ESSEX.(Labrusca, Vinifera.)

Vine a fair to good grower, usually healthy, in some locations appears somewhat tender, moderately productive to productive. Canes short, medium to few, nearly slender, brownish; nodes slightly enlarged, not flattened; internodes short to medium; diaphragm of average thickness; pith of medium size; shoots pubescent; tendrils intermittent, intermediate in length, bifid.Leaf-buds small to medium, of average length, rather slender, pointed to conical, open moderately late. Young leaves tinged with faint trace of red on under side, prevailing color greenish. Leaves small to medium, of fair thickness; upper surface light green, slightly glossy, smooth to somewhat rugose; lower surface tinged with bronze, heavily pubescent; veins distinct; lobes three to five when present, with terminal lobe acuminate; petiolar sinus medium to deep, narrow, often closed and overlapping; basal sinus variable in depth and width; lateral sinus deep, narrow to medium, often distinctly enlarged at base; teeth medium to deep, above average width. Flowers fertile, open moderately late; stamens upright.

Leaf-buds small to medium, of average length, rather slender, pointed to conical, open moderately late. Young leaves tinged with faint trace of red on under side, prevailing color greenish. Leaves small to medium, of fair thickness; upper surface light green, slightly glossy, smooth to somewhat rugose; lower surface tinged with bronze, heavily pubescent; veins distinct; lobes three to five when present, with terminal lobe acuminate; petiolar sinus medium to deep, narrow, often closed and overlapping; basal sinus variable in depth and width; lateral sinus deep, narrow to medium, often distinctly enlarged at base; teeth medium to deep, above average width. Flowers fertile, open moderately late; stamens upright.

EMPIRE STATEEMPIRE STATE

Fruit somewhat variable in season of ripening averaging a few days earlier than Niagara, keeps well. Clusters large to below medium, long, rather slender, cylindrical to slightly tapering, frequently single-shouldered, medium to compact; peduncle variable, often characteristically long, rather thick; pedicel not uniform in length, slender, covered with numerous small warts; brush short, light green. Berries variable in size averaging medium to below, inclined to roundish, pale yellowish-green, covered with some gray bloom, persistent, moderately firm. Skin medium to thick, variable in toughness, adheres but slightly to the pulp, contains no pigment, with slight astringency. Flesh pale yellowish-green, translucent, very juicy, fine-grained, rather tender, sweet next the skin but somewhat acid at center, agreeably flavored, good to very good in quality. Seeds adhere slightly to the pulp, one to four, average two, small, broad, notched, rather short, blunt, plump, brownish; raphe obscure; chalaza small, roundish to ovate, slightly above center, distinct.

1.U. S. D. A. Rpt.,1864:127, 136.2.Mass. Hort. Soc. Rpt.,1865:40.3.Strong,1866:341.4.Am. Jour. Hort.,3:146. 1868.5.Horticulturist,24:126. 1869.6.Am. Pom. Soc. Cat.,1869:42.7.Grape Cult.,1:181. 1869.8.Ill. Sta. Bul.,28:254. 1893.9.N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt.,17:530, 548, 555. 1898.Rogers’ No. 41(1, 2, 3, 4).Rogers’ No. 41(5, 6, 7).

Rogers’ No. 41(1, 2, 3, 4).Rogers’ No. 41(5, 6, 7).

When well grown Essex is so similar to Barry, Wilder and Herbert, all being Rogers’ hybrids, that it is doubtful if it is worth cultivation more especially as it is not as easily grown as the above sorts. Its fruit is almost identical with Barry, though the bunches do not equal that variety in size, but the vine is not as desirable, being only half-hardy, not productive, with sterile flowers and not setting fruit well even in mixed vineyards.

For an account of the origin and parentage of Essex see “Rogers’ Hybrids.” Essex, then known asRogers’ No. 41, is first mentioned separately from the other hybrids about 1865. There appears to have been some confusion in the numbers, as some of the early describers speak of the grape as red, others black. The name Essex was given by Mr. Rogers in 1869, in honor of Essex County, Massachusetts. The same year it was placed on the grape list of the American Pomological Society fruit catalog, where it was retained until 1895, when it was dropped. It is still to be found in many varietal vineyards but is now offered for sale by but few nurserymen.

