^%>rv^ 5W V> \\^ IMAGE EVALUATrON TEST TARGET (MT-3) 7 ^^ /. 1.0 I.I ^|2£ 12.5 S r's 1112^ L25 1114 . 111116 6" - V] <» ^» '^^.^ ^. /A 7 O 7 Photographic Sciences Corporation . 10X 14X 18X 22X 26X 30X ./ 12X 16X 20X a4x 28X 32X Thd copy filmed hers has been reproduced thanks to the generosity of: lza?k Walton Killam Memorial Library Dalhouiio University The images appearing here are the best quality possible considering the condition and legibility of the original copy and in keeping with the filming contract specifications. Original copies in printed paper covers are filmed beginning with the front cover and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated Impres- sion, or the back cover when appropriate. All other original copies are filmed beginning on the first page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated innpression. The last recorded frame on each microfiche shall contain the symbol — H>-|Tneaning "CON- TINUED "), or the symbol V (meaning "END"), whichever applies. Maps, plates, charts, etc., -nay be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upner left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as requited. The following diagrams illustrate the method: L'exemplaire film^ fut reproduit grAce d la (j6n6rosit6 de: izaak Walton Killam Memorial Library Ddlhouiie University Les images suivantes ont 6t6 reproduites avec le plus grand soin, compte tenu de la condition et de la nettet^ de I'exemplaire film6, et en conformity avec les conditions du contrat de filmage. Les oxemplaires originaux dont la couverture en papier est imprimde sont fiimds en commenpant par le premier plat et en terminant soit par la dernidre page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'illustration, soit par le second plat, salon le cas. Tous les autres exemplaires originaux sont film^s en commenpcnt par la premidre page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'illustration et en terminant par la dernidre page qui comporte une telle empreinte. Un des symboles suivants apparaitra sur la dernidre image de cheque microfiche, seion le cas: le symbols ~*- signifie "A SUiVRE", le symbols V signifie "FIN". Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent dtre filmds d des taux de reduction diff^rents. Lorsqua le document est trop grand pour §tre reproduit en un seu! clich6, il est filmd i partir de Tangle sup6rieur gauche, de gauche d droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images ndcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mdthode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 '9^ s^^ NORTHERN LIMIT OF WILD GRAPE VINES. — LAWSON. lOl Art. IV. — On the Northern Limit of Wild Grape Vines. By George Lawson, Ph. D., LL. D. Read 14th January, 1884. I lately received a letter of enquiry from Professor Blytt in reference to the Northern Limit of the Grape Vine, as bearing upon the early discovery of America by Norwegian sailors. As the exact range of our wild grapes had not been made a special subject of enquiry by botanists, and as these plants, wherever they occur, are so conspicuous as to attract the attention of persons who might overlook other plants, I requested publication of a note, for the purpose of eliciting information, in the Halifax Morning Chronicle, Morning Herald, and Acadian Recorder' This brought some facts which will be found in the following correspondence. It is now published in the hope that additional information may be obtained. It is not improbable tiiat the range of Grape Vines along the Atlantic Coast region was more extensive before the country was settled than it is now, when the best lands are cleared and the country pastured by cattle. Any information on this point from old records or reliable tradition would be of special interest. AMERICAN species OF VITIS. The proper Grape Vine (Vitis vinifera) is believed to have been originally a native of the hilly region on the southern shores of the Caspian Sea, and of the Persian province of Ghilan ; but it has been cultivated by man from the earliest times of which we have record, and has thus been extensively distributed over the world. It was not known, however, on the American Continent before the settlers from Europe had brought it with them. Nevertheless early voyagers speak of finding Wild Grapes on landing on the American shores. These so-called Wild Grapes are vines very distinct in character from the old-world Grape Vine, but they nevertheless consist of species of the same genus Vitis, several of which bear, even in the wild state, clusters of