TELEGRAPH.(Labrusca, Aestivalis.)

Vine vigorous to rank, healthy, hardy, variable in productiveness. Leaves small, attractive in color, smooth. Flowers bloom early; stamens reflexed. Fruit ripens about two weeks before Isabella. Clusters small to medium, shouldered, loose to moderately compact. Berries small to medium, roundish, pale greenish-white, sometimes tinged with amber. Skin very thin. Pulp sweet, spicy, fair to good in quality.

1.U. S. D. A. Rpt.,1863:549.2.Gar. Mon.,9:51. 1867.3.Ib.,10:19, 344. 1868.4.Am. Pom. Soc. Cat.,1869:42.5.Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt.,1869:56.6.Grape Cult.,1:44, 115, 296. 1869.7.Gar. Mon.,11:83. 1869.8.Horticulturist,30:73. 1875.9.Bush. Cat.,1883:82, 139.10.W. N. Y. Hort. Soc. Rpt.,36:43. 1891.11.N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt.,11:637. 1892.12.Tenn. Sta. Bul., Vol.9:187. 1896.13.N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt.,17:535, 546, 547, 557. 1898.14.Mo. Sta. Bul.,46:41, 42, 44, 45. 1899.15.Kan. Sta. Bul.,110:237. 1902.16.Mo. Hort. Soc. Rpt.,1906:65, 67.Christine(2, 3, 7).Christine(4, 8, 9, 10, 12).Telegraph(2, 3).

Christine(2, 3, 7).Christine(4, 8, 9, 10, 12).Telegraph(2, 3).

The characters of Telegraph are not such as to give it high rank among grapes and now that nearly forty years have passed since its origin, and many better varieties have come into cultivation, the variety is worth mentioning only as a matter of record. Its most remarkable character is compact, well shouldered bunches, making them attractive in appearance though somewhat small for a commercial variety. Telegraph is susceptible to rot and the birds are particularly fond of its fruit. It ripens very early and is of better quality than Hartford—not high praise. The variety ispeculiar in that the ripening season seems to vary from a few days after Hartford to as late as Concord. It is earlier, comparatively, in the South than in the North; that is, in cool summers it matures slowly.

Telegraph, or Christine, as it appears to have first been called, is a chance seedling which appeared about the middle of the last century in the yard of a Mr. Christine, Hestonville, near Westchester, Chester County, Pennsylvania. About 1860 P. R. Freas, editor of theGermantown Telegraph, to whom fruit was sent, bestowed upon it the name of his paper, which finally supplanted the original name. It was placed on the grape list of the American Pomological Society fruit catalog in 1869 and removed in 1899. Telegraph is apparently a Labrusca with a strain of Aestivalis.

Vine vigorous, hardy, usually healthy, very productive. Canes unusually long, medium to numerous; tendrils continuous, trifid to bifid. Leaves healthy, medium to large, inclined to roundish, light green; lower surface grayish-white, pubescent. Flowers fertile, open in mid-season or earlier; stamens upright. Fruit usually ripens soon after Hartford but sometimes later, a fair shipper and keeper. Clusters medium to small, often short, broad, cylindrical, blunt at ends, single-shouldered, very compact. Berries intermediate in size, roundish to slightly oval on account of compactness of cluster, dull black covered with a large amount of blue bloom, persistent. Skin intermediate in thickness, tough, does not adhere to the pulp, astringent. Flesh greenish, tough and solid, slightly foxy, pleasant flavor, sweet at skin to tart at center, fair to good in quality. Seeds somewhat adherent and numerous, medium to above in size, variable in shape and size.

1.Mag. Hort.,1:459. 1835.2.N. Y. Ag. Soc. Rpt.,1847:353.3.Mag. Hort.,21:42, 1855.4.Ib.,22:507. 1856.5.Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt.,1856:163.6.Downing,1857:345.7.Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt.,1858:72.8.Horticulturist,14:299. 1859.fig.9.Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt.,1860:81.10.Ib.,1862:146.11.Am. Pom. Soc. Cat.,1862:90.12.Gar. Mon.,5:73, 74. 1863.13.Grant,1864:11.14.Gar. Mon.,8:362. 1866.15.Grape Cult.,1:327. 1869.16.Downing,1869:556.17.Bush. Cat.,1883:139.The Beautiful(16).Carter(4).Carter(7, 10, 16, 17, of Boston 12).Spofford Seedling(16, 17).Wyman(3).Wyman(10, 12, 16, 17).

The Beautiful(16).Carter(4).Carter(7, 10, 16, 17, of Boston 12).Spofford Seedling(16, 17).Wyman(3).Wyman(10, 12, 16, 17).

The fruit characters of To-Kalon are so similar to those of Catawba that it was hardly worthy of introduction. Beside duplicating the Catawba in fruit the vines are not healthy, being very susceptible to mildew and rot, the fruit drops badly, and the crop does not ripen well. The quality of the fruit is very good, once it can be secured. A point in its favor isthat it ripens a little before Catawba. The variety long since ceased to be of commercial importance and can now be found but rarely in collections.

To-Kalon was originated in the early part of the last century by Dr. Spofford of Lansingburg, New York. The originator states that it is a seedling of a European grape, but from its resemblance to Catawba it is supposed by many to have been a seedling of that variety. Wyman and Carter are two varieties of later introduction which are said to be identical with To-Kalon, but as the origin of each is apparently authentic and distinct it appears more probable that they are merely similar sorts. To-Kalon was placed on the list of sorts recommended by the American Pomological Society in 1862 but was dropped from this list in 1871.

The following description has been compiled from various sources:

Vine vigorous to rank, variable in productiveness, hardy, often mildews badly. Foliage large, abundant. Flowers do not always set well. Fruit ripens somewhat earlier than Catawba. Clusters large, shouldered. Berries large, oval to oblate, darker than Catawba, covered with heavy bloom, shells. Pulp sweet, of pure flavor, melting, very good in quality.

