512 Transactions of the 



tivated on dry soil, reducing the spurs and increasing the eyes, so that 

 the fruit may have plenty of space. It sometimes grows in such clus- 

 ters that it rots, as the heat and light cannot circulate through them. 



J. E. NICKESON, Placer. 



NATIVE AND FOEEIGN WINES. 



The wine product of the State of California, although yet in its infancy, 

 now numbers several millions of gallons annually; starting from the 

 labors of the Catholic missionaries, who it is said, and from good 

 authority, raised the California grape from the seeds of raisins sent to 

 them from Spain. There may have been roots or cuttings introduced 

 into Mexico from Spain at an early day, and they may have obtained 

 some of these from Mexico. The priests of the missions are entitled to 

 the honor of first introducing the fruit into California. In connection 

 with this matter we should not forget the labors of Colonel Haraszthy, 

 for to his zeal and enthusiasm California is indebted for many of the 

 choice varieties of foreign grapes, and also the successful demonstration 

 that the grape could be grown from the cutting without irrigation. 



Justice compels us to give him a share of the credit we so cheerfully 

 award to the Fathers. The Grapegrowers' Association of the counties 

 of Napa, Solano, and Sonoma has been in existence for two years, and 

 those who are interested in the business of cultivating the grape and 

 manufacturing wine have telt its beneficial influence. They number m 

 their ranks some of the most intelligent and worthy citizens of the 

 three counties. In the association are introduced subjects relating to 

 the particular business interests of the vintner and wine maker; discus- 

 sions are had on all matters appertaining to their interests, and much 

 valuable practical information is obtained that cannot be found in books; 

 for nearly all books that treat of grape-growing have been written for 

 a climate differing very much from ours, and will not apply to California. 

 The movement now on foot to establish a State Association of Grape- 

 growers and Wine Makers is one fraught with great results to the 

 State in an industrial point of view. As to its monetary aspect, the 

 time is not far olf when the grape growing and wine making interests 

 will rank as one of the foremost of our agricultural resources. 



Much has been said about the use of wine as a beverage, and many 

 deprecate the use of it. Everything that God has given us is good; it 

 is the abuse of what he has given us that is bad — gluttony, the exces- 

 sive use of opium, tobacco, chloroform, and even chloral hydrate; and I 

 might go on and enumerate manj^ other things and many habits that 

 are as fully life-destroying and degrading as drunkenness. If reformers 

 would turn their attention to reformation they must make a catalogue 

 of all the vices and attack them en masse. Of many vices of a much 

 more deplorable and ruinous character to the health of both sexes but 

 very little has been said by public reformers. If reform must be the 

 order of the day, let us sweep the whole mass of objectionable things 

 from the face of the earth. As regards stimulating drinks, there is not 

 a nation on the face of the earth, either civilized or savage, that does 

 not make use of stimulating and intoxicating drinks in some form or 

 other. If men will drink, and it cannot be prevented either by law or 

 public opinion, what next is best to do? Give them a fine and healthful 



