PROPAGATION AND RAISING. 189 



that, when once the apparent fixedness of natural distinct- 

 ive cliaracters is broken, either by accidental or purposed 

 hybridization, there is no end to the variety that may be 

 produced. So prolific has this variation been in the exotic 

 kinds, that some European catalogues enumerate several 

 hundred sorts ; and although many of these are merely 

 duplicates of others, there are still left enough to prove 

 the case. In our country the same is being verified by 

 the many new kinds which are at present being intro- 

 duced to public notice, and as the community become 

 more awake to the improvement that may be made, we 

 shall have a long array of names, containing in the aggre- 

 gate all sorts, from fine and good, down to middling and 

 bad ; and, in connection with this, we may look forward to 

 a far superior quality to any we now possess ; for there is 

 nothing to prevent a progressive movement, or ultimately 

 attaining to the same perfection which the exotics at 

 present possess, with the additional property of a hardy 

 constitution, that will prosper in the open air, without the 

 great drawback of mildew, to which the foreign kinds are 

 so subject, and which consequently renders them worth- 

 less for out-door culture, with very few exceptions. So 

 important is this matter as a national profit, that the sub- 

 ject cannot be forwarded or discussed too much. Our 

 own vineyards are now supplying a great part of the home 

 demand ; and if the present grape-blight of Europe con- 

 tinues much longer, the making of wine, and the cultiva- 

 tion of the grape, will be so much curtailed there, that it 

 is not unlikely we may become a large exporting nation 

 in this commodity. Taking this view of the subject, all 

 those who may be attempting to improve this valuable 

 boon may be considered as public benefactors, and we in- 

 troduce what experience we possess for the guidance of 

 those who have not investigated the subject. 



