Xll PEKPACE, 



ble that, in addition to these, the Delaware will prove equal 

 in all respects for the North, and if so we have one of the 

 very best sorts in addition. By cross-breeding, with these 

 as a basis, the grape-vine may become fine in quality, and as 

 hardy and sure as a current-bush. There are many other 

 varieties now before the public, some of which will, no 

 doubt, prove to be all that is claimed for them ; but let us be 

 careful of our pockets and not accept everything that ap- 

 pears as advertisements. Consider the respectability of the 

 parties and their reputation for veracity, and if they are 

 not publicly known, let the advertiser submit his fruit and 

 plants to some one who has a character to lose, and the 

 public may be saved much disappointment, vexation and 

 expense. Notwithstanding we are almost prohibited from 

 succeeding with the European grapes out of doors in our 

 Eastern climate, that ot California, Texas and adjoining re- 

 gions is remarkably suitable. California, in particular, 

 may be considered the Italy of America ; and the progeny 

 of those grape-vines which the Spaniards took there have 

 become indigenous to the country. Our distant fellow- 

 citizens are now aware of the advantages offered, and 

 American enterprise is being carried out to the fullest ex- 

 tent in the cultivation of the grape, for they number their 

 sorts by the hundred and increase the quantity by millions 

 a year ; the very best wines are there made by thousands 

 of gallons, exclusive of the distilling a large quantity of 

 brandy, and furnishing a plentiful supply of fresh fruit for 

 immediate consumption. In addition to this we have, in the 

 eastern States, the grape-house becoming a necessary ap- 

 pendage to every garden of any pretension; the increase of 

 vineyards and making of wines to an almost equal extent 

 with our Pacific co-workers ; a better general knowledge of 

 management, and, still further, an eager search for new 

 varieties that may be in existence, and an enthusiastic in- 

 clination to raise finer sorts hereafter; all of which fully 

 proves that we are, truly, living in the land of the vine. 



