some red pigment. Flesh pale
green, juicy, somewhat tender, slightly coarse, vinous, sweet next
the skin to acid at center, good in quality. Seeds numerous,
separate rather easily from the pulp, inclined to large, of medium
length, broad, notched, plump, dark brown; raphe buried in a groove
of average width; chalaza large, above center, circular to slightly
oval, somewhat obscure.
ISRAELLA.
(Labrusca, Vinifera?)
=1.= _Horticulturist_, =18=:313, 314. 1863. =2.= Grant, _Descript.
Cat._, =1864=:5, 8, 18, 19, 21, 32. =3.= Grant, _Grape Vines_,
=1864=:1, 2, 13. =4.= _Mag. Hort._, =33=:70, 148, 337. 1867. =5.=
Fuller, =1867=:225. =6.= _Am. Pom. Soc. Cat._, =1867=:44. =7.=
_Mag. Hort._, =34=:6, 103, 138, 140, 309, 350. 1868. =8.= _Grape
Cult._, =1=:42, 116, 262, 302, 326. 1869. =9.= _Am. Pom. Soc.
Rpt._, =1881=:40. =10.= _Bush. Cat._, =1883=:111. =11.= _Tex. Sta.
Bul._, =48=:1150, 1158. 1898. =12.= _Ga. Sta. Bul._, =53=:45. 1901.
Israella came from Dr. C. W. Grant contemporaneously with Iona, and was
heralded far and wide as the earliest good grape in cultivation. For
several years after its introduction it was widely tried and almost
everywhere discarded because of the poor quality and unattractive
appearance of the fruit and lack of vigor, hardiness and productiveness
of the vine.
Dr. Grant grew the Israella from seed of Isabella planted in 1855. In
1859 or 1860, Peter B. Mead, then editor of the _Horticulturist_,
selected this variety from several thousand seedlings of the same
parentage and named it in honor of Dr. Grant's wife. The first fruit was
borne in 1859. It was placed on the grape list of the American
Pomological Society fruit catalog in 1867 and was dropped from their
list in 1881. It has been gradually dropped from cultivation although it
is still to be found in many varietal vineyards and is listed for sale
by an occasional nurseryman.
Vine intermediate in vigor, usually hardy, hardly productive. Canes
of average length, not numerous, slender, medium to dark brown;
tendrils continuous, bifid. Leaves large to medium, intermediate in
thickness; upper surface light green, dull, medium to rugose; lower
surface pale green to grayish-green, faintly pubescent. Stamens
upright.
Fruit ripens a little later than Concord, appears to keep well.
Clusters above average size, intermediate in length and breadth,
strongly tapering, often single-shouldered, usually compact,
frequently with many abortive fruits. Berries small to medium,
roundish to oval, black or purplish-black, not glossy, covered with
a fair amount of bloom, inclined to drop somewhat from the pedicel,
not firm. Skin thick, tough, contains a large amount of
purplish-red pigment. Flesh pale green, juicy, tender, stringy,
mild, sweet from skin to center, appears to lack character, not so
good in flavor or quality as Concord, ranks no more than fair in
quality. Seeds separate easily from the pulp, medium to below in
size, intermediate in length, broad to medium, decidedly notched,
blunt, light brown, seed-coat often covered with numerous grayish
warts; raphe buried in a shallow, wide groove; chalaza small, at
center or above, irregularly circular, obscure.
IVES.
(Labrusca, Aestivalis?)
=1.= _U. S. Pat. Off. Rpt._, =1856=:433. =2.= _Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt._,
=1858=:176. =3.= _Horticulturist_, =21=:327. 1866. =4.= _Grape
Cult._, =1=:10, 12, 42, 80, 116. 1869. =5.= _Am. Pom. Soc. Cat._,
=1869=:42. =6.= _Grape Cult._, =2=:171, _fig._, 172, 297. 1870.
=7.= _Mich. Pom. Soc. Rpt._, =1875=:403. _fig._ =8.= _Bush. Cat._,
=1883=:111, 112. _fig._ =9.= _Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt._, =22=:166. 1889.
=10.= _Ala. Sta. Bul._, =10=:10. 1890. =11.= _Va. Sta. Bul._,
=30=:100, 108. 1893. =12.= _Mo. Sta. Bul._, =46=:39, 42, 45, 46,
54, 76. 1899. =13.= _Ga. Sta. Bul._, =28=:289, 291. 1895. =14.=
_Tenn. Sta. Bul._, Vol. =9=:182. 1896. =15.= _Traité gen. de vit._,
=6=:183. 1903.
_Ives' Madeira_ (6, 8, 15). _Ives' Madeira Seedling_ (3). _Ives'
Seedling_ (1, 3, 4, 7). _Ives' Seedling_ (6, 8, 14, 15). _Ives'
Seedling Madeira_ (15). _Kittredge_ (3, 6, 8, 15).
[Illustration: IVES]
A number of years ago Ives attained a high reputation as a grape for the
making of red wines and was held to be surpassed only by Norton for
this purpose. It is hardy, healthy, vigorous, and fruitful, but poor in
quality as a table grape, not ranking above Hartford, with which it
sometimes competes in the market though wrongfully, as it is a much
later grape. Ives colors long before it is ripe and is often sent to
market before sufficiently matured, at which stage of development it is
barely edible. Even when ripe it has a foxy odor objectionable to nearly
all; moreover, its flesh is tough and pulpy. The bunches are compact
with well-formed, jet-black grapes, which make it an attractive fruit.
