INTRODUCTION 



It may be presumptuous to present to the grape-growers 

 of this country a book upon *^ American Grapes and Wine 

 Making." My first little book, ** G-rapes and Wine," was 

 published more than fourteen years ago ; of this no one 

 sees the Imperfections more clearly than myself ; it was 

 hastily written, and hurriedly thrown together in the 

 press of business. Yet it met with flattering success, and 

 it seems to have met a want felt by many as a simple 

 guide, written by a practical worker in the operations of 

 the vineyard, the vintage, and the cellar. If I am to 

 believe the many pleasing letters from all sections of the 

 country, it must have been an actual help to the unin- 

 itiated. Many and great have been the changes since 

 then. Our beloved calling, entered upon so enthusiastic- 

 ally, and promising so brightly, has since met with many 

 reverses. Prices, in consequence of over production 

 of inferior grapes and wines, came down to their lowest 

 ebb, diseases, and other disasters have occurred, and for a 

 time it seemed almost as if grape growing had become a 

 failure. Many who entered the ranks with high hopes, 

 saw them frustrated, and left in disgust ; many thousands 

 of acres, once covered with promising vineyards, have 



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