1.Grape Cult.,2:295. 1870.2.Am. Jour. Hort.,9:84. 1871.3.Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt.,1881:33, 40, 162.4.Downing,1881:169 app.5.Am. Pom. Soc. Cat.,1883:26.6.Bush. Cat.,1883:140,fig., 141.7.Mo. Hort. Soc. Rpt.,1884:217.8.Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt.,1885:104.9.N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt.,11:637. 1892.10.Va. Sta. Bul.,94:142. 1898.11.N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt.,17:535, 548, 557. 1898.12.Miss. Sta. Bul.,56:17. 1899.13.Mich. Sta. Bul.,169:176. 1899.14.Ala. Sta. Bul.,110:89. 1900.15.Ga. Sta. Bul.,53:49, 52, 59. 1901.16.Kan. Sta. Bul.,110:243. 1902.17.Traité gen. de vit.,5:186. 1903.Campbell’s Concord Hybrid No. 6(6).Campbell’s Seedling No. 6(17).Hybride de Concord No. 6(17).

Campbell’s Concord Hybrid No. 6(6).Campbell’s Seedling No. 6(17).Hybride de Concord No. 6(17).

When quality, color, shape and size of bunch and berry are all considered, Triumph is one of the finest dessert grapes of America. When at its best it is a magnificent bunch of golden grapes of highest quality, esteemed even in southern Europe where it must compete with the best of the Viniferas, though unfortunately it is nearly as susceptible in that region to phylloxera as the Old World varieties, a defect which has caused its relegation there from commercial vineyards to the collections of experimenters and amateurs. In America its commercial importance is curtailedby the fact that it requires a long season for its proper development and the variety justifies its name only in the South and more particularly in the Southwest. In the latitude of New York it is doubtfully hardy and the short summer season never permits it to attain the quality and beauty which characterize it further south.

Triumph has, in general, the vine characters of the Labrusca parent Concord, especially its habit of growth, vigor, productiveness and foliage characters, falling short in hardiness, resistance to fungal diseases and earliness of maturity. Even in New York the vines are as vigorous and set nearly as much fruit as Concord; but they are injured in cold winters unless protected, and suffer in particular from the mildews. The fruit matures with or a little later than the Catawba. It proves, in regions where it is largely grown, to be quite adaptable to different soils and locations and the small amount of data at hand on this point in New York suggests that this adaptability holds for the grape regions of this State as well. It prefers, if anything, a deep soil to a shallow one and alluvial or clayey soils to lighter lands.

While the vine characters of Triumph are those of Labrusca there is scarcely a suggestion of the coarseness, or of the foxy odor and taste of Labrusca; and the objectionable seeds, pulp, and skin of the native grape give way to the far less objectionable structures of Vinifera. Grapes of this variety do not have the firm and often disagreeable pulpiness of many other similar hybrids, as for instance most of Rogers’ hybrids. The flesh is tender and melting and the flavor rich, sweet, vinous, pure and delicate, giving the variety high rank among the best American grapes. In the North, as would be expected from its lack of proper maturity, the flavor is insipid as compared with the same character in the South. The skins of the berries are faulty being more apparent in eating than those of Vinifera and under unfavorable conditions crack badly; because of the tenderness of the skin the variety neither ships nor keeps remarkably well. Triumph is not only one of the best dessert grapes but it is said to make a very good white wine.

TRIUMPHTRIUMPH

There are numerous pure-bred and cross-bred offsprings of Triumph in America which indicate that this variety may be very successfully used in grape-breeding. Munson of Texas, in particular, among other viticulturists,has used it to advantage in breeding work, his Bailey, Big Extra, Big Hope, Carman, Early Golden, Fern Munson, Governor Ross, Newman, Ragan, Rommel, R. W. Munson, W. B. Munson, all having been bred with Triumph as an ancestor.

When all of its qualities and characters are considered, and for all parts of America, it can hardly be disputed that Triumph is the best of the hybrids of the two species from which it comes that has been produced by artificial fertilization. That it does not succeed better in New York is a distinct loss to the viticulture of the State.

Triumph was originated nearly a half century ago by George W. Campbell of Delaware, Ohio, from seed of Concord fertilized by Chasselas Musque (Joslyn’s St. Albans). The originator considered it of no value in his vineyard but sent it to Samuel Miller of Bluffton, Missouri, who gave it the name Triumph. It was placed on the grape list of the American Pomological Society fruit catalog in 1883.

Vine vigorous, doubtfully hardy, medium to very productive, somewhat subject to attacks of mildew. Canes medium to long, intermediate in number and thickness, moderately dark brown, surface covered with a slight amount of bloom; nodes enlarged, variable in shape; internodes medium to above in length; diaphragm thick; pith medium in size; shoots slightly pubescent; tendrils intermittent, medium to long, trifid, sometimes bifid.Leaf-buds large to medium, long and thick, obtuse to conical, open late. Young leaves tinged on under side and along margin of upper side with brownish-carmine. Leaves large, of average thickness; upper surface light green, dull, medium to slightly rugose; lower surface grayish-white, pubescent; veins distinct; leaf usually not lobed with terminus obtuse to acute; petiolar sinus medium to deep, narrow, often closed and overlapping; basal sinus absent; lateral sinus shallow and narrow when present; teeth deep, wide to medium. Flowers fertile, open late; stamens upright.Fruit ripens with Catawba or later, does not rank among the best keepers. Clusters very large to medium, long, broad, tapering to cylindrical, sometimes single-shouldered, compact; peduncle short to medium, above average thickness; pedicel medium to short, slender, smooth, considerably enlarged at point of attachment to fruit; brush short, pale yellowish-green. Berries medium to above in size, oval, pale green or golden yellow, glossy, covered with heavy gray bloom, persistent, firm. Skin thin, variable in toughness, sometimes inclined to crack, adheres considerably to the pulp, contains no pigment, slightly astringent. Flesh light green, translucent, juicy, fine-grained, tender, somewhat vinous, good to very good. Seeds separate easily from the pulp, one to five,average three, below medium to small, intermediate in width, long, brownish; raphe sometimes visible being partly submerged in the short shallow groove; chalaza of average size, above center, oval to circular, distinct.