It is easily propagated and is adapted to any good grape soil. It is so
rampant in growth that it is difficult to manage in the vineyard. The
good characters of the vine, as well as one or two of the fruit,
indicate that Ives might be desirable for breeding purposes, but its
special value is for the making of red wines of the claret type, in
which it is said to have a fine red color but a foxy taste and odor
which, however, improve with age. Ives is hardly as widely grown as
formerly, having been most popular at the time when the Catawba along
the Ohio River was succumbing to fungal diseases and a more healthy and
productive grape was wanted. It has never been very largely grown
elsewhere.
Ives was grown by Henry Ives from seed planted in 1840 in his garden in
Cincinnati, Ohio. It was exhibited in 1844 before the Cincinnati
Horticultural Society. Ives insisted that it came from seed of Madeira
grapes which had been sent him from abroad. As the variety is evidently
largely, if not wholly Labrusca, it has always been supposed that his
Madeira seedlings became accidentally mixed with a chance seedling.
Because of some of its characters the parentage of Ives has been
variously credited to Isabella, Alexander, Hartford and others, but
nothing is positively known as to this phase of its origin. It was
placed on the grape list in the American Pomological Society fruit
catalog in 1869 where it is still retained. Ives was awarded in 1868 the
premium offered by the Longworth Wine House of Cincinnati for the best
wine grape for the United States. It is still cultivated to a
considerable extent although not nearly so popular as forty years ago.
Vine vigorous, hardy, healthy, productive to very productive. Canes
long to medium, of average number, thick, dark brown to
reddish-brown, surface covered with thin blue bloom; nodes
enlarged, slightly flattened; internodes short; diaphragm thick;
pith medium to below in size; shoots pubescent; tendrils
continuous, of average length, bifid to trifid.
Leaf-buds medium to large, short, thick, obtuse to conical,
sometimes strongly compressed. Leaves large to medium, of average
thickness; upper surface dark green, dull, medium to slightly
rugose; lower surface very pale green, pubescent; veins distinct;
lobes three to five when present, with terminal lobe acute to
acuminate; petiolar sinus deep, narrow, sometimes closed and
overlapping; basal sinus shallow, medium in width; lateral sinus of
average depth, rather narrow; teeth shallow to medium, intermediate
in width. Stamens upright.
Fruit ripens about with Concord or slightly later, keeps well.
Clusters of fair size, intermediate in length and breadth, tapering
to nearly cylindrical, three or four bunches per shoot, frequently
single-shouldered, compact to medium, often with numerous abortive
berries; peduncle long to medium, of average thickness; pedicel
above medium in length, slender, covered with numerous, small
warts; brush short, slender, pale green with reddish-brown tinge.
Berries intermediate in size, oval to roundish, jet-black, covered
with a moderate amount of blue bloom, very persistent, firm. Skin
of medium thickness, tough, adheres slightly to the pulp, contains
a fair amount of wine-colored pigment, slightly astringent. Flesh
pale green, translucent, juicy, fine-grained, very tough, foxy,
sweet at skin to tart at center, hardly good in quality. Seeds
separate with difficulty from the pulp, one to four, average three,
below medium to small, often abortive, medium to broad, rather
short, usually blunt and plump, brownish; raphe obscure; chalaza a
small circular depression, nearly central, usually obscure. Must
80°.
JAEGER.
(Lincecumii, Bourquiniana.)
=1.= _Ia. Hort. Soc. Rpt._, =1890=:117. =2.= _Va. Sta. Bul._,
=30=:107. 1893. =3.= _Bush. Cat._, =1894=:137, _fig._, 138. =4.=
_Rural N. Y._, =55=:591. 1896. =5.= _Ark. Sta. Bul._, =39=:31.
1896. =8.= _Am. Pom. Soc. Cat._, =1897=:20. =7.= _Tex. Sta. Bul._,
=48=:1150, 1158. 1898. =8.= _Mo. Sta. Bul._, =46=:39, 43, 45, 76.
1899. =9.= _Tex. Sta. Bul._, =56=:277. 1899. =10.= _Ala. Sta.
Bul._, =110=:83. 1900.
HERMANN JAEGER (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10). _Jaeger_ (3). JAEGER,
_Hermann_ (6). _Munson No. 81_ (2).
Jaeger is a large-clustered, small-berried grape from Munson of
Texas.[195] It is said to be very successful in the South and Southwest
both as a table and a wine grape. Its meritorious qualities are
vigorous, productive vines with foliage free from mildew and rot, and
well-flavored, tender-fleshed berries with thin tough skins. It requires
too long a season for maturity for successful cultivation in New York.
[Illustration: JAMES]
Munson grew Jaeger from seed of a selected wild Post-oak vine pollinated
by Herbemont. The seed was planted in 1885 and the variety was
introduced by the originator in 1890. The culture of Jaeger seems to be
slowly spreading. It was placed on the grape list of the American
Pomological Society fruit catalog in 1897 and is still retained there.