SECRETARY'S REPORT. 87 



a complete success ; its structure and constitution arc very 

 diiVercnt IVoni those of the foreign grape ; the thick and robust 

 foliage resists the mildew, which robs the foreign grape of its 

 foliage and the cultivator of his crop, and its great fecundity 

 assures the vigneron an abundant harvest. 



It is the belief of some of our most intelligent grape-growers 

 tliat tiie American grape will yet produce vines yielding fruit 

 superior to that from the European. Its more pronounced 

 flavor and aroma, too harsh in the wild grape to be pleasant to 

 the lover of grapes, will yet bo toned down to a true perfume, 

 and a ricli and delicious flavor, superior to the simple sweetness 

 and delicacy of the foreign grape. The wine made from it, 

 also, while it may be different in flavor, is likely enough to be 

 of more healthful and even agreeable quality. It will at least 

 have this recommendation, tiiat being perfectly pure it will be 

 more wholesome and restorative than the hot and heady wines 

 imported from abroad, medicated, as most of them are, for 

 exportation to this market ; and will save to the country mil- 

 lions of dollars now sent abroad for wines, few of which are 

 wholesome, which might be saved by substituting our domestic 

 wines for those imported. 



Of climate, of which we have already spoken, it remains to 

 be said that the nature of the soil and the aspect of the vine- 

 yard have much to do in modifying its severity and securing a 

 ripe crop in unfavorable seasons, and this leads us to speak of 



SOIL. 



There is some diversity of opinion in regard to soil. Some 

 contend tliat a strong, rich soil is the best for the grape. In a 

 hot climate this is probably true, as such a soil would resist 

 drought better than sandy or calcareous loams, which are 

 generally recommended for the grape. Almost any soil, how- 

 ever, will do to grow the grape in — if for table use — if it can be 

 made mellow ; avoiding soils underlaid by a stilf, wet clay, and 

 wet, spongy lands. The main requirement in regard to soil is 

 permeabilily ; the grape will flourish in any soil, not positively 

 injurious, if its roots can easily penetrate it. 



Some grapes seem to require a much richer soil than others ; 

 this is the case with the Diana, the Delaware, and indeed all 

 such grapes as, from constitutional habit or want of vigor, 