Vine vigorous, not always hardy, produces good crops. Canes vigorous, intermediate in number and thickness; tendrils continuous to intermittent, trifid to bifid. Leaves medium to above in size, irregularly roundish; lower surface thinly pubescent. Flowers sterile or nearly so, open in mid-season or slightly later; stamens reflexed. Fruit ripens about with Concord or slightly later, an excellent keeper, in good condition some seasons until February. Clusters medium to nearly large, broad with a rather small, short, single shoulder, usually compact. Berries large to above medium, roundish to oval, frequently compressed, dark purplish-black, covered with abundant blue bloom, not firm. Flesh moderately tender and soft, vinous, sweet next the skin to acid at center, agreeable in flavor, good to very good in quality. Seeds large, long, often with enlarged neck; chalaza small, frequently with shallow, radiating furrows, strongly above center.

1.An. Hort.,1889:101.2.Rural N. Y.,51:686, 863. 1892.3.Bush. Cat.,1894:125.4.N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt.,14:279. 1895.5.Ib.,17:530, 548, 555. 1898.6.Mich. Sta. Bul.,194:57. 1901.7.Kan. Sta. Bul.,110:239. 1902.

Ester is a white seedling of Concord, whether pure-bred or cross-bred is not known, which resembles its parent in vine and in flavor of fruit. It has several defects which make it less valuable than many other better known white grapes and is therefore not recommended for New York. Its defects appear in the description given below.

The variety was originated by E. W. Bull of Concord, Massachusetts, from seed of Concord. It was introduced by George S. Josselyn of Fredonia, New York, in 1889. Bull named this variety in honor of his mother who spelled her name Ester, in the old New England way, and not “Esther” as commonly found in grape literature.

Vine variable in vigor and productiveness, usually hardy. Canes short to medium, slender, covered with considerable pubescence; tendrils continuous, rarely intermittent, bifid to trifid. Leaves small, light green; lower surface tinged with bronze, pubescent. Flowers nearly fertile, open in mid-season; stamens upright. Fruit ripens about with Concord, not a good keeper. Clusters medium to above in size and compactness. Berries medium to large, roundish, pale yellowish-white, covered with thin gray bloom, inclined to drop considerably from pedicel. Skin covered with scattering brown dots, thin, somewhat tender, inclined to crack. Flesh moderately tender and vinous, sweet, variable in flavor and quality ranging from fair to very good.

1.Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt.,1881:33.2.Mo. Hort. Soc. Rpt.,1883:43.3.Bush. Cat.,1883:98.fig.4.Kan. Hort. Soc. Rpt.,1890:23, app.5.N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt.,10:496. 1891.6.Ill. Sta. Bul.,28:263. 1893.7.Ark. Sta. Bul.,39:30. 1896.8.N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt.,17:530, 545, 547, 555, 559. 1898.9.Tex. Sta. Bul.,48:1149, 1156. 1898.10.Mich. Sta. Bul.,177:44. 1899.11.Ga. Sta. Bul.,53:43. 1901.12.Kan. Sta. Bul.,110:244. 1902.Elvira Seedling No. 3(3).Rommel’s Etta(4, 12).Rommel’s No. 3(1).

Elvira Seedling No. 3(3).Rommel’s Etta(4, 12).Rommel’s No. 3(1).

In appearance, taste and texture of flesh Etta is very similar to Elvira of which it is a seedling. The small yellowish clusters which characterize Elvira are almost exactly reproduced in Etta differing chiefly in often having a shoulder quite as large as the main bunch itself, and in having, for most palates, a better flavor, lacking the slight foxiness of Elvira. The vine is very vigorous, hardy, and productive to a fault. The fruit ripens late, at the time of Catawba, and too late to make the variety of value for New York. Etta is not a good table grape and, as with its parent, makes only a fair grade of white wine but this can be produced in such quantity as to give the variety value in producing a wine for blending with more highly flavored products.

The tendency of Elvira to crack and overbear caused the originator of that variety, Jacob Rommel of Morrison, Missouri, to try for a grape without these faults and the result was Etta from seed of Elvira. It was first exhibited in 1879 asElvira Seedling No. 3and was awarded the premium as a seedling wine grape at the Mississippi Valley Horticultural Society meeting in St. Louis in 1880. It has never become popular in the East, probably on account of its late ripening. In Missouri Etta is generally considered to be, all characters taken into account, a better grape than Elvira, falling below it in but one particular, resistance to black-rot.

