J^ Grape-Culture. 



GRAPE-CULTURE. 



The subject of grape-culture seems just now to occupy a pretty large 

 share of the attention of the horticultural community ; and if I may judge 

 from the conflicting statements which I see in print, and the various opin- 

 ions I hear from individuals, I must regard the condition of the public 

 mind upon this question as slightly chaotic. For while many express the 

 opinion that grape-growing is not, and cannot be, made profitable in this 

 country, others as confidently maintain, that, wherever it is followed intel- 

 ligently and persistently, success is as certain as in any other horticultural 

 or agricultural pursuit. With the latter class I emphatically agree. Although 

 it must be conceded that the two past seasons have been generally unfavor- 

 able for the grape, with failures in many places, and only partial success 

 in the most favored locations, I still believe success to be the rule, and 

 failure the exception. 



I also believe, that by studying carefully, not only the general habits and 

 requirements of the vine, but also the special wants and peculiarities of 

 the different varieties, and selecting such as are best adapted to the soil 

 and location where they are to be planted, much can be done to avoid 

 failures which might otherwise ensue. 



There is no great mystery about grape-growing. The requirements of 

 the vine are comparatively few and simple, though imperative ; and, in any 

 suitable locality, the vine-grower who heeds these requirements, and performs 

 his work well, and at the proper time, will be rewarded with success, at 

 least as certain as that which follows the planting of corn or any other 

 farm-crop. 



The first requisites are proper soil and locality ; next, a selection of 

 varieties suited to the locality. It has been asserted that any good soil 

 that will produce fifty bushels of corn to the acre will also make a good 

 vineyard. As a general proposition, I believe this to be true ; and if such 

 soil be well under-drained, either by the natural advantage of a porous 

 .subsoil or by artificial drainage, thorough and perfect preparation by deep 

 ploughing, subsoiling, and harrowing, will fulfil all the necessary require- 

 ments for planting a vineyard. 



