296 THE GARDENER. [July 



"svith this idea some ei^^lit years ago, while out on a horticultural tour 

 extending to some thirteen or fourteen counties. On that occasion 

 the finest Grapes we saw were in two of the wettest and coldest coun- 

 ties of Scotland, and the worst in two of the warmest and driest. We 

 are not now singling out exceptional cases, but speaking generally. 

 Reasoninc: about the matter, the conclusion was arrived at that it was 

 not so much the want of skill, or the possession of it, that led to 

 such results ; and on this account the peculiarity of climate, and to 

 some considerable extent soil, forced itself on our mind. Certainly 

 the finest Black Hamburg Grapes, for bunch, berry, colour, and 

 weight of crop, met with on this particular occasion, was in one of the 

 coldest and wettest spots of our midland counties ; and such crops, we 

 know, had been sustained by the same Vines for many years in suc- 

 cession. The soil of which the border consisted was of a very much 

 more heavy and tenacious character than is generally considered desir- 

 able for Vine-culture. The finest Muscats were found also in a county 

 where the rainfall is scarcely second to any in Scotland ; but in this 

 instance the climate was mild. In one of the southern counties, which 

 registers a very low temperature and a great rainfall, were found some 

 young Vines extraordinary for both size of bunch and berry and 

 general vigour. In this instance the soil was a strong loam, naturally 

 mixed with small stones. In these cases we were also struck with 

 the singular dark green of the foliage, and the entire immunity from 

 red-spider, although in some cases the culture might to a critical eye 

 have been pronounced in some points careless. Passing into two of 

 our very driest counties, we were confronted with red-spider, smaller 

 berries, and less vigorous Vines ; and this, too, while in several in- 

 stances the management seemed careful even to scrupulousness. Sub- 

 sequent thought and observation, we must say, have not weakened the 

 impressions here indicated ; and since then we have found the finest 

 Muscat Hamburgs (on its own roots) and Muscats we have ever seen 

 in a district where the rainfall averages 50 inches of rain per annum, 

 and under management which had no pretence to efficiency. So much 

 for Scotland. 



Have the premier Grape-growers of England made their appearance 

 from the driest counties, such as Kent and Surrey, or from such as 

 Lancashire, Staffordshire, and other counties where the rainfall is above 

 the average, and the climate in other respects in no way particularly 

 genial ? This question we leave to the consideration of other observers, 

 and should be glad to hear what their ideas are ; for if there be any 

 force in these reflections, our wish is that they should be turned 

 to practical account. If it be a fact that the finest Vines and Grapes 

 are to be met with in districts where the soil is not only heavy but the 