Vine vigorous to very vigorous, hardy except in severe winters, productive. Canes long, rather numerous, about average size, nearly light to medium dark brown; tendrils continuous, bifid. Leaves healthy, above medium to large, thickish; upper surface dark green, slightly glossy, nearly smooth; lower surface pale green, somewhat cobwebby; veins rather distinct. Flowers fertile or nearly so, open medium early; stamens upright.Fruit ripens late, two or three weeks after Concord, keeps fairly well. Clusters medium to small, rather short and broad, irregularly cylindrical, usually with a short,medium-sized single shoulder but sometimes so heavily shouldered as to form a double bunch, very compact. Berries medium to small, roundish to frequently compressed on account of compactness of cluster, rather pale green, sometimes with a faint yellow tinge, dull, covered with thin gray bloom, shatter considerably when overripe, firm. Skin thin, tender, contains no pigment. Flesh juicy, fine-grained, somewhat tough and stringy, slightly foxy, neither rich nor high-flavored, sweet at skin to tart at center, mild, intermediate in flavor and quality. Seeds separate from the pulp quite easily, medium to above in size and width, long to medium, somewhat plump and blunt, brownish; raphe buried in a broad, shallow groove; chalaza of medium size, oval, nearly central, moderately distinct.

Fruit ripens late, two or three weeks after Concord, keeps fairly well. Clusters medium to small, rather short and broad, irregularly cylindrical, usually with a short,medium-sized single shoulder but sometimes so heavily shouldered as to form a double bunch, very compact. Berries medium to small, roundish to frequently compressed on account of compactness of cluster, rather pale green, sometimes with a faint yellow tinge, dull, covered with thin gray bloom, shatter considerably when overripe, firm. Skin thin, tender, contains no pigment. Flesh juicy, fine-grained, somewhat tough and stringy, slightly foxy, neither rich nor high-flavored, sweet at skin to tart at center, mild, intermediate in flavor and quality. Seeds separate from the pulp quite easily, medium to above in size and width, long to medium, somewhat plump and blunt, brownish; raphe buried in a broad, shallow groove; chalaza of medium size, oval, nearly central, moderately distinct.

1.Rec. of Hort.,1866:38.2.Mead,1867:220.3.Fuller,1867:241.4.Am. Jour. Hort.,8:144, 299. 1870.5.Barry,1872:418.6.Mich. Pom. Soc. Rpt.,1872:543, 555.7.Ill. Hort. Soc. Rpt.,1875:393.8.Am. Pom. Soc. Cat.,1875:24.9.Bush. Cat.,1883:99.fig.10.Wis. Hort. Soc. Rpt.,1885:174.11.W. N. Y. Hort. Soc. Rpt.,36:43. 1891.12.Va. Sta. Bul.,94:134. 1898.13.N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt.,17:530, 545, 546, 548, 549, 552. 1898.14.Tex. Sta. Bul.,56:271. 1900.Washington(1).Washington(3).

Washington(1).Washington(3).

Eumelan was introduced about forty years ago, with the general opinion among the leading viticulturists of the time that it was one of the best black grapes that had been brought to the notice of grape-growers. It seems now, as one studies its characters, to show an association of as great a number of valuable good qualities and as few objectionable ones as almost any other of our black grapes, yet the variety is now but little grown. Briefly summarized, its good qualities are: Vines above the average in vigor, hardiness and productiveness, remarkable for their short-jointed wood; clusters and berries well-formed, of good size and the latter a handsome black with fine bloom, making a very attractive cluster of grapes; flesh tender, seemingly dissolving into wine-like juice under slight pressure; the flavor is pure without a trace of foxiness, rich, sweet, and vinous, making a very delicious and refreshing fruit, though the large seeds are somewhat objectionable. Eumelan makes a very good red wine. The season of ripening is such that the variety may be called early, yet it keeps much better than most of the other grapes maturing with it and becomes, therefore, a mid-season and late grape as well as an early one. It neither cracks nor shells badly, and ships very well.

EUMELANEUMELAN

It is more difficult to name its defects. So far as we can discover,these are susceptibility to mildew, sterile flowers, and difficulty in propagation. Unquestionably the latter character has greatly hindered its culture, as the vines can be had only at extra expense and nurserymen are loath to grow it at all. Eumelan can at least be recommended to amateur growers and for the garden and it is well worth further trial by grape-growers.

Eumelan is a chance seedling which grew from seed about 1847 in the yard of a Mr. Thorne at Fishkill Landing, New York. About 1860 it fell into the hands of Dr. C. W. Grant of Iona Island and was introduced by him in 1867. By some it is supposed to be a seedling of Isabella. Bush gives the species as Aestivalis. Munson states, however, that he can see nothing in it but Labrusca and Vinifera. Labrusca seems to be indicated very plainly by the texture of the fruit and by the seeds, Vinifera possibly by a general appearance of the vine difficult to define and also by the tendency to mildew. Besides this, however, there are the bluish bloom on shoots and canes, the pigment beneath the skin, the spicy taste in the berries, and the difficulty of propagation from cuttings, all of which are difficult to account for except by recognizing the presence of Aestivalis or Bicolor blood.

