The Florida agriculturist. [volume] (DeLand, Fla.) 1878-1911, 1890-05-07

vines of Scuppernons and Augustine grapes
which grew mostly untrimmed and uncared for. >
When came to the State in the fall of 1867 and
planted out small vineyard. it was with some
misgivings that the results would prove afailure
Now, after an experience of seven years, can say
that my endeavors have been successful; and the
abundance of grapes in the markets of Jackson
ville the past season, is also abundant proof
that others have been equally so.
The advantages Florida possesses over all
other States in point of early ripening. places us
beyond competition. While the Northern grape
grower is content with to 10 cents per pound,
safely expects to realize from 10 to 3Ocents.
In regard to choice of varieties much depends,
although a large portion OF Northern varieties
succeed we'll here. After testing some forty vari-
cites in the past seven years on my grounds, /
would recommend Hartford, Delaware, Crevelling,
Ives Seeding, Concord. Rogers 4. Is, 10 and Tee-
graphs for early, and Salem and Rogers No. for
late. Of the above Hartford is the earliest.
Bunch large, compact; berries large black; vines
vigorous, productive and healthy; ripe June 10th
the past season. Others ripened as follows:
Delaware, June 23rd; Ives, June 23rd Tee-
graph, June 23rd.
Concord, July 1st.
Merrimac, July LIST.
Goethe & Salem, July 9th.
In the decision that followed, J. j. Adams aid
that "Gadsden county is famed for it's wine
Col Martin of the same county, said 81 have
made at the rate of 1900 gallons per acre. 1 find
ready sale for it at per gallon" At the meet
ing of the Association in 1875, Mr.. e. H. Mason,
of Duval county, said Give years ago planted
1000 grape vines on light, sandy SOIL found the
grapes grown our light soil better than at the
North-richer more spicy, sweeter and exceeding
ly nutritious-ust such grapes as would like
to offer to his friends. have just planted 1900
vines mostly Salems.''
A. I. Bdwell said ''Grapes will pay over $500
per acre. My Hartford Prolifcs have paid over
$500. The bunch grapes are too valuable in
themselves The most profitable the Hart
ford. Ives andsome of Rogers because they ripen
early
In September 1875 monthly magazine was start
ed in Jacksonville called "The Semi Tropical -
In the initial number there was an article by j.
A. Craig, of Tallahassee, on "The Vineyard in
West Florida from which 1 give the following;
items: The occupation of the winter, which is
now attracting marked attention, End has yearly
been the increase, bids fair, in the near future
to develop most lucrative and fascinating en-
plOyment to the residents of Middle Florida. In
our high unduating section, dotted with it's clear
water lakes we have the climat and SOIL in fact
the home of the vine.
'Our climate, 'front.' the length of it's growing sea-
son, enables us, by selecting suitable varieties to
have a succession of grapes ripening from the
middle of June to the last of October
1--WE find that the same grapes.that grow we'll
North are increased in size and flavor here. The
Hartford Prolific, for instance, at the North is a
very ordinary grape in point of flavor, and prob
ably would not be cultivated were it not for it's
maturing qualities, while here, although not OF
the first quality, it is a very palatable grape.
''All through section of the State fine grape
lands can be selected OF the Labrusca family,
we would recommend Hartford Prolific, Concord,
Martha, Ives Seeding, Diana and Maxatawney
of the Aestavallis: Herbemont and the purple
grape of ST. Augustine; Vitus Vulpena
Scuppernong Thomas and Flowers Wits
Vinifera: Rulander, Malaga, Sweetwater, Zinfin-
land and the white and red Russeng, together
with Rogers Hybrids, Nos. 1, 2, 4, 9 and So and
Delaware.
FLORIDA is frequently called the Italy of Ameri-
ca, from the balmy air. agreeable climate. bright
skies, fruit and flowers. and we have taken pride
in the comparison, but when, from statistics, we
compare the yield of wine per acre, Florida
nearly triples her in production. Italy
averages 44O gallons per acre; Florida
may be safely estimated at 1000. Our still or dry
wines bring from $3.50 to $3 per gallon; spark
ling wines command higher price,
These are some of the points m de by Mr.. Craig