Leaf-buds large to medium, long and thick, obtuse to conical, open late. Young leaves tinged on under side and along margin of upper side with brownish-carmine. Leaves large, of average thickness; upper surface light green, dull, medium to slightly rugose; lower surface grayish-white, pubescent; veins distinct; leaf usually not lobed with terminus obtuse to acute; petiolar sinus medium to deep, narrow, often closed and overlapping; basal sinus absent; lateral sinus shallow and narrow when present; teeth deep, wide to medium. Flowers fertile, open late; stamens upright.

Fruit ripens with Catawba or later, does not rank among the best keepers. Clusters very large to medium, long, broad, tapering to cylindrical, sometimes single-shouldered, compact; peduncle short to medium, above average thickness; pedicel medium to short, slender, smooth, considerably enlarged at point of attachment to fruit; brush short, pale yellowish-green. Berries medium to above in size, oval, pale green or golden yellow, glossy, covered with heavy gray bloom, persistent, firm. Skin thin, variable in toughness, sometimes inclined to crack, adheres considerably to the pulp, contains no pigment, slightly astringent. Flesh light green, translucent, juicy, fine-grained, tender, somewhat vinous, good to very good. Seeds separate easily from the pulp, one to five,average three, below medium to small, intermediate in width, long, brownish; raphe sometimes visible being partly submerged in the short shallow groove; chalaza of average size, above center, oval to circular, distinct.

1.Bush. Cat.,1883:141.2.Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt.,1885:104.3.Ohio Hort. Soc. Rpt.,1885-6:224.4.Am. Pom. Soc. Cat.,1889:24.5.Mo. Hort. Soc. Rpt.,1891:128.6.Rural N. Y.,50:691. 1891.7.Ib.,51:170, 681. 1892.8.N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt.,11:637. 1892.9.Ill. Sta. Bul.,28:262. 1893.10.Bush. Cat.,1894:183.11.W. N. Y. Hort. Soc. Rpt.,39:26. 1894.12.N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt.,17:536, 548, 553, 557. 1898.13.Kan. Sta. Bul.,110:240. 1902.14.Mich. Sta. Bul.,205:41. 1903.Ulster Prolific(1, 2, 3, 5, 9, 11, 13).Ulster Prolific(8, 10).

Ulster Prolific(1, 2, 3, 5, 9, 11, 13).Ulster Prolific(8, 10).

The accompanying color-plate does not do justice to Ulster as to size and beauty of the fruit but it well illustrates one of the chief faults of the variety. The vines usually set too much fruit in spite of efforts to control the crop by pruning, and two undesirable results follow: The bunches are small and the vines, lacking vigor at best, fail to fully recover from the over-fruitfulness. Over-productiveness and lack of vigor are the two defects in Ulster that have kept it from becoming of more importance commercially and a greater favorite as a garden grape. The quality of the fruit is very good, being much like that of Catawba both in flesh characters and in flavor. The color of the berries seems to vary greatly, sometimes being nearly as red as Catawba and under other conditions an unattractive green with a reddish tinge. As a rule the fruit keeps well but there are exceptions especially when the variety is not grown under the conditions best suited to it. Ulster has many good qualities but its deficiency in vigor and capriciousness in both vine and fruit characters prevent its becoming a grape of value for either vineyard or garden.

Ulster was originated by A. J. Caywood of Marlboro, New York, and was introduced by the originator about 1885. It was included in the list of sorts recommended by the American Pomological Society in 1899. Its parents are said to be Catawba pollinated by a wild Aestivalis. Both vine and fruit show unmistakable traces of Labrusca and Vinifera, but the Aestivalis characters, if present, are not apparent.

ULSTERULSTER

Vine medium to weak, usually hardy, productive, often overbears, sometimes susceptible to attacks of mildew. Canes medium to short, not numerous, slender, moderatelydark brown, surface roughened and covered with faint pubescence; nodes enlarged and flattened; internodes short; diaphragm of average thickness; pith intermediate in size; shoots pubescent; tendrils usually intermittent, of medium length, bifid, dehisce early.Leaf-buds intermediate in size, short to medium, thick, plump, conical to pointed, open rather late. Young leaves faintly tinged on under side and along margin of upper side, which is rather glossy, prevailing color pale green with considerable rose-carmine tinge. Leaves small to medium, thick; upper surface light green, glossy, somewhat smooth; lower surface grayish-white, pubescent; veins distinct; leaf usually not lobed with terminus acute to acuminate; petiolar sinus of average depth, medium to wide; basal sinus absent; lateral sinus a mere notch when present; teeth shallow to medium, above medium width. Flowers fertile or nearly so, open rather early; stamens upright.Fruit usually ripens with Concord or a little later, keeps and ships well. Clusters intermediate in size, above average length, intermediate in breadth, cylindrical to slightly tapering, often single-shouldered, compact; peduncle short, slender; pedicel intermediate in length, slender to medium, covered with numerous warts; brush short, yellowish-green. Berries above medium to medium in size, roundish to roundish-oval, rather dark dull red but do not always color well, covered with thin light to dark lilac bloom, persistent, of average firmness. Skin thick, tough, adheres slightly to the pulp, contains no pigment, somewhat astringent. Flesh pale green, translucent, juicy, tender, fine-grained, faintly aromatic, slightly foxy, sweet next the skin to tart at center, good to very good in quality. Seeds separate easily from the pulp, one to six, average three, medium to above in size, variable in length and breadth, somewhat plump, brownish; raphe obscure; chalaza intermediate in size, above center, oval to circular, not distinct; surface of seeds slightly roughened.

Leaf-buds intermediate in size, short to medium, thick, plump, conical to pointed, open rather late. Young leaves faintly tinged on under side and along margin of upper side, which is rather glossy, prevailing color pale green with considerable rose-carmine tinge. Leaves small to medium, thick; upper surface light green, glossy, somewhat smooth; lower surface grayish-white, pubescent; veins distinct; leaf usually not lobed with terminus acute to acuminate; petiolar sinus of average depth, medium to wide; basal sinus absent; lateral sinus a mere notch when present; teeth shallow to medium, above medium width. Flowers fertile or nearly so, open rather early; stamens upright.

