History of Grape Growing in the Eastern United States

By Fred Elmer Gladwin 1931

Reproduced in 2007 from the original work which was published in eleven parts in Rural New Yorker in 193 1. Fred Elmer Gladwin (1 877-1940) was a well regarded expert in viticulture. In 1909 he was appointed a special agent of the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station (NYSAES) and put in charge of the Vineyard Laboratory at Fredonia, NY which came into existence that same year. Later he was made associate in research at the NYSAES, and in 1936 was made chief in research in Pomology, a position he held at the time of his death. His entire period of service with the Experiment Station was spent at the Vineyard Laboratory.

This series of columns he authored in 1931 on the history of grape growing in the Eastern United States has been brought together here in an effort to give more prominence to a small part of his work. The citations for the work as it originally appeared are listed here:

Gladwin, F.E., "A History of Grape Growing in Eastern United States: Part I," Rural New Yorker, vol.XC, no.5 156,18 April 1931, page 485-486.

Gladwin, F.E., "A History of American Grape-growing: Part 11," Rural New Yorker, vol.XC, no.5 157,25 April 1931, page 5 13-5 14.

Gladwin, F.E., "A History of Grape-growing in Eastern United States: Part 111," Rural New Yorker, vol.XC, no.5158,2 May 1931, page 543,545.

Gladwin, F.E., "A History of Grape-growing in the Eastern United States: Part IV," Rural New Yorker, vol.XC, no.5 159,9 May 1931, page 565.

Gladwin, F.E., "A History of Grape-growing in the Eastern United States: Part V," Rural New Yorker, vol.XC, 110.5 l6O,16 May 193 1, page 592-593.

Gladwin, F.E., "A History of Grape-growing in the Eastern United States: Part VI," Rural New Yorker, vol.XC, no.5 l6l,23 May 1931, page 6 13,6 15.

Gladwin, F.E., "A History of Grape-growing in the Eastern United States: Part VII," Rural New Yorker, vol.XC, no.5 164,13 June 193 1, page 68 1.

Gladwin, F.E., "A History of Grape-growing in Eastern United States: Part VIII," Rural New Yorker, vol.XC, no.5 166,27 June 1931, page 721.

Gladwin, F.E., "A History of Grape-growing in the Eastern United States: Part IX," Rural New Yorker, vol.XC, no.5 168,ll July 1931, page 757.

Gladwin, F.E., "A History of Grape-growing in the Eastern United States: Part X," Rural New Yorker, vol.XC, 110.5 l72,8 August 193 1, page 837.

Gladwin, F.E., "Grape-growing in the Eastern United States: Part XI," Rural New Yorker, vol.XC, 110.5 l73,l5 August 1931, page 857. Gladwin, F.E., "A History of Grape Growing in Eastern United States: Part I," Rural Nav Yorker, vol.XC, no.5 1 56, 18 April 193 1, page 485-486. A History of Grape Growing in Eastern United States By F. E. Gladwin PARTI. ROBABLY few records corering the introduction Pof any fruit in the husbandry of the United States list as many trials and many failures as do those which tell of the experiences encountered by early colonists along the Atlantic seaboard who pio- neered in ,grape derelopment. In fact failure followed f:lilnre. Pet after q. lapse of time the project would again be rerived and strenuous efforts made to avoid the earlier mistnkes, if such were roc.ogniaed. As we now look back on their attempts and study the causes ascribed for the failures, which are many, one can readily understand that they were groping in the dark, but with the indomitable spirit that so often crowns success in most present-day nnder- takings. In their day there was no recourse to carefully recorded data from institutions devoted to agricultural studies, nor were there available cli- matic data of temperatures and rainfall, sunshine and cloudiness, nor was the relationship of large bodies of water and vine culture associated. In view of all of the difficulties encountered, many of which increased instead of diminished, it is surprising that they still had faith in an ultimate success. Since much of this early endeavor to introduce grape-growing in the East is concerned with a spe- cies not indigenous to the United States, but rather that of the Old World, it perhaps will be well briefly to point out some of the most important differences between this specieb and our native American grapes. The Old World varieties of grapes are known generally by the species name Vitis vinifera. Many people, who are only familiar with appearance and taste apply the term "California grapes" to this species, with the belief that the varieties so des- ignated are peculiar to or have originated in that State. As a matter of fact, all grapes of this type grown in California are introductions from foreign shores. Most of them have come from Phrope and Asia. Vitis vinifera is now grown to some extent

in Arizona and Sew Mexico, it haying been intro- duced in 'these States by Spanish paclres coincident with introduction in Southern California many .rears ago. The climate of these States has proyen entirely satisfactory for most of the Vinifera spe- cies, while that of the southeastern seaboard, even thought Summer temperatures are sufficient, is lack- ing in other respects. Many of the commercial va- rieties native to the United States are of pure Vitis Labrusca blood, commonly known as the fox grapes ; at least this species dominates in most hybrid va- rieties, as in such varieties as Isabella and Ives, both of which are a combination of the Labrusca and Vinifera. Conco~d,Moore and Worden are three of the best-known pure Labrusca. Of course there are many other native species growing wild in the United States, one of the most common of which is Vitis riparia. Some botanists choose to include Riparia with bother species under the name of Vitis vulpina. For many years it was believed that such commercial varieties as Bacchus and Clinton were of pure Vulpina origin, but it is now pretty generally agreed that both contain some Labrusca blood. There are about 10 species of native grapes now growing in this country, but few of these have thus far proven of much importance in the develop- ment of Amefican grape-growing except in very limited regions. Some of them have contributed to the birth of varieties perhaps better adapted for Florida and Texas climates than varieties deri~ed from Vinifera, Labrusca or Vulpina. In short we may state rather definitely that two species have thus far been all-important in grape growing over the United States as a whole. the Labrusca in the East and the Tinifern in the West nncl Southwest.

