IKTRODUCTION". VII 



aim of the present book is only to be useful to every one, 

 and to present the subject in the most condensed form. 

 It may be the pleasing task of my declining years to 

 gather and record the labors of our pioneers in grape 

 culture, and should I ever find leisure for it, it will cer- 

 tainly be a labor of love. 



With the experience we have gained, the varieties we 

 now have, and the progress we have made generally, we 

 will work on a surer basis, and, therefore, be more cer- 

 tain of success, than under the first flush of seeming pros- 

 perity. It appears even probable that this Continent, 

 in its (Bstivalis and cordifolia varieties, will have to 

 furnish the only reliable basis upon which the failing 

 vineyards of Europe and California, where all the varie- 

 ties of the vinifera fall before the hidden ravages of their 

 underground enemy, the Phylloxera, can be rejuvenated. 

 Millions upon millions of American cuttings and vines 

 have already been shipped to France, and are growing there 

 now, and the French vignerons, who, but a few years 

 ago, trembled for the very existence of their beloved call- 

 ing, now concede that the only remedy, applicable every- 

 where, is the cultivation of American varieties, either as 

 stocks to graft upon, or to furnish the grapes direct. The 

 wines made by our grape-growers have been introduced 

 there, submitted to the most critical tests, and pro- 

 nounced so good that they have been found worthy to be 

 compared with the famous brands of their own vintages. 

 The Phylloxera has appeared in California also, and al- 

 though as yet confined to a few districts and vineyards, 

 there can be little doubt that it will run eventually the 

 same course, and that the same remedies will be required. 



