The Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Ohio) 1863-1886, 1865-03-02
Catawba as tic best wine crane.


authority as placing the Catawba first
as wine grape. His understanding
was that the best authority places the
Delaware above all others both for
wine and other purposes. InstaHced
the case of Mr.. Mottier, of Cincinnati,
who exhibited in the presence Of cXpc-
riencod counoisscurs samples Of Johan-
nisbcrg and other fine European wines,
along W ith Delaware, and the tasters
without knowing the names Of the
several specimens, gave decided pref
ercncc TO the Delaware.
Mr j. c. Kinkcad. Was Of opinion
that both varieties were eminontly
worthy Of cultivation. Both the Ca
tawba and Delaware seem to be almost
universally approved. AS strong
circumstance in favor of the Catawba,
he alluded to the case of certain
French wine grower near Cleveland
q very skillful cultvatoi having many
varieties in his vineyard, who would
under no circu instances sell bunch of
the Catawba, while willing to sell free
~ of other kinds; the inference being
that the Catawba was too precious for
wine purposes to be parted with for
any other.
Mr.. +. J. Boving. Was in favor of
adhering to tho Catawba 1t was the
best for our locality and soil. The
Delaware, thus far, was merely an cX-
pertinent, 1t would not grow from
slips; and the eXpcnsivcness Of its
propagation must for long timo rem
der it impossible to test its merits on
an extensive scale. The monopoly of
the bulk Of tho vines in the country
by II few hands, and the consequent
high prices, must keep the Delaware
out OF general cultivation until Il diff
fcrent state Of things prevailed
Mr.. Gravett. Believed the feeling
against the Catawba in many Iocali-
ties proceeded from causes not prevail
ing here. With regard to the weakness
Of growth complained of in the Della
ware, he thought it arose from too cx
ccssivc propagation. In one sense the
Delaware is II better grower than the
Catawba. Being so much shorter joint
ed, it makes more buds in a seasons
growth, tn ugh not 50 great length
Of vine. Was of opinion the Delaware
would eventually be the grape, when
plants become cheaper.
Mr.. Martin. One point had not yet
been touched the comparative pro-
dhctivcnesS for wine, OF the two vari-
etics.
Mr., Black. The Delaware has the
advantage in that respect. Its thin
skin and almost entire freedom from
pulp make its yield much greater from
the samo weight of fruit. The ordin,
ry mode Of propagating the Delaware
is Objectionable. His method was by
layering, natures own mode.
Mr.. J. G. Rainey, (Mr. Kinliead in
the Chair) Planted his first vineyard
thirteen or fourteen years ago. being
in the dark as to a knowledge ofgrapo
culture. Commenced with the Cataw-
ba, which with him proved failure
up to the 9th year. Tho 1lth year OF
his original vineyard of Il acres, gave
him 1000 gallons Of wine. Last years
crop. though.tolerable, was not so good,
Which he attributed to exhaustion from
the previous years heavy crop. Had
been troubled some with rot and mil
dew. Several years ago, in a season
when the wheat crop was failure on
account of rust, his grapes were every
one destroyed IN u single night by II
pccuiar kind Of midew This was
when they were about haIfgrown. lie
thought that was in good part the re-
suit of wrong system of cultivation
which had been pursued in his vine
yard for Il time. Did not think we
should experience much injury here
from causes complained of at Cincin
natl. The Delaware was, in some re.
spects, to be highly recommended, but
he thought, in productlvpncss, the Ca.
tawba would yield 3 to l in weight on
equal ground and for wine, that the
Catawba would always pear the palm
for excellence, the Delaware being de.
fcicnt in acid. The Isabella is q great
grower and bearer. As to its merits
for wine. by itself he was not fully |
posted. The Oatawba will not be su-
perceedcd by any other grape, unless
it proves failure under protractcd
The Delaware, however,
is well worthy Of continued cuItiva-
ton.
Mr.. Fctters. The Delaware is all |
vine except the skin and the seeds
these being larger in proportion than
in some other varieties. Tho Cataw-
ba has moro pulp, but less here than
in any other locality in the State.
1t was understood that tho discus
sion at the next meeting would be up
on the remaining branches of the sub
jcct heretofore pl opposed, tc-wit: "the
character of the soil best suited for /
particular varieties of grape-tho pre-
paration of the samc-and the best
method ofplanting.' 81,
Mr.. Boving, from committee on Off.
cors, submitted report, recommend
ing the appointment of the following
committee on publication, to wit: p.
B. Ewing, IL. V. Weailcy, David Stall
ter.
Report'uhanimously adopted.
On motion of Mr.. Fetters, the Soci-
ETY. adjourned to Saturday next, at l