ESSEX SOCIETY. 71 



2. When well cultivated, the grape vine will come into a 

 bearing state earlier than most other fruits. Years that may- 

 soon be counted, are all that need pass before the man who 

 sets a vine will be able to feast himself upon the rich produc- 

 tions, which his wise foresight has secured for him. Vines 

 with a good amount of roots, when set, will often show fruit 

 on the second or third year. They have occasionally been 

 known to yield some the very year of their transplanting. 

 The man who will supply himself with a few healthy vines, 

 the present season, may reasonably expect a full supply of this 

 delicious and beautiful fruit in the autumn of the fourth 

 year. 



3. Less expense is required in cultivating the grape, than in 

 cultivating most other fruits. We know well that large ex- 

 pense in money and labor may, with good economy, be be- 

 stowed on the vine ; but we know also that the generality of 

 men will not, and consistently with their means cannot, afford 

 to do this. We feel happy, therefore, in being able to say that 

 such expense is not necessary. A bountiful supply of this de- 

 licious fruit may be secured without it. Many have vines 

 growing on their own land, which need only a little care to 

 bring them into a bearing condition. Vines well rooted and 

 which are approaching, or have already reached the bearing 

 state, may be purchased for a very inconsiderable sum, and even 

 if a man has not a vine on his land and is not disposed to pur- 

 chase one, he has only to take his knife and cut a branch 

 from the numerous vines that grow by the way side, or ask his 

 neighbor to suffer him to do this, with one growing in his 

 neighbor's lot, put this cutting in the earth, perhaps occasion- 

 ally water the same, and in a very short time he will be 

 refreshed by the fruit which this will in great abundance afford 

 him. 



4. Less space of earth is necessary in the cultivation of the 

 vine, than in most other kinds of fruit. There is not a resi- 

 dent in the city or county who possesses two feet square of 

 earth, and a ten foot building, but may for two or more months 

 furnish his family with a rich supply of this fruit. Nor one 

 who has wood or pasture land, but might, after supplying his 



