VI PREFACE, 



table. If this be their conviction they have a right to 

 follow the dictates of their conscience, according to us 

 who entertain a different opinion, the same right. Let 

 us then exercise the broadest charity to each other and 

 unite in the desire to do the utmost good to the com- 

 munity by giving them the most healthful fruit to eat 

 and the most innocent of stimulants to drink. 



No one will question the difficulties in the way of 

 writing a book which shall carry some useful informa- 

 tion to every one engaged in grape culture, in a country 

 so immense as this. The information contained in Part 

 II will furnish many reliable data to nearly every one 

 here, giving him, at least, a safe basis on which to start 

 his experiments. For all is as yet an experiment, and 

 happy will he be who, at the close of his life, can sift 

 from his numerous trials and experiments a few which 

 have been successful and which may serve as a basis for 

 further development of the science of viticulture. A 

 lifetime devoted to this science has clearly demonstrated 

 to me that I could spend another in the same field, find- 

 ing something new to acquire at every step. 



Wishing all my viticultural brethren, far and near, 

 success in their efforts to advance our noble calling, and 

 that they may be able to glean something to assist them 

 from this last effort of my pen, I remain, 



Theirs Fraternally, 

 GEORGE HUSMANN. 

 TALCOA VINEYARDS, NAPA, CALIFORNIA : 1896. 



