CHOICE OF VARIETIES. 59 



CHAPTER IX. 



Influence of the variety choice of varieties effect of the 

 age of the vine on the quality of its produce, fyc. 



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The influence of the variety of the grape on the results of 

 culture is deemed of such importance, that the selection of the 

 vines is one of the primary considerations which the planter is 

 to have in view in the formation of his vineyard. Indeed some 

 intelligent French writers oji the subject state, that it is the 

 first point to which attention is to be given. And notwith- 

 standing the great effect of soil on the wine, some very emi- 

 nent authors contend that the variety of the grape has far 

 more, and mention, as evidence, that many varieties of the 

 grape have so peculiar and decided a flavour, that it cannot 

 fail to he imparted to the wine which is made from them. 



It is with the selection of varieties for a vineyard as with 

 trees for an orchard ; if a man who plants an orchard uses 

 from economy, or other motives, only natural stocks, or trees 

 ingrafted with inferior and common kinds, he can succeed in 

 forming an orchard, it is true ; but he discovers after it has 

 come into bearing, that it is absolutely valueless from the worth- 

 lessness of its produce, and he is either under the necessity of 

 regrafting it .anew, and waiting another long period for it to 

 attain a second time to bearing, or has totally to eradicate the 

 miserable stocks, and replant it with such kinds as are really 

 valuable. Perhaps of all the false attempts at true economy, 

 that of planting an orchard or vineyard with inferior fruits, or 

 unsuitable varieties, is the most weak in itself, and the most in- 

 jurious to him who pursues it. 



It is well known that there exist in the vineyards of France 

 and other countries, an immense number of varieties of the 

 grape, some earlier, some later ; some with smaller, and others 

 with larger fruit ; more or less sweet ; with larger or smaller 

 bunches; some with purple berries; others with red, white, 