However, many of the eastern varieties are a mis- ture of the two, while some, as the Delaware, are a combination of at least three species. Now for a time let us consider the similar and dissimilar characters of the two principal species most grown in the United States, the Labrusca and the Vinifera. The first character that stands out when representative or typical clusters of the two species are brought under comparison is the larger size of the Vinifera fruit. While it is true that the clusters from a few Labrusca varieties are larger than those from a few Vinifera, yet it can be said that the Vinifera yields large clusters, and that this is a rather constant species character. It cannot be said that compactness of the cluster is more common to one species than to the other.. But the larger size and oval shape of the berries of the Vinifera are more common to the varieties derived from this species than with Labrusca varieties. The oval shape of an unknown hybrid variety suggests Vini- fera blood, and this in turn may serve in finding the true classification of it. When the berries from the two species are eaten, the differences between them become more apparent. All varieties from the pure natives and most hybrids are now commonly classed as "slip skins;" that is, the skin separates readily from the pulp, the more or less solid por- tion of the berry. In the pure Vinifera the skin and pulp cannot easily be separated. With the fruit from Labrusca varieties, the seeds in most instances do not separate readily from the pulp, while with the Vinifera sorts it is rather easy to free them. Again it is noted that the pulp of Vinifera rarieties is more solid than with- the Labimsca. This lesser water content with that of higher sugar for most Vinifera varieties explain why raisins are possible from this species, while the high water content and lower sugar of most Labrusca eliminate this species from such a use. In an occasional season of drought, a few Labrusca varieties of high sugar content will raisin, but the smaller size of berry results in a raisin of no commerc;lal importance. Varieties derived entirely from the Labrnsca spe- cies hare a particular flavor or aroma that dis- tinguishes it from the Vinifera and nearly all other native species. For some unknown reason this char- acter has been termed "foxy." Various reasons hare been given for the adoption of the term, but as no one of them seems to offer a reasonable explanation, they will not be discussed here. To the arerage European taste, this foxiness is rery objectionable, but to the native American of the Eastern States it in preferred to the mild or vinous flavor of 'the Vini- fera. Perhaps as has been frequently stated, this taste must be acquired. If this be true it may be concluded that a great proportion of people east of the Rockies have succeeded in its acquisition. The foxy flavor of the Labrusca has at times given it an ill repute for wine-making purposes, but a selection of varieties and changes of manufacturing methods have resulted in some wines that were not in anp way inferior to those from the pure Vinifera, and many have been made that were far superior. The higher sugar of the Binifera rarieties has yielded wines of higher alcoholic content thnn Is possible with the Labrusca, yet tastes for alcohol have not always been favorable to bever- of the former are thinner an+ as a rule ages of high alcoholic content. Some glossier than the Labrusca varieties, and native American grape hybrids approxi- quite often they are more indented. The mate the sugar content of the better two species are subject to some of the Vinifera, especially if the proportion of same diseases and insects, among which the latter predominates in the hybrid. are the mildews, chiefly the powdery Varieties, either pure Labrusca, or those form, black rot, the grape leaf-hopper, in which the Labrusca is outstanding, are admot-worm. The speqies of the la& much superior for the making of unfer- named two may be different, but the nl- mented grape juice than the Vinifera timate effects on the vine are the same. sorts. The thing termed flavor or aroma, Varieties of the Vinifera are subject to now known scientifically as an ester, is attacks by a root louse, the Phylloxera, lacking in the Vinifera species, or rather which if it infests Labrusca causes no we should say, the particular esters that particular injury. This louse has been give the pleasant characters to un-fer- the bane of French grape-growers in the mented grape are not present in that spe- past, and to a lesser degree to the vine- cies. For this same reason jellies and yardist in California and the South- jams from pure Ikbrusca are much su- west. perior in flavor and color to those from It has been deemed advisable with an pure Vinifera. The root systems of the article of this kind to go to some lengths two species are quite dissimilar, that of in pointing out the gross differences be- the Vinifers is fleshier and more fibrous. tween the two species that have been and Cane growth of the latter is shorter and are the bases of American viticulture, stockier than with the Labrusca. As a the one, Vinifera, for planting in the group the varieties derived from the West and Southwest, and the other, the Vinifera are more productive than the Labmsca, for the grower of all that pure Labrusca, although some of the lat- section east of the Rockies. The former ter compare quite favorably in this re- has continued with the pure species, be- gard. It has been stated that Vinifera ing only concerned with newer and bet- varieties are adaptable to a greater range ter varieties of the species, while the of soils than is the Labrusca, and while grower of the East is constantly striving this may be true in general, it must be for varieties developed by the combina- recognized that the pure Labrusca, Con- tion of two or more species. A great cord, possepes soil adaptibilities in the number of varieties now grown in the highest degree. The natural growth East are a combination of Vinifera and habit of the Vinifera, bushy and compact, Labrusca, in about equal proportions. makes it possible to train man1 varieties These terms will be used very often in to stakes rather than wires supported by the continuation of this series of articles posts. Spur pruning, which is not gen- as we trace the beginning of commercial erally desirable for Labrusea varieties, grape-growing from but a few vines to an industry that in many seasons has been suffices very well for many varieties of the$predominantmoney crop of many sec- Vinifera. Even though certain varieties tions. We shall see here the same in- of the latter be pruned to canes, these are domitable spirit displayed that has char- usually of necessity, cut much shorter acterized the development of this va& than in cane pruning of the Labrusca. country, as it has forged to the forefrontl The canes of Vinifera varieties usual- are in agriculture and manufactnre. ly much lighter in color than are those of pure Labrusca, although sometimes a (To Be Continued) pure native Labrusca variety, as Cham- Gladwin, F.E., "A History of American Grape-growing: Part 11," Rural New Yorker, vol.XC, no.5 1 57, 25 April 1931, page 513-514. rape-growing F. E. GLADWIN According to the best authorities the PART first vines of the Vinifera species were 11. . planted by the English in Eastern United In the previous installment of the his- States. As early as 1616 Lord Delaware tory of American grape-growing it was wrote the London Company suggesting emphasized that much would be said later and urging the growing of ,grapes in of grape varieties derived from two spe- Virginia assa source of revenue for the cies, Vitis vinifera and Vitis Labrusca, new colony. It is assumed that the,reve- since these two have played the impor- nue was to come from the wine manu- tant role in the development of Ameri- factured rather than the sale of fresh can viticulture. Mention, however, grapes for dessert purposes. Lord Dela- should be made of another species, the ware found on his arrival in the colony pure native Vitis rotundifolia, which has a great many vines along the banks of had some part in the grape-growing of streams, and he writes that nearly every Southeastern United States. But few va- tree is overspread and that thousands rieties have come from this species, these have been seen. But he soon realized largely by selection from vines growing that these grapes were much different in in the wild state. In "The Grapes of kind from those with which he was fa- New Pork," Hedrick et al., of some 1.1?0 miliar. Yet he had faith that if men varieties described, 16 pure Rotundifolia who had made the growing of grapes varieties are mentioned, while but five are their business in the Old World were noted as having been developed or found brought to these parts they would be growing in a wild state showing char- able after a few years to make these na- acters of both Rotundifolia and some tive vines bear fruit comparable with other species. Thus it would seem that that from the other side, if they should the grape breeder has not considered thls be pruned and brought under control. The native species as particularly adapted for London Company was favorable to the the development of new grapes. In this project and in 1619 they sent over a num- book are mentioned 274 pure Labrupca ber of French who were experienced in varieties, and 318 hybrids of Labrusca the art of growing grapes, together with and Vinifera. a collection of varieties of the best It is probable .that the first grapes French varieties. Thus it would seem planted in the United States on what is that with the importation of vines and now American soil were started by the men familiar with their growing, Spanish padres at the old misslons in that the venture got away to a good New Mexico, Arizona and (lalifornia. It staft. The vines were planted in Vir- is also probably true that these were glnia. The Vlrginia Assembly was just started before any settlements.were made as solicitous of success as the parent com- in Eastern America. We know nothing pany, and in the year of importation of the success of this venture, but it is passed an act making it mandatory that reasonable to assume that it went well, every householder plant 10 cuttings, care under the direction of the mission fathers, for and protect them from injury, and since they brought to the attempt years further provided that each was to acquire of experience from the Old World, and the art,of pruning and general care of the climate was favorable. There was vlnes. The Assembly rewarded mith gifts probably no thought of commercial gain, and other favors those who were particu- but rather the sole desire was to grow larly zealous in caring for their vines. only a sufficient quantity that they might Under these subsidies the planting in- have an abundance of the wlnes to which creased very rapidly, and vin~yardscon- they were accustomed. Even today the taining thousands of vines were not un- urge is the same. Immigrants from many common. countries bring to our shores their na- Even with a virgin soil, apparently a tive plants and seeds that they may not suitable climate and with the expert ad- be quite so completely disassociated from vice of ,the French vineyardists, the ven- the mother country, and likewise the mi- ture lapsed. The failure has been ascribed Erant from one section to another takes to many causes. Certainly the three with him a supply of seed or cuttings years that had passed since the starting that he may continue to grow his favo- of project could not tell much as to rites in his new home. Whether the mis- adaptabilities of the Vinifera introduc- mon father had previous infqrmation as tions, insofar as climate, soil and the to the likelihood of success in his new toll to be paid to insects and diseases are southwestern home or not is problemati- concerned. Vines grown from cuttings cal. But no doubt the first success re- in 1619 would scarcelv have come to the sulted in extensive planting later. There first full bearing in 1622, and unless na- can be no question but that this first ven- tive vine pests, and diseases had been ture has been of immense importance in imported.with them, they could not have the development of the viticulture of the shown any great injury fro'm suCh. Teal- Far West. lsies between the' F~ncb,~6- apd Again in the eighteenth century an- Je landholders. have be& assigned as $her attempt was made to grow the Vini- !e cnusra of failure, but it is a matter :era grape in Virginia. Shortly after . history that the lands were abandoned blexauder Spotswood took over the office Wer the massacre of 1622. It would )f Governor in 1710 he brought over a lus seem thnt the. first failure was due ~oloayof Germans from the Rhine coun- the abandonment of farm lands and try, and founded a settlement for them le outlying settlements because of dan- in Spotsylvania County. The Germans ar. Perhaps the element of force used succeeded in making some palatable y the Assembly, then as now, is not the wines, but we are not told whether from est way to accomplish desired ends. Be native or Old World grapes. At any rate tat as it may, again in 1623 the Assem- the venture did not persist. Thus far ly passed another act which compelled we have pictured the attempts made to very four men in the colony to set aside introduce the Vinifera gmpe in Virginia garden, a part of which should be under the tutelage of French and Ger- lanted to vine?. If this edict was not man direction, and after a hundred years beyed the oEendeF had to pay with a success seems bout as far removed as ne of a given quantity of corn. Whether in the first. few years. We are told of his penalty inured to the, good of grape bow these experts, pruning varieties of rowing or not is unknown, but from grnper with which they mere thorougyy ime to time the Assembly included in its familiar ~t home, and growing them In tm-making articles looking to the rapid fertile soil, were still unable to accom- dvancement of vine groying. In 1639 plish the desired end, the production .of n enactment gave a prenirum to success- wines comparable with those to which ul grape-growers, and in 1660 a pre- Lhey had been accustomed. In spite of uum of 10,000 pounds of tobacco mas of- the failures others were ready to carry ered to each grape-grower in Virginia on, and we nest turn to the Carolinas rho produced two tuns of wine from and Georgia, where it mas hoped that the rapes raised in the mlony. These stimuli Vinifera might find a more congenial vidently had some effect, for we are home. French Huruenots bad nlrcady old that a few years later some wine settled in the Carolinas in considerable vas espokted to Edgland. The French numbers, and they brought with them the ,xperts, at least in the beginning, be- love of the vine from their homeland. ieved this locality to be far supenor In Near the close of the serenteenth cen- oil, climate and all other factors that tury they made attempts to grow varie- nake for successful grape culture, to any ties from the Old World with which they kher with which they were familiar. mere thoroughly famaliar. The Hugue- Che abundance and vigor of the wild nots mere expert vine-dressers, which rines found on every hand were so un- term signifies that they were capable of ike anything they had ever seen that performing all the labors necessary to hey could but foresee a most brilliant fu- produce satisfactory crops of grapes, at ure. Yet in spite of all of the apparent least they had done so in their native 'avorable conditions, grape-growing did land. But even they with all the Imoml- lot flourish in Virginia at least to the edge brought down to them through the .?tent that there was much export of esperiences of. their ancestors, were not mne. successful. The vines perished after a For over a hundred years following time without having given much inkling $@ introduction of the vine in Virginia of the reasons thereof. They thought he cultdre was encouraged. In 1769 the they had found tlie causes of their failure Assembly furnished a certain Frenchman, in the oversbading of their cleared areas, land, buildings, equipment, slaves and and the foggy nature of the climate at ~orkmenon condition that he make 10 the period of maturity. Probably the lat- bpgsheads of merchantable wine within ter explanation is more true than the rea- slr years. In the event thnt he carried sons of failure so far given, and deduced out his part of the bargain the entire from the earlier attempts. We now know plant mas to be given him. He produced that foxgy weather, which in turn im- the requisite quantity of wine, but the plies high atmospheric moisture, is not quality was not up to standard, and it required another enactment of the As- sembly before this Frenchman was finally given his subsidy. It seems to be gen- cpdndqs t-o ,pod ripening and high smr eo&at., Bui we 'abo o, wow recog- erally agreed that the poor quality was nize &at fbgw sitykions de*noi ,deisir-, due to a lack of fitness of the soil for the abb for grape-@-owing at any pet of Mre production of good wine, We do not actiOe Summer pej+pd,hspeciall~~Sf fogk know of course whether it was the soil, pelwist for many, dqys in succession. the varieties or some other factors that In Georgia, Abrahm De Lyon, who were responsible for the poor vintage. also bad t 8 encouragement of the gov- but it is suspected that in the light of aany the present knowledge of cultural require- erning autk brities, iqported vin& ments of the Vinifera species, Summer from Portugal early irl the eighteenth temperatures were not high enough to centnry, and planted them in a garheq in develop a high sugar content. At any Savannah, Theare persisted far a time' rate we have before us the first failure and then perisbed. But in spite of the on a large scale of the Vinifera grape in numerous failures ta- introduce the Vini- Eastern United States. But in spite of fera into the agri~ultureof the new coan- this other men came who -believed that try we shall see that the attempts, while they could overcome the difficulties of tbe dishearteni~g,did not discourage others earlier growers. It is only within the who were to ,follow. past few gears that the hopes of the sue- (To Be Continued) cessfwl growing of pure Old World va- rieties on a commercial scale have been abandoned. Gladwin, F.E., "A History of Grape-growing in Eastern United States: Part 111," Rural New Yorker, vol.XC, no.5 158, 2 May 1931, page 543,545. A History of Grape-growing in Eastern United States BY F. E. GLADWIN Part I11 taioed. but the venture evidently did no It has been made plain that the colo- thrive for any long-continued period, sine, nists not alone were eager to grow the later attempts were made at varg-inr frnit to which they had been accustomed intemals. iu their native lands, but the authoritiec; Iu New England vine-growing was at in every manner possible encouraged the tempted, and in 1029 the governor: o trials, even to the extent of subsidies and Jlassaehusetts cauaed to be planted Bin special privileges. In Maryland it seemed ifera varieties under the direction of ex for a time thnt the problem was about to gerts from the Old World. Charles 11, en be solved. In 1662 Lord Charles Balti- cauraged by the favorable reports of thc more plant4 300 acres of vines at St. xoocl wines in the new-country, encour Hary's. He was apparently successful nged the planting of Old World varietiec for a time, for it is recorded that he made in Rhode Island. The venture in 0ad and sold some very good wine. Whether colony turned out the same way, failure. this was entirely from the Vinifera va- The Jesuits in' Louisiana seem to havt rieties, or whether it was a blend of those been the most snccessful in the introdne sorts with some of the better native tion of Old Warld grapes in &sten kinds, is not established. The authorities TTnited States. We nre told that wine were evidently impressed with the ven- mnking became of mch importance thal twe, for grapes were grown for many the French government forbade its mann. years after. In 18% the Legislature facture, since it bid £air to interfere se. authoriwd the formntion of a society hav- r.iously with thnt art in the parent coun- ing for its purpose the culture of the vine try. We are left in the dark as to whethe1 i11 Maryland. Thr society as n part of their success was with the pure Vinifera its functions undertook the testing of wrieties, or whether some- native fruil grapevines, both