48 



EXPOSITION. 



of the Union. One of the greatest difficulties we have yet 

 had to contend with in some sections of our country, has been 

 late spring frosts, and this would by such an exposition be in 

 a great degree removed ; and I think the subject worthy of 

 the particular attention of those who plant vineyards, in order 

 that experiments may be made calculated to give us a full 

 and perfect knowledge in regard to any advantages that may 

 be derived from such a course. 



The further we advance to the north, the more necessary it 

 appears to be to plant vineyards only on the hills, in conse- 

 quence of the greater action of the sun's rays, and of the 

 diminished influence of the humidity of the soil. Localities 

 exist in cold climates which are so sheltered that they expe- 

 rience during summer a degree of heat equal to hot climates. 

 These are such as have a southern exposure, and are shut in 

 by mountains from the north, east, and west winds. The 

 deeper the -vallies, the more easily the culture of the vine is 

 extended to the north, as is proved by those of the Rhine, 

 Moselle, &c. ; and the greater the angle formed by the hill 

 side, the more directly will the vine receive the sun's heat, and 

 it will consequently mature its fruit more perfectly, and yield 

 superior wine in proportion to the steepness of the mountain. 

 Exposition is therefore deemed one of the primary considera- 

 tions in the location of vineyards in Germany, and in the north 

 and middle of France, and the same rule must be applied to 

 their location in the northern parts of our Union, where in- 

 numerable localities of the description referred to are to be 

 every where found. 



In the department of Arriege, at the foot of the Pyrenees, 

 the vineyards are planted half way up the highest mountains, 

 in spots entirely covered with large smooth stones, and many 

 of the fine vineyards of Tokay lie on the highest flanks and 

 ridges of a promontory exposed to the north and west at the 

 confluence of Bodrog and Thibisk, and are covered with large 

 calcareous pebbles. 



" Bacchus amat colles" says Virgil, and many persons sup- 

 pose that good wine cannot be made in plains. This supposi- 



