100 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



which was one of the most ancient vines in Europe. It split 

 open and died in the severe winter of 1792. Now, the Muscat 

 is grown in the vineyard in the same way as the Pineau — it is 

 somewhat larger, bearing a full crop. Their experience illus- 

 trates what I have said, that there must be a proper balance 

 betweeen the root and the top ; that there must be sufficient 

 extension to obtain foliage to elaborate all the sap which the 

 root takes up. If the root is large, the top must have extension 

 in proportion. While it is young, the vine makes its own 

 balance, and for two or three years, you may do pretty nearly 

 what you please with it ; but when it has got strong and well 

 established, it justifies what Chaptal has said of it, that it is 

 intractable, and obstinate in its habits ; and justifies the remark 

 of our friend on the lake shore, William Griffiths, " When I go 

 into my vineyard, to prune, after twenty years' experience, I 

 feel like taking off my hat, and saying, ' If you please ! ' " 



J. F. C.^Hyde. It seems to be still an open question whether 

 any money can be made by the production of grapes. Every 

 one should grow them for his own use, because everybody 

 can do it, but I do not feel satisfied that it would be profitable 

 for our people to engage in it as a branch of business. I look 

 forward to the time when we shall have a variety of the gi'ape 

 that we can grow ; but I feel pretty certain that we have not 

 got what we want yet. It may be said, " Why, you can make 

 money at twenty cents a pound." I agree to that. Assuming 

 three tons to the acre, make your own figures, and you see it is 

 profitable. But I can remember selling good Isabella grapes, 

 many years ago, for six cents a pound. Can we grow grapes 

 at six cents a pound, at a profit ? A gentleman from Roch- 

 ester, said he would agree to deliver them for three cents a 

 pound, and make it profitable. I undertake to say he cannot 

 do it — nobody can do it. I think five cents a pound is the 

 lowest, and wine-makers will give that for them. When this 

 fruit gets down to six cents, we can make no money by raising 

 it round Boston. We can put our land to a better use. Still, 

 it can be grown in other parts of the State. There are some 

 vineyards in the State, in choice locations. It seems to me the 

 greatest care and judgment should be exercised in planting 

 grapes. The most famous vineyards of Europe are situated in 

 choice locations, along the Rhine, on steep declivities, where the 



