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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
1.Ill. Hort. Soc. Rpt.,1902:223.2.Ib.,1905:296.
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.
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.
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).
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 varietycracks badly in wet weather and does not keep nor ship well, skin and flesh being very tender.
GREIN GOLDENGREIN 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.
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.
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).
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 isonly partly self-fertile so that in seasons when there is bad weather during blooming time the clusters are usually loose and straggling.
HARTFORDHARTFORD
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°.
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°.
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).
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 weekto 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.
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 weekto 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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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).
HEADLIGHTHEADLIGHT
In the South Herbemont has the same relative rank among cultivated grapes that the Concord holds in the North. The variety is injuredby 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 saidto 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 thesame 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.
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.
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).
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 theyare 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 designationRogers’ No. 44. In 1869 Rogers gave names to several of his seedlings and theRogers’ No. 44received 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.HERBERTHERBERTFruit 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.
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.
HERBERTHERBERT
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 verysuperior wine. But the berries are very small, ripen very late, in some localities crack badly and in others rot.
HERCULESHERCULES
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 theBushberg Catalogue: