Foliage large, three-lobed, with a white down underneath. Wood very strong, of a brownish-red color.
Ohio, or the Segar-Box Grape.—This variety was brought into notice by Mr. Longworth, of Cincinnati. Its history is rather obscure, though there is no doubt of its being a native. It approaches nearer the Elsinburg than any other we cultivate, but is not so hardy as that sort. Bunches long, compact, and tapering, with one or two shoulders. Berries small, round, and jet black, with a thin skin. Flesh sweet and well flavored; the seeds large. Wood strong, shorter jointed than either the Isabella or Catawba, and requires to be laid in thin, or the fruit rots off before ripening. The plant is rather tender for us, being severely injured with me last Winter. All our native Grapes ripen from the 1st of September to the 1st of October; but I have found the flavor greatly improved by hanging on the vine as long as possible, keeping clear of frost. There are few bunches that will weigh one pound.
Propagation of the native Grape is a very simple process. They will all grow assuredly from layers of the preceding year's wood, or even of the wood of the current year. All that is required is merely to bend a shoot to the ground, make a hole four inches deep, and place the bend of the shoot in it. Cover it up firmly with the earth; give it frequent waterings in dry weather. In the month of November it will be fit to cut from the parent to plant in the vineyard, or in any other required locality. When it is planted out, cut it down to about two eyes from the ground; allow one of these only to grow the following season. It is also propagated by cuttings very generally, though there are some sorts rather shy to root by this method. We also grow them from eyes, as directed for foreign vines. Grafting can also be accomplished on the vine. Allow the stock to grow till it has made a leaf or two, then take a scion that has been retarded in a cool place, and prepare it either for whip or wedge grafting.
