80 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



their fruit well. Several other new varieties, not yet fully 

 tested, have recently been brought to notice. Rogers' Hybrid 

 and Grant's lona and Israella, are all highly recommended and 

 will no doubt soon occupy a high position in the catalogue. In 

 most of the Middle, and some of the South-Western States, 

 vineyards on something of an extended scale have within a few 

 years been planted and are now under successful cultivation. 

 Many valuable varieties whieh cannot be successfully grown in 

 New England, succeed well on the banks of the Ohio. The 

 Catawba seems to take the lead in that locality, producing an# 

 abundant crop of well-ripened fruit, and richly rewarding the 

 .husbandman for his labor. In California, also, where the vine, 

 even in its wild, uncultivated state, bears the choicest fruit, 

 vineyards have within a few years past been planted, which are 

 said to produce in abundance grapes unsurpassed both in size 

 and in flavor. This will undoubtedly eventually become one of 

 the largest fruit-growing States in this country. Wine has 

 already been produced there, wliich is said to compare favorably 

 with the best of foreign importation. 



These unmistakable demonstrations in regard to the propaga- 

 tion and improvement of our native grapes will, we trust, be a 

 sufficient guarantee for awakening in the minds of this commu- 

 nity, a much livelier interest on this subject — that instead of 

 one vineyard (without a competitor,) entered the present year, 

 there may be found in 1865 a goodly number to contend for the 

 promised awards. 



It need scarce be said, that in selecting a site for a vineyard 

 in this latitude, a warm sunny exposure should always be 

 secured. A spot somewhat elevated above the surrounding 

 level, sloping a little to the south or south-east is the best. It 

 should also be one not liable to be atfected by the early frost, 

 otherwise the crop will be in danger of being cut off before 

 coming to maturity. All cultivators of the vine agree that a 

 light, dry, warm soil is the best. If it can be found, a soil com- 

 posed of decaying calcareous rocks should be selected. This 

 should be well worked to the depth of eighteen inches at least, 

 and enriched with well decomposed manure to wliich should be 

 added, (if not already contained in the soil,) some portion of 

 lime and crushed bones — some wood ashes will also be beneficial, ■ 

 especially in a dry season. If the ground is well prepared and 



