It is now too late to displace the Delaware grape from that exalted "position which it has not undeservedly obtained;' the judgment of even a Prince can not supersede the voice of the people - and the Delaware is the people's choice.

That any one should now call for testimony to establish the fact that this grape is hardy is indeed surprising, but that such testimony should be required by one who has been connected with and interested in horticulture all his life, and whom we should suppose to be well "posted as to the latest intelligence," can be accounted for only on the ground that the want of such evidence would be conducive to "self-interest." Let us propagators be liberal, and give to each variety its due merit, even if some one has a newer sort, which (on account of its origin) seems, in his estimation, to excel any and all others. Until we can get hold of the "Eureka," we shall be satisfied with that next best variety, the Delaware.

Having had an opportunity of observing the "Wine Grape," as it is cultivated by the farmers in its native (?) locality, permit us to make a few assertions which are not hasty nor without foundation. The Delaware grape is hardy, it is vigorous, it is productive, it is "good," it is " best".

There are vines in this neighborhood which are from ten to twenty years old, neglected, uncultivated, unpruned, some of them growing in a tough sod, which looks as if it had not been disturbed for at least half a dozen years, and they pass through our severest winters without any injury.

As regards its vigor, we are not prepared to draw a close comparison with other sorts generally, for vines under such culture, or rather non-culture, are not fit for the purpose. The Isabella is sometimes found growing under equal disadvantages, and with that variety it will compare very favorably.

That it is usually remarkably productive under such treatment as above-mentioned, we do not assert; nor ought it to be. One vine, however, which had been planted but three or four years in sod, produced on one of many canes of last year's growth, about twenty laterals, and, with two or three exceptions, these laterals produced from two to five bunches each. Another vine, which had been pruned for two successive years, was loaded with fine fruit last season.

It is generally, if not universally admitted that the Delaware excels in quality any and all other hardy sorts; we will, therefore, offer but one proof - it is the "Ladies' choice," and it must be "very good" to please them.

The following statement of its history was given me by a grandson of Mr. Paul Provost, at whose homestead the oldest vine known is, I believe, still growing, and though to many it may not be new, as we have never seen it in print, we offer it. The old vine was grown from a cutting brought to Mr. Provost's place by a German who had landed in this country a short time previous, and had spent that time with Mr. Powell of Philadelphia. Whether the German procured this cutting from Mr. Powell's place, or brought it over from the "old country" with him, is uncertain. The opinion is cherished by some that it came from Mr. Powell, and that Mr. P. received it from Mr. Bland of Virginia.

The question naturally arises, If it came from the old country, why can not the same variety be found there now?

That it is a native variety we have no positive evidence, nor have we that it is of foreign origin; but that it is adapted to our climate, is vigorous, and of first quality, both as a wine and table grape, we have proof positive, and what more need we? If there are "natural characteristics which serve to determine its place among native or foreign vines," let those who are competent settle this matter immediately. Some there are, we believe, who would not trouble one to rise from the dead, but would be satisfied if the departed spirit would but "communicate" his opinion.

[We could fill a volume with such testimony in favor of the Delaware. We consider the points in regard to its vigor, hardiness, and productiveness as settled. Mr. Davis's statement in regard to the Delaware having been brought from Philadelphia, though not new to us, will be read with interest by most of our readers. We have already, in our leader of last month, referred briefly to the "natural characteristics," but you shall have them in full, Mr. Davis. - Ed].