Question No. 2

"Can any other varieties of grapes beside Isabella be recommended for general cultivation?"

Mr. Hoag, of Lockport, thought highly of the Hartford Prolific, which ripened four weeks earlier than the Isabella; and when not grown in the shade, does not drop very badly from the bunch. The Delaware ripened with him the 10th September, and was a better grape than any other. The Concord is a very fine grape; ripens after the Hartford Prolific, but is ten days or two weeks before the Isabella. The Diana ripensa few days after the Concord; a few berries on each bunch ripen very early, but they hang on finely, and all are sweet and fine flavored. He mentioned also the Perkins and Rebecca, and wished to hear other members as to the Diana and Delaware.

Mr. Barry wished to have the varieties tested thoroughly, and tried in vineyard culture, too, and to see if they prove in all locations hardy, productive, and to ripen early. The Diana pos-Besses all the qualities that are required for a general, profitable, and popular grape. When ripe, it is of most delicious quality, and we cannot be wrong in recommending it. No one can be sorry for having recommended the Diana. The Delaware is a most important acquisition. The Concord, he thought, is going to be a valuable grape, although nothing like so fine in quality. The Hartford Prolific is the earliest grape we have in our nursery, but it drops badly from the bunch. The Northern Muscadine is a little earlier, but drops worse. As yet, would recommend but one variety, and that one is the Diana.

H. E. Hooker felt we must be guided by experience. The Delaware we shall find, no doubt, a desirable grape, - it is so hardy and productive. On my own premises it is now fully ripe. On the same open trellis where the Isabella is unripe and unfit to eat, the Delaware is good Certainly I should say it is a fortnight or three weeks earlier than the Isabella. Hartford Prolific is the earliest grape that I have ripened. For my own use, it is a very good grape. Concord follows shortly after Hartford Prolific; and though I can not praise it very highly, still it ripens a fortnight or so earlier than the Isabella. Rebecca I have no confidence in, its leaves burn so much in the sun. The Diana is a grape which I esteem very highly; a good deal better every year I grow it. The fruit is very rich and delicious, and the vine is a great bearer.