Fruit usually ripens with Concord or a little later, keeps and ships well. Clusters intermediate in size, above average length, intermediate in breadth, cylindrical to slightly tapering, often single-shouldered, compact; peduncle short, slender; pedicel intermediate in length, slender to medium, covered with numerous warts; brush short, yellowish-green. Berries above medium to medium in size, roundish to roundish-oval, rather dark dull red but do not always color well, covered with thin light to dark lilac bloom, persistent, of average firmness. Skin thick, tough, adheres slightly to the pulp, contains no pigment, somewhat astringent. Flesh pale green, translucent, juicy, tender, fine-grained, faintly aromatic, slightly foxy, sweet next the skin to tart at center, good to very good in quality. Seeds separate easily from the pulp, one to six, average three, medium to above in size, variable in length and breadth, somewhat plump, brownish; raphe obscure; chalaza intermediate in size, above center, oval to circular, not distinct; surface of seeds slightly roughened.

1.Elliott,1854:247.2.U. S. Pat. Off. Rpt.,1856:433.3.Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt.,1856:39, 165.4.Downing,1857:346.5.Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt.,1858:69.6.Am. Pom. Soc. Cat.,1858:235.7.Mag. Hort.,24:92, 94. 1858.8.Horticulturist,14:74. 1859.fig.9.Mass. Hort. Soc. Rpt.,1860:49.10.Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt.,1860:89.11.Mag. Hort.,27:533. 1861.12.Horticulturist,16:234. 1861.fig.13.Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt.,1862:146.14.Mag. Hort.,29:422. 1863.15.Ib.,31:103. 1865.16.Mead,1867:198.17.Grape Cult.,1:43, 44, 151, 239, 262, 327. 1869.18.Bush. Cat.,1883:142.19.Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt.,1883:59.Imitation Hamburg(1).Ontario(8, 9, 10, 14).Ontario(13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19).Shaker(2).Shaker(4, 17, 18).

Imitation Hamburg(1).Ontario(8, 9, 10, 14).Ontario(13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19).Shaker(2).Shaker(4, 17, 18).

Rampant in vine, with thick wood, large coarse leaves, bunches and berries, Union Village is marked by grossness in all of its characters. Its vigor of vine and showiness of fruit attracted the attention of the viticulturistsof a half century ago and it was then quite commonly grown but has now been almost wholly discarded because of poor quality, susceptibility to disease, and lack of hardiness. It ripens somewhat late and quite unevenly. It might prove of some value in breeding for the characters for which, even among the largest and most vigorous grapes of to-day, it is distinguished.

This variety was originated by the Shakers at Union Village, Warren County, Ohio. It was introduced by Nicholas Longworth of Cincinnati about the middle of the last century. In 1858 it was placed on the American Pomological Society’s list of grapes that promise well and in 1862 was placed on the regular list of recommended sorts. Here it remained until 1883, when it was dropped. Ontario, another grape of this type, which was originated by W. H. Read of Port Dalhousie, Ontario, was considered by many synonymous with Union Village but the evidence seems to show that, though very similar, it had a distinct origin. Union Village is said to be a seedling of Isabella. The characters generally indicate Labrusca although the lobing of the leaves and the susceptibility to fungi may indicate a strain of Vinifera.

The following description has been compiled from various sources:

Vine vigorous to rank, usually productive, somewhat tender, subject to attacks of fungi. Canes large, long; internodes short. Leaves coarse and large. Fruit ripens about one week before Isabella, matures unevenly. Clusters large to very large, often shouldered, compact. Berries large to very large, roundish, dark purplish-black covered with heavy bloom, shell badly. Skin moderately thin. Flesh tart, resembling Isabella somewhat in flavor, quality fair to good.

1.Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt.,1881:34, 117.2.Barry,1883:450.3.Am. Pom. Soc. Cat.,1883:26.4.W. N. Y. Hort. Soc. Rpt.,29:19, 112. 1884.5.Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt.,1885:103, 105.6.Ohio Hort. Soc. Rpt.,1886-7:172.7.N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt.,9:330. 1890.8.Ill. Sta. Bul.,28:262. 1893.9.Bush. Cat.,1894:184.fig.10.Gar. and For.,8:487. 1895.11.N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt.,17:536, 542, 543, 544, 548, 553. 1898.12.Ib.,18:383, 389, 396. 1899.13.Mo. Sta. Bul.,46:41, 43, 44, 45, 53, 76. 1899.14.Mich. Sta. Bul.,169:176. 1899.15.Kan. Sta. Bul.,110:237. 1902.16.Ont. Fr. Gr. Assoc. Rpt.,34:99. 1902.

VERGENNESVERGENNES

While not one of the leading commercial varieties in New York, Vergennes has steadily increased in popularity during the thirty years sinceits introduction. One of the most valuable attributes of Vergennes is that it seldom fails to bear a crop though it has a tendency to overbear which causes it to be variable in size of fruits and in time of ripening; with a moderate crop it ripens with Concord but with a heavy load of grapes the crop matures from one to two weeks later. Vergennes is somewhat unpopular with vineyardists because of the sprawling habit of the vine making a vineyard of this grape untractable for vineyard operations. This fault is obviated somewhat by grafting it on other vines. In some of the grape regions of New York the vines are precariously hardy though tenderness to cold can hardly be said to be a serious fault of the variety.

The appearance of the fruit is attractive and while the quality is not high, yet it is good; the flavor is agreeable, the flesh is tender and seeds and skin are not objectionable. Considering all of its fruit characters, Vergennes may be said to be more than an ordinary grape—much better than several better known commercial varieties. The variety is somewhat remarkable in being probably the best shipper and the best keeper among the pure Labrusca varieties. Nearly all of the grapes which ship and keep well have more or less Vinifera blood, but if Vergennes has any foreign blood it shows it only in its keeping and shipping qualities. At present Vergennes is the standard late-keeping grape for this region being very commonly found in the markets as late as January and sometimes February. A number of seedlings of Vergennes, pure-bred and cross-bred, growing on the Station grounds, show that this variety transmits its characters well to its offspring indicating that it has value for grape-breeding. Vergennes may be recommended for its intrinsic value for the vineyard and the garden and to the experimenter as one of the best pure Labruscas for the production of new and improved varieties.