native and foreign, and was blended to produce wines of the especially was it charged with the trial quality and int amounts that would of native seedlings that were found grow- seriously nffect wine-making in France. ing in abundance. This is the first in- Undaunted by the numerous tcvhl fail- stnnce recognizing the idea that selection nres to introcluce the Vinifera into culture of pure and hybrid seedlings might ~olve in Eastern United States, later genera- ;be problem of an American viticulture. tions yenewved the attempts in not only lhis enactment resulted in the ~lantinq one, but in several States. Another fail- of many vineyards of fnir size- in the ore is recorded for Virginia. but this was vicinity of Baltimore. not so serious to the settlers as the pro- The Swedes who had settled dong the ject attempted along the Tombigbee River Delaware River, in what was then known in Alabama. Several colonies were here as New Sweden. were encouraeed bv their established to grow grapes and olives. queen to plant grapes and inUeveG man- Conditions were found to be entirely nn- ner fu~thertheir culture. In consequence suited for either the growth of Old World many vines were brought in from France grape varieties or the olive. The colonists and Spain, and these were planted in the went through a miserable and harrowing vicinity of Philadelphia. This attempt experience for several years, since the nns etarted in an experimental way, but region was adapted at the time for none in spite of all that could ,be done the hut the most healthy. The venture was venture failed. doomed to failtrre from the start. The Dutch in New Netherlands were About this time literature on the vine much impressed with the abundance and nnd its culture began to appear. A vigor of the native vines mowhe everv- Frenchman by the name of Legnux where about them, and sought theencour- founded a company for the growing of agement of the parent country to support grapes near Philadelphia, but for many them in vine culture, bnt naught seems reasons the project failed, not the least to have come from their petitions. Here of which was dissension within the com- we have the first recorded instance where pany. Wk nevertheless have 'to thank this the governing powers failed to come to man and his venture for the first good the aid of the new project. The first Eng- native grape. Like so many others of our lish gorernor of New York, however. was desirable native sorts, the Alexander most anxious to introduce wine-making grnpe was probably a seedling of a native as a permanent industry in the colony, vlne. It was so xood that Legaux intro- and in consequence he gave to one duced the Alexander as an importation of Richards a virtual monopoly. This man the Cape of Good Hope. But if it was through his monopoly could levy and col- done intentionally we can excuse the man. lect tribute from everyone who later as he served American viticulture wdl wished to grow grapes in the colony. when he disseminated it. Cuttings of the Richards' gmnt. it appears, gave him the ~arietywere sent into Connecticut, Ken- right to certain lands on Long Island. It is not known the degree of success at- tucky, New.Porli and several other. Stntes in 1801. A large grape enterprise was or- Prince grew some 420 varieties of fop ganized in Kentucky rlnder the leadership eign grapes in his nursery and experi- of John James Dufour, but as he did mental grounds at Flushing,_ and 90 or not entertain a very high regard for the more native sorts and their seedlings. He qualitv of native grapes, Old World sorts imported vines from the most celebratetl were planted, and these of course failed. collections iu France, Germany. Italy. Again he tried the Vinifera in Indiana. the Cfimea, Madeira and elsewhere, so along with vines of the native Alexander, that his attempt was the most noteworti~v and all failed but the Alexander. contribution up till this time 011 tl~e&- There was still the belief that the fail- riety question. After devoting nearly a ure of vines from France, Germany, lifetime to these tests with Old World Spain, Portngal and elsewhere was in varieties, Prince turned to the produc- some great degree due to the manner and tion and dissemination. of native grapes. methods of culture. Perhaps a secondary At Cincinnati, Ohio, Nicl~olas Long- reason was the selection of unsuited va- worth apeut the better part of 30 years rieties. And so for many years to follow in attempting to grow vnrieties of the individuals 'here and there concerned Vinifera. He,, too, was most thorough in themselves with attempts to solve the the undertaking, as he procured his riddle. Perhaps the most indefatigable of plants from many sources in the Old these was the Prince family of New York. TT'orld. He planted these under many It is recorded ,that three generations of (Continued on Page 545) this family devoted themselves studiously to the experimental growing of many va- rieties of the Vinifera as well as a great number of native sorts under names and numbers. Wm. R. Prince of Flushing, New York, Who gave a lifetime to these A History of Grape-growing studies, published "Treatise of the Vine" in 1840. This is the first authentic treat- in Eastern United States ment of vine-growing in the United States. (Continued from Page 543) In the beginning of his experiments, he esposures and on many sod types. fi along with the others who had preceded, fact it would seem that he left nothing had an unbounded faith that Old World undone insofar as man conld exercise grapes could be grown in Eastern United control. But with him as with the others Stntes. To quote from the pwfnce of his naught but failure resulted. Following the valuable work of 'long- ;treatise, "In Euro the culture of the vorth, a Frenchman attempted to grow vine has been progbly extended ,to the T-inifera grapes in the vicinity of New 51st degree N. Lat., and 'in some cases to Sork. Accordingly he planted or caused the 52nd. Allowing the present dieerenee to be planted a vineyard of 150,000 vines of climate or temperature to be 10 degrees on Long Island, but after years of con- between similar latitudes of that conti- tention against mildew, sunscald and nent and our own, it thence follows that rots the attempt was abandoned. vines of the foreign varieties may be ad- It is to be noted that in all these nt- vantageously cultivated to 42nd degree In tempts to transplant foreign grapes into our own country, and perhaps the intensity Eastern America the sole purpose seems of our Summer heat may extend the limit to have been for wine-making. Not once somewhat farther to the north. But even is the grape mentioned as a dessert fruit the differences of climate referred to, to- or for jellies or jams. Yet most of the gether with our occasional late Spring enrly colonists were puritanical in the frosts and variableness of the atmosphere, cstreme. will, it is anticipated be greatly di- From time to time following the ven- minished, and gradually subside as a tures of these early pioneers we see at- more general culture of the soil takes tempts, but more limited, to grow Vini- plack" Prince, it will be noted, sought fera grapes in Eastern United States. to establish American viticulture on the Even today there are many individuals basis of latitude, vithout taking into con- 11-ho are growing a few Old Vorld grapes sideration the mnny other factors that in their gardens, or shall I say, attem.pt- have been shown capable of changing the ing to so do. We now know that foreign anticipated perforn~ancesof plants. Fnr- grapes are adaptable to a wide range of ther in his preface we read, "It will soil@,and we have these variations. We also be the purpose of the present work know that many Old World species are to show that vinerculture is in no wise subject to diseases and insects, but we difficult, that any failures that have tak- can control all these through spraying en place were far more the result of er- and Rr fting. We are well aware that roneous management than of any inca- mostCV%ifera varieties cannot stand the pacity of the soil, and that the numerous lorn temperatures of Winter in Eastern difficulties which have been trilled in our United States without covering. This we ears for the thousandth time, exist only can do. Yet but an occasional variety in the bmiy of those who have propa- \rill thoroughly ripen its fruit except in gated them. a season of prolonged high temperatures. It is rather interesting to note in this Some recent investigations in the East seem to indicate that if some of these Old World varieties can be made to start into depresserbgeriod of AmeGican agriculture growth earlier than they normally do in the reflections. of Prlnce on supply and the Spring, the chances that the fruit demand. He tbges the adoption of grape- will reach maturity are much greater. growing as a means of diversification But the methods for attaining this are should the time ever come when the costly. and in consequence applicable on- other crops returned surpluses. Again ly in the home garden. It is an undis- he hopes to keep the balance of trade in puted fact that the West and Southwest America throlrgh the home-growing of does and will continue to produce Vini- wnes. He further says, "It was not uu- fera grapes much more cheaply than will ti1 after immense di5culties that the ever be possible in the East. Thus for vine was brought to its present state of Fears to come foreign grapes will serve successful culture in France, and it the East best, in the development of new should be no cause for discouragement, if hybrids that may be grown mitholit cod- some experiments are made in this coun- clling. -try without the anticipated success." Gladwin, F.E., "A History of Grape-growing in the Eastern United States: Part IV," Rural Nay Yorker, vol.XC, no.5 159, 9 May 1931, page 565. A History of Grape-growing in the Eastern United States BY I?. E. GLADWIN land, but in the vicinity of Cincinnati it P~TIV. proved a sure cropper, and good vintages were the rule. When fully ripe Alexander Thus far the attempts to grow grapes is quite sweet, but too coarse and pulpy in Eastern United States. have largely for dessert purposes. The clusters are of been with foreign variet~es, lmported fair size with medium berries. These are from many countries, and in most in- placed rather compactly. The skin is s%ances cared for by experts or .pine- thick and a deep black. There is some dressers brought over w~ththe vines. suggestion of a relationsltip between These experts knew just how the differ- Alexander and the Catawba, which fol- ent varieties were pruned and otherwise lowed it in American viticulture, in that cared for in their native haunts, and both quite commonly show several green quite naturally they were given the same berries among. the normally colored and attentions in their new home. While ripened ones. But even though Alexander practically all the vine-dressers had been proved unsuitable to some localities by successhl in Europe, yet when they reason of its late maturity : nevertheless could not make the established prac- it showed itself very hardy. tices work here, there arose much dissen- The introduction of the Alexander gave sion among the various nationalities on new life to American viticulture. The many of the questions of culture here. vine and its culture became the subject Even today many of our recent immi- of many writers, and the virtues of found- grants undertake to grow native Ameri- ing and the rapid. development of grape- can grapes as they did foreign sorts in growing were encouraged. Most of the their homeland. The Frenchman, the writers of this period were of the firm German, the Italian, and the Englishman conviction that the native grape must each has bfought with him rule-of-thumb gire the foundation on which a success- methods which he strives to adapt to very ful and permanent industry must rise. different plants, growing under very dis- John Adlum, writing in 1809, and speak- similar conditions. ing of the Alexander grape, says : "I think We know that many attempts were it would be well to push the culture of later made to introduce the Vmfera into that grape without losing time and ef- Eastern United States in spite of all. the forts in search of foreign vines." Jeffer- failures that had gone before. But lt 1s son, it appears, much favored the rapid likewise apparent that the real reasons development of American grape-growmg, for the failures were not fully recogniaed. and no doubt stimulated the writing of The knowledge gained from the ploneer- Adlum's "Cultivation of the Vine," the ~ngefforts was, however, of the greatest first American book dealing with Amen- importance in the later development of can grapes. American viticulture, when based on na- The introduction .of Alexander and the tive grapes as the foundation stocks. Con- successes which it met eenerallr. instead siderable was learned of soils, length of of checking the search fkother 'and bet- growing seasons, etc. ter varieties, only served to stimulate the We have reviously mentioned the in- hunt for other seedlings, with the hope troduction of the native or near native that some would be found in which the variety, Alexander, through its dissemi- faults of Alexander would be reduced or nation by Peter Legaux. Wherever vines entirely lacking. Looking back over th~ of this variety were planted they did ex- many years that were devoted to trials of ceedingly well, as compared with the for- foreign grapes, one can but wonder what eign introductions. The news of the suc- might have been the history of eastern cessful culture of the Alexander spread grape-growing, if the problem had been rapidly, and it war, not long befpre it was approached, as it was later, through the quite extensively planted in w~delyscat- domestication of native wild vines and tered areas. Undoubtedly the Alexander the seedlings therefrom. At any rate was a direct product of the wild native once this procedure was suggested direct- Vitis Labrusca which abounded from ly as a result.of the finding and dissemi- Maine to Georgia with an admixture of nation of the Alexander, grape-growing the Vinifera. It is supposed to have been in the East seemed to have leaped all found first growing in the vicinity of the barriers that had seemed insurmount- Philadelphia in a mixed planting of Old able. From now on. while the number of World varieties. This variety ripened introductions were not great, each new its fruit rather late, so that it did not variety marks a distinct advance over the mature well in New York or New Eng- previous one. The Catawba and Isa- bella were introduced into general cul- ture at about the same time, although the former it would seem had been under observation .a few years earlier. Since these varieties have meant so much in the viticulture of Eastern United States it seems desirable to write of th'em at some length. As Isabella wowld seem to have been under cultivation, a trifle earlier than Catawba it will be con- sidered first. near the Catawba River, from which it The lsabella Grape derived its name." This was written in While this variety is of little conse- 1840, hence it would seem that the Ca. quence in the viticulture of the United tawba first came to notice about the year States today it at one time was qxite 1800. However Major John Adlum, sol. well thought of and considerably planted. dicr, surveyor, judge and author intro- It was introduced about the year 1816, duced it into general cultivation. Mr. although it was known some years pre- Longworth, of Cincinnati, was one of the vious, and for many years it and Ca- first to receive a goodly supply of the tawba were the chief native variet~es. Catawba, and subsequently he distributed Isabella does not require quite so long it in large quantities and in many locali- a season for ripening as the former, ties. Indiana, Ohio and Missouri plant. hence it was planted farther north than ed rather extensively of the variety, and Catawba. The origin of Isabella is un- its culture was encouraged in the reglon known, but it is suspected that its origi- about Philadelphia. Catawba was a very nal home was in one of the Carolinas. decided improvement over the Alexander, Before the Concord was introduced in- since the latter was almost exclusively a to American vineyarding Isabella .was wine grape, while Cataaba not only quite generally grown in the Chautauqua- yielded a superior wine, but it was rel- Erie region, and it was at that time the ished for dessert purposes. Mr. Adlum best black or blue variety. Some dlf- considered it to be worth an others, in- ficulty was experienced in bringing it to digenous or esotic, for wine purposes. It ripeness in many seasons in the section, would seem that the urge to better agri- so that when the Concord, an earlier ma- culture through new fruit varieties was turing sort, became available for exten- no differcut in the early days than we sive planting Isabella waned in populari- now find it. From the writings of Ad- ty. Thus it may be said that the develop- lnm, Longworth and others it is indicated ment of the section now known as the that the Catawba flourished under more Chautauqua Grape Belt received impetus diverse conditions of climate than it does from the Isabella. Here as with the cul- today. Almost without exception it was tivation of vines in general, the principal reported as ripening well, and the wine usage of the fruit was for juice or wine. made from it seems to have been satisfac- Had the Concord, and the subsequent tory for most tastes. Then as later, this seedlings from it not come into being very variety was used largely in the making shortly, it is quite probable that Isabella of two types of wine, a sparkling julce, mould have been the foundation variety and a dry wine. Today one would not for many other new grapes. There is think of planting Catawba in many of every reason to believe that its growing the regions where it once apparently suc- contributed much to the future of east- ceeded. But perhaps it did not usually ern grape-growing although the variety attain the ripeness that we demand to- in itself was inferior. Men who had or day, or else thc large users did not in- were about to become interested in the sist on a high-class content than was culture of the vine were much encwr- actually necessary in order to produce a aged by its behavior and came to believe, desirable juice. It is interesting in this as was afterward proven, that there was connection to quote Nicholas Longworth to be a future in the growing of pure na- on the subject of testing for maturity. tive grapes or hybrids in Eastern States. "To test its maturity, press out a tum- bler full of must, and if you have no The Introduction of the Catawba saccharometer, put in it a fresh-laid hen's The next most important event in the egg. If of proper maturity, the egg will founding of a permanent American viti- then rise the size of a quarter of a dol- culture based on native vines, was the in- lar above the juice. If not rich it will troduction of the Catawba grape. If this sink. The Catawba should in favornble variety had not come when it did it is seasons weigh from 00 to 97 by our sac- quite probable that eastern grape-growing charometers." As other native grapes would have lagged for many years. But were introduced, probably better adapted the discovery of it and its rapid dissemi- than Catawba for many of the localities. nation gave an impetus that was not to the latter was gradually eliminated until wane. The origin of the Catawba is to its cultivation was confined only to those this day somewhat beclouded, although regions where it attained the highest de- most agree that it is a derivation from gree of maturity. In our day we recog- the pure native Labmsca. Nicholas nize several limited, but well-defined- sec- Longworth, than whom there was no tions where the Catawba has been grown other more interested in establishing the almost exclusively for many years; and vine, writes, "I received recently a let. even to this day if it is planted .at all, ter from Mr. Alves of Henderson, Ky. it is only in those localities [email protected] He was born in North Carolina, and says be especially favorable for its cultiva- that he heard of the Catawba grape in tion. (To Be Continned) the upper part of North Carolina nearly 40 years ago, and that it was discovered Gladwin, F.E., "A History of Grape-growing in the Eastern United States: Part V," Rural Nav Yorker, vol.XC, no.5160, 16 May 1931, page 592-593.

