Like Mr. Geo. W. Campbell, I have my doubts as to the ascribed parentage of this fine new, white variety. I must confess, that I am at a loss to understand how Hartford Prolific and Clinton could produce such a remarkable result as is here obtained. I have thought well of this variety, from its first appearance. I told Mr. Ricketts at the time he first exhibited it at the American Pomolog-ical Society's meeting here in Rochester, that to my mind it was a very likely candidate for public favor; and which now, after considerable further experience and acquaintance with it, I am prepared to say that I believe there is more commercial value in it to the growers for market purposes than there is in the whole of Mr. Ricketts' other seedlings combined; the awards of the committees of the American Pomological Society to the contrary notwithstanding. Its merits are, as I have observed them to be, as follows: The vine is a free grower, with dark colored healthy foliage, producing firm, short-jointed wood, which does not fail to ripen as thoroughly or better than the Concord, and so far has not exhibited the slightest tendency to mildew. It bears very handsome bunches, of a greenish-white color, covered with a fine bloom.

Berries round and very persistent, medium in size, and of excellent refreshing quality. Taking all things into consideration, I regard it as the best white grape so far offered to the public. Of much better quality than either Pockling-ton or Niagara, with not the faintest trace of foxi-ness in its composition. Its strong constitution, fine showy delicate bunches, coupled with its good quality, speak volumes for its success. Like Mr. Campbell, I also regard it as a desirable new variety of more than passing excellence.

Rochester, N. i.

The veteran grape-grower, G. W. Campbell, had on exhibition at the last Ohio State Fair, several bunches of the Empire State Grape, and judging from its appearance it is a splendid grape. The fruit is the best shade of white of any grape I have yet seen. It has but very little yellow, having a thick, white bloom covering the berries.

Mr. C. told me this is without doubt the finest white grape he has seen, and if it does as well in other localities as it has in its home, the sooner it is disseminated the better. It is one of J. H. Ricketts' seedlings, and said to be perfectly hardy, enduring with impunity the winter of 1882-83, one of the earliest in ripening its fruit. It will be a good companion for Hartford and Moore's Early.