The original vine of this variety was a chance seedling found in the garden of William E. Greene, Vergennes, Vermont. It fruited for the first time in 1874. It was placed on the list of sorts recommended by the American Pomological Society in 1883 and is still retained.

Vine variable in vigor, not always hardy, medium to very productive depending upon amount of winter injury, usually healthy. Canes long to medium, intermediate in number and size, dark dull brown; nodes enlarged, strongly flattened; internodesof average length; diaphragm thick; pith medium in thickness; shoots pubescent; tendrils continuous, long to medium, bifid or sometimes trifid.Leaf-buds large to medium, long, thick; open very late. Young leaves tinged on under side and along margin of upper side with rose-carmine. Leaves large to medium, thin; upper surface light green, glossy, somewhat rugose; lower surface pale green, very pubescent; veins indistinct; leaf usually not lobed with terminus broadly acute; petiolar sinus of average depth, medium to wide; teeth shallow, often wide. Flowers nearly sterile, open in mid-season; stamens upright.Fruit variable in season but usually ripens one to two weeks later than Concord, keeps and ships well. Clusters intermediate in size and length, broad, cylindrical to tapering, sometimes single-shouldered, variable in compactness but inclined to be loose; peduncle short to medium, thick; pedicel intermediate in length and thickness, covered with numerous small warts, enlarged at point of attachment to fruit; brush slender, short, pale green. Berries large to below medium, oval to roundish, light and dark red, covered with lilac bloom, persistent, medium in firmness. Skin does not crack, thick, tough, adheres considerably to the pulp, contains no pigment, astringent. Flesh pale green, juicy, fine-grained, somewhat stringy, tender, vinous, sweet next the skin, agreeably tart at center, good to very good in quality. Seeds separate easily from the pulp, one to five, average three, variable in size, length and breadth, not notched, usually blunt, brownish; raphe distinct; chalaza small, plainly above center, usually roundish, often with shallow radiating furrows, distinct.

Leaf-buds large to medium, long, thick; open very late. Young leaves tinged on under side and along margin of upper side with rose-carmine. Leaves large to medium, thin; upper surface light green, glossy, somewhat rugose; lower surface pale green, very pubescent; veins indistinct; leaf usually not lobed with terminus broadly acute; petiolar sinus of average depth, medium to wide; teeth shallow, often wide. Flowers nearly sterile, open in mid-season; stamens upright.

Fruit variable in season but usually ripens one to two weeks later than Concord, keeps and ships well. Clusters intermediate in size and length, broad, cylindrical to tapering, sometimes single-shouldered, variable in compactness but inclined to be loose; peduncle short to medium, thick; pedicel intermediate in length and thickness, covered with numerous small warts, enlarged at point of attachment to fruit; brush slender, short, pale green. Berries large to below medium, oval to roundish, light and dark red, covered with lilac bloom, persistent, medium in firmness. Skin does not crack, thick, tough, adheres considerably to the pulp, contains no pigment, astringent. Flesh pale green, juicy, fine-grained, somewhat stringy, tender, vinous, sweet next the skin, agreeably tart at center, good to very good in quality. Seeds separate easily from the pulp, one to five, average three, variable in size, length and breadth, not notched, usually blunt, brownish; raphe distinct; chalaza small, plainly above center, usually roundish, often with shallow radiating furrows, distinct.

1.Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt.,1883:92.2.Ib.,1885:104.3.Mo. Hort Soc. Rpt.,1891:129.4.Rural N. Y.,50:691, 847. 1891.5.N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt.,11:637. 1892.6.Del. Sta. An. Rpt.,7:135, 139. 1895.7.Rural N. Y.,56:822. 1897.8.N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt.,17:536, 548, 557. 1898.9.Mich. Sta. Bul.,169:176. 1899.10.Ga. Sta. Bul.,53:49. 1901.

As a green seedling of Concord, Victoria has much in common with others of its kind that have come from this parent. In particular it resembles Hayes but does not equal it, being of poorer quality and having smaller and less attractive fruits; neither does it equal Martha. Victoria is marked by having more foxiness in flavor than do most of the white seedlings of Concord. In view of the many good green grapes, there is little about Victoria to recommend it,—there are many commonplace grapes of its color and season quite its equal.

This variety was originated by T. B. Miner of Linden, Union County, New Jersey, about 1871.

Vine of medium vigor, usually hardy, productive, subject to attacks of mildew in unfavorable locations. Canes medium to short, not numerous, slender; tendrils continuous, trifid to bifid. Leaves medium in size, dark green; lower surface pale green with tinge of bronze, covered with short down. Flowers nearly fertile, open in mid-season; stamens upright. Fruit ripens about with Concord, does not keep well. Clusters average in size, long, inclined to slender, often single-shouldered, compact. Berries intermediate in size, roundish, light green with pale yellow tinge, covered with thin gray bloom, persistent. Skin thin, tender. Flesh pale green, slightly tough, foxy, sweet at skin to acid at center, good in quality. Seeds do not separate readily from the pulp, medium to below in size, of average width and length.

1.Mag. Hort.,31:120. 1865.2.Ib.,33:7, 54. 1867.3.Horticulturist,23:359, 360. 1868.fig.4.Grape Cult.,1:307, 327, 329. 1869.5.Am. Jour. Hort.,6:342. 1869.fig.6.Ib.,8:144, 299. 1870.7.Am. Pom. Soc. Cat.,1871:16.8.Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt.,1875:39.9.Ib.,1883:59, 154.10.Bush. Cat.,1894:185.fig.11.Tex. Sta. Bul.,48:1151, 1163. 1898.12.Ga. Sta. Bul.,53:49. 1901.13.Kan. Sta. Bul.,110:243. 1902.

Were it not almost impossible to grow healthy vines of Walter it would take rank among the best of our American grapes. But stunted by fungi which nearly every year attack leaves, young wood and fruit, it is only possible in exceptionally favorable seasons to produce a crop of grapes with this variety. Not infrequently the attacks of mildew are so severe that the vines are defoliated before mid-season. Besides its susceptibility to cryptogamic diseases the variety is fastidious as to soils and even in localities to which it seems adapted it is variable in growth. While not to be classed among the tender grapes yet it is injured in severe winters, and is almost certain to suffer some injury after defoliation by fungi. There are several reports at hand which seem to show that it is hardier and more vigorous on the roots of hardy, strong-growing varieties.