In 1830 the first grapes were planted in ,the region now known as the Finger planted in 1M3, by the originator. Lakes district. These were started in Ephraim Bull, of Concord, Mass., and the garden of Rev. William Bostwick at that in 1849 the first fruit was borne. Hammondsport, N. Y. It is not known There seems to be a slight discrepancy just how much Chis small venture later in the dates ascribed to its inception as influenced the planting of grapes on an the inscription on the stone wh~chmarks extensive scale in this region. We are told the location of the original vine would that Rev. Mr. Bostwick planted the two indicate that the vine had been selected most important native varieties known at and planted in 1840. However, it may this time, the Cntawba and the Isabella. mean that the seed was saved at the close Since the first named later became in- of that year, If the latter interpretation delibly linked with the region, we must is the correct one it would seem that Mr. assume that his efforts had some consid- erable influence on the viticulture for many yenrs to follow. A few years later Bull held the seeds over three full years small plantings of Catnwba and Isabella before they were planted. Of course from were made in the Hudson Valley, in the practical standpoint this apparent Ulster and Orange counties. conflict of dates is of no consequence. At about the time Concord was intro- The Massachusetts Horticultural Society duced, or shortly after, the area of grapes placed it on the recommended list of new in the vicinity of Cincinnati had in- fruits in 1858. Within a year it could be creased to approximately 2,000 acres, and found growing to some extent halfway 100 acres were growing along the south- across the continent. Shortly before the ern shore of Lake Erie near Cleveland, year 1860 Concord was planted in a trial Ohio. The acreage at Hermann, Missouri, way in Chautauqua County, N. Y., and had grown from 50 acres to 200; and within the next decade it was rapidly Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana accepted on its merits, since the acreage and Arkansas had either increased their here rose from 20 acres of all varieties acreages or had at least made a begin- to 500. ning in grape-growing. So that in it is estimated close to 6,000 acres of grapes were under cultivation. By the close of the same year, the Keuka Lake

