Clinton came into prominence, and brought the species to which it belongs to the notice of grape-growers, because of its vigor, hardiness and fruitfulness; and, later, its popularity was added to because of its immunity to phylloxera. The vine is so vigorous that its growth is rank and because of this and the straggling habit of growth it is very difficult to keep under control on trellises and in most situations needs a great deal of room. It can be grown in as high a latitude as any of our native grapes but it blooms so early in the spring that the blossoms are often caught by late frosts in northern climates. The immunity of Clinton to phylloxera led to its being planted very largely in France some years ago but it has now been discarded for better direct producers in that country. The defects of the variety are: The fruit is too small and sour and the seeds and skins too prominent for a market grape and the wine is not of high quality, being too raucous, though the harshness disappears somewhat with age. The fruit colors early in the season but does not ripen until late and therefore suffers greatly from birds. A slight touch of frost is supposed to improve its flavor. This variety is so sensitive to calcareous soils that where lime or chalk abounds the vines often die out after a few years. Clinton bears grafts well, making a quick and firm union with Labruscas and Viniferas, and roots very freely from cuttings. This variety has been much used in grape-breeding and its blood can be traced in many valuable varieties, among which are most of the desirable wine grapes for the North. The offspring of Clinton are usually very hardy and this, taken with other desirable characters, makes it an exceptionally good starting-point for breeding grapes for northern latitudes. Its seedlings often show intermittent characters and otherwise indicate a strong strain of Labrusca. [Illustration: CLINTON]