As if to atone for the faults of the vine the fruit of Walter is almost perfect, lacking only in the size of bunch and berry. The bunch and berry resemble Delaware, one of its parents, while it has the peculiar flavor of Diana, the other parent. Well grown, the fruit is more attractive than that of Delaware but it cannot be said that the quality is quite the equalof that of either of its parents. It does not have the fault of ripening its berries unevenly, one of the defects which debars Diana from profitable cultivation. Though more fastidious, Walter is usually adapted to conditions under which Delaware thrives. The variety has been cultivated for nearly half a century but is seemingly less and less grown, a fact to be regretted; for there are few American grapes of more exquisite flavor and aroma and more dainty appearance. It is said that when protected from dew by walls or other shelter the vines are not so badly attacked by fungi, if at all, and that Walter may thus be grown to perfection. If this be true grape-lovers should see that the variety is long retained in collections and for the garden.

A. J. Caywood originated this variety about 1850 from seed of Delaware pollinated by Diana. It was placed on the grape list of the American Pomological Society fruit catalog in 1871. Walter is still to be found in an occasional varietal vineyard but it is seldom offered for sale by nurserymen.

Vine moderately vigorous, not hardy in exposed locations, variable in productiveness, subject to attacks of fungi. Canes medium to above in length and size, dark reddish-brown, surface covered with thin blue bloom; nodes enlarged, flattened; internodes medium to above in length; diaphragm thick; pith of fair size; shoots pubescent; tendrils intermittent, medium to above in length, bifid.Leaf-buds small, intermediate in length and thickness, pointed to conical. Foliage of average size, thick; upper surface dark green, glossy, smooth; lower surface tinged with bronze, heavily pubescent; lobes none to three with terminus acute; petiolar sinus of average depth, narrow to medium; basal sinus lacking; lateral sinus usually a notch if present; teeth intermediate in depth and width. Flowers open in mid-season; stamens upright.Fruit somewhat variable in season of ripening, averaging about with Delaware, keeps and ships well. Clusters medium in size and length, broad, cylindrical to tapering, usually single-shouldered, compact; peduncle short to medium, of average thickness; pedicel medium in length, slender, covered with small scattering warts; brush short, slender, green with brownish tinge. Berries small to medium, often strongly ovate, red, much like Delaware, glossy, covered with a moderate amount of lilac bloom, persistent, firm. Skin intermediate in thickness, very tough, adheres but slightly to the pulp, contains no pigment, without astringency. Flesh pale green, translucent, juicy, tough, somewhat foxy, vinous, quite strongly aromatic, sweet next the skin to tart at center, good to very good in quality. Seeds do not separate easily from the pulp, one to four, average three, below medium in size and length, intermediate inwidth, medium to sharp-pointed, light brown; raphe obscure; chalaza large, above center, irregularly circular, distinct. Must 100°.

Leaf-buds small, intermediate in length and thickness, pointed to conical. Foliage of average size, thick; upper surface dark green, glossy, smooth; lower surface tinged with bronze, heavily pubescent; lobes none to three with terminus acute; petiolar sinus of average depth, narrow to medium; basal sinus lacking; lateral sinus usually a notch if present; teeth intermediate in depth and width. Flowers open in mid-season; stamens upright.

Fruit somewhat variable in season of ripening, averaging about with Delaware, keeps and ships well. Clusters medium in size and length, broad, cylindrical to tapering, usually single-shouldered, compact; peduncle short to medium, of average thickness; pedicel medium in length, slender, covered with small scattering warts; brush short, slender, green with brownish tinge. Berries small to medium, often strongly ovate, red, much like Delaware, glossy, covered with a moderate amount of lilac bloom, persistent, firm. Skin intermediate in thickness, very tough, adheres but slightly to the pulp, contains no pigment, without astringency. Flesh pale green, translucent, juicy, tough, somewhat foxy, vinous, quite strongly aromatic, sweet next the skin to tart at center, good to very good in quality. Seeds do not separate easily from the pulp, one to four, average three, below medium in size and length, intermediate inwidth, medium to sharp-pointed, light brown; raphe obscure; chalaza large, above center, irregularly circular, distinct. Must 100°.

WALTERWALTER

1.Tex. Sta. Bul.,56:280. 1900.2.Rural N. Y.,60:637. 1901.3.Ib.,62:790. 1903.4.Iowa Hort. Soc. Rpt.,1904:228.5.Mo. Hort. Soc. Rpt.,1904:305.6.Ill. Hort. Soc. Rpt.,1905:302.

Though there are many qualities to commend Wapanuka, yet it is not as popular in the North as was expected it would become at the time of its introduction. The chief reason for its failure is that it does not ship well, seemingly a prime requisite for a commercial grape in New York, though the markets are seldom far distant. It is probable, too, that the flavor is not quite as high in this latitude as in the South, or it may be that the grapes with which we compare it here are better flavored than in the South. At any rate it does not have the comparatively high quality in New York that it is reported to have elsewhere, being too insipid. There is a tendency, too, for the grapes to shatter. The fruits when well grown are attractive and the quality is from fair to good. Wapanuka is worthy a trial in commercial vineyards; and because of the handsome appearance and distinct flavor of the fruit it deserves a place in the garden.

Munson of Texas, originated Wapanuka from seed of Rommel fertilized by Brilliant. It was introduced by the originator in the fall of 1898.

Vine vigorous, usually hardy, productive. Canes medium to short, intermediate in number and size, dark reddish-brown, often with ash-gray tinge; tendrils continuous, bifid to trifid. Leaves large, moderately light green, somewhat rugose on older leaves; lower surface dull green tinged with bronze, pubescent. Flowers fertile or nearly so, open before mid-season; stamens upright. Fruit ripens about with Concord, does not keep well. Clusters intermediate in size, long to medium, frequently with a long-peduncled single shoulder, compact. Berries large, roundish, very pale yellowish-green, covered with thin gray bloom, with a tendency to shatter, soft. Skin covered with few, small, dark dots, very thin and tender. Flesh unusually pale green, tender, somewhat foxy, sweet and mild, good in quality. Seeds separate easily from the pulp, intermediate in size, broad, distinctly notched, short.

