lo Sept., 1908.] Yiticultiire in Europe. 545 



FIFTH PROGRESS REPORT ON VITICULTURE IN 



EUROPE. 



{Continued from page 479-) 

 F. dc Cast ell a. Government Viticulturist. 



Almeria and the Shipment of Fresh Grapes. 



On the 12th December I arrived at Almeria (pronounced Al-meree-a) 

 by steamer from Malaga. We passed without calling at the small seaport 

 of JNIotril, chiefly remarkable as the principal centre of sugar cane culture 

 in Spain, nestling under the brow of the Alonjarras mountains, a branch 

 of the snowtopped Sierra Nevada range ; the climate is if anything milder 

 than that of Malaga. 



When approached from the sea the town is one of the most picturesque 

 I have seen, the old Moorish citadel standing out boldlv against the back- 

 ground of rugged mountains so dry, rocky and barren as to be iinfit for 

 any form of cultivation. The only vegetation on them is a little Esparto 

 or Alfa grass, an important article of commerce used in England and 

 other countries in the manufacture of paper, which furnishes a means of 

 livelihood to those who gather it. 



Almeria is so widely known on account of its fresh grapes which, 

 packed in granulated cork in barrels, are shipped to all parts of the world. 

 This important industry is another striking example of the specialization 

 which is so noticeable a feature of modern European viticulture. Scarcely 

 any wine is made and no raisins are dried in this neighbourhood, but every 

 available acre where there is sufficient soil, and where water can be brought 

 to it, is planted with vines wliich bear the grapes which ha\e made this 

 port famous. 



The Almeria table grape industry is worthy of serious consideration by 

 Victorian \inegrowers. The chief cause which has contributed to its rapid 

 expansion of late years is the remarkable keeping qualities of the Ohanez 

 grape — the leading variety cultivated. When packed in cork dust it 

 withstands the attack of moulds and shipped as ordinary cargo it is trans- 

 ported in good order on voyages of several weeks' duration. Objection is 

 sometimes taken to it as being tasteless and leathery compared with many 

 of the magnificent table varieties of recent introduction. This is true, but 

 the proportions the industry has assumed and the way it has displaced 

 others in Southern Spain are proof of its remunerative returns in localities 

 suited to its growth. 



The Ohanez has already been introduced into France; and the French 

 authorities have recenth' studied the question with a view to encouraging 

 the cultivation of the (Ihanez. It ripens its fruit, however, too late 

 for the French climate, otherwise it would no doubt be grown on a large 

 scale in that country. As it is/, its cultivation has not proved a success. 



In Victoria its successful growth has far brighter prospects. In the 

 northern portion of the State, quite as warm in summer and autumn _ !S 

 Almeria, there is no doubt as to its ripening as well as in Southern Spain ; 

 consequently it is worthy of a trfal in our warmer districts. 



As regards markets we would have several advantages. The sixmonths 

 difference between the seasons of the northern and southern hemispheres 



10206. S 



