80 TRANSACTTONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



But. 1)V far, that which makes these grapes superior to tliose of any other 

 land is the scientific and careful attention that is paid to their cultivation. 



The climate there is mild and temperate, and therefore nature has 

 not covered the berry with a heavy coat, but has encased it in a wrapping 

 of a fine and silken skin. The flavor of the grape is rich, aromatic and 

 delicious, and, if 1 may be allowed to make use of the expression, would 

 almost tempt the gods to partake of it ! Our own country, under the 

 influence of a severer climate, produces a coarser variety. We find the 

 berries surrounded by a thick, heavy skin, containing a less vinous but 

 more fleshy pulp, having large seeds, and furnished with a more vulgar 

 flavor. Probably, if our varieties of grapes were better, the corn-juice- 

 imbibing class would prefer wine. Still, in this rough and rugged 

 climate, grapes are grapes and a delicious fruit. Who does not appreciate 

 eating a bunch of fine black Concords ? Ah ! I fancy I hold some now ; 

 how ripe they are, and how my mouth waters in vain with eager expect- 

 ation to taste them I We could go on with other districts, carefully 

 observing the differences of soil and climate, and we would notice each 

 variety of grape in exact conformity with the circumstances which 

 surround it in the location of its growth. Wherever we go, we shall still 

 find it the best, the noblest and the most delicious fruit, and, I may say, 

 the most easily obtainable. 



The great value of the grape lies in the liquid which we press from 

 it, and which is endeared to us universally by its property of keeping for 

 years — nay, for centuries. For my own part, I must confess that I like 

 grape juice that keeps well ; the older it is, the more I value and esteem 

 it, and the better it becomes. But I will refrain from dwelling any 

 longer on the wine, because I am aware that some of my friends present 

 are of an opposite turn of mind. Yet, why should we look down 

 unapprovingly on it ? Mankind has drunk wine from the earliest period 

 of barbarism to the most exalted condition of modern civilization. So 

 much, then, for a description of grapes. Now, let me take up another 

 branch of the subject. 



If you, Mr. President, were desirous of being informed by me whether 

 grape culture in this country were profitable or not, I would reply both 

 negatively and affirmatively. 



First. It is certainly more profitable for you to raise grapes than it 

 is to go to Bascom's cross-roads, and discuss the topic of shinplaster cur- 

 rency ; it is better for you to raise grapes, to supply the kitchen wants, 

 than to have to buy them from your neighbor, or than to hear your 

 children accused of hooking them from another's vineyard. 



For ornamental purposes simply, it is certainly prettier to have 

 grapes growing around your premises and climbing the sides of your 

 dwelling, than to raise the deadly night-shade, or than to allow your 

 door-yard to be monopolized by the rank growth of strammonium or dog 

 fennel. It is as profitable for beginners to raise grapes as to raise apples; 

 from the time of planting, a ton of grapes may be more quickly and 

 cheaply raised than a barrel of apples ; yet, do not permit the raising of 

 one first to interfere with or set aside the raising of the other. 