1.Mo. Hort. Soc. Rpt.,1883:78.2.Ib.,1892:270.3.Bush. Cat.,1894:186.4.Va. Sta. Bul.,94:142. 1898.5.Mich. Sta. Bul.,169:177. 1899.6.Ga. Sta. Bul.,53:50. 1901.

White Imperial is one of Stayman’s[213]numerous productions. The originator thought it one of the most valuable, if not the most valuable, of his white grapes. As the variety grows in the Station vineyard the fruit is neither especially attractive in appearance nor of very high quality though better in the latter respect than the average. White Imperial is one of a somewhat large number of offspring of Dutchess now known to viticulture in which the good qualities of the parent have been transmitted in a large measure to the progeny. White Beauty, described in the next chapter, is of the same parentage and is similar in general characters of vine and fruit, though berries and bunches are a little larger and the vines a little more vigorous. White Imperial was introduced with great expectations in the West, but, especially in the vineyards of Missouri, whilestill grown somewhat is not holding its own with better known grapes of its class.

White Imperial was produced by Dr. J. Stayman of Leavenworth, Kansas, from seed of Dutchess. The variety was introduced about twenty-five years ago by Stayman & Black.

Vine medium to very vigorous, hardy, variable in productiveness, susceptible to attacks of fungi under unfavorable conditions. Canes intermediate in length, rather numerous, inclined to slender; tendrils continuous to intermittent, bifid to trifid. Leaves above average size, intermediate in color and thickness; lower surface pale green, often with considerable pubescence, slightly cobwebby. Flowers partly sterile, open early; stamens upright. Fruit ripens about a week before Delaware, keeps well. Clusters variable in size, intermediate in length, slender, frequently single-shouldered, variable in compactness. Berries medium to small, oval to roundish, light green, sometimes with a yellow tinge, covered with thin gray bloom, persistent. Skin sprinkled with reddish-brown dots, thin, tender, without astringency. Flesh pale green, fine-grained, tough, sweet at skin to agreeably tart at center, somewhat sprightly, good to best in quality. Seeds not numerous, medium to small, sharp-pointed.

1.Mass. Hort. Soc. Rpt.,1861:68.2.Horticulturist,18:98. 1863.3.Ib.,21:325. 1866.fig.4.Mead,1867:205, 207.5.Am. Pom. Soc. Cat.,1867:44.6.Horticulturist,24:126. 1869.7.Grape Cult.,1:181. 1869.8.Ib.,2:29,fig., 30. 1870.9.Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt.,1881:40, 42, 123, 138, 153, 162, 168.10.Ill. Hort. Soc. Rpt.,1883:81.11.Bush. Cat.,1894:187,fig., 188.12.Va. Sta. Bul.,94:136. 1898.13.N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt.,17:537, 548, 553. 1898.14.Mo. Sta. Bul.,46:41, 43, 44, 46, 64,fig.1899.15.Ala. Sta. Bul.,110:70, 89. 1900.16.Kan. Sta. Bul.,110:243. 1902.Rogers’ No. 4(1, 2, 3, 4, 5).Rogers’ No. 4(6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15).

Rogers’ No. 4(1, 2, 3, 4, 5).Rogers’ No. 4(6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15).

The accompanying color-plate scarcely does Wilder justice as to size of bunch and berry but were the illustration somewhat enlarged it would be very typical of the variety. The berries when fully ripe are quite similar in size and color to Black Hamburg but the bunches have fewer berries than the European parent and the quality, as would be expected, is not so good, falling short chiefly in flesh characters. While Wilder is surpassed in quality, and, as usually grown, in appearance by other of Rogers’ hybrids, it is one of the most reliable of all of them for vineyard culture, the vines being vigorous, hardy, fairly productive, and, though somewhatsusceptible to mildew, as healthy as any of the hybrids of Labrusca and Vinifera. Wilder is not as well known in the markets as it should be, and now that fungal diseases can be controlled by spraying, this, with other such hybrids, should be more generally planted in commercial vineyards and especially for local and special markets. The wine from this, and for that matter from any of Rogers’ grapes, is not of quality such as recommends it and neither are the grapes suitable for grape juice. Surplus fruit would often, therefore, be a loss in large plantations.

Wilder is one of the forty-five Labrusca-Vinifera hybrids raised by E. S. Rogers of Salem, Massachusetts. For an account of its origin and parentage, see Rogers’ Hybrids. The first notes as to the qualities of this variety were published in 1858. The variety was placed on the American Pomological Society list of recommended sorts in 1867 and has never been removed. In 1869, Rogers expressing a desire to name one of his seedlings after Marshall P. Wilder, Mr. Wilder selected this one as in his estimation the best of all Rogers’ hybrids and it was given his name.

Vine medium to very vigorous, hardy, productive, somewhat susceptible to attacks of mildew. Canes long, moderately numerous, often below average thickness, ash-gray to dark reddish-brown with darker tinge at the nodes which are usually not flattened; internodes long; diaphragm of average thickness; pith intermediate in size; shoots thinly pubescent; tendrils intermittent, medium in length, bifid to trifid.Leaf-buds of average size, short, thick, roundly obtuse to conical, open early. Young leaves tinged on lower side and along margin of upper side with rose-carmine. Leaves large, often irregularly roundish, of average thickness; upper surface dark green, glossy, smooth; lower surface pale green, pubescent; veins distinct; usually not lobed with terminus acute to obtuse; petiolar sinus deep, narrow, often closed and overlapping; basal sinus lacking; lateral sinus shallow, narrow, or a mere notch when present. Flowers sterile, open mid-season or earlier; stamens reflexed.Fruit ripens with Concord or earlier, keeps and ships fairly well. Clusters variable in size but are not large, short and broad, irregularly tapering, heavily single-shouldered, sometimes double-shouldered, loose; peduncle of average length, thick; pedicel long, thick, covered with numerous, prominent warts; brush of fair length, thick, green with tinge of light red. Berries large, slightly oval, purplish-black to black, not glossy, covered with heavy blue bloom, persistent, firm. Skin thick, variable in toughness, adheres somewhat to the pulp, with bright red pigment, astringent. Flesh greenish, translucent, juicy, tender, has some Vinifera sprightliness, sweet at skin to tart at the seeds,good in quality. Seeds adherent to the pulp, one to five, average three, above medium in size, often long, intermediate in breadth, light brown; raphe sometimes shows as a partially submerged cord; chalaza small, above center, oval, distinct.