acreage reached 500 in the vicinity of Pulteney, and the Hudsea Valley total rose to 300 acres. During this interim the Concord was listed by the Massachusetts Horticul- tural Society, and introduced to the pub- lic at large. There can be no doubt that its introduction is responsible in a large degree for the increases in acreage, as we are well aware that the Concord from the time of its recognition as a worthy sort was eagerly sought. It is deemed well to give some space to its origin and introduction, although this has been printed numerous times. On the whole it is generally agreed that Con- cord is a seedling of our native Labrusca species, as it shpws not a single char- acter of any other known ene. That it was a chance plant, and did no! result from selection except that possibly tho parent vine from which the seed is sup- posed to have come, had been taken from the field, probably because of its fiuperior character. Close by these .native vines Catawba was growing so that there is th~ possibility that the seed which was saved and planted, and from whieh the Cancord arose had been cross-fertilized naturally by the Catawba. We can only speculate on the probabilities that .this occurred, and while from the standpoint of the re- search worker the true facts would be highly desirable, yet the average layman is not much concerned as to iust how Cancord came into being. We-are told that the seed from the wild vines was Within the next 10 years, there were The original Concord vine still stands 14.590 acres of grapes under cultivation in hIassachusetts, where it has been pro- in New York and Pennsylvania alone. tected from injury through fencing, and while Ohio, Indiana and Illinois mere a marker suitably inscribed has been growing approximately 17,000. Since that erected. It is particularly fiting that the time the acreage for the two first-named labors of Ephmim Bull should thus be States has increased to over 40,000 acres, recognized, since his efforts mark the high while the last named with the possible spot in eastern viticulture. It is stated exception of Ohio, has diminished. I11 thnt Mr. Bull realized but little in a fie 1W, Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri. nancial way from the sale of his origina- North Carolina, Tennessee and Vir- tion, yet this one grape has added mil- ginia were growing about 30,000 acres of lions of dollars to the wealth of America, grapes, but aside from Missouri all the and the end is not yet. others have ceased to be of any consid- Some years ago when the belief was erable importance in viticulture. At quite common that the decline in the pro- the present time, there are attempts to duction of many of our 1ong;xltufed revive the industry in some of these and frnit varieties was due to n running other States not then greatly interested out," the writer secured cuttings from in the grape. We now know some of the this original Concord, and from them reasons why certain regions abandoned grew several plants. These were planted the growing of grapes as a commercial along with vines of the sdme age and venture. Two of the most important grade from the nurseryman. From year causes were climate and markets. It ia to year the behavior of the vines directly not to be denied that of all the regions from the original plant has been compared that took up the culture of the grnpe and with those vines several generations re- especially the Concord, the Chautauqua- moved, or vines such as anyone will buy Krie district is the most favored climntic- today from the nursery. The conrlusions ally. Today some other sections mas be reached thus far are, that the vines of more directly accessible to- large consnm- Concord obtainable from any reliable ing markets, yet from the climatic stand- nursery are not one whit different in point there is none that can surpass it frcit or vigor from those directly de- in so far as favorable climate is related scended from the original vine. Hardi- to the growing of Concord. The writer ness has not been sacrificed in propaga- had visited most of the Concord prodoc- tion or cultivation throughout these 80 ing sections east of the Rockies within the years. Today Concord is just as truly past 20 years, and this statement is based "the grape for the millions" as it was so on observations he has made from time designated many years ago. to time. On the other hand other dis- tricts seem to grow better Catawba and Ningara than are grown in Southwest- ern New York, and doubtless there are several other varieties about which the same may be said. In a later article the principal eastern grape districts will be discussed more in detail, together with the varieties that seem to be most adaptable to them. .z Gladwin, F.E., "A History of Grape-growing in the Eastern United States: Part VI," Rural New Yorker, vol.XC, no.5 16 1, 23 May 1931, page 613,615. ncters of the Old World species, and this is what actually happened with Rogers' hybrids. From these crosses the Salem - . States came, which was introduced in 1867. -I In BY I?. E. GLADWIN. 1870 others were named and introduced, and still others introduced, but not PARTVI. named; and eren today some of these are It would seem that the introduction oi still out under numbers. Some of the the Concord grape was all that was best known of Rogers grapes are the needed to make grape-minded those mans Agawnm, Barry, Goethe, Herbert, Lind- individuals, who with each successive in- leg, Massasoit, Merrimnc and Wilder. troduction of a variety, had their liope~ While mnny of these have never rittained raised, only to find later that each anc commercial importance, most of them ewry newcomer had one or more fault^ have been grown in all home gardens. that limited 'its culthre 'to within rather Even today the call comes for the fruit closely prescribed areas. Late matnritj of oue or more of these for certain culi- of fruit. susceutibilitv to low temuern- nary uses. Some people are of the opin- tures, a lack df vinevvigor or not 'suffi- ion that no grape renders quite so de- ciently productive -were found to'be as- licious jelly as comes frorn the Agamam. sociated with alf thus . far introduced. Others of the Rogers hybrids hnve served The pioneers in the developmkiit'of vine- as the foundations for the derclopment yards with Concord as a fonndation of still newer varieties. For instance. stock, early realized thnt with this va- Herbert is one of the parents of the re- riety, most of the wealrnesses of former cent introduction Sheridnn. Probablv sorts were absent, or at least they were the chief renson that limited the growiiNiagara, since and Worden, so that today in limited its introduction, has enjoyed great popu- areas, the growing of American grapes larity, and even today it seems to be is of considerable importance. Within more in demand than at any time within recent years grape-growing in Delaware the past 20 years. The original vine of bas taken on a new lease, and many fine Niagara is still growing near Lockport, acreages are now to be seen in this State. N. Y., and is marked with a suitable Probably the largest development of na- monument with inscription. It is par- tive grapegrowing in recent years is in ticularly fortunate that the original the Ozark Mountain section of South- plants of the two leading native Ameri- western Missouri and Northwestern Ar- Fan grapes are still growing and produc- kansas. Within the past few years selr- Ing friut after these many years. While era1 thousand acres of Concord have been Concord has played an important part planted, nearly all of which, are now in in the development of other grapes it has full production. The early success of seldom fallen to the lot of a single va- two or more Italian colonies in these riety to be vitally concerned in the pro- States, covering a period of years, formed dnction of three such grapes as Moore, the nucleus around which the industry Worden and Niagara. has grown. The growing of American The United States census tells us that grapes has been revived in a small way in 1890 there were growing approsimate- in North Carolina, South Carolina and ly 188,000 acres of natire American Virginia within the lnst few years. Just grape3 in the lTuited States. Shortly now there is some revival of the industry after this year the section about Lawton in Illinois, Massachnsetts and Kansas. and Paw Paw, Mich., planted heavily, so While grape-growing was never of that .Michigan rose to fifth rank in the great importance in Oklahoma, there mas grolvlng of grapes. In recent yenrs the a considerable planting of Moore adja- planting has been extended to the areas cent to the Missouri border. This acre- about Benton Harbor and St. Joseph. In age is rapidly diminishing at the present 1900 Iowa grew 3,700 tons of American time. Georgia is apparently growing less grapes. In this year grape-growing was and less tonnage each season, as is the of considerable importance in the follow- case with Indiana. ing States: New Yorlr, Ohio, Pennsyl- vania, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Kan- Beginning shortly after the adoption sas, Missouri, Georgia and Oklahoma. In of the 18th amendment, New Yorlr, Penn- later years other States planted native sylvania, Michigan, the three principal American varieties. Some rear ago Mun- States now engaged in the growing of son of Denison, Tes., souiht to build up American grapes, greatly increased their the viticulture of the Southwest, using acreages. But for the past five years the the many native iild species abundant tendency has been to curtail, or at least in Arkansas and Texas as the foundation to hold the production without further stocks. Through his painstakin5 efforts Increase. During the same period Ohio several very meritorious varieties were reclaimed many acres previously aban- bred, named and disseminated. In the doned, and at the same time established main, the Munson originations are large- others, especially along the shores of ly adapted to the South and Southwest, Lake Erie. Within recent years grape- since most of them matured their fruit growing in the. Niwara peninsula of On- too late for northern latitudes. Within tario has recei,ved an impetus which has very recent years Florida has sought to resnlted in a rather' estensive planting establish grape-growing as n commercial of Concord and Niagara. venture, and the most promising vane- Gladwin, F.E., "A History of Grape-growing in the Eastern United States: Part VII," Rural Nav Yorker, vol.XC, no.5 164, 13 June 1931, page 681. A History of Grape-growing in the Eastern United ter century were largely used in the manufacture of wines, and eome of them States ' in a lesser degree fop dessert purposes. Of all, the only one that survives is the BY F. E. GLADWIN Delaware, and this is now used largely PARTVII for dessert purposes. It is exceedingly In this part of the hktory of American rare to find even a few Vines of Imbella grape-growing we will try to summarize today, where 25 years ago many. were still growing this variety in considerably the achievements of the past quarter cen- numbers. The variety Ives was quite ex- tury, a rather big task to be covered in tensively planted in the Finger Lakes so short a space, hence only the high district of New Pork early in this period. spots will be touched. At the beginning but now only an occasional small vine- yard remains. At the present time an of this period, Concord was unquestion- attempt is being made to introduce this ably the leading general-purpose variety, sort into the Niagara Peninsula of On- and after a quaitter of a century its place tanio, Canada. The pnssing of the Ca- tnwba is directly traceable to the adop- iu still at the very top. All regions in- tion of the 18th Amendment, although cluded, Catawba was the second most many still prize it highly for'dessert and important, but at the close of the period jelly purposes, but its extensive growing its popularity has waned, though prob- in the early days was largely for mine uses. It would seem in view of these ably it is still second in point of acreage. statements in order to meet changing The standing of Ntagara as a commercial conditions, whether brought about by variety has fluctuated quite widely dur- legislation or people's tastes, that the ing the past 25: years. Only a few years best varieties to plant in the future are those that will serve several purposes ago its planting was on the decline, but equally well. It is probable that the di- within the past 10 years the demand for verse uses to which Concord may be put, it has been increafflng, SO that today coupled with its wide adaptability to Kiagara should be accorded third place climates and soils, has kept it in the fore- among front after all these years. native American sorts. During Now what have lbeen the variety ad. the' period Moore lhdy has steadily lost ditions within the past 25 yeam that aste as a commercial variety, although have made and are making an impression this decline has been more rapid during in eastern grape-growing? Owing to the the past 10 years. l'robably the passing writer's close connection with production of Moore is not due iw much to the chang- of some of these, it may seem that his ing tastes of the consumers as to the views are perhaps a trifle colored. So lack of vigor and productiveness of the with this warning the reader is in a variely. Of course these characters have position to judge correctly eome of the not changed, or 9s it is commonly ex- statements that will follow. In the be- pressed, there has been no "running out," ginning it should be stated that no grape but rather the plauting has of necessity introduced within the past 26 years pos- been on poorer soils. \Vorden at this time sesses all the good charhetens of the is lem numerous in commercial vineyards Concord, and not a few of them carry than it was 10 years ago, although as a some of its faults, yet some of them are home variety it is probably more exten- very meritorious and fill a distinctive sively planted. This variety, owing to place in American viticulture. Early in the the tender nature of its fruit, can never period Munson of Texas was breeding become an important variety for skp- and introducing his varieties, developed pidg purposes, and it can have no place in the main from the wild species abun- in the *manufaoture of juice unfermented dant in the Southweat. Probably of all or otherwise, because of the lack of the Munson introductions, Carman has proper balance between sugar and acid proven the most important commercial content. We may thus conclude $hat variety, altlivugh it will not ripen thor- IVorden has been in its heyday. J!he nugly in the North. Had it not been for coming of prohibition has elimnated sev- the revival of grape-growing in Florida eral very high quality American varieties. within recent years Cnrman would have The Delaware, Iona, Duchess, Diamond, ~~emained.just another grape. Hopever, Elvira, and Norton for most of the quar- from the first it seemed to fill the de mand for an American type grape as 110 other up till the present in the de- ~elopment of Floriaa viticulture. Thk vnriety is very productive, vigorous. and the dusters are large and weli filled. 