The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1885-12-18
GRAPES FOR THE FARM GARDEN.
PAPER READ by MIR. J. II. TOWNSEND AT
THE MEETING OF THE STATE
BOARD OF AGRICULTURE
AT BLooMsBURG ON
WEDNESDAY DEC.
2, 1885.

| do not propose to give a long, or
attempt TO give learned essay on this
subject. | do not propose to trace the
origin Of the grape, as we all know 1T
is one of great antiquity and a fruit
that is at present extensively grown
the civilized portion of the
world, and there is probably no branch
of Horticulture at the present time, in
the United States which is receiving
90 much attention as the cultivation
of native grap =, while the large in
crease of acreage in some OF our States
shows that the cultivation of the grape
is fast becoming source of great
wealth, and it is one of the principal
features of this essay to draw the at
tention of my farming friends TO the
advantage that may be derived from
the cultivation of grapes in the farm
garden. I simply propose to give
the result of several years of experi.
mentipg with different varieties of the
grape, in order that varieties of grapes
may be planted that are suited to our
county, and that my friends may
plant grape vines that they can rely will
produce fruit to perfection. On many
occasions while travelling through our
county l have frequently observed
very much neglected portion of some
well cultivated farms, and that portion
was the farm garden, part of the
farm that is so c'os''v "' nrectcd with
the domestic ralt, hy farm that 1t
should by no means be so neglected.
will not attempt a description of
the usual farm garden, but only state
that from frequent observation 1 have
noticed the entire absence of grape
vines, and when by chance they are
found in the farm garden they are
mostly of an inferior variety or i'll
very neglected state, producing very
little fruit and being in fact of no pro-
fit to the farmer.
During a period of several years |
have devoted my leisure time in cul-
tivating grapes and l have obtained
considerable practical information
from repeated experiments with differ
ent varieties of grapes, until think |
am in position to tell my friends
what varieties of the grape are most
profitable and suitable to our county.
AT our County Fair had on exhibi-
ton 8 varieties cf grapes. each one or
all of which | can confidently recon-
mend as being profitable to raise, and
for the benefit of my friends will
give the names of the different varie-
ties. For early grar's / lind The
Early Brighton and "Moo'e's Early
are unsurpassed, both of them being
thrifty growers and prolific bearers OF
fruit. l have also grown and tested
several of Rogers Hybrids; they
are strong growers and not subject to
mildew like the slow growing varieties,
l find the "Agwam' or NJ Is "xcel'ent
ard for beauty of cluster and flavor OF
berries can hardly be exceled while
the Salem, hybrid between the native
and Black Hamburger, is pronounced
BY the best of judges who have tried
1t, to have no equal among the numer-
GUS varieties now before the public.
There are many other varieties of Rog-
ers' Hybrids, all of different flavor
and each possessing merits the sothers
do not.
The "Hartford Prolific" ! find very
good, vines are vigorous and exceed
ingly productive. The "Martha", a
pale yellow berry seeding of the
Concord, but ripening earlier, and
better in flavor, / have grown with
great success, and last but not least
the Concord. Of all grapes l do not
know of any that can equal the
concord" 1t is sure and safe bearer
easy of growth, hardy, vigorous and
productive and less disposed to mildew
than any other grape have grown
Suitable for the table, or as wine
grape, it may lack in flavor, but as a
prolific bearer, l have never grown a
grape to equal it. When some other OF
my varieties may fail can alwaysrely
on the Concord for grapes. As wine
grapes | find the "Bacchus" and the
"Clinton' are among the best, being
extremely prolific and making an ex-
cellent wine.
While the grapes mentioned by me
are varieties that are noted for their ex-
celent qualities,l do not wish to detract
from the merits of many of our new
varieties that are constantly being in
troduced by our grape growers, such
as the Jefferson, Lady Washington,
Niagara and many others.
My farming friends may tell me
they have no time to spare on grape
vines: let me tell them there is very
little time required to grow grapes
almost any soil is suitable if not toe
wet, aud there are few fruits that re-
quire so little care, and that give such
wide spread enjoyment as does the
grape. Vines can be grown within hall
a foot of fence or building and many
a corner and unsightly spot can be
made to produce grapes, and the little
attention that is necessary is at a sea,
son of the year when the farmer can
do very little farm work, while the
summer care of grape vines is one of the
most pleasant occupations for ladies sl
other persons who cannot perform the
heavier duties of the farm.
Hygienists agree in pronouncing
grapes as among the best of fruits. The
grape possesses several rare qualities
it is one of the most nutritious OF
fruits for those in health, while physi
clans frequently prescribe..it to the in
valid. Let me assure my farming
friends that grapes should be Oh tn,
table as often as they can be procured
through the season, and not merely oil
special occasions but as an article o
food that is wholesome and nourishing
| have now told you what to plant
in the farm garden, but time will not
permit me on this occasion to enter in
to any details as to pruning and train
ing the vine, or as to the merits oi
the different systems adopted by