Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1868-11-05
GRAPES.
The Crop of the United states.
From the New York Tribune.l

The Crop of the United States
T From the New York Tribune.l
BY all accounts the aggregate crop O
r grapes this year is larger than ever be
fore. The leading varieties are the Ca
, tawba, Isabella, Diana, Clinton, Della
I ware, Concord, and Hartford Prolific
r Some of the newer sort, and some re
Gently brought into notice, such as tht
Ions, Tves's Seeding. NortOn's Virginia
and several of Rogerss Hybrids, arr
yielding very well. There are nc
sources from which we can make 8
correct estimate OF the amount of this
years crop. But the principal localities
where the grapes are grown are the
thriving fruit towns of Hsmmonton and
Vineland, and several places around
Philadelphia, along the Hudson river,
and here and there in New England. In
Western New York the planting has
been extensive, for the soil and climate
are so favorable that all the finer sorts,
such as the CataWbs, Delaware and Di-
ana do extremely well, and we presume
the Iona also fiourishes. From lis re-
giOn, along the southern shore of Lake
Erie TO the mouth of the maumee, In
Ohio, IN belt at least 300 miles long,
and from three TO four miles broad, sll
these varieties are planted in vineyards
with great success. But 1t is TO be noted
that this district is about equally divided
into 8 clay, or shale, and sandy soil,
and that it is Oaly upon the former that
! the finest fruit and the most uniform
crops are obtained. Opposite SaBdusky
| is cluster of islands, six or eight in
number, which have become famous for
| fine grapes. On Point Pelee, belonging
| 70 fN-naAa If ho 10 of tho
group, planting has commenced but re-
Gently. The next grape region lies on
| the southern half of the eastern shore of
Lake Michigan. On the western shore
the winters are so severe that the vines
Winter-kili, which is owing to the land
breeze from the interior. Next in inn
portsnce come the shores of the Missis-
sippi, commencing at Quincy and ex-
tending above Burlington. In all these
localities the Catawba uniformly ripens,
though there are exceptional years
when to some extent 1t mildews. 10
decide whether locality is favorable for
grape-growiug, the only test is the growth
OF the Catawba, for if this does well all
other kinds will OF grape regions which
may be called second class, are to be
mentioned the slste hills OF Western
Pennsylvania, particularly around Pitts.
Jul Anb AAllE vi OutU ollDIC uOH u hH
far as Caledonia, within fifteen miles of
the mouth OF this river, the timbered
region of Southern Illinois, and also the
prairie sOuth of 39o, while considerable
vineyards are 10 bearing north of this
parallel, in Central Illinois. There are
extensive vineyards in the neighbOrhood |
of st. Louis, and along the Iron Noun |
tain Railroad south, Snd extending as
much as fifty miles into the mineral re- /
gion. On the plateau OF Central lowe 4
the Concord has produced magnificent 4
crops and considerable planting with (
varied success has been done in Indiana. /
1t is asserted that Maryland. Dsla- /
ware and Virginia shores excel for grape |
growing, but as yet we possess no posi- /
tive information that such is the case ex-
oept for varieties like Concord, There ia
40 doubt that q variety OF Crane suited
for the Southern States is required; ct
least, those which do we'll at the North
have not so far done equally well ia the
South. The ScGppernOng is said to be
what is Wal ted, but it lacks flavor as q
table grape when compared even with
the Concord. The trouble seems to be
that no kind has foliage sufficiently
hardy to withstand the alterations of
heat by day and cold by night; besides,
the seasons are too long TO suit grape
which IL the North natures upon the
verge of frost. Sill, with regard to
grape-grOwiDg In the South, more exper-
iments are required, as well as q general
analysis of soils and attention to pecu
liar localities. When these conditions
are regarded, success may be looked for
nor was il attained in the north in any
other way. OF grape growing In Cali
fOTnis, we learn that it is recent discOv-
cry that grapes grow better on high
ground, where irrigation is impossible,
than on the alluviSl soil where they have
hitherto been grown. This has led to
increased planting, and il is confidently
predicted that the quality OF the wine
be so improved as TO compete with
hs choicest European brands. Several
new grapes are now demanding atten-
ion. One which will do as we'll through
he interior Of the North as the Csta wba
iOes In the water climates of Western
New York and Northern Ohio, and
without the requirements of slate or
hale soil, will be in great demand, and
will add immensely to the grape interest
If our country. Still, within the limita-
ions Of culture above specified, the busi-
less ia assuming vast proportions, and
syen now, In what may be called its in
'sncy, the crop is OF the value OF several
Millions Of dollars.
In all the grape districts mentioned,
is carried on with consid-
,rable success At HsmmonspOrt, Cleve-
and and Ssndusky, on the islands, and
N the Upper Mississippi, at Hermann,
md at Cincinnati, extensive wine cellars
rave been constructed, and large guam
tiles Of wine made. The quality has,
With particular manufactures, improved
With each year, and taste for American
vine has boen cultivated, but there is
oom for great improvement.