388 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



in undrained soil ; stagnant water is death to successful grape-growing^ 

 — running water not so much so. Soil is an important factor in the 

 growing of grapes. The soil of the great grape-growing and wine- 

 producing districts of France is a mixture of light clay, silica, disin- 

 tegrated rock and oxide of iron. This character of soil enables the 

 vine to draw from the earth those chemical elements that give a certain 

 peculiar flavor that the grapes and qualities to the wines of France^ 

 especially in the Bordeaux districts. 



From all the information attainable I can see but little if any dif- 

 ference between the soil of the grape regions of France and the 

 Ozarks. If there is any, that difference is in favor of the Ozark re- 

 gions of Missouri and Northern Arkansas. Here we have what is 

 known as the stony lands, composed of fragmentary or disintegrated 

 rock, more or less rotten shale, red clay and large quantities of oxide 

 of iron. H. D. MacKay. 



Grape-growing^ on the Ozarks. 



As South Missouri is noted for its fine peaches, its wonderfully 

 productive apple orchards and its small fruits, it is now time that the 

 grape interest of this section receives its proper share of attention. 



Grape-growing and wine-making are two of the coming industries 

 for these sunny hills, and they will be in the near future noted through, 

 out the land for their large vineyards and fine wines. Wines made 

 from the choicest varieties of the yEstivalis, a class of grapes that 

 flourish here in all their luxuriance. 



There are several large vineyards in this ( Howell) county, ranging 

 from 20,000 vines down, and many small ones that have been in bearing 

 several years, proving by their prolific yield and fine quality of fruit 

 how well this soil and climate is adapted to grape culture. 



The writer of this article has charge of a fruit farm on which are 

 now growing 20,000 vines, as follows : 6000 iEstivalis, or wine grapes- 

 consisting of Norton's Virginia, Cynthyana, Hebermont and Cunning- 

 ham, the remainder being mostly Labruskas, or table grapes, the prin- 

 cipal varieties being Concord, Worden, Morris' Early and Niagara,^ 

 having in all something over thirty varieties including those in our ex- 

 perimental grounds. 



Now, as to planting, also care and culture of the vineyard. Set 

 all strong growing varieties 8 by 10 feet, with the 10 feets paces running 

 north and south if convenient, thus admitting a greater amount of sun- 

 light. Then 10 feets pace is also required for the spraying wagon, one 

 of the indispensibles to successful grape-growing. Use stakes 7J feet 



