Cunningham

(Bourquiniana)



Long, Prince Edward



Cunningham is cultivated very little in America, but in France, at one

time, was one of the best-known grapes, both as a direct producer and

as a stock for European varieties. It was much sought for by the

French as a stock for large Vinifera cions, the size of the vine

giving an opportunity for making a good graft. In the South, where the

vari ty originated, Cunningham is not largely grown, as there are

several other varieties of its type superior in fruit and vine. The

vine is a capricious grower and is particular as to soil and climate.

The grapes make a deep yellow wine of a very good quality but have

little value as table-grapes. Cunningham originated with Jacob

Cunningham, Prince Edward County, Virginia, about 1812.



Vine vigorous, spreading, productive. Canes large, long with stiff

reddish hairs at base; shoots showing considerable bloom; tendrils

intermittent, usually trifid. Leaves large, thick, round, entire

or lobed; smooth and dark green above, yellowish green below,

pubescent; petiolar sinus narrow, frequently overlapping.



Clusters of medium size, long, sometimes shouldered, very compact;

pedicel long, slender with small warts; brush short, light brown.

Berries small, purplish-black with thin bloom; skin thin, tough

with much underlying pigment; flesh tender, juicy, sprightly;

quality poor or but fair. Seeds two to five, oval.