Peter M. Gideon, of Minn., writes to the Prairie Farmer that, in his opinion, the Eumelan is the best of the black grapes, and we quote his remarks, which seem to us justifiably enthusiastic:

"Of all black grapes that I have seen or tasted, the Eumelan is the earliest, best table grape, splendid in bunch and berry, very saleable, first in market; a prodigious bearer, always ripe before early frosts; strong grower, hardy vine, ripening more wood than any other vine we had, notwithstanding it yielded double the fruit of any other vine of its size, the yield being some seventy-five pounds. Every bunch ripened evenly, though only ton feet of space on trellis, whilst two Concords, same age, each nearly as large (thirty feet on trellis), yielded only about twenty pounds, same soil and culture, less in bunch, and not so good in quality. Evidently the Eumelan is the grape for the North. Safe in all seasons, and no dropping of berries if left out as long as any grape dare be left out of doors. But as to its wine qualities, I can't say; don't care. I grow grapes only for the joy and comfort of home.

If short of space, the Eumelan is the grape. It gives the greatest yield, is sure to ripen, and is the most luscious of all black grapes we have yet seen. But, if there is space, and a variety is wanted, then for quality, and a sure crop, early to ripen, the Croton has no superior among the white grapes, so far as we have tested. And of the red grapes, the Iona is our best, though not so early as either of the preceding, and requires a southern exposure, well sheltered from cold winds, a good warm, soil, with clay, or, better, clay and gravel, to insure well ripened fruit every year. But when well ripened, as they ripen on our grounds, they are truly luscious, keeping well into winter, in a common room, on shelves or in baskets, gradually drying into good raisins, without the addition of sugar."