ed with a lilac
bloom; very translucent; pulp sweet and tender, vinous and delicious;
wood very firm; short-jointed; somewhat difficult to propagate, though
not so much so as Norton's Virginia. Subject in many locations, to
leaf-blight, and is _there_ a very slow grower. Fine for the table, and
makes an excellent white wine, equal to, if not superior, to the best
Rhenish wines, which sells readily at from five to six dollars per
gallon. Although I cannot recommend it for general cultivation, it
should be tried every where, and planted extensively where it will
succeed. Ripens about five days later than Hartford Prolific.
CLASS 2.--_Healthy varieties promising well_.
CYNTHIANA (RED RIVER).
Origin unknown--said to come from Arkansas. This grape promises fair to
become a dangerous rival to Norton's Virginia, which variety it
resembles so closely in wood and foliage, that it is difficult if not
impossible to distinguish it from that variety. The bunch and berry are
of the same color as Norton's Virginia, but somewhat larger, and more
juicy; sweeter, with not quite as much astringency, and perhaps a few
days earlier. Makes an excellent dark red wine, with not as much
astringency, but even more delicate aroma, and was pronounced the "best
red wine on exhibition," at the last meeting of the State Horticultural
Society, where it was in competition with eight samples of the Norton's
Virginia. A strong grower, and productive; as difficult to propagate as
the Norton. Mr. FULLER evidently has not the true variety, when he
calls it worthless, and identical with the Chippewa and Missouri, from
both of which it is entirely distinct.
ARKANSAS.
Closely resembles the foregoing, and will also make an excellent wine
of a similar character. I consider both of these varieties as great
acquisitions, as they are perfectly healthy, very productive, and will
make a wine unsurpassed in merit by any of their class.
TAYLOR (BULLITT.)
This grape, under proper treatment, has proved very productive with me,
and will make a wine of very high quality. The bunches and berries are
small, it is true; but not much more so than the Delaware; it also sets
its fruit well, and as it is hardy, healthy, and a strong grower, it
promises to be one of our leading wine grapes. Bunches small, but
compact, shouldered; berry small; white at the East; pale flesh-color
here; round, sweet, and without pulp; skin very thin. Requires long
pruning on s
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