Vine vigorous to medium, hardy, medium to productive, inclined to mildew. Canes intermediate in length, numerous, of average thickness, covered with considerable blue bloom; nodes enlarged, flattened; internodes short to medium; diaphragm thick; pith about medium size; shoots glabrous; tendrils intermittent, rather long, trifid to bifid.Leaf-buds large, long, rather thick, conspicuous, obtuse to conical, open in mid-season. Young leaves heavily tinged on under side and lightly tinged along margin of upper side with bright carmine. Leaves medium to large, of average thickness; upper surface rather dark green, glossy, smooth to medium; lower surface pale green, not pubescent; veins distinct; lobes usually three in number with terminal lobe acute to acuminate; petiolar sinus medium to deep, variable in width; basal sinus usually lacking; lateral sinus shallow to medium, rather narrow or often a mere notch; teeth inclined to shallow, usually above medium in width. Flowers sterile, open in mid-season; stamens reflexed.Fruit ripens before mid-season, keeps frequently until late winter. Clusters of average size, long to medium, rather slender, slightly tapering to cylindrical, often with a long, loose, single shoulder, variable in compactness; peduncle medium to long, of average size; pedicel somewhat short, rather slender, covered with few small warts, wide at point of attachment to fruit; brush short, stubby, pale green. Berries medium in size, roundish to frequently compressed, black, glossy, covered with abundant bluebloom, persistent, firm. Skin intermediate in thickness, tough, rather adherent to the pulp, contains a moderate amount of wine-colored pigment, slightly astringent. Flesh somewhat dark green, juicy, fine-grained, nearly tender, stringy, not foxy, rather spicy and aromatic with Aestivalis flavor, sweet, ranks good or higher in quality. Seeds adhere slightly to the pulp, one to four, average three, above medium to large, rather wide, intermediate in length, somewhat blunt, plump, brownish; raphe obscure; chalaza oval to circular, slightly above center, rather distinct. Must 93°-100°.

Leaf-buds large, long, rather thick, conspicuous, obtuse to conical, open in mid-season. Young leaves heavily tinged on under side and lightly tinged along margin of upper side with bright carmine. Leaves medium to large, of average thickness; upper surface rather dark green, glossy, smooth to medium; lower surface pale green, not pubescent; veins distinct; lobes usually three in number with terminal lobe acute to acuminate; petiolar sinus medium to deep, variable in width; basal sinus usually lacking; lateral sinus shallow to medium, rather narrow or often a mere notch; teeth inclined to shallow, usually above medium in width. Flowers sterile, open in mid-season; stamens reflexed.

Fruit ripens before mid-season, keeps frequently until late winter. Clusters of average size, long to medium, rather slender, slightly tapering to cylindrical, often with a long, loose, single shoulder, variable in compactness; peduncle medium to long, of average size; pedicel somewhat short, rather slender, covered with few small warts, wide at point of attachment to fruit; brush short, stubby, pale green. Berries medium in size, roundish to frequently compressed, black, glossy, covered with abundant bluebloom, persistent, firm. Skin intermediate in thickness, tough, rather adherent to the pulp, contains a moderate amount of wine-colored pigment, slightly astringent. Flesh somewhat dark green, juicy, fine-grained, nearly tender, stringy, not foxy, rather spicy and aromatic with Aestivalis flavor, sweet, ranks good or higher in quality. Seeds adhere slightly to the pulp, one to four, average three, above medium to large, rather wide, intermediate in length, somewhat blunt, plump, brownish; raphe obscure; chalaza oval to circular, slightly above center, rather distinct. Must 93°-100°.

1.Mag. Hort.,27:6. 1861.2.Gar. Mon.,6:371. 1864.3.Mag. Hort.,33:205. 1867.4.Am. Hort. An.,1871:80.5.Bush. Cat.,1883:98.

Bogue’s Eureka(2).

No good descriptions of this variety are extant, and it does not appear to have been widely tested. Eureka resembles the Isabella very closely in both fruit and vine. The fruit ripens about two weeks earlier, is somewhat more tender in pulp, more compact in the bunch, and with the vine of greater vigor.

