STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 1GI 



ESSAY ON THE CULTURE OF THE VINE. 



BY DR. J STRENTZEL. 



FOR WHICH WAS AWARDED THE SECOND PREMIUM. 



The author, in submitting this " Essay on the Culture of the Vine," 

 begs leave to define the views governing him in the selection of a stand- 

 point from which to treat upon this subject — one which could hardly be 

 exhausted in a voluminous work, much less so in an essay destined for 

 distribution throughout our State. He designs to discard the repetition 

 of unimportant and known facts, treated most volubly in many works 

 on grape culture, but will endeavor, mainly, to elucidate controverted 

 points; his observations, culled in distant vine lands, shall be only guides 

 to help him draw correct inferences from facts as they present them- 

 selves to the practical vigneron in California, and he believes that the 

 object of this essay will be fulfilled by confining himself to a succinct 

 statement, according to his experience, of the best method of grape cul- 

 ture adapted to California. 



The location and aspect of the vineyard, and the component parts of 

 the soil, exercise a paramount influence on the quality of the grape, 

 hence, we find the product varying in countries, districts, adjoining vine- 

 yards, and even on a small plat of ground ; hence, the proper selection 

 of the location for a vineyard is of the utmost importance. The pecu- 

 liarities of our climate admit of greater latitude in selection, and crown 

 with moderate success the use of soils which, in countries otherwise 

 blessed with copious and frequently recurring showers, would be inad- 

 missible. For this reason, an aspect otherwise considered unfavorable 

 does not entirely shut off success, but if we wish to attain a high degree 

 of excellence, this does not absolve us from the necessity, especially if 

 the product of the vineyard be destined for wine, to select a location 

 sloping gently to the southeast, with an open aspect to the south and 

 west. Such a location will secure a full exposure to and yet mitigate 



21 



