72 ESSEX SOCIETY. 



family, fill his carts for the accommodation of those who de- 

 pend on the market, both for the substantials and delicacies of 

 life. 



5. Because the grape affords a most grateful refreshment to 

 the sick, the infirm and aged. The committee believe they 

 are supported by observation, and by the authority of the med- 

 ical faculty in saying that grapes are among the most innocent 

 fruits for those who are placed upon the sick bed, and that they 

 have also a restorative influence, and certainly help rather than 

 hinder the favorable operation of most medicines. 



6. Because when once set, vines may be expected to live, 

 grow, and produce fruit for many years. The number of years 

 they have been known to continue seems almost incredible. 

 It would not be easy to point out a period which they have 

 not survived, and what seems worthy of record is, that though 

 in the process of years the amount of their produce may di- 

 minish in a small degree, the quality of the fruit becomes of a 

 higher and richer flavor. 



If the question be asked, what kind, whether foreign or na- 

 tive grapes, should be sought for cultivation, the committee 

 unhesitatingly answer the native. In fact, the question practi- 

 cally is, native or none. Those able to possess green houses 

 may gratify themselves with grapes of other climes, and the 

 committee would say with all earnestness, let them do it they 

 Will thereby add something to their own comfort, something 

 perhaps to their wealth, and often by their liberal distribution 

 to the sick and well, may greatly increase the amount of hu- 

 man enjoyment. But of foreign grapes there never has been, 

 and at present there cannot be, anything like a general diffu- 

 sion or liberal supply. The cultivation of the foreign kinds 

 costs more time and money than the great body of the com- 

 munity have to bestow. What changes time, increase of 

 knowledge, and change of habits may produce, the committee 

 do not undertake to say, but they have no hesitation in com- 

 mitting themselves so far as to say that the time has not yet 

 come, and will not soon come, when there will be any general 

 su])ply of any grapes, but those of the native kind, and they 

 are ready to say, that they do not think this fact need be at- 