Eureka was originated by S. Folsom of Attica, Wyoming County, New York, some time in the fifties, and was introduced a few years later by Bogue & Son, nurserymen, of Genesee County. It is said to be a seedling of Isabella, resembling the parent very closely, except for being earlier in ripening. It is now practically out of cultivation, and was never superior to its reputed parent in desirable characters.

1.Mo. Hort. Soc. Rpt.,1889:372.2.Ib.,1890:156.3.Ib.,1891:128.4.Ib.,1892:268.5.Am. Gard.,13:85. 1892.6.Husmann,1895:33.

The second variety to receive the name Eureka is said to be a seedling of Delaware raised by Dr. Stayman some time about 1880. It does not appear ever to have been disseminated except to a few of Dr. Stayman’s personal friends. It is very rare in varietal vineyards and hardly known to nurserymen. The variety as it grows in New York is surpassed by its parent in practically all desirable horticultural characters.

Vine a strong grower, usually rather tender, produces medium to good crops. Canes long, numerous, slender; tendrils intermittent, bifid to trifid. Leaves medium to abovein size, variable in color; lower surface pale green; pubescence often distributed in flecks. Fruit ripens soon after Concord, does not keep well. Clusters above medium to medium in size and length, single-shouldered to sometimes double-shouldered, of average compactness. Berries intermediate in size, roundish, attractive dark red, covered with heavy lilac or slightly blue bloom, inclined to shell somewhat from pedicel. Skin thin, rather tender, inclined to crack. Flesh moderately juicy and tough, aromatic, nearly sweet next the skin to acid at center, vinous, desirable in flavor, good in quality. Seeds small to medium, of average width and length, nearly sharp-pointed.

1.Mass. Hort. Soc. Rpt.,1880:237.2.Bush. Cat.,1883:100.3.Miss. Sta. An. Rpt.,3:36. 1890.4.Tex. Sta. Bul.,48:1150, 1156. 1898.

According to the originator, James H. Ricketts, Excelsior was “the finest grape in his collection.” The grapes are delicious, having the flavor of Black Hamburg; the flesh characters are good, the pulp being melting and juicy yet holding together and having sugar enough to give keeping quality; neither seeds nor skins are objectionable; the grapes are handsome in appearance; but unfortunately the variety ripens too late to make it of much value in New York. At best it is suitable only for the amateur and, as with all of the varieties which Ricketts sent out, it is adapted to few localities and must have the best care in all respects.

Excelsior came from seed of Iona fertilized with pollen of some unknown Vinifera. The variety was introduced in the autumn of 1882. Excelsior is to-day rather rare in varietal vineyards and is apparently not offered for sale by any nurserymen.

Vine moderately vigorous, not always hardy, medium to productive. Canes long, numerous, rather thick; tendrils intermittent, bifid. Leaves large to below medium, sometimes rugose; lower surface pubescent. Fruit ripens later than Concord, keeps well. Clusters unusually large, long, broad, frequently with a heavy double shoulder, loose. Berries large to medium, oval to nearly roundish, dark red covered with thin lilac bloom, very persistent, rather soft. Skin thick, tough, adheres considerably to the pulp. Flesh very juicy, rather soft, granular, sweet and sprightly, high in flavor, good to best in quality, closely resembling Black Hamburg in many characters. Seeds medium in size, rather blunt, sometimes with a short enlarged neck.

1.Ill. Hort. Soc. Rpt.,1881:164.2.Bush. Cat.,1883:100.3.Mo. Hort. Soc. Rpt.,1883:43.4.Rural N. Y.,45:622, 640. 1886.5.Ind. Hort. Soc. Rpt.,1889:85.6.N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt.,11:623. 1892.7.Ill. Sta. Bul.,28:263. 1893.8.Tenn. Sta. Bul., Vol.9:180. 1896.9.N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt.,17:530, 548, 555. 1898.

Though spoken of as a desirable grape in many other regions Faith is of little or no value in New York. It is very unattractive in appearance as it grows in this State, both in cluster and in berry, the clusters being small and variable and the berries small and of unattractive color. The quality of the fruit is not high and there are many other white sorts which surpass it as a table grape, more especially Diamond which ripens at the same time. If it has any preeminently good character for this region it is productiveness but this cannot offset its mediocre characters. Another fault is that the blossoms put forth so early that they often suffer from spring frosts.

Faith is of the same breeding and from the same originator, Jacob Rommel of Morrison, Missouri, as Etta, both having come from seed of Elvira. This seedling was introduced to the public about 1881 and though an excellent grape it is hardly the equal of Etta and has never been able to compete with that variety. It was named in honor of Jacob Faith, a prominent Missouri viticulturist.