well-flavoured grapes, whilst the fruit of other kinds is acid or mawkish. V. hvplnnata, which extends through Virginia to Georgia and ' V' ^ 102 NORTHERN LIMIT OF WILD GRAPE VINES — LAWSOxV. west to Arkansas, has a globose depressed berry, size of a pea, blackish when ripe. V. indivisa grows in the swamps of the Southern States, M-^est to Louisiana and Arkansas, bearing a very small, usually one- seeded berry. V. cestivalis, the Summer Grape, grows from Connecticut to Florida and west to Arkansas, ripening its blue, pleasantly- flavoured berries in October ; original of the Clinton Grape. V. vidpina, or Fox Grape of the South, grows in Virginia, Florida, and intervening States. V. incisa is a Prairie Plant confined apparently to Texas and Arkansas, and has black shining berries the size of a small pea. V. cordi folia and V. riiKtvid, which are more northern in their range, have acid fruit, which sv/eetens after having been touched by frost, hence they are commonly called Winter Grapes to distinguish them from V. cestivalis, the fruit of which be- comes sweet a^j it ripens in the sun. V. riparia is said to be the original of the Delaware and Taylor-Bullet grapes. V. Lahrusca, is one of the best known species which has very large leaves, and is familiar to us in its garden forms as the Isabella, Catawba, and several other well-known American grapes. Varieties of this species are distinguished by the hairi- ness or woolly character of the very large leaf, and comnaratively large berries. CANADIAN SPECIES. Only three species of Vitis extend into Canada, viz., Lahrusca, cordi folia and riparia. V. Lahrusca ; leaves (thick 5-7 inches) broadly cordate angu- lar, more or less lobed, the sinuses obtuse or rounded, the under surface tomentose ; berries, large globose. V. cordifolia ; leaves (thin, 3-6 in.) cordate acuminate, toothed, smooth (except on the veins), berries small. V. riparia; leaves (thin 4-G inches) more or less deeply divided into three lobes and incisely toothed ; smooth, except on the petioles, veins and margins, which are pubescent ; berries small. f t > NOllTHEEN LIMIT OF WILD GRAPE VINES — LAWSON. 103 V. Labf SCA, Linn. Canada. -Pitrsh, Torreij d' Gray. Near the Falls of Niaujara. — Prordnchcr. Extends south to Georgia and west to Arkansas and Texas. Torroy speaks of the fruit of the wild plant as having a strong disagreeable. flavour, whilst when culti- ated "it is as pleasant as any of the varieties of Vitis vinifevd." In Hooker's Flora (pub- lished so long ago as 1833J it is remarked that " two sorts are much esteemed at New York, and known under the name o£ ' Bland's-grape' and the 'Isabella-grape.' " V. CORDIFOLIA, (V. vulpina, of Hook.) Shores of Lake Ontario west from Kingston ; several places on the banks of the St. Lawrence, as at Thousand Islands, Brockville, La Chine, etc. Extends south through the United States to Florida and west to Arkansas. V. RIPARIA, il/ic/i. Canada. — Mr. Cleghorn, Mrs. Percival. Lake Huron. — Dr. Todd, extending to the south end of Lake Winnipeg in ]',t 50 degrees N., (Hook. Fl. B. A.) Nicolet, P. Q., and Maiden Ont. — Dn P. W. Maclagan. Belleville, common, especially along streams. — J. Macoun. L'isle- aux-Coudres. — Provancher. Some of the localities may belong to V. cordifolia. Extends through the Uuited States south to Virginia and west to Arkansas. Without specimens from the several localities, or careful deter- minations made on the spot by competent botanists, it is impos- sible to assign with certainty to their proper species the stations quoted for V. cordifolia and V, riparia. Dr. Englemann made a very careful examination of the distinctive characters of the N. American species of Vitis, and characterized V. riparia, as differing from its ally as follows: — "Leaves larger, usually incisely three lobed, the lobes long-pointed ; panicles small, rather simple ; berries larger and mostly with bloom ; seeds larger, obtuse and somewhat obcordate and with an inconspicu- ous raphe. May, earlier than the allied species." — See Gray's Manual, fifth edition, eighth issue, — Addenda, p. 679 (January 1868). V. cordifolia "has the berries black without bloom, the S 104 NORTHERN LIMIT OF WILD GRAPE VINES — LAWSON. small seeds rounded above and with a prominent rapho." — ErKjlemann. " V, cordi folia or riparia, grows, on the evidence of collections made on my former journeys, as far north as the south end of Lake Winnipeg, on the 50th parallel. I did not observe it on my late voyage, in which, indeed, I had very little leisure to search for plants, and, if