GRAPE CULTURE AND 



lowed, very often against their inclination, but simply because 

 no one wishes to appear mean or stingy, and some of them 

 feel "elevated" as they call it, before the round is fairly 

 made. Many a young man is thus led into the paths of dis- 

 sipation, because he does not "want to be behind." If we 

 had good, respectable wine houses or wine rooms, where they 

 could sit at a table, have a bottle of wine between them, or 

 several, of which each paid his share, they would derive more 

 enjoyment, it would cost much less, and they would depart 

 sober. This is the custom in Europe, and the people are 

 better contented and more sober over it. Treating is an 

 American custom, but one of which we have little reason to be 

 proud, and which, as a progressive people, we ought to 

 abolish. 



The saloons which act directly against our interests as be- 

 fore mentioned, we should leave severely alone. We can 

 never hope to be a prosperous and sober people, as long as 

 we let them take the advantage of us, and of the wine drink- 

 ing community, in such a manner. In Napa valley, nearly 

 every one can buy from the producer good, wholesome white 

 wine or claret, in five gallon kegs, attwenty-five cents per gal- 

 lon, or five cents per bottle. Let each family take a five-gal- 

 lon keg, bottle it, and drink it at home, instead of paying $6 

 per gallon to the saloon keeper for wine, or for stale beer at 

 -$3 per gallon. It is as cheap as tea or coffee, even cheaper, 

 they can all enjoy it at lunch or supper, and it will certainly 

 do them more good, and be better than the average they get 

 at the saloons. And when it is so abundant and cheap, so 

 easily attainable, there is no cause for its improper use or 

 abuse, the children will learn to drink it as part of their daily 

 diet, and there will be no craving for more than is good for 

 them. Wine, unlike other alcoholic liquors, does not, in its 

 natural light state, create the craving for more, as whiskey or 

 brandy does. It quenches thirst, helps digestion, enlivens 



