The record-union., 1896-12-04

widely different characteristics. For
example, the French investigators, af-
ter having determined the best species
for different soils and situations. pro-
ceeded to make close observation upon
individual plants of the species, and in
due time perceived varietal differences
in plants of the same species, and Sc
lected those with most promising va
riations for further trial. AS a re-
suit of this process of selection they
secured varieties which are far above
the average of the species in vigor of
growth and development, degree of re-
sistance and general suita bility for re-
sistant root purposes. OF the few va
rieties which have thus demonstrated
particular excellence in France we
have obtained stock of four varieties
which promise best under California
conditions viz:
First-For dry soils that is, soils
likely to become somewhat dry in sum-
mer-the Rupestris st George"
Second-For deep, moist and toler-
ably rich soils, Riparia "Gloire de
Montpelier" "Grande Glabre" and
Martin
We desire applicants for these vines
to consider carefully the nature of their
soils before making selections for trial
1t should be kept in mind that the
ltiparia Will not stand dry soils: but, if
the soil is moist enough, it is to be
preferred to the Rupestris, which is
slightly more difficult to graft and
suckers more freely. If there is any
tendency to dry out in summer the
Rupestris, though harder to graft, will
grow more finely where the Riparia
will prove a loss.
1t must be understood that these
vines do not grow edible grapes; they
are merely intended for roots on which
to graft the desirable table and wine
varieties. 1t is expected that recipients
Will not graft at once the vines we
send, but will grow them for several
years to produce cuttings of their own
kinds to extend the plantingof resistant
vineyards as rapidly as possible. 1t is
advised that the first cuttings from
| these vines be planted in different parts
of the vineyard, to ascertain whether
the root is really adapted to the soil
and situation
We have two Riparia varieties as
planted and the soil loosened well be-
| meath to facilitate the deep penetration
of the roots. Cuttings of the three
Riparia varieties for grating with
view to obtaining wood for next sea-
sons planting will also be furnished.
The Rupestris st. George will be dis
trlbuted as cuttings. which, like the
Rlparia cuttings, should be grated into
any strong old vine that may be avail
able, so as to force the growth of the
resistant wood for subsequent roofing
Suckers and weak growth should be
suppressed to throw vigor into a few
strong canes from which good cuttings
can be made.
We propose to divide our supply of
vines and cuttings as equally as possi-
BILE between applicants. Those who
desire resistant roots for both dry AMI
moist situations may have a share of
both Rupestris and Riparia We re-
quire from each applicant a statement
of the character of the soil and Ioca-
ton of the vineyard for which resistant
roots are desired. Each applicant will
send with his application % cents 70
pay for racking and the vines will be
sent by freight or express, the charges
to be paid by the applicant If single
vine of each kind is desired for small
scale experiment. the - cents will pay
for packing and postage. 1t is not eX-
pected that these vines will be dis
tributed before February, but orders
should be sent IN at once. The vines
and cuttings will be thoroughly disin-
fected before sencing out
TABLE GRAPES FROM PERSIA.
Though we have propagated these va
rletleS as rapidly as possible, we have
not yet been able to supply all appli-
| cants. They are grapes of the table
| lands of Persia, which have won praise
| from all travellers who have eaten
them The vines are of the Wits vini-
fera. but the fruit has quite a dstinc-
tive character when compared with the
varieties chiefly grown in the west of
Europe Professor II. T.. Van Deman
eX-Pomologist Of the Department of
Agriculture, secured through the kind
ly aid or Hon +. Spencer Pratt ex-
Minister to Teheran, an importation of
the best Persian varieties. These vines
| were in part intrusted to this station
Those varieties which we have fruited
| ripen very early, about with the Sweet
water, and as they are much firmer
fieshed and tougher skinned than that
variety. some of them may prove Of
| high value for early shipping. The ber-
| ries of the varieties we have fruited
| thus far are of large size, long-oyal
| form and good quality.
| /. Paykaynee RaZukee-Bright red,
| large long, few seeds.
>. DiZmar-Light yellow, very sweet,
| long, tapering.
| .. Kahllillee-Said to be the earliest
| in Persia.
4. Askaree-Wi idely grown in Persia