Leaf-buds of average size, short, thick, roundly obtuse to conical, open early. Young leaves tinged on lower side and along margin of upper side with rose-carmine. Leaves large, often irregularly roundish, of average thickness; upper surface dark green, glossy, smooth; lower surface pale green, pubescent; veins distinct; usually not lobed with terminus acute to obtuse; petiolar sinus deep, narrow, often closed and overlapping; basal sinus lacking; lateral sinus shallow, narrow, or a mere notch when present. Flowers sterile, open mid-season or earlier; stamens reflexed.

Fruit ripens with Concord or earlier, keeps and ships fairly well. Clusters variable in size but are not large, short and broad, irregularly tapering, heavily single-shouldered, sometimes double-shouldered, loose; peduncle of average length, thick; pedicel long, thick, covered with numerous, prominent warts; brush of fair length, thick, green with tinge of light red. Berries large, slightly oval, purplish-black to black, not glossy, covered with heavy blue bloom, persistent, firm. Skin thick, variable in toughness, adheres somewhat to the pulp, with bright red pigment, astringent. Flesh greenish, translucent, juicy, tender, has some Vinifera sprightliness, sweet at skin to tart at the seeds,good in quality. Seeds adherent to the pulp, one to five, average three, above medium in size, often long, intermediate in breadth, light brown; raphe sometimes shows as a partially submerged cord; chalaza small, above center, oval, distinct.

WILDERWILDER

1.N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt.,4:224. 1885.2.Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt.,1887:91.3.N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt.,7:105, 108. 1888.4.Rural N. Y.,47:675. 1888.fig.5.Gar. and For.,2:24, 432. 1889.6.Ohio Hort. Soc. Adv. Rpt.,1890:21.7.N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt.,9:331. 1890.8.Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt.,1891:151.9.Rural N. Y.,50:691, 705. 1891.10.Ib.,51:19, 63, 633, 681.fig.1892.11.Bush. Cat.,1894:130, 131,fig., 188.12.Wis. Sta. An. Rpt.,13:223. 1896.13.Am. Pom. Soc. Cat.,1897:19.14.Mo. Sta. Bul.,46:39, 42, 45, 46, 50, 54, 76. 1899.15.Rural N. Y.,58:23. 1899.16.Mich. Sta. Bul.,169:177. 1889.17.Ala. Sta. Bul.,110:82. 1900.18.Kan. Sta. Bul.,110:236, 238. 1902.Green Mountain(3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18).Green Mountain(10, 11, 12, 13, 16).Winchell(6, 9, 14, 17, 18).

Green Mountain(3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18).Green Mountain(10, 11, 12, 13, 16).Winchell(6, 9, 14, 17, 18).

Winchell is at once very early and of very good quality, characters seldom found combined in grapes. But this is not all that can be said; the vines are vigorous, hardy, healthy, productive, and the fruit keeps and ships well, altogether making a most admirable early grape. Unfortunately the berries, and under some conditions the bunches, are small, and this, combined with the fact that green grapes are not as popular as black and red ones, has kept Winchell from being as largely planted as it otherwise would have been. Then, too, as has been noted before, the competition from the South, in which larger, cheaper and as good grapes compete with early northern crops of this fruit, is limiting the production of early varieties of grapes in the North.

There are some minor faults, too, which under some conditions become drawbacks to the culture of Winchell. At best the bunch of this variety is loose and characterized by a large shoulder. Sometimes this looseness becomes so pronounced as to give a straggling, poorly-formed cluster; so, too, the shoulder when as large as the cluster itself, which often happens, makes the cluster unsightly. There is a tendency, under some conditions, for the grapes to shell when fully ripe and this is often a serious fault. Again, while the crop usually ripens evenly yet there are seasons when two pickings are needed because of unevenness in ripening. Lastly the skin is thin and there is danger in unfavorable seasons, or in shipping, ofthe berries cracking though this is seldom a serious fault. These defects do not begin to offset the several good characters of Winchell and it is, for New York at least, the standard early green grape and deserving to rank with the best early grapes of any color.

The original vine of this variety was raised by James Milton Clough of Stamford, Bennington County, Vermont, about the middle of the last century from seed of an unknown purple grape. For some years it had a local reputation and was propagated by some of Clough’s neighbors. By what name it was then known does not appear. In December, 1885, according to their statements, Ellwanger & Barry of Rochester, New York, received this variety from C. E. Winchell, then of Stamford. In 1888, this firm introduced the variety to the trade. The same year there was introduced by Stephen Hoyt’s Sons of New Canaan, Connecticut, a variety under the name Green Mountain. This firm states that they bought the variety from James M. Paul, of North Adams, Massachusetts, in December, 1885. Previous to his sale Paul had sent a vine of the grape to this Station; he exhibited fruit of Green Mountain before the American Pomological Society in 1887, but without any name.

Later grape-growers found that Winchell and Green Mountain were very similar or identical. Unfortunately, in the meantime, Paul had died and no one knows positively where he secured his vines although there is every reason to believe they were from Mr. Clough. Those who consider the Winchell and Green Mountain separate varieties say the Winchell has larger berries and is somewhat later in ripening than the Green Mountain. Though unable to make a close comparison of vines and fruits of the two supposed varieties, the authors ofThe Grapes of New Yorkchoose to consider them so nearly identical, if not identical, as to pass under one name which should be the one first published, Winchell.

Although the botanical characters of this variety are chiefly Labrusca, the thin bloom which sometimes shows on the canes, the occasional intermittent tendrils, and the lobing of the leaf, indicate slight admixtures of Vinifera and Aestivalis.

WINCHELLWINCHELL

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