'l'e have nwer eaten the fruit of this var.iety as produced in Florida, but in the North the ratio of acid; t,o sugar h too higff'for a palatable dessert variety. . The Lucile, a large red-fruited sort, for a time enjoyed a great po'pul'aYity, largely pn account of its productiveness and in some seasons attractive clusters ; but rieties than in any other new fruit in owing to its foxiness its consumption was spite of the fact that for nearly 50 years limited to those only who preferred this there have been more sorts of grapes to flavor. Since there was no other use choose from than any other. It should be except dessert for it, it has been planted kept in mind tkt in this d%cussion we only in a very small way. At the present are not considering the development of Lucile is on the decline, both as a com- the viticulture of the Pacific Coast. mercial and home grape. CampbeIl Early, There as here the variety question has which is a misnomer, since it is not early, been a leading one for many years, and in but only begins to color early, has been spite of the depressed condition of the rather extensively planted in parts of industry there, the interest in new sorts Michigan. This,mFiety, while introduced has not waned greatly. Perhaps it has some years before the beginning of the qccurred to some of yon that white and era we are discussing,, promised much red varieties of grapes have not been because of its yield of large clusters, near so plentiful as the blue, and this made up of large berries. However, its is true even today. Right now there is quality proved decidedly lacking, and a wide open field for the introductrion of 'nnder some soil conditions the vines were a red grape that is as good as Catawba, weak and easily injured by Winter cold. but which mill nipen at least two weeks earlier. The only sorts that in any way We may conclude that Campbell will be meet these requirements fall far short less grown in the future. Twenty years in several characters. Lutie and Little ago or more one of the western nursery- Wonder are early, but the clusters are men brought out several sorts nnder va- small and the vines lack vigor. Brighton rious names that seemed to fill somc of is vigorous, and The fruit ripens early the needs in grape varieties, but trial enough, but when planted by itself the of these over several years proved that dusters do not set fall, and in some lo- all were surpassed by existing varieties. calities mildep is the limiting factor in The impression seemed to prevail that its growing. Regal, a .fine quality red- the most important character sought in fruited variety, matures too late for north- new grapes was earliness, and even today ern latitudes. Lindley and most of the the commercial grower places this con- other Rogers hybrids are not planted at sideration first. With thts in mind we all except in the occasional home garden. can understand the introduction of Early although Goethe has proven of some merit Daisy, whose chief characters were earli- in Virginia and other Southeastern ness and productiveness. While Daisy States as a commercial variety. Delaware was never planted extensively, most com- bas not been planted commercially during mercial vineyards contained small blocks the ~astquarter century, and but on a of this variety. Fire years ago it ms small scale for the home supply of fruit. considerably in demand, but in recent Only a very few of the present-day city sears this has rapidly lessened. If Daisy consumers are familiar with the variety had a larger berry and if its flesh were and its high qualify, while the small size not so firm and hard, it possibly would of its berries does not appeal. Occasion- be in the ascendancy, because of its sea- ally we are asked for the Delaware by son and productiveness. It too is a one- name by the automobilist, but if it placed purpose variety. The Caco grape, intro. by the side of any large-berried sort on duced within the past 25 years, has prob- the sales stand, the latter is chosen nine ably been more extensively advertised times out of 10, and of course the choice than any sort within the memory of most is almost entirely on the basis of size. of us. Yet in spite of all this Caco has During the past quarter century a red not been much planted in a commeroial sort, Butler, has been disseminated in way. Its sweetness when well matured a limited way, but probably today this appeals to many, and hence it has found is unobtainable in the pure form, since its way into the home garden quite gen- it resembles Brigbton so closely. A com- erally. Shortly after the adoption of the parison of Brigbton and Butler over a 18th Amendment, many long-discarded period of years seems to show that the varieties were ;brought Iforward, mas- latter is self-fruitful to a meater degree querading under new names. Fortunately than Brighton. However, like BHghton, for the prospective purchasers they were it is quite subject to powdery mildew. not generally bought. Varieties that A new grape, the Patricia, is now would fruit the .first Fear &om .planting 'being distnibuted to the Canndqian grape were not uncommonly listed. nnder va- growers in the Niagara peninsula, but a: rious designations as Mammoth Concord, it has not been fruited yet in the State: Improred Concord, Early Concord, etc. we know I4ttle of its worth under oul The first two in mgst instances proved to conditions. In Canada it is seen to bc be the unworthy Eaton, which anyone who had tried it would not consider for very fruitful and fairly early. any purpose, while the latter was quite (TO Bc Continued) often Campbell or hloore. From the ex- periences of the writer it would seem that there 6s more interest in new grape va- Gladwin, F.E., "A History of Grape-growing in Eastern United States: Part VIII," Rural Nav Yorker, vol.XC, no.5 166, 27 June 1931, page 721. k History of Grape-growing in Eastern'United States and seedlings, and given the names Golden Muscat and Seneca. Both of these BY F. El. GTJADWIN sorts yield fruit that is quite similar in PARTVIIJ texture and flavor to the Vinifern. Gol- den Muscat is very productive and hardy, During the pahit 25 years a_ number of and as a part of .its name implierc, it pos- meritorious grapes have been introduced sesses the muscat flavor that character- in New Pork as a result of one of the i~sseveral of the Old World varieties. fruit-breeding projects of the New York Its clusters are Very large and hand- Ag~iculturalExperiment Station. Much some, and when ripe the berries me a of the effort by this institution has been golden ello ow. Golden Muscat 1.equirw directed toward a blending of the high a growing season comparable with Ca- quality of Vitis vinifera with one or tnwba or longer to mature its fruit more of our native species, through the thoroughly. It is entirely hardy in West- already existing sorts. Since all of these ern New York latitndes. The Seneca is introductions have been described at dlf- somewhat more meaty than Golden ferent times, only the outstanding char- Muscat, being quite comparable with actevistics of the best of these will be Malaga. The clusters are large, fairly discussed at this .time. .They will. be con- compact, with large yellow 'berries. Sen- sidered somewhat In order of their intro- eca ripens its fruit relatively earlv as duction. Ontmio and Portland, two compared with many of the sorts'fust early white varieties, were named and described. In fact, it mould seem that sent out very closely together. Of the it can be classed ns early. The vines are two, the first named is of .the higher vigorous in northern latitudes. TJnless quality. In fact, Ontario is almost un- some unforeseen faults develop later it surpassed by any American grape from appmrs that Senecanbasa promising fu- this etandpoint. To those who prefer ture in the vibiculture of Eastern United foxiness, Portland is the more appealing. States. Within the past 10 Senrs another Both are hardy and productive, and are blue grape has been chosen from several now' quite widely planted in Eastern hundred seedline and given the name Cnited States. Shortly after the intro- Fredonia. Tliis sort is being well re- duction of these, Urbana, a meaty, fed- ceived wherever it iq being tested. and it fruited sort, was offered. This variety promi.ses to supplant many if not all of very closely approaches the characteristic the stmdard early blue sorts now grown firmness of flesh that is usually asso- commercially. It is earlier than Daisy, ciated with most Vinifera grapes. It is Moore and Worden. It L just as pro- large-clustered, large-berried and fairly ductive, and the vine is vigorous and compact. Urbana 1.ipens its fruit a trifle hardy. Probably if one had both FrMonia too late for most of the old-established and Worden side by side he would choose rape sections of the North and East. the latter for eating, but the many other tfany who have eaten its fruit prononnce superior characters of Fredonia fix it nti it the equal of Flame Tokay, a pure the better commercial sort. Fredonia is Vinifera. superior to both Daisy and Moore from A few Sears after the introductiou of the quality standpoint. Urbana, a large-berried blue sort was Several other introductions from the found to be superior in manr respects same source are now being tested under to some existing varieties, and this 5eed- widely different climates. Some of these ling was given the name of Sheridan. are Keuka, a red spicy-flavored meaty This variety, since it requires npprosi- sort; Wayne, a large-clustered black va- mately the same number of heat units riety of high quality, and three or more as Catawba to bring to ripeness, clan be blue sorts that would Reem to serve successfully grown only where Catawba specific uses. Several thousand seedlings ripens well. Grown in the home garden nre yet to fruit, the greater number of under the skillful care of one who w~ill which have been bred with the objective make growing conditions the most favor- of a. high aualitv.- -. mid-season.. ~roductive- aMe, a crop of Sheridan will furnish a red grape. sight that will excite the greatest achnira- In a-forthcoming chapter we will con- tion. It would seem from the reports of sider changes and improvement6 in the its behavior both nor& and south that cultural practices in eastern grape-grow- Sheridan may be grown commercisl-1,y ing during the vast 25 vears. It will be somewhere between the extremes of heat shown thit many of t6e old-time prac- and mdsture of these latitudes. Then tices have giyen way to the new, yet many grown under too much heat and rninfall of the operationg that have eeemed to the berries grow so large that the press- have been done in a more or less rule- ure, one against the other, causes them of-thumb manner have much fact to to burst the skins. Within the past few support them. years two other white variettes have The past quarter century has seen been chosen from amongst several thous- many of the old-time cultural practices Within- this period there has been but discarded, and this has come about little change in the various grape regions through the wider dissemination of facts so far as the methods of training are in- gleaned as a result of research and dem- volved. There are a number of reasons onstration work conducted largely by the for this, not the least of which is the different experiment stqtions thrbughout adaptability of .a grape variety to a par- the East and South. Jhe contacts be- ticular method. For example, long-time tween the grape-grower and ,the investi- experience has proven, that under the gator have been greatly increased through soil and moisture conditions revailing the establishment of the Farm Bureau in in the Finger Lakes section of P$ew York, mnny States, and the more thorough the Catawba does its best when trained functioning of the extension division6 of to the high renewal method, and that the agriculluml colleges. The attitude much deviation from this is disastrous. of the grape-grower toward the various The Chautauqua method of southwestern agencies concerned with research and ex- tension has changed from one of indif- ference and aloofness to that of a keen New Y~rkis still most commonly em- interest and a willingness to put into ployed, although researdies have' proyen practice many of the recent findings. that the single-stem four-cane ICniffen Most of the books and articles dealing method is a better one. However mnny with grape-growing of the earlier days newly planted vinqards are being trained emphasized the great value of farm ma- to the latter. It seems too big a task tu nures for growing large and fine crops change old vines from the one to the of fruit. If allusion were made to any other, even though tbe Kniffen is seen to other possible substitute, it was usually be superior. Michigan .still adheres to the bone, or bonemeal, or some other material ICniffeq method, as does the Hudson Val- derived from animal sourceg. In later Ly. Pennsylvania prefers the umbrella sears rather low-analysis complete ferti- IZniffen to the four-cane, while Arkansas lizers, those carrying nitrogen, phosphorus in her recent grape development makes and potassium, were recommended, but use of the latter. There has been a the grape-grower had very little confidence marked turning from the fan method in their use. And if the vineyardist could which has persisted from the early days obtain manure either from his farm or to some other training method as the um- through outside purchase it was used in brella Kniffen, four-cane or Kniffen preference to the apparently inert chemi- Chautauqua. On the whofe, methods of cals. As a result of long-time researches training in vogue 50 years ago are not in New York and other States it has far different today. There has, however, come the conviction that vines in the old- established sections cannot be pruned as long as was the custom 25 years ago. It been found that grapevines can be kept has come to be realized that the size of highly productive and in a vigorous state the crop is not directly proportional to comparable to those vines shown with the qumber of fruit buds left after each farm manures. Under many conditions prunlng. It is unquestionable that the it has been definitely established that the grower of today is more conversant with vine can be better maintained from the the relationships of pruning to fruit pro- use of nitrate of soda, superphosphate duction. And if he is growing more than and with the turning down of a green- one variety he kuows that nearly every manure crop, than can be done through varietg is a pruning problem in itself, an equal expenditure, in farm manures. and in a lesser degree the training. We Hence within the past 25 years the theory are safe in concluding that of all cultural and practice of vineyard fertilization has practices the lapse of time has least af- undergone a complete change. It was im- fected training methods. possible at the beginning of this period to purchase a 