Vine medium to vigorous, hardy except in severe winters, usually healthy, variable in productiveness. Canes long to medium, numerous; tendrils continuous, bifid. Leaves large to medium, dark green; lower surface grayish-green, thinly pubescent. Flowers sterile to partly fertile, open medium early; stamens upright. Fruit ripens about with Diamond or slightly earlier, does not keep well. Clusters above medium to small, variable in length, usually slender, often heavily single-shouldered, loose. Berries quite small, roundish, dull green, frequently with yellow tinge changing to pale amber, covered with abundant gray bloom, persistent, rather soft. Flesh moderately juicy, nearly tender, agreeably flavored, sweet next the skin to somewhat tart at center, fair to good in quality. Seeds numerous, of average size, broad.

1.N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt.,11:623. 1892.2.Bush. Cat.,1894:127.3.Husmann,1895:130.4.Kan. Sta. Bul.,73:182, 184. 1897.5.Ill. Hort. Soc. Rpt.,1897:206.6.Va. Sta. Bul.,94:134. 1898.7.Tex. Sta. Bul.,48:1150, 1157. 1898.8.N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt.,17:530, 548, 555. 1898.9.Am. Pom. Soc. Cat.,1899:29.10.Tex. Sta. Bul.,56:277. 1900.11.Kan. Sta. Bul.,110:247. 1902.12.Mo. Hort. Soc. Rpt.,1904:302, 305.Admirable(11).Fern(2, 5).Fern Munson(2).Hilgarde(4).Munson’s No. 76(4).

Admirable(11).Fern(2, 5).Fern Munson(2).Hilgarde(4).Munson’s No. 76(4).

Fern Munson is not adapted to northern regions, forty degrees north latitude being its limit of adaptation according to Munson,[188]its originator. Nevertheless when it has ripened in New York the fruit has shown some very good characters, as attractive appearance, agreeable quality, and unobjectionable seeds and skin. The vines are vigorous and productive but the foliage is not remarkably healthy in the Station vineyard though it has been very abundant.

This variety was originated by T. V. Munson of Denison, Texas, from seed of Post-oak which has been variously stated to have been pollinated by Triumph, mixed pollen of Triumph and Herbemont, and by Catawba. Which of these is correct we cannot say. The seed was planted in 1885 and the variety was introduced by the originator in 1893. It was placed on the grape list of the American Pomological Society fruit catalog in 1899, where it still remains. Dickens, of Kansas, states that this variety was formerly disseminated under the name of Admirable but this appears to be a mistake as Admirable is invariably given as having recurved stamens while the stamens of Fern Munson are erect.

Vine vigorous, not always hardy, usually produces as good or sometimes better crops than Concord. Canes long, medium or above in number, medium to thick, rather dark brown with faint red tinge; tendrils intermittent, bifid. Leaves large and thick; upper surface rugose and often heavily wrinkled; lower surface dull, pale green with slight bronze tinge, faintly pubescent; veins quite obscure. Flowers semi-fertile, open very late; stamens upright.Fruit ripens later than Concord, appears to keep well. Clusters medium to large, not very long, variable in width, irregularly tapering to rather cylindrical, usually single-shouldered, variable in compactness, often with many abortive fruits. Berries medium to large, roundish to slightly flattened, dark purplish-black, rather glossy,covered with thin blue bloom, strongly persistent, firm. Skin thin, tough, contains a small amount of wine-colored pigment, rather astringent. Flesh juicy, tough and solid, becoming tender as it reaches maturity, fine-grained, vinous, briskly sub-acid to acid, ranking good in quality when properly ripened. Seeds adhere somewhat to the pulp, medium in size, rather broad, of average length; raphe shows as a small cord; chalaza central to slightly above center, obscure.

Fruit ripens later than Concord, appears to keep well. Clusters medium to large, not very long, variable in width, irregularly tapering to rather cylindrical, usually single-shouldered, variable in compactness, often with many abortive fruits. Berries medium to large, roundish to slightly flattened, dark purplish-black, rather glossy,covered with thin blue bloom, strongly persistent, firm. Skin thin, tough, contains a small amount of wine-colored pigment, rather astringent. Flesh juicy, tough and solid, becoming tender as it reaches maturity, fine-grained, vinous, briskly sub-acid to acid, ranking good in quality when properly ripened. Seeds adhere somewhat to the pulp, medium in size, rather broad, of average length; raphe shows as a small cord; chalaza central to slightly above center, obscure.

1.Bush. Cat.,1894:127.

