14 THE GRAPE. 



oially produced. However, this has little to do with us in 

 the present subject, further than the understanding of the 

 difference between our natives and the exotics, and here 

 it would appear that the constitutional properties alone 

 are sufficient to make a true natural division ; for, unless 

 we are greatly mistaken, there has not been one variety 

 of foreign origin, or yet a seedling, direct from the same 

 source, which can be truly verified as withstanding the 

 changes of our climate, with the same pertinacity as the 

 natives. 



The exotic grape-vine is a native of, and flourishes the 

 best in warm, even, and comparatively dry climates; its 

 organization is such as to require a long, steady, and warm 

 season to perfect its growth. Under favorable circum- 

 stances, it pushes forth a vigorous development, and ab- 

 sorbs alarge quantity of nutriment from the soil, if encour- 

 aged to the full extent of its powers. The broad and 

 ample foliage perspires and respires very freely. Hence 

 it follows, that the atmosphere in which it is growing 

 should be most particularly adapted to the various stages 

 of growth. Practical experience shows this to be deci- 

 dedly the case ; for, when not attended to, the most inju- 

 rious consequences follow. 



Heat is the cause by which the sap is set in motion in 

 the spring, and when it is once excited, the action is grad- 

 ually increased along with the rising temperature, until 

 eventually the whole energies of the plant are brought 

 into active play. Light and moisture, combined with 

 heat, are essential to its welfare ; they encourage this 

 action, and enable the plant to develop and mature its 

 growth to its fullest capacity. This being the case, it is 

 easy to see that in so vigorous a grower as the grape-vine 

 a great amount of these three elements is required. This 

 I would most particularly impress upon all grape-growers. 