200-lb. sack of nitrate of soda between Buffalo and Cleveland, while now every rail siding within the area given to vineyarding unloads many cars of this material annunlly. In a lesser degree this source of nitrogen dominates all other fertilizers in prac- tically all grape-producing sections of the East and .Central West. Gladwin, F.E., "A History of Grape-growing in the Eastern United States: Part IX," Rural Nay Yorker,vol.XC, no.5 168, 11 July 1931, page 757. The control of vine insects and diaeaees A History of Grape-groivhg through spraying, in common with the control of other fruit peate, has made in the Eastern United great advances dbring the past 25 years. States At the beginning of this period arsenate of lead was little used as a poison for BY s. E. GLADWIN. chewing insects, but rather white arsenic , , ' , PARTIX. was the common one for grapes, Nicotine . While .the greater number of commer- sulphate preparations for the control of cial grape regions have long practiced 1x1; sucking insects had not been introduced, tensive cultivation, yet a few have been but dependence was placed on whale oil quite indifterent, and have allowed weeds soap and oil emulsions. These latter were to occupy the soil over much of the grow- not so effective nor were they so easily ii~g.period each sea,son. During. the past prepared for use, as much more time was 25 years the value of weed mtrd has necessary and they had to be thoroughly come to be more appreciated. It would worked into condit3on before they could seem that generally speaking the culti- be added to the other components. ' The vation of commercial vineyards is now only spray material for grapes that has done with a greater understanding af survived from the beginning is Bord#aux the objects for so doing, and the nec- mixture. Today this is just as standard essity of timeliness is recognized as for mildew and black rot control as it never ,before. In some instances vine enl- proved 30 or 40 years ago. Many attempts tivation has been considered a substitute have been made within the past quarter for fertilimtion, and as a result some in- century to combine copper sulphate and jury has resulted from intensive working lime into a dust that when mixed with of the soil. With the passing of the years water either in the spray tank, or with it has become very evident that, while dew and rain on tte leaves would give the grape is most versatile in it# soil a Bordeaux mixture comparable to the adaptabilities, there are many situations homemade preparation, yet such wb- given to vineyarding that have never been stances are apparently just as ineffective profitable, nor can they ever be. The today as when first brought out. There value of soil drainage for grape-gro6ng can be no question that the past 25 years has been given greater considerat~on have witnessed a great imppovement in within reCent years, to the end that grape spray machinery. Sprayers that de- rnrely are vines now planted ,until pro- velop the necessary poner from the wheels vision for the removal of surplus soil are made sturdier and capnble of develop- wcfter has been made. ing and maintaining a greater pressure Fhe relationship of vineyard aurround- for a longer period than formerly, while ings to insect infestations and didases 1 the introduction of the gasoline engine hns come to be more apprecidted. It is has made possible very satisfactory only within recent years that vineyard power grape sprayers. sanitation is recognized as a valuable The use of green manure crops in the adjunct to spraying. The correlation of vineyard is a practice that has nearby woodlots, depression, gullies, or within the period we are consi&g undergrowth with black-rot and the mil- mile it is by no menns generally dews and certain insect cannot now be adopted, yet each year finds more and denied. And it is only &rough provision more the seeding of some crop that later of good air drainage by the removal of will be turned under. When it is realized obstructions, that mildews and rot can that green manure crops serve some pur- most effectively be controlled by spraying. poses well if consistently used year after It has come to be recognized that a num- year, but that too extravagnnt claims ber of insects injurious to the vine may hnve been made as to their values, they - be quite effectually controlled through will mme generally be used to supple- the deetruction af the rubbish in which ment farm manures. they are protected over Winter. Formerly Probably the changes in grape con- the vineyardist knew very little about the tainers has been more pronounced within hibernation of any of the vine pests, ex- the past 25 years, than in all the gears cept that they seemed to attack certam previous to the beginning of this epod. portions of his vineyard year after year. And we might add that the uses to which Now he knows or can learn why. American grapes have 'been and are put hnve been responsible for the changes in packages. As has been pointed out, the pioneers in rape-growing were solely concerned witf the production of grapes for wines, and for many years the trans- portation from place to place could be made in ang sort of contGner. Later when wine grapes were ehi ped by rail or otherwise to_ considerabfe distances, shallow crates or trays were used. But when the timd ddrbe that grapes were grown for dessert or other table uses, various basket containers in suitable sizes for all demands were devised to carry the fruit. One of the 'most popular contafners' was the eight-pound climax bxsket. -Later this was superseded by a smaller one, &nd firially the two and four Probably some of you who have read quart cliaax baskets became.cstandard for this series of articles will have wondered the Users of small quantities of grapes. why there have been so many ups and But before the latter came into use, cer- downs, so many shifts from one region to tain customers made known their wants another, even after many native varie for a package of grapes larger than the ties had been introduced. It will have eight-pound basket, but smaller than the been noted that with the exception of a bushel or crate. Hence the so-called very few, grape-growing hhs at one time jumbo or 20-pound basket, but which now or another been attempted in nearly all has 'been standardized to 12 quarts, soon the States east of the Rockies. Yet to- became the predominant package in prac- day the regions that are growing Ameri- tically all eastern grape sections. And can grapes commercially and with some with the general use of the 12quart semblance of success can be counted on basket, the smaller packages almost dis- the two hands. It is quite understandable appeared from 'the markets. This size that distance from large outlets and lack basket seemed to serve many uses, since of transportation may account for the it holds about 16 pounds of fruit. The decline in many instances, but even when consumer who wishes to make grape these conditions are satisfied it can be juice, jelly or jam prefers it, while for shown that some localities that promised restaurant and hotel trade it is a good container for carrying dessert grapes. Within the past few years the pendulum mi-made~~bep wp-ewm at has swung somewhat away from the 12- a time when the problem of the surplus quart package to the two and four-quart was not with us. uite often many ia- sizes again, and the bushel basket is now dividuals are carbe! in& a proj~ctbe- much used. cause of the enthusiasm of others, only One of the important advances within to find later that they are ill-fitted for recent rears has been the establishment of the undertaking. Such mass action is centrac packing-houses for American still with us today, as witness for ex- grapes. The handling of grapes through ample the various land booms that are such houses insures a most uniform lot exploited and exploded almost simul- of fruit. Those whn do the packing have taneously.. No doubt many sections took certain definite standards before them, to grnpe-growing under som-hat similar and as they know not whose graqes they stimulation, though less spectacular. The are working with at any time, each and motives that induced the pioneer to try every basket is like every other. And over and over again after repeated fail- as they are packed after the fruit has ures the culture of the Vitis vinifera in lost some of its water, it can be so filled the East and South were entirely dif- ferent. First he wished to grow a crop that he was familiar with in his native that'ehere will.% ht1iMe -da& when-& land, and which still linked him with it, arrives at the distributors. The packing and secondly he wanted a home supply of of grapes in the central house also makes the wines to which he had been accus- for much higher quality fruit, as the un- tomed since childhood. But today the fit or imperfeot is eliminated. opening of any new development, or the In concluding the discussion of the introduction of a new crop, has back of changw in grape-growing and marketing it many agencies, which in turn expect methods of the past -25 years, it worild to profit by the success of the project. seem from the foregoing that the grower Some of the grape developments of ,re of American grapes possesaea the know- cent years have been stimulated by just ledge and the eqdpment to produce and such agencies, a few w+th the m6st hon- get to market this delicious fm'it to better orable intentions. Much of the planting advantage than hns been possible at any made under get-richquick propaganda period since grapes became of commer- cial importance in the Bast. Way not was doomed to failure from the start; in the possession of all this information be other localities the end is not yet, but the answer as to the why of the present inevitable. surplus? (To Be Continued) Gladwin, F.E., "A History of Grape-growing in the Eastern United States: Part X," Rural Nav Yorker, vol.XC, no.5 1 72, 8 August 1931, page 837. A History of Grape-growing in the Eastern United States PUT X. BY F. E. GLADWIN. Why is it then that the imp?rtant It has long be& MOM that large regions first devoted to the growlng of bodies of water have an ameliorating in- American grapes commercially still hold fluence on the temperatures immediately the same rank as 50 years ago? HOW- surrounding them. Spring frosts do not ever important nearness to large markets occur so late as at points farther in the may be, this alone cannot answer the interior, and the expanse of meIting ice question, for two of the largest produc- retards the starting of grape buds until ing areas are situated several hundred the season is so far advanced that they miles farther away from one or more.im- ordinarily escape injury from late frosts portant outlets than other localities that or freezes. The water of the lower lakes have gone out within the past 25 years, one foot below the surface throughout the while another city that uses large quan- month of May shows a temperature of tities of Concord grapes and can get'its but seven degrees above the freening supply within 100 miles, yet goes 500 for point. Usually about the middle to the this fruit. The consumer of Concord latter part of July it gradually rises to grapes has . learned to distinguish be- the atmospheric temperature, and from tween the .fruit from the various sec- August till late Fall the temperature of tions, and there is every reason for be- the lake water is several degrees higher lieving that the differences are real, and than the air temperatures.. In Septem- that they are moEe or less indelibly ber it is three or four degrees warmer, linked with certain conditions peculiar to while in late October it is often warmer the localities from which the superior by six degrees. These ameliorating in- fruit comes. A recent .survey of the con- fluences of course vary from season to sumers of native grapes, chiefly Concord, season. If the Winter has been one of made in three cities of the East, brought relatively high temperatures and no ice out the fact that Concord grapes are pre- of any considerable amount forms, the re- ferred from a single State, and that the tardation of grape buds is at a minimum, prospective purchaser asks for such but if ice forms over a considerable area In this instance of Lake Erie, very rarely are the buds -eraues A vear after year. the proipective purchaser represents the injured from late frosts or freezes. majority of the consumers interviewed. Growth normally starts in the Spring in Let us now briefly consider some of the region immediate1 bordering the lake the characteristics of the reeons that shore considerably rater than a few still remain the leading native grape- miles inland. And in the Fall, the fruit producing areas, and perhaps we will dis- ripens later the closer to the lake. The cover the reasons therefor. There can be warmer air, more or less confined to the no doubt that New York is the leadi~g lake plain because of the ridge paralleling division of the United States engaged In the lalre to the south of it, wards off the growing of purely American grapes, early Fall frosts and thus zives-- to-- thm"-- hence we will consider the specific areas region several more gromini day$ .than within this State, and then pass in or- sections several degrees farther south. It der to the others and examine them in has been repeatedly noted that as the the same critical manner. The rincipal ridge approaches the lake shore. or in area devoted to grapes In New #ark is a other words the narrower the area con- narrow strip, from two to four miles in width, and about 40 miles in length, in fined between lake and the ridge, the Southwestern New York, bordering the later the occurrence of frosts and freees south- shore of Lake Erie. The land in the Fall. For example, ice may form gradually rises from the shore of the lake at one place, while 15 miles to the west for about four miles when an abrupt rise and at the same elevation freezing tem- or ridge is met. Extending east and west, perature may not occur until several this ridge forms a barrier between the days later. The presence of large bodies foreland and upland. At the extreme of water. as Lake Erie, assures an west it is only about a mile distant from optimum humidity, and at the same time the lake, while at the eastern end of the days are very few during the growing strip it is four or five miles back from season that the air is not undergoing the shore line. Throughout the 40 miles some motion. With excessive humidity there is a continuous bench whlch at one lacking and air currents almost con- time was lake beach, while over parts of tinuous, this region is unfavorable for this length are two such benches. Smce the infection and spread of vine diseases. all of the area between the higher bench In a considerably lesser degree the and the present lake beach were under soils of this region exert a favorable in- water at some time, the soils vary great- fluence on grape-growing, but nothing ly in their composition as one traverses near the importance that has been as- the section from the present lake level