Although a subscriber, and a reader too, of the Horticulturist, for many years, I have rarely intruded on its pages with any of my thoughts, well knowing that others could furnish matter of more interest to its readers. Now, however, as a direct question has been thrust at me, I crave a corner in its valuable pages, to be heard in response.

In the August number, p. 311, your "Buffalonian Reviewer," quoting from p. 524 of last vol., " Delaware grapes found in three different locations in a wild state," says, " This is pretty strong evidence in favor of the American origin of this fine fruit," and asks, "Does the opposing party give it up yet?" No, sir, not quite yet I not until some more reliable proof is brought forward of its Mildness, than has yet appeared. Were these grapes found wild, as stated? Ah 1 there's the rub I They were not only not found wild, but were actually taken from gardens in Buck's Co. or the Jerseys, where the grape is well known, and of course highly esteemed; its original name having been long since lost, it is now known as the "Jersey grape," "Ruff grape," etc. The reader may say these are mere assertions and not proof. Well, to uncover the mystery a little further.

One-third of a bunch of grapes was sent to me by mail, fall of 1859, for a name! I pronounced them Delaware I Bunches were also at the same time handed to several members of the Philadelphia Horticultural Society. They too said they were Delaware I Then it was attempted to make it appear "that these bunches all came from different localities in a wild state f" In addition, we may say, without betraying private correspondence, we were told, that " they could direct us to at least twenty places where the Delaware grows wild - as truly aboriginal as the rocks around it Well, our curiosity was excited: we had a committee of three appointed by our "Fruit Growers' Association," to visit some of those localities; were willing and anxious to "spend time and money," and travel hundreds of miles in search of such wonderful wild grapes; though we were at the same time confident it would end in a "wild goose chase" Still, there is a peculiar propensity in our nature to seek after and discover truth, be it "at the bottom of a well" or in the wilderness 1 It was, however, more to gratify a curiosity, as well as confirm our un belief in their native origin, or prove by ocular inspection that we were mistaken, and thus set the question at rest. Either result would have satisfied us equally well.

Time and again have wo applied to the parties, who so confidently asserted "That a class of wild grapes is growing on the head waters of the Delaware River, of which they say the Delaware grape is the type." Even aside from the pretence that it was growing wild, it was pronounced a true native American botani-cally, and also as " having that Muscat or Polecat aroma so peculiar to American grapes!"

And why, then, knowing so many localities where it is growing wild, did they not at least direct our steps to a few of those localities, where His said those luscious bunches were found? Yes, why? Echo answers, Why? Thus, our "seeking after knowledge under difficulties" was frustrated, and we are bound to believe there are no wild Delaware grapes in existence. We were even told, when inquiring about these localities, "that they had said all they wished to say on the subject." Did we touch them on a tender spot?

All the vines of this variety, though scattered thousands of miles over the country, can be traced to a single locality, the garden of Judge Provost, at Frenchtown, N. J., and to a time antecedent to the advent of any American grape superior to Alexander, when there was quite as much of a "grape mania" raging as now, but was then confined to foreign varieties - from 1820 to 1830. Except in rare instances, the exotic grape was a failure. Mildew, if not the sole cause, was at least the chief cause of failure. Then the Catawba and Isabella were discovered, and as a dernier resort, planted, and gradually spread over the country. Thus we are constrained to believe that the Delaware is one of the many varieties that were imported at that time from every climate where vines could be found; and by a long residence in the country, or from a natural or inherent hardiness, has withstood our variable climate, and now is acclimatized. Though a certain editor may say "we jump at conclusions," we nevertheless think the evidence will fully sustain us in calling it an exotic, a true Vttis vinifera, as much so as Black Hamburgh or Ghasselas; at least until some more reliable proof is brought forth as to its American origin.

Do we give it up? Is your critic answered?

If not, then we shall have to increase the dose I

[It may be conceded that the " Delaware is not found in three different locations in a wild state," without deciding the main question at issue, the nativity of the Delaware; though, if it had been so found, there would, of course, have been an end to the controversy. The question must be decided, as we think, on internal evidence; but we leave it for the present in the hands of "A Buffalonian." We should be glad, however, to have Mr. Gar-ber trace the Delaware " to a time antecedent to the advent of any American grape superior to Alexander," because, if he can do so clearly, he will present evidence to clear up this subject in the minds of many who are inclined to regard the Delaware as a native. - Ed].