AGE OF THE VINE. 



possible that by a judicious selection of such varieties as suc- 

 ceed best in Switzerland, Hungary, America, &c. the southern 

 shores of Britain may yet become the seat of prosperous 

 vineyards, 



CHAFfER V. 



Age of the vine Us spread size size of the bunches and 



berries. 



In regard to the age to which the vine will survive, we have 

 various accounts in the numerous authors who have written on 

 the subject. Pliny names a vine which had existed six hun- 

 dred years. Miller tells us that the vineyards in some parts 

 of Italy will hold good three hundred years, and that vines 01 

 one hundred years of age are yet accounted yoiung. The 

 learned Professor Bosc, late administrator of the celebrated 

 garden of the Luxembourg, at Paris, established by the French 

 government, states that there are vines in Burgundy of up- 

 wards of four hundred years of age. Some authors say that 

 in point of age the vine equals or even surpasses the oak. 



In our own country we have yet been unable to ascertain 

 the age to which it will attain ; and the period that has 

 elapsed since its discovery would, according to some authors, 

 be insufficient for that purpose, had the experiment even been 

 commenced at the landing of Columbus. But I have never 

 myself seen a vine, among the thousands that fill our forests, 

 that had died from the effects of age. 



Spread of the vine. 



The extent of the branches of the vine is, in favourable situ- 

 ations and circumstances, fully commensurate with its produce 

 and the period of its endurance. 



In the hedges of Italy and in the forests of our own coun- 



4 



