CHAPTER I. 

 INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 



"We find, from history, that the grape-\'irie has been 

 one of the most esteemed and essential fruits from the most 

 remote periods of antiquity. Its cultivation has followed 

 the migrations of civilized man into all climes suitable to 

 its prosperity, and, since the erection of glass houses has 

 been understood, has become adopted into many countries 

 where it otherwise could not succeed. 



In the United States, the different varieties of the native, 

 Vuis Labrusca, as Isabella, &c., and those of the native 

 Vitis vulfina^ as Scuppernong, &c., with ordinary treat- 

 ment, flourish, and ripen their fruit in the open air ; while 

 those of the exotic, Vitis vinifera, as Ohasselas, Ham- 

 burgh, &c., have, excepting in a few solitary instances, 

 proved a complete failure, from their tendency to become 

 mildewed. In most parts of the Union, there is sufficient 

 light and heat to bring the different varieties of the latter 

 species to maturity, and they are hardy enough to resist 

 the cold, but unfortunately, when the disease (allow the 

 expression) attacks them, the free action of growth is 

 checked, the energy is impaired, and instead of well- 

 hardened wood, there is nothing but an unripened, sappy 

 substance, to withstand the severe winters. The fruit 

 also is rendered worthless from the same cause; and 

 although many attempts have been tried, with the most 

 sanguine expectations, they have been as often abandoned. 



This evil is the result of the growth of fungoid vegeta- 



ai) 



