CHOICE OP VARIETIES, 63 



they are transported from the south to the north, for the majo- 

 rity not finding in the latter climate the degree of warmth re- 

 quisite for maturing their fruit, cannot yield those superior 

 high flavoured wines, for which they are so valued at the 

 south. Proofs of this were afforded at the garden of the 

 Luxembourg, where the vines of the south were remarkable 

 for the vigour of their growth, and the size of their berries 

 and clusters, and also for the small degree of flavour possessed 

 by their juice. 



Many varieties of grapes require a more fertile soil than 

 others, from their being of a more vigorous growth, and con- 

 sequently requiring a greater portion of the nutritive principle 

 to support them. This is more particularly the case in the 

 southern varieties, which, as I have stated, are most vigorous 

 and strong in every respect than those of the north, often pro- 

 ducing an immense number of clusters, in some cases weighing 

 several pounds each, with berries an inch in size. The pulsare 

 of Jura may be cited as proof on this point, because it forms 

 the basis of the good red wines of Salins, Arbois, and of 

 Lons-de-Saulnier, and grows better in a clay soil than in any 

 other, producing large berries, and numerous arid well filled 

 bunches. This vine, so justly esteemed in the vineyards of 

 Jura, will even succeed on wet clay soils. There are some 

 other considerations in relation to this subject which should 

 not be lost sight of, such as the age to which each variety of 

 grape will remain in a productive state, &c. but these I leave 

 to the reflection and decision of others, and to further experi- 

 ence. 



But as ail plants indifferently do not flourish in the same 

 soil, a selection should be made of such varieties as are best 

 calculated to succeed in the situation in which they are to be 

 planted. It has been sometimes noticed that when a very 

 vigorous variety is planted too near a feeble one, the former 

 absorbs all the nourishment from the other, and often causes 

 a blight of its blossoms, (coulure) and in some cases even 

 causes its death. 



