328 ON PLANTS WHICH PRODUCE 



Mrs. B. Precisely. But it is to the vine that we are 

 indebted for the most precious of our fermented liquors. 

 This plant is of the family called Sarmentacece. It bears 

 alternately clusters of grapes, and of leaves, opposed to 

 each other on the stem. The vine derives its origin from 

 the countries situated between Persia and India : it was 

 brought by the Phoenicians to Greece, and thence con- 

 veyed by the Phocians to a colony they had formed in 

 that part of Gaul, where Marseilles is now situated. 



Emily. The vine is a plant of such interest to society, 

 that its history can be traced with more accuracy than that 

 of most other plants. 



Mrs. B. Hence governments have interfered more with 

 the culture of the vine, than with that of any other plant 

 Numa Pompilius first introduced it at Rome. The Empe- 

 ror Domitian ordered all the vineyards to be rooted up. 

 Charlemagne protected the culture of the vine ; whilst 

 Charles IX. discouraged it. His successor, Henry IV., 

 re-established it, and ever since it has flourished in France. 

 Caroline. It appears, then, that cruel and tyrannical 

 sovereigns forbad the culture of the vine, whilst the hu- 

 mane and enlightened ones encouraged it ; and yet the 

 former could have been influenced only by its moral effects 

 on their subjects, for it was evidently prejudicial to the 

 interests of the country, to destroy so valuable a branch 

 of commerce. 



Mrs. B. Commercial interest was very imperfectly un- 

 derstood in ancient times, especially by unenlightened 

 sovereigns ; these, therefore, considered only the prejudi- 

 cial effects of the vine in producing intoxication, whilst 

 the better informed not only esteemed it as a source of 

 wealth, but of health and comfort to those who enjoyed 

 it without excess, and this latter class is certainly by far 

 the most numerous. 



Emily. I have heard it observed, that there is less in- 

 toxication in wine countries than in the more northern 

 districts, which do not admit of the growth of the vine. 



Mrs. B. In England, for instance, it is cheaper to drink 

 spirits than wine, or even than strong beer; and as alco- 



1771. What is said of the growth of the grape! 1772. Front 

 whence does the vine derive it? origin, and by what means has it been 

 brought to its present places of culture? 1778. Who have encouraged 

 the growth of the vinel 1774. Who have discouraged ill 

 What remark does Caroline make on this? 1776. What is said of 

 ancient commerce as having had a bearing on the culture of the vine"? 



