FOREWORD 

 PURPOSE 



The investigation herein reported was undertaken for four 

 main objects: Fiist: To determine the possibility and practica- 

 bility of the middle South and, so far as conclusions could be 

 reached, the entire South growing not only its^own supply of 

 grapes but producing them commercially. Second: To as- 

 certain what varieties of grapes already in existence are best 

 suited to southern conditions. Incidentally, this includes a 

 study of the variation of size and quality within a given variety 

 due to local soil and climatic conditions. Third: The selection 

 of parents most suitable for crossing in the hope of obtaining 

 varieties preeminently suited to southern conditions. Fourth: 

 An investigation of the possibility of growing the Vitis vinifera 

 species of grapes in the South by taking advantage of our present 

 knowedge of philloxera control and of the use of sprays in pre- 

 venting blights, rots and mildews. 



First Incentives. About fourteen years ago (1908) a letter 

 was received from Mr. Moore, a grape investigator of Burling- 

 ton, Iowa, now deceased, stating that after much study he had 

 reached the conclusion that the State of Tennessee must be a- 

 bout the geographic center of the grape's habitat, and suggesting 

 that an investigation be made of the wild grapes of the state, 

 and that a 'trial vineyard be started where grapes from all parts 

 of the world could be tested. Observation and inquiry began a- 

 bout that time, but it was not until some five or six years later 

 when a few Lutie grape vines were found growing by an old cabin 

 on Paradise Ridge, some four miles from Joulton, Tenn., vines 

 that had never known the benefits of knife, spray, or cultivation, 

 yet were loaded with perfectly delicious fruit, that a decision was 

 reached to make this trial planting. Though every good author- 

 ity on grapes rated Lutie as a second rate variety, here in the hills 

 of Tennessee, within thirty miles of its point of origin, it was the 

 equal of any grape of American origin. If this were true of one 

 variety, why might it not be true of others? To determine this, 

 plans were laid for planting a vineyard. At first all that was 

 contemplated was a plantation of the varieties that do best in 

 the South; but on inquiry it became evident that no one knew 

 which these varities were. A visit to the trial vineyard at the 

 State Agricultural College revealed the fact that it had tested 

 less than a score of the most common varieties. Correspond- 

 ance with State horticulturists and personal visits to agricultural 

 colleges and experimental stations were equally futile. Mr. Meir 

 of Hendersonville, Tenn., had tested more varieties and gave 

 more information than any one else. 



