236 AMERICAN GEAPE GROWING 



Let us all then further the cause of grape-culture. 

 The laborer by producing fruit, the mechanic by inven- 

 tions, the scientist by improving our methods, the law- 

 giver by wise laws in its favor, and all others by using its 

 products in moderation, as one of the best gifts from the 

 fountain of all that is good, pure, and beautiful. 



CHAPTER XLVII. 



WINE MAKING RENDERED EAST. 



Perhaps it may have seemed as if I was only writing 

 for the benefit of those who can follow grape growing and 

 wine making on a larger scale, with abundant means at 

 their command, to build commodious cellars, plant large 

 vineyards, and hire laborers to do the work. This is not 

 the case, however. If I have given the outlines of 

 larger operations it is because our object should always 

 be to attain perfection in everything ; I have never for a 

 moment lost sight of the interests of those, who, like 

 myself, have to commence at the lowest round of the 

 ladder, who have to make a small beginning, and work 

 their way up through untold difficulties. There is not 

 an operation in the vineyard, from the clearing of the 

 unbroken forest and prairie, to the finishing touch given 

 to the wine at its last racking, which I have not performed 

 and am not thoroughly familiar with, and I can, there- 

 fore, fully sympathize with the poor laborer, who has 

 nothing but his industrious hands, and an honest in- 

 tention to succeed. 



While it may hardly be advisable now, in these days of 

 low prices and light demand for wine, to begin grape 

 growing as a means of support, with the hope of realiz- 

 ing a handsome income from it in the course of a few 



