4 THE VINEYARDS OF THE WORLD. 



dating back to the earliest stages of the 

 crust formation of the earth, and which 

 show distinct impressions of the leaves of 

 different species of wild Vines. Modern 

 science, in this instance, is only confirming 

 the teachings of the book of Genesis, where 

 we read how the Vegetable preceded the 

 Animal Kingdom in the order of creation. 

 We further learn from Holy Writ how 

 Noah planted a vineyard, and how he 

 drank wine and fell to sleep. There is no 

 suggestion, however, that he was the first 

 man who ever drank wine : the fact that 

 he was overcome by it is only incidentally 

 mentioned to bring home the lesson of the 

 undutiful son's conduct and punishment. 

 But, whatever opinions one may have on 

 this point, the fact remains that wine, the 

 naturally fermented juice of the grape, and 

 therefore alcoholic and inebriating when 

 taken to excess, was known, used, and 