The fact that the Florence here described has been discarded by all vineyardists is presumptive evidence that the variety has little intrinsic value and this proves to be the case in New York. Neither fruit nor vine characters are such that the Station can recommend it. It is doubtful if the variety is longer worthy of preservation.

Florence is one of the productions of A. J. Caywood of Marlboro, New York, from seed of Niagara pollinated by Dutchess. But little is known of its time of origin or of its introduction. It is very rare in varietal vineyards and not known to nurserymen.

Canes medium to above in length, often somewhat slender, slightly roughened and pubescent; tendrils intermittent, bifid. Stamens upright. Fruit ripens slightly earlier than Niagara, does not keep well. Clusters above medium in size, rather long to medium, sometimes slightly single-shouldered, loose. Berries large to above medium, roundish, green often with tinge of yellow, covered with thin gray bloom, nearly persistent. Flesh slightly tough and solid, aromatic, agreeably sweet next the skin to rather tart at center, good to very good in quality. Seeds few, intermediate in size and length, plump.

1.U. S. D. A. Rpt.,1863:548.2.Horticulturist,24:126. 1869.3.Am. Jour. Hort.,5:263. 1869.4.Bush. Cat.,1894:127.5.Tenn. Sta. Bul., Vol.9:180. 1896.6.Va. Sta. Bul.,94:137. 1898.7.N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt.,17:530, 548, 555, 559. 1898.

Rogers’ No. 14 (1).Rogers’ No. 14(2, 3, 4, 5).

When at its best Gaertner is probably surpassed in appearance and in quality by no other one of Rogers’ hybrids. Fruit and clusters are large and handsomely colored making a showy grape which attracts attentionwherever shown and which sells in fancy fruit stores at the highest price. The plant is vigorous, productive, and as hardy as any of the primary hybrids between Labrusca and Vinifera. In view of its good qualities Gaertner has not received the attention it deserves from either the amateur or the commercial grape-grower, probably because it is more capricious as to soils than some others of its related hybrids and that to have it in perfection it must have the very best care. As a market grape it has the faults of ripening somewhat unevenly and of shipping rather poorly because of a thin tender skin. As with nearly all of the hybrids of its kind it keeps well and this, with the desirable qualities above noted, makes it a splendid grape for the home vineyard where in favorable situations it may be expected to bear annual crops of most excellent grapes. Gaertner is often compared with Massasoit, the two varieties being very similar in fruit characters, but Gaertner is of distinctly better quality than Massasoit.

Gaertner was originated by E. S. Rogers of Salem, Massachusetts, and the early history of the variety will be found under “Rogers’ Hybrids.” It was first mentioned separately from the other seedlings of Rogers about 1865 under the nameRogers’ No. 14. In 1869, at the request of the Lake Shore Grape Association, Rogers gave names to certain of his productions which had previously been known by numbers only. One of the varieties then named was Gaertner, in honor of the German botanist of this name. It has never been as popular as some of the other Rogers’ hybrids and is to-day offered for sale by but few nurserymen.

Vine medium to vigorous, usually hardy except in severe winters, produces fair to good crops. Canes rather long; intermediate in number, medium to below in size, vary in color from dark reddish-brown to ash-gray tinge, surface covered with thin blue bloom; tendrils continuous, bifid to trifid. Leaves medium to above in size, often rather roundish; upper surface moderately dark green, intermediate in thickness; lower surface pale green, pubescent; veins distinct. Flowers sterile, open moderately late; stamens reflexed.Fruit ripens about with Concord, matures unevenly, keeps only fairly well. Clusters above medium to medium in size, short to medium, cylindrical to slightly tapering, usually with a fair-sized single shoulder but sometimes double-shouldered, rather loose, with many abortive fruits. Berries large to below medium, roundish to sometimes slightly oval, light to dark red, rather glossy, covered with a moderate amount of lilacbloom, persistent, intermediate in firmness. Skin medium to thin, inclined to tender, contains no pigment. Flesh very pale green, juicy, fine-grained, somewhat tough, slightly stringy, agreeably vinous, sweet at skin to tart at center, good to very good in quality. Seeds separate from the pulp rather easily, large to above medium, intermediate in length, broad to medium, distinctly notched, sometimes with a very short enlarged neck, brownish; raphe obscured in a deep groove; chalaza of average size, above center to nearly central, oval to roundish, somewhat obscure.

