INTRODUCTION. 19 



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The theory of the vineyard, and many of the 

 important principles of it, may he gathered from 

 books and the intelligent proprietor; but the 

 practical details of the cultivation must be sought 

 from another source. 



To arrive at these we must drink at the foun- 

 tain, and, with proper feelings, 'tis of easy ac- 

 cess. 



There is, perhaps, no being of a more kindly 

 nature than the poor vigneron of Switzerland. 

 I never approached the vine grounds of the poor- 

 est without meeting the smile of welcome. To 

 manifest an interest in the subject by which he 

 is wholly absorbed, creates at once a point of 

 meeting, and calls up his "warmest feelings. The 

 vineyard is his home ; and though small as is the 

 space he occupies among his fellow men, there 

 his empire is undisputed, and he presides over his 

 little domain with a sovereign's sway. Even 

 his proprietor seldom interferes with his opera- 

 tions, but, in a spirit of confiding security, com- 

 mits his interest to his industry and skill. 



To inquire, therefore, into the mysteries of the 

 cultivation to which his life is de^pted, is to flatter 

 his pride, and gratify his self-love placing him at 

 once on a favourable ground towards him he ad- 

 dresses. He feels the superior, imparting in- 

 struction to an attendant pupil, and in a spirit of 

 self-satisfaction, opens to him the store house of 

 his knowledge, not unfrequently the rich accu- 

 mulation of half a century's practical expe- 

 rience. 



In no part of Europe of which I have the least 

 knowledge, is there a crop, which, in pecuniary 



