CHAPTER I. 



THE 'suggestion. 



* * * " On my way home," wrote a friend, " the incidents 

 of my little visit in Lakeview came naturally to mind. The 

 quiet and unostentation, and the evidences of genuine con- 

 tentment which were apparent on every hand, presented 

 pleasant pictures for contemplation. And not least among 

 them was the satisfaction, I might almost say delight, 

 with which you worked among your vineyards, with their 

 rich treasures of purple fruit. Calling this to mind, and 

 coupling it with your substantial success, the suggestion 

 presented itself, ' why should he not make a book giving 

 a record of his experience T ' Because,' say you, ' not au- 

 thorship, but farming is my vocation.' True ; but rheto- 

 ric, and nicely rounded periods, and grand displays of 

 words are not wanted — only a ' plain, unvarnished tale,' 

 a simple record of methods and Avays ; but all the better 



