Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1881-03-29
For the SPECTATOR.
Popular New Grapes.
DESCRIPTION OF VARIETIES, PLANT
ING, &C.
By r. h. HA1NEs.

| By 4. h. HAINES.
Fruit growers have much cause fol
coDgratulation over the many promis
ing new grapes that have recently ap-
peared. IT is human nature to desire
something new, and the same rule holds
good among the lovere of fruit as it does
In the ordinary affairs of the worlds
arena. Old friends have their value
and should be justly retained, but new
acquaintances have their fascinations
and are duly appreciated. The play
things or recreations of days past may
perhaps be among the best, but new
methods of amusement, whether inn
prOvements or not, nevertheless have
their charms and so with fruits. We
would not dispense with the good old
COncOrds and Delawares, but there is
teur or professional fruit-grOwer In the
fair lily white skin of the new Duchess
or Lady Grapes, or In the blushing hue
of the popular Brighton, that it is not
to be wondered at that these, and other
similar new grapes. are 50 much sought
after. But beyond the mere fact that
the grapes that shall name are sea0
varieties, they are possessed of qualities
that in themselves should make them
very desirable. Among the first of these
that will mention is
The Highlands This is hybrid
grape of fine promise, that was pro-
duced from the Concord and Jura Mus
cat. It is remarkable for its beautiful
large lunches and delicately favored
fruit, being considered equal. il not su-
perior, to some hot.house grapes in this
latter respect. Some of the clusters
have measured or inches In length,
and one has weighed fully twenty seven
ounces. The berries are of large size,
of blush black color, of thin but firm
skin, and ripen little later than the
Concord. The vines have much of the
vigor of growth of the Concord, and
with large and thick foliage.
PrentisS.-This new white grape is
creating an unusual interest among
fruit-growers, and from my acquaint-
ance with it thus far, am led to believe
that 1t will prove decided acquisition.
It has been called 'the best keeping
grape KNOWN" and though there are
some other varieties that might perhaps
it Is probably still ahead for winter use.
Up to the middle of February the Prem
tiss grapes appear almost as fresh as IL
just picked. The berries are Of medium
size, but on account of their color and
fine quality have sold at wholesale ut Is
and 18 cents pound, which will place
them in the front rank for profit. The
Prentiss was raised from purely native
variety, without any foreign blood, and
thus far has proved both a hardy and
healthy variety of grape. AS an in
stance Of Its pro6uctiveness, might
mention that pounds of fruit have
been picked from q branch or bearing
cane only 20 inches long.
Duchess -This b Also one Of the most
popular Of the new whine grapes Tho
the berries are not Of very large size,
yet being produced on large, well
Ahouldered bunches, they make 4 very
handsome appearapce. They ripen about
the same time at the Concord, thus prov.
ing very good white grape to follow
the Lady," which is considerably ear
lier The vines, thus far, have proved
sufficiently hardy for this portion of the
United States. doing we'll as far North
as Canada where it will probably also
succeed The fruit ranks in quality as
among the best of white grapes, and
will no doubt continue to be favorite
grape for some years to come.
Early DoaUn and MoOre's Early are
two comparatively new black grapes,
and are friendly rivals, each claiming
to be the earliest black grape of merit
Telegraph is also sIdelicious, sweet, very
early black variety. The Brighton,
which have frequently recommended
to the public in past years, seems to be
growing in favor very rapidly, and nu-
nerous correspondents speak very
highly of it. Other desirable red grapes
are The Delasvdre, Diana, and CdtaWbo
the last two being excellent also for
keeping into the winter. Lady Wash
ingtOm, a beautiful, new white grape,
would consider herself slighted if not
mentioned. She has reigned as queen
at more than one exhibition of fruits
during the last five years.
Grape vines can be planted much later
than many persons suppose, as | have
frequently sent them long distances
through the mails, even after the buds
had grown to an inch or two in length,
and they have yet made fine growth
of several feet the same season. How
ever, 1t Is we'll to plant them out in
March or April, or as early as the ground
is in suitable condition for spading.
The first year Ii is best to allow all the
strength of the vine to run into one
shoot. thus obtaining one single cane
from to IL feet long. The other shoots
may be pulled or broken off when small.
AS grape vines can easily be grown in
either city or country gardens. there are
few persons who need deny themselves
of the rich feasts of grapes that the vines
will bestow.
Moorestown, N. J.