The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-02-08
VOL. NNlI.

at recent meeting, b. the claims OF the Del
aware grape upon the contdenco OF the pub
lie. The concurrent testimony OF the grow
ers there, was, that the Delaware had been
with them entirely and perfectly hardy, and
very productive. One gentleman would not
hesitate a moment in planting the Delaware
upon a larger scale than any other. Ii al
WAYS ripens. IL is four weeks earlier than
than the Isabella. IL is sure 10 ripen be-
tween the middle of September and the irst
7 Of October, if not wanted sooner. The lon-
ger grapes hang upon the vine the more sac
charine matter they have in them. AS a
rule, the grapes that ripen early keep best.
Added a. it, other qualities, which have
been enumerated, is this, as soon Us the Del
aware begins to be colorcd, it is sweet, il is
good.
IL was urged at the Fruit Growers Meet
ing that the greatest uss OF the grape in this
country, is for wine. We want, said one of
the speakers, ave want grape that will
make wine We buy an immense quantity
of wine, or what is called wine, from abroad.
Some people are particular as to what they
drink, but nobody that have ever seen, has
been 80 conscientious that he would not take
u drink of good native wine. We want a
grape sweet enough To make wine without
the addition of suger 10 the june. We have
found 1t in the Delaware. And having
found such a grape, we cannot raise too ma
ny Of them in this country. In my opinion
the Delaware and Diana are the only grapes
which will make here q really fine wine.
They aro strong growers, with short, ,jOinted
an
ly and abundant bearers and their iruit will
hang upon the vines for long time after
ripenIng.
Ii would seem from this and abundant
other testimoney to the like effect, that we
have found at last what has been 80 long
sought aitcr-a luscious native table and
wine grape, that ripens early. When we
say at last, we do not mean that the Della
ware is new introduction but that after
trying and proving it by the mott careful
tests. eultIyators from all parts OF the coun-
try agree in holding fast to it, because it is
good and withouta delect.
The Delaware requires deep culture, such
euitureas would produce good crops OF corn.
High. .minuripg is not necessary; !, stimu-
hates s.ths growth TOO much. Mr.. Berry says
on this pOlnt," Gultivatgrs arg all too anx-
ious to get fruit Immediately, and to have
il ripen up all at once. The ground for
planting the vine should in all cases BE-
thoroughly prepared and deep working is
one OF the requisites. To-be sure. the roots
may % down into the cold subSOil but we
are not working for one year, merely, but
Tor whole generation. People are too inn
patient for fruit from their paintings they
grumble because their pcar.trces do not
iruit soon after setting out and the North
cu Spy apple, which is now 50 popular and
used to be blamed for its
In planting the vine they usc
in EurOpc, ut first, no manure. They trench
the ground ind plant the vines, and after
warLis manure upon the surface Of the ground.
For a permanent vineyard, the land should
b. SUBSIDIZED at least twenty inches deep.
VI lille doing So, you do not necessarily |
throw the sqbsoil ON the top of the other
soil. hut depending good deal. upon the
charactersof the subSOil. II the land be
worked deep, the roots Of the vines are not
50 liable to be killed by the winters. From
experience which fruit growers have had dur
in: ihe twese months past, we are more
positive in regard to the qualities of grapes
then We were n year ago"