IV PREFACE. 



yard blooms in vernal luxuriancy, the summer 

 cheers with flattering hopes, and a treacherous 

 autumn so illy redeems the deceptive promises of 

 the seasons. 



With few exceptions, I consider the wines of 

 Switzerland to be the most inferior productions 

 of the European Vine; and it is due to the skill 

 and perseverance of the Swiss proprietor, and to 

 the unwearied industry of the vigneron of the 

 Cantons, that the sterile hills of itheir romantic 

 country have attained their present value, and a 

 culture formerly unknown., arrived at such per- 

 fection as to support the dense population with 

 which the country teems. 



Switzerland has but little commerce, and pro- 

 duces nothing to exchange for foreign luxuries. 

 The government of the Cantons, aware of the deep 

 stake at issue, and sensible of the importance of 

 extending to this cultivation a fostering protec- 

 tion, has given to the members of it every possi- 

 ble facility at their command. Patriotic and 

 public spirited individuals have associated in agri- 

 cultural societies, inviting to their membership 

 such practical vine-dressers, as can promote 

 the objects of the cultivation, and improve by 

 their writings, their experience, and their coun- 

 sel, the system of Swiss vine-dressing ; awarding 

 to such as require it, pecuniary aid, and to others 

 of more propitious circumstances, honorary testi- 

 monials, where skill and experiment have thrown 

 new light on the subject, and improved the condi- 

 tion of the Swiss vine-dresser. 



The Canton of Geneva has done much for the 

 cultivation, by encouraging such societies, and 