it actually grows in so high a latitude, it does not produce edible fruit so as to attract the attention of the residents, who could give me no information respecting it. It is common in Wisconsin and Minnesota, with V. wativalin." — Sir J. Richardson; Arctic Jour., II., p. 287. Christiania, Norway, 5th July, 1883. Dear Sir, — My friend, Mr. J. Storm, professor of history at our university, wishes to know how far north on your coasts the wild species of Vitis (V. vulpina, Labrusca, &c.,) grow. I cannot make it out for him with the books at my disposal, so I am obliged to turn to you and trouble you with the matter. You would oblige me and my friend very much if you would be kind to let me know the noi-thern limit of the species above mentioned in your coast districts. America was discovered some 1000 ago by Norwegian sailors, who found wild grapes at the shores and named the country after them " Vineland," which means the country of wine. With much re.spect, yours, A. Blytt, Professor of Botany at the University. The Honorable Judge Ritchie informs me that, when a boy, he frequently gathered wild grapes between Annapolis Royal and Bear River, and that he has no doubt he could still find the place where the vines grow. Professor Macdonald informs me that our esteemed President, Robert Morrow, Esq., before leaving for the South, stated that he had seen a Wild Grape vinegrcwmg in a garden at Stellarton, in Pictou County, and was told that it had been brought from the neighbouring woods. Some years later, at a distance of several m w re; mi NORTHERN LIMIT OF WILD GRAPE VINES — LAWSON. 105 miles further up the East River, ho found the Grape growing wikl. Mil dear Professor Laivson, — In relation to your enquiry respecting Wikl Grapes, I have a recollection of past days that may suggest a quarter in which that enquiry may be successfully prosecuted. Many years ago I lent the late Judge Haliburton an interest- ing book that I in vain have often endeavoured to recover. Reclamation of it is hopeless now ! The author was a Ncthedcnder of intelligence, who particularly mentioned an indigenous grape seen and noted by hita, of v.'h>ch the locality was the neighbour- hood of Anna}i Ms. Perhaps it might be worth your while to direct the proposed enquiry to some old inhabitant of the old French capital. Yours ever truly, Windsor, 9th Dec., 1883. L. M. Wilkins. My recollection of the book and the fact referred to is distinct and you may regard it as reliable. The book was found by me among those of the Thomas family, by some of whom it was brought from Marshfield, Mass. — the ante-Revolution seat of that family — about the close of the last century. The discovery of the author would antedate the beginning of this century. L. M. W. There is little doubt, I think, that a copy of the book in question is slumbering on the shelf of some Boston library. The author was not a mere traveller, but came to America on some mission for his Government. I add a circumstance that may serve to identify : — The Book — probably on authority of a redman — indicated phonetically Niagara thus : — " Nee-a-gaw-raw." Windsor, Dec. 11th., 1883. L. M. W. ": ■■ Bridgewater, 11th Dec, 1883. Dear Sir, — A young Norwegian Captain just left here for Spain, told me some of their professors were to visit our land, as lOG NOinUEllN LIMIT OF WILD GRAPE VINES — LAWSON. ho put it, in search of marks made by their countrymen long since, and a few days after I noticed in the papers that you had hcen consulted on the matter. My object is to let you know that there is a large rock sitting on three legs of stone, of the height of 18 inches, which I believe was put up by Hioso old cruisers. It sits on Indian Point, near the County lino between this and Queen's County. I mot with it when a child, and have taken great interest in it; have frequently visited it as it puzzled me, till of late years. ShouM you meet those people, if you think well of it, they may easily drive to it now, but not when I used to steer my boat to where it sits. It is plainly seen from entrance of the port. Locality, Indian Point, Port Med way Harbour, Queen's County. Respectfully yours, E. D. Davison, Sr. See article on Oak Canoe, in Scientific American, Dec. (Sth. I have a stone axe by which one could make quite a job at big work. Just received a note from a friend informing of his having three stone relics, and I have quite a number, all from the Port Medway river, whilst nothing of the sort can I find about the LaHave River, but have two iron axes found in old graves, one having been buried at Wentsill's Lake, where bones and axes were wrapped in birch-bark. There is an old burying ground and koche for dried salmon, &c., I expect. E. D. D. I Mi of cl( Halifax, N. S., Dec. 8th., 1883. Dear Sir, — In answer to your question about " Wild Grapes," a small sized wild grape grows in abundance on some of the islands in the St. John river, about seven miles above Fredericton, N. B. I have drank the wine made from them and it is very good. Any more information I can give, will only be too happy to do «o, and remain, Sincerely, Alex. Irvine Karney, International Hotel, City. f NORTHERN LIMIT OF WILD (JRAPE VINES — LAWSON. 