Fruit ripens about with Concord, matures unevenly, keeps only fairly well. Clusters above medium to medium in size, short to medium, cylindrical to slightly tapering, usually with a fair-sized single shoulder but sometimes double-shouldered, rather loose, with many abortive fruits. Berries large to below medium, roundish to sometimes slightly oval, light to dark red, rather glossy, covered with a moderate amount of lilacbloom, persistent, intermediate in firmness. Skin medium to thin, inclined to tender, contains no pigment. Flesh very pale green, juicy, fine-grained, somewhat tough, slightly stringy, agreeably vinous, sweet at skin to tart at center, good to very good in quality. Seeds separate from the pulp rather easily, large to above medium, intermediate in length, broad to medium, distinctly notched, sometimes with a very short enlarged neck, brownish; raphe obscured in a deep groove; chalaza of average size, above center to nearly central, oval to roundish, somewhat obscure.

1.An. Hort.,1889:101.2.Rural N. Y.,48:49, 50,fig., 165. 1889.3.W. N. Y. Hort. Soc. Rpt.,35:180. 1890.4.N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt.,9:330. 1890.5.Rural N. Y.,50:691. 1891.6.Ib.,51:607, 655. 1892.7.N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt.,11:623. 1892.8.Rural N. Y.,52:71, 122, 655. 1893.9.Bush. Cat.,1894:128.10.N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt.,17:530, 548, 555. 1898.11.Mich. Sta. Bul.,169:170. 1899.

Jacob Moore’s Geneva is another secondary hybrid between Labrusca and Vinifera in which the Labrusca blood predominates. In quality it is somewhat below any of the other grapes put out by Moore and is surpassed by so many other grapes of its season that it has never become popular though it has much to recommend it. Thus it is vigorous, though not quite hardy, only fairly productive, with ample foliage which is very healthy. The berries and clusters are attractive. The color is more nearly transparent than any other of our grapes and there is so little bloom that the grapes are a beautiful lustrous green often becoming iridescent in sunlight. It is pure in flavor but somewhat insipid. The berries cling well to the stem and the fruit keeps exceptionally well.

Geneva was originated by Jacob Moore, Brighton, Monroe County, New York, from seed planted in 1874 of a hybrid vine fertilized by Iona. The maternal vine was from seed of a wild Labrusca fertilized with Muscat Alexandria. The variety was introduced by the R. G. Chase Company, of Geneva. It is still quite commonly found in varietal vineyards and is listed by a few grape nurserymen. Geneva seems to have succeeded somewhat better to the south of New York and is notably better in quality when grown in lower latitudes.

Vine moderately vigorous to vigorous, not very hardy, healthy, produces smaller crops than Concord. Canes intermediate in length and number, covered with slight blue bloom; tendrils intermittent to continuous, bifid to trifid. Leaves medium in size,light green; lower surface grayish-white, pubescent. Flowers nearly sterile to partly fertile, open medium late; stamens upright. Fruit ripens soon after Niagara, ships well and keeps into the winter. Clusters medium to above in size, of average width, often blunt at ends, usually not shouldered, intermediate in compactness, with many abortive fruits. Berries medium to large, slightly oval or obovate, dull green changing to a faint yellow tinge, covered with thin gray bloom. Flesh pale green, tender and soft, vinous, nearly sweet at skin to tart at center, fair to good in quality but not equal to some other white grapes of the same season. Seeds intermediate in size and length.

1.N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt.,11:624. 1892.2.Am. Pom. Soc. Cat.,1897:19.3.N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt.,17:530, 548, 555. 1898.

Grown in the Station vineyard since 1889, Glenfeld has made a somewhat favorable impression because of its excellent quality but it seems not to have been well received throughout the State and it is doubtful if it has more than a local reputation about the place of its origin. It is equaled or surpassed, however, by many other varieties of its season in vine characters and there is therefore little need that it should be longer perpetuated, though it may be worthy a place in the garden.

Glenfeld was found on the place of George J. Magee of Watkins, New York. Mr. Magee reports that the vine was on the place when he purchased it and the former owner knew nothing of it. The variety was locally supposed to be a seedling of Concord. It was sent to this Station for testing in 1889. For some reason it was placed upon the grape list of the American Pomological Society fruit catalog for 1897. Such action was hardly justified, as the variety had never been tested except in one or two neighborhoods, and it was taken off at the next meeting.

Vine vigorous, hardy except in severe winters, produces good crops. 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.

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.

GOETHEGOETHE

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 nameRogers’ No. 1. It wasplaced 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°.

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°.

During the quarter century the New York Agricultural Experiment Station has been in existence, the breeding of grapes has been one of thechief 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 commonstorage, 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.

GOFFGOFF

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.

Back to Index Next