Page:A Short Treatise on Horticulture.djvu/64

 97. Meslier.—This grape, whose bunches of fruit at first view much resemble the Chasselas, and which in fact is called by that name in some vineyards of France, differs from it, however, in many respects. The fruit, which is yellowish, often contracts a russet appearance next the sun; its berries are round, not closely set, and ripen pretty well even in the north of France; its juice is pleasant and sweet; the leaf is quite palmated. This grape the author considers as nearly approaching the White Muscadine, and may possibly prove the same.

52. White Sauvignon.—Formerly many vineyards were almost wholly formed of this grape, but it is now more rare. Its high flavour gives to the wine a particular character, but being less productive, it has been latterly much neglected; the bunches are short, of medium size, and the berries yellowish white, with small dots when fully ripe; it is considered to be a variety of the Pineau or Burgundy.

Rochelle Noire.—This is a round black fruit, pretty pleasant to the taste, but in France principally cultivated for wine. It is remarkable for its elegant formed leaves, of a fine green above, and downy beneath. The Rochelle Blanche is similar to this, with the exception that the fruit is white.

238. Perle.—The berry is oblong, large, and white; the bunches have many small shoulders, and it would seem that it with difficulty supports the grapes which give it an oblong form.

212. Folle Blanche.—This grape is of medium size, thin skin, and berries closely set. Even when at perfect maturity it has a sweetish acid flavour not considered pleasant. It generally yields a great abundance, and is in high repute for making brandy; the berries are round and whitish.

77. Verjus, or Bordelais.—This grape does not ripen in the north or middle of France, but, in the vicinity of Bourdeaux, it comes to perfect maturity; the berries are oblong, quite large, and form very large divided or winged bunches; it is considered of value in the vineyards to mingle with other grapes; the leaves are large, and particularly sensible to frost. This grape, it is expected, will suit our country south of the Potowmac.

85. Verdat.—This is considered one of tire sweetest and finest grapes for the desert, but, as it is from Languedoc, it will not mature its fruit in the vicinity of New-York, except in seasons particularly hot; the bunches are beautiful, with very large white berries, which have a thin skin, and contain