107 '^S I In a subsofiucnt lottor Mr. .<^arnoy obnerves that Mr. Michael Mitchell, Scotch Settlement, York Co., New Brunswick, is owner of the island where the grapes grow. Liverpool, N. S., Dec. 10th, 1883. Dear Sir, — There i,s a grape vino said to be a wild one growing on the farm of a Mr. Hall, on the other side of Allen's Creek, close to the town of Annapolis. I have seen and was told it was a wild one, but it may be a degenerate vine planted by the French. Seeing your letter in the Chronicle of the 8th in.st., 1 thought well to mention this one. I am very intimately accpiainted with the province of Nova Scotia, but do not know of any other wild vine. Yours, &c.. Max D. Major. "Saint John Globe," Editor's Room, Saint John, IV. B., Dec, 10th, 1883. Dear Sir, — Wild grapes are not uncommon along the St. John River. At Fredericton I know of several vines in gardens, which were transplanted from the woods, and some of which have seeded themselves. Yours, John Ellis. Annapolis Royal, Dec. 10th, 1883. Dear Doctor, — Answering your enquiries in the newspapers, I beg to inform you that I have known a wild grape vine within a mile or more of this town. In a ravine whose steep sides pre- vented culture, it flourished. It was surrounded by cultivated fields, cultivated no doubt by the French, before Nicholson's capture, a mile or more from the steep hills, now as then covered by the forest primeval. It was very luxuriant, and, though I do not recollect eating the grapes, yet its flowers and half ripened berries I well remember. It was an object of curiosity to me, especially as proving the exact- ness of old LesCarbot, our most exact and homeliest historian. Without knowing, 1 thought it the little Fox Grape so luxuriant 108 NOUTIIEHN LIMIT OF WILD GRAPE VINES — LAWSON. Oil tlio warm .south side of Now England and which as a boy I know so woll — vory tliick skin and vory tart flavor. I havo no doul)t it still oxists, but tho snow would covor it now. I hoar c* many othor vines about horo, but this is tho only ono I have porsonally seen. If you want moro knowledge let me know and next spring I could send you a specimen. B. GlLI'IN. St. John, N. B., 10th Dec, 1883. My Dear Sir, — I notice your communication in Saturday's Chronicle regarding the " Wild Grape " and its Northern Limit. Some years ago I was puzzled over tho statement, in Demont's account of tho discovery of the St. John River, that they noticed (in June 1604 or 5) grapes growing in profusion on its shores. For some time I was under tho impression that they had mistaken some other vine for that of tho grape. But I found afterwards that in fact the wild grape does grow in several places o»i the River St. John, — on tho sandy points along it. .south-westerly 1r)ank at Westfield in King's County, — luxuiiantly on .some islands near Oak Point known as " Caton's Islands," — a little further up and beyond this on the i.slands Oromoeld and Pi-ince William. Curiously e.iough 1 have always heard of it on the south-westerly .shore of the River or the Islands, never in a wild state on the northerly or easterly bank, nor can I discover it on the Kennibe- casis tributary, where I have searched for it, as I have a summer residence at Lakeside near Hampton, where I am collecting these wild vines from Westfield, Greenwich, etc., with a view to amusing myself testing them as stocks on which to bud or graft some of the hardier improved varieties. I am. Dear Sir, yours faithfully, W. M. Jarvis. Fredericton, N. B., Dec. 29, 1883. 3fy Dear Doctor Lawson, — I am in receipt of your note referring to the distribution of the wild grape in New Brunswick, but regret to say that I have little information to give upon the subject. I have gathered the fruit in some of the valleys near NOirniKllN MMIT OF WILD UUAl'K VINEH— LAWHON. 10!) Fredericton. as at tlie falls of tho Nnsliwaaksis, and it is quite common on the intorvaUss an