Munson’s No. 21 (1, 2, 4). Willie Bell (4, 9).
Bell is still another of Munson’s hybrids, its parents being Elvira crossed with Delaware. Its characters are chiefly those of Elvira and in particular it has the Elvira flavor, which is somewhat against it for a table grape. As to its value for wine-making there are no records though it may be assumed that it has the same value for this purpose as the Elvira, which it so greatly resembles in flavor. From its behavior here, this Station does not recommend Bell for New York.
Munson produced Bell in 1881 from seed of Elvira pollinated by Delaware. After having tested it thoroughly the originator disseminated it and continues to offer it in his catalog; proof of its value for some of the grape regions.
Vine a strong grower, hardy, usually produces full crops although a shy bearer in some localities. Leaves vigorous, healthy, medium to very large. Flowers open before mid-season, nearly fertile; stamens upright. Fruit ripens in mid-season or later, keeps well. Clusters intermediate in size and length, frequently shouldered, compact to medium. Berries medium to small, roundish, dull green sometimes with yellow tinge, covered with rather heavy gray bloom, persistent. Skin thin, very tender, adheres considerably to the pulp. Flesh moderately juicy and tender, sweetish at skin to tart at center, ranks about the same as Elvira in quality.
BERCKMANS.
(Riparia, Labrusca, Bourquiniana.)
1. Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt., 1871:114. 2. Ib., 1877:43. 3. Gar. Mon., 23:308. 1881. 4. Bush. Cat., 1883:75. 5. Am. Pom. Soc. Cat., 1889:24. 6. Ala. Sta. Bul., 10:8. 1890. 7. Ark. Sta. Bul., 39:27. 1896. 8. Rural N. Y., 56:823. 1897. 9. N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt., 17:526, 545, 547, 553. 1898. 10. Tex. Sta. Bul., 48:1149, 1153. 1898. 11. Mo. Sta. Bul., 46:37, 43, 44, 46, 48. 1899. 12. Kan. Sta. Bul., 110:245. 1902.
Delaware and Clinton No. 1 (1).
In Berckmans, generally speaking, we have the fruit of Delaware on the vine of Clinton. Berckmans was disseminated nearly forty years ago and though the fruit is seemingly better adapted for the market than Delaware, and the vine much more vigorous, as hardy and as productive as its better known parent, yet the variety is seldom grown other than as an amateur grape. The berry and bunch resemble Delaware in shape; the fruit is of the same color; bunch and berry are larger, but the vine is not quite as productive; the flesh is firmer, making it a better shipper and it keeps better; the quality is not so good, the flesh lacking tenderness, sweetness and richness in comparison with Delaware. The vine of Berckmans is much more vigorous and is less subject to mildew than that of Delaware, but there are many reports that it suffers from leaf-hoppers and the rose bug, insects which seem inordinately fond of its foliage. The vine characters are not as good as those of Clinton. The variety seems illy adapted to some soils and in particular does not color well if not suited in this respect. In spite of its many good qualities, popular verdict has decreed that Berckmans is but an amateur’s grape. The name commemorates the viticultural labors of P. J. Berckmans, a contemporary and friend of Dr. A. P. Wylie of Chester, South Carolina, who originated the variety and christened it Berckmans.
Berckmans was produced by Dr. A. P. Wylie[162] of Chester, South Carolina, from Delaware seed fertilized by Clinton. The seed was planted in 1868 and the plant bore its first fruit in 1870, the variety being introduced some years later.