Dear Sir: The Hine grape is a seedling raised by me in 1852, the fruit of which was exhibited at the State Fair by Mr. Richmond. Mr.C. Carpenter, of Kelley's Island, tells me it took the first premium as an unnamed seedling. Perhaps the grape will not deserve a name. I have never exhibited this grape at any fair or fruit show, and did not know that it would be at the State Fair till Mr. Carpenter told me a few days since. I will give a short history of it, to prevent mistakes. In the fall of 1851 I noticed in the vineyard of Mr. Daniel Hine, of Talmadge, Summit Co., two bunches of unripe [in September] Catawba and Isabella grapes growing so closely together as to make it quite probable that by sowing the seed I might get a cross of the two. I told Mr. Hine that if he would save me the seed, I would give the best seedling I got from them, his name. The grape you saw at the State Fair is the best one I raised, and was named Hine. About four years ago I gave Mr. Carpenter a few cuttings of the Hine for a few cuttings of his seedlings. I have kept still about this grape because I am not willing that any new variety of fruit I may get from seed should go out, without being fairly tested in different localities, and its faults fairly shown up as well as its good qualities.

I am somewhat partial to this seedling, and have a high opinion of it. The fruit began to color and was sweet before the Delaware this season. Here the wood ripens well, and is hardy and healthy so far with me. If the Hind grape will not stand upon its own merits, I want it to fall. Very respectfully yours, "Jason Brown".

Bunch, large, compact, somewhat shouldered ; berries, medium, irregular in size, round, very dark rich claret brown, with a purplish bloom; skin, of medium thickness, not harsh; flesh, juicy, rich, sweet, and almost without pulp, very delicate, slightly of Catawba character in richness, but not with as much or perhaps any of its aroma; seeds, oval, pointed, flattened on one side, two in a berry; wood, of medium size; canes, reddish brown, very short-jointed; buds, prominent; leaf, large, thick, whitish underneath, light rich green above.

The promise of this grape is very great; but of course it must be grown and ripened in different locations and soils before the public can have any confidence in it as a variety for general cultivation.