“Growth medium, shoots smooth; leaves large, more or less three-lobed, with uneven margin; bunches large, oblong with large base, frequently branched; berries black, decidedly acid, pulp rather firm, ripe July 22nd; defoliated on October 6, 1896. Not good for table use.”
BLACK EAGLE.
(Labrusca, Vinifera.)
1. Mass. Hort. Soc. Rpt., 1868:10. (No name given.) 2. Ohio Hort. Soc. Rpt., 1875-6:22. 3. Ib., 1876-7:32. 4. Bush. Cat., 1883:75. fig. 5. N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt., 12:618. 1893. 6. Tenn. Sta. Bul., Vol. 9:168. 1896. 7. N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt., 17:527, 548, 553, 559. 1898. 8. Tex. Sta. Bul., 48:1149, 1153. 1898. 9. Mo. Sta. Bul., 46:37, 42, 44, 46, 48, 76. 1899. 10. N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt., 18:370, 386, 396. 1899. 11. Kan. Sta. Bul., 110:240. 1902.
Underhill’s 8-12 (4).
Black Eagle is a full brother of Black Defiance which it much resembles but surpasses for New York because it is fully three weeks earlier in ripening. On our grounds its season is about with Concord. The quality of Black Eagle is of the best, but the vine lacks in vigor, hardiness and productiveness and the fruit is susceptible to black-rot. As the color-plate shows, bunch and berry are large and attractive; bunches weighing nearly two pounds have been grown for exhibition purposes and probably there are few if any showier hybrid grapes than this when at its best. The leaf is that of Vitis vinifera, deeply lobed, of a beautiful green, and with firm texture, making with thrifty vines one of the most attractive grape plants to be found in our vineyards. The variety is self-sterile. Black Eagle has wholly failed as a commercial variety and its several weaknesses will prevent amateurs from growing it largely, yet it is far too good a grape to give up altogether and lovers of grapes should keep it in cultivation.