869,236 576,567 



With the exception of a considerable shortage in the province of Lerida, 

 the majoritx- of the Catalan vineyards destro\ed by phylloxera ha\e been 

 replanted on resistant stocks. 



As regards stocks, one of the most striking features of reconstitution in 

 the region is the popularity of Rupestris du Lot. As at Montpellier 

 (France), this stock certainly forms the basis of the majority of the vine- 

 yards. It appears to be suited to both the climate and soil, and, as is 

 usual when such is the case, it is verv generally preferred ; those who have 

 employed it largely being loud in its praises. 



Xevertheless, of recent years, more recent stocks, especially hybrids, are 

 proving their qualities and in many cases are being largely used for newer 

 plantations. In a general way, opinions concerning them agree with what 

 I have reported already in connexion with my visits to other districts of 

 Spain. The Franco-American hybrids, in particular, are coming into 

 more and more general use. 



Scion varieties var\' a good deal, from one locality to another, for 

 specialization is much in evidence. For Rancio wines of the Priorato 

 tvpe, the Garnacho (Grenache) is the dominant variety. In some places 

 it is blended with a little Carignane here called Cariiiena. This latter 

 is the principal sort for the production of red " vin ordinaire " for local 

 consumption. Se\'eral sorts of local origin are also to be met with, such as 

 Trepat and Sumoll. White wine is also largely produced in the region 

 chiefly from Xajelo, Macabeo, Parellada, Subirat Parents, &c., but the 

 relative importance of the leading .stocks and scions will be further dealt 

 with when describing some of the viticultural centres I was able to visit. 



The Instituto Agricola Catalan de San Isidro. 



This remarkable agricultural association has had a most potent influence 

 or< reconstitution in Cataluna, and has done much to make up for the 

 apathy of the Government in the early days of the struggle. It undertook 

 the dissemination of most recent knowledge, and carried out the work the 

 State is now doing so well in Navarra, Valencia, La Rioja, and elsewhere. 



This organization is named after St. Isidor the husbandman, the patron 

 saint of agriculture. It was founded in 1875, some years prior to the out- 

 break of phylloxera ; owing to the increasing amount of work it found itself 

 called upon to undertake, the original plan was considerably extended, 

 modifications in its constitution being several times found necessary. The 

 rules now in force date from 1902. Thev .state the objects of the institute 

 to be : — 



To bring about the improvement of agriculture, and to promote and facilitate 

 the development of all branches of this (national) wealth ; to closely guard the in- 

 terests of the agricultural community ; to promote kindly relations between those 

 who compose it and to contribute to their instruction, culture, and well-being." 



* Tlie^^e figures do not incliKle in-ijjated vineyards, of which there was a consideraiile :irea prior to 

 phylloxera. The tendency, now-a-days, is to only plant vines in non-irriyable land. 