cribed by earlier writers as heing the rea- to the foot of the bounding ridge. With son of the extensive development of the this picture before us, it can be stated industry. The old lake beach soils vary that in most instances the ridge, or from coarse gravelly loam to a very fine rather the northern slope of it, is the mistxre of sand and loam. To the north southern boundary of commercial grape- of the first beach, the soils are Dunkirk growmg in this famous reglon. In many silt loam, Dunkirk clay loam, and occn- seasons the differences of temperature, sionally sandy loam. Between the two snowfall, etc., are just as marked be- lake beaches similar soils are found, and tween the region to the north of the ridge with the addition of a shale loam. The and that to the south of it as would be hillside soils are largely shale loams. A11 encountered in traversing through several of these types are found in many other degrees of latitude. Occasionally a val- sections of New York, still they are. not ley extends back from the Lake Erie fitted for commercial grape-growing. Basin through the bounding ridge, and along these the Concord grape ripens in a particularly favorable season several miles farther back. It is believed that there is a flow of the warmer air of the lake plain up these valleys which makes possible a partial success in these out- lying areas. All that has been said of the influence ,Extending east of the Niagara River of large bodies of water applies to the and not far from the shore of Lake On- grape sections of Pennsylvania, and tario, the' Njagara grape has been some- Northern Ohio. The several islands off what extensively planted, and in recent Sandusky in Lake Erie, being situated years Concord has been added. While several miles from the mainland and the vineyards of this section are located surrounded by water, have been famous much farther back from the lake than for the growing of the Catawba for many those of the Lake Erie basin, this is years. In fact this section of the great largely compensated for by the fact that lakes area is th'e sole one in wh~chthis the ridge or escarpment which lies to the variety can be ripened well year after south and extends east and west is much year. Even on the mai'nland nearby Ca- higher than that which bounds the Lake tawba does not attain the same perfec- Erie belt. A11 varieties in the latter sec- tion that it does on the islands. At one tion ripen from a week to 10 days earlier time grapes were grown commercially than along Lake Ontario's shores, and along the south shore of Lake Erie from Winter temperatures are somewhat a point east of Cleveland to Sandusky, lower. and even to the west of it. The topo- Parts of the Hudson Valley, as we graphical features are just as favorable have already noted, have long cultivated for the growing of Concord in this strip today as ever, but the industry has lan- the vine, and today many acreages of guished, except over small areas. considerable extent are still to be found. The second most important area given The ameliorating influence of the river, to the production of American grapes not which in places is of some width, cou- only in New York, but in the entire East pled with a lower latitude, insures good is the section known as the 'Finger Lakes maturity in most seasons. Successful region. Hbre as elsewhere the acreage comrncrcial grape-growing is confined has gradually diminished within recent years. This lake section enjoys many of rather close to the river banks. The Con- the topographic features 'that are,m. .im- cord has here become the most important portant in the region of the great lakes, commercial soft. Owing'to the fact that but since the bodies of water are smaller, many other fruits thrive well in the grapegrowing is confined within narrow- Hudson Valley. and probably have been er limits. Here there are several lakes more remunerative, the planting of extending north and south. and mostly grapes has not kept pace with the loss of parallel. The length of these varies from many vines from neglect or natural a few to 30 miles. The greatest +dth causes. of any one of them is not over two or (To Be Contiwed) three miles, and all are qui$e.deep. The land rises rapidly from 'tbe shore lines. It is along the steep slopes abutting these lakes that the vine has been es- tablished. It is worthy of note that the varieties that re uire the longest season to mature their Iruit are planted on the lower levels or nearest the lake, while those sorts that'are classed as early or mid-season are on the upper portions of the slope. On at least one of these lakes a line of demarkation is plainly evident that divides the slope into two strips. that nearest the lake will bring Catawba through to maturity. while just above this line it will not ripen, but Concord will. This is one bit of evidence which shows the influence of bodies of water in their relationship. to grape-growing Rarely do grapes ripen well on the elevated benches that separate these lakes. Catawba, Concord and Niagara are the rincipal varieties grown in the Finger Lkes region. In the region about the Great Lakes and in a lesser degree of the Central New York section, Winter temperatures are more moderate than they are inland, and it is only in an occasional year they get so low that in- jury to root and cane is serious. Gladwin, F.E., "Grape-growing in the Eastern United States: Part XI," Rural New Yorker, vol.XC, no.5 173, 1 5 August 193 1, page 857. Previously the Niagara peninsula o Ontario, Canada, has been mentioned a a region that produces many grapes an Grape-growing in the nually. Within recent years practical11 Eastern United States all the available soils within the confine' of the escarpment that extends east an( BY F. E. GLADWIN. nest paralleling Lake Ontario, and thq PARTXI. lake to the north of it, have been plantec There are a few outlying sections of with vines. This region is considerabli to the north of the Lake Erie section, bd New4 York in which some commercial the nearness to a large body of wate~ vineyards are still existent, but quite and a high ridge bounding the area or often these are subject to extremes of the south, approximates the topographic features along the southern shore of Lalu cold, heat and sunshine which makes Erie. However it requires 10 days tc grape-growing more precarious than in two weeks longer to ripen the Concorr regions near large bodies of water. In here than in Southwestern New York Central New Pork commercial vineyards The land features of the peninsula and those of the Niagara region of New York must have their vines protected from are very similar. In fact the bounding Winter cold, and this is done annually by ridge or escarpment traversing each ic laying them down and covering with one and the same, and would be con. tinuow were it not for the cutting earth. through by the Niagara River. The Ni- From the foregoing it is evident that agaia peninsula is likewise famous for the. commercial vineyarding sections of many other fruits, but as long as there New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania, have exists a demand for American grapes in become such because of certain real topo- Canada, they will be grown commercially graphical peculiarities and it is these there for many years to come. minter same advantages that have kept them in temperatures there, while ordinarily the forefront. While man is capable of somewhat lower than in the Lake Erie changing methods of vine culture in or- section of New York, do not usually cause der to meet certain emergencies, he ,can- much injury to the vine. not simulate natural land features that The commercial grape region of Michi- are so necessary in the growing of spe- gan is located in the almost extreme cialized crops. Later a discussion of southwest part of the State, and a con- other commercial grape regions will be siderable part of the acreage is close to attempted. . the shore of Lake Michigan. The Law- In the previous articles we tried to ton and Paw Paw portions of industry show why the four principal grape sec- are somewhat inland, but the lake in- tions of New York, and certain Ohio and fluence ameliorates the climate so that Pennsylvania areas, are adapted for the Concord matures well in most seasons. production of American grapes, and. in However more Winter injury occurs in each instance it has been emphasized the inland section than in that close to that the nearness to large bodies of wa- the lake. Vine diseases are more preva- ter wields the greatest influence, and lent in the Michigan belt than in the Ni- that soils are of secondary importance. agara eninsula, or the regions of New We will now pass to a discussion of a 'Fork, 8hio and Pennsylvania. The close- few other regions, and briefly point out ness of the grape district of Michigan to , some of the outstanding features that several large cities is of course a decided contribute to success from a commercial advantage, and if the su lus of all types standpoint. of grapes were not soyarge, Michigan The State of Delaware has grown dong with most of the sectionb already grapes for many years. But within the mentioned, could because of favorable past 10 years there has been quite an topogra hic features, produce profitab!e awakening in the industry. The latitude mps armost annually. For after all 1s of the State coupled with closeness of the mid. that grape region which is freest grape section to the Delaware River and from climatic extremes is bound to enjoy Delaware Bay, makes for a long growing the greatest prosperity. season and mild Winters. Over and Some American erapes have long been against these advantages is the high frown in parts of Iowa and Illinois, but humidity during the Summer months. In the area that is adapted for commercial consequence the disease problem is quite mpe culture is extremely limited in often R serious one. We are not pre- Both States. Because of many uncer- pared to state that this latter is the binties it is probable that planting will limiting factor, but it no doubt is a de- M be extended there. Nearness to sev- terre?t to many who would otherwise en- eral large markets is of course an im- gage in grape-growing. The nearness to phnt consideration. bnt with improved two or more large markets should be an dupping facilities grapes produced many incentive to at least maintain the acreage at it? present level, provided of course growlng costs are not in excess of those in other commercial sections. It is not because .the individual grower miles away under the best of climate will was any better equipped to grow grapes compete more and more successfully with that the older regions are still in the the smaller producing areas even thoagh ascendency, nor is it because the newer they be next door to large outlets. . widely scattered plantings were made on The largest development of recent soil's poorly adapted for the vine that years has taken place in southwestern they have not been able to compete with Missouri and northwestwn Arkansas. AY the already existing sections. The leading we have already stated, grapes have been commercial grape regions of the North grown for many years in parts of Mis- and East are still such, becau~ethey souri, but until withi-n recem %ears they have been located amidst surroundings have been largely of the eal'Mbmaturing that temper the climate, supply an opti- sorts, notably Moore. Lar&?y through mum of air humidity, furnish sufficient the influence of one of the manufacturers of unfermented grape juice the industry was recently revived in Missouri and given a start in Arkansas. There are no large bodies of water near these regions, and in consequence temperatures fluctu- air currents that in turn lessen the likeli- ate widely both Summer and Winter. hood of vine disease@,' are in belts of The control of vine disease is also a se- moderate Summer rainfall, and receive a rious consideration. Both of these States fair amount of .Summer shnshhie. Re- under favorable conditions produce large gions near large bodies of water are crops of fine Concords. many of which relatively free from temperature extreme8 find their way into the markets of the in Submer or Winter. A 1-ong growing Middle West and Bast. The fruit pro- season, coupled with a moderate annual duced in the Ozarks, as this section is rainfall, and freedom Prom heat or cold best known, ripens earlier than the same extremes, just about sums up the requi- varieties in any other region of the East. sites for successful commercial vineyard- In fact Carman grapes from Florida ing in the East and the North. and Thompson's Seedless from California In concluding this sketch of the rise are its-inly competitors. of grape-growing in the East it should A few vineyards are still to be found be stated that it is but a fragment of the near Cincinnati, but these furnish only a complete story, which in ibelf would re- small part of the fruit that this city quire several volumes, even though the consumes. The Summer temperatures of past 50 years were deleted. Some of the this region are rather too high for the statements of the early history are &.ill best productign of the leading American controversial, but in the main the author- grape, the Concord. On the other hand ities consulted are agreed on most points. climatic conditions, in a limited area, And with these statements we will are ideal for the production of first terminate this sketch of the beginning quality Catawba, if the mildews and and rise of vineyarding in Eastern United black rot be controlled. Many consumers States. in Cincinnati still prefer the latter va- riety if it can be obtained. From the foregoing statements it is to be seen that many sectlons of the East can grow and ripen some varieties

in some seasons, and that there are but few regions that seem to possess most of the requirements that are necessary to successful commercial vineyardiug year in and year out. Grape-growing in the latter 11-as persisted over many years in spite of many vicissitudes, the greatest of which has been overproduction of all grapes, both foreign and native. Many of the newer, promising sections have passed from the picture, because of a lack of those land features which insured fairly uniform crops year after year. This lack coupled with the production of a surplus made the continuance im- possible. It is very obvious that a region habitually subject to vine and fruit dis- ease which rquire for their control four or five Spray applications in a single season, cannot compete with another lo- cality where spraying ordinarily can be omitted. &gain the section that is habitu- ally subject to late Spring frosts and freezes, thereby destroying a considerable portion of a crop in three years out of five, cann~tproduce to sell in compdti- tion with the region where the chnnces of frost injury are much less. The sec- tion that has a growing season su5ciently long to insure full maturity in four out of five years is in a much stronger posi- tion to survive than the one that fails because of early